Jesus Collective Podcast

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Justin Brierley, who has created spaces for meaningful conversations between believers and skeptics, earning respect from both communities for his thoughtful approach to faith, science, and culture.In this episode, Justin shares his remarkable journey from an early podcast pioneer to a respected cultural commentator. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from his recent book "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God" (2023), he explores the unexpected resurgence of religious interest among public intellectuals and what this means for the future of faith.In this episode, we delve deep into:The art of hosting difficult conversations across ideological dividesHow twenty years of dialogue with skeptics has shaped his faithThe current "meaning crisis" and Christianity's unique responseThe decline of New Atheism and the changing landscape of beliefPractical wisdom for church leaders engaging with a post-Christian cultureJustin brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between intellectual discourse and everyday faith. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers valuable insights on navigating faith in an increasingly complex world.Visit www.justinbrierley.com to learn more!Thanks for listening!

In this episode of The Jesus Collective Podcast, we sit down with Christie Penner Worden, author of The Me I Was Made to Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate the Identity Conversation. Christie dives deep into the heart of her new book, exploring how today’s kids and youth are grappling with identity in ways that often differ from the adults in their lives.Together, we discuss how parents and church leaders can walk alongside young people as they navigate questions of who they are and how they fit into God’s family. Christie emphasizes the importance of telling a more Jesus-centered, gospel-rooted story that invites kids into the conversation rather than leaving them out.This episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to love, guide, and understand the next generation as they learn who they are and who they are in Christ. Tune in for a thoughtful, heartfelt discussion on how we can better engage in these crucial conversations and help kids feel safe, seen, and valued within the family of God.Thanks for listening!www.jesuscollective.com

Mike O'Shea, a Lead Pastor and author dedicated to helping people reimagine their faith, shares his transformative journey from evangelical missions to pastoral work. He delves into the challenges of traditional approaches to the Bible, advocating for a Jesus-centered interpretation that prioritizes love and relationships. O'Shea provides practical advice for those feeling lost in their faith and discusses how church leaders can guide congregations through rebuilding their spiritual understanding amidst crises. His insights invite listeners to embrace a more authentic connection to their beliefs.

Many Christians—especially young Christians stepping into a world and a church devastated by division, scandal, and abuse—are asking the question: "What is the gospel?" and deciding that the gospel is not good news. For many, it seems like our faith has little to offer the world around us. Our gospel has become too small—it looks nothing like the Jesus who embodies good news in the flesh. But what if we could re-discover the radical power of a Jesus-shaped Good News that upends religions, disrupts empires, heals the wounded, and empowers the marginalized? Join us as we chat with Jonny Morrison about his new book "Prodigal Gospel" which helps us get lost and found again in the Good News.Thanks for listening!

At Jesus Collective, we want to be a part of a movement that is trying to look more like Jesus in all things– and that even includes how we grieve. Author and pastor Leanne Friesen joins us to discuss her book ​‘Grieving Room,’ inspired by the loss of her sister to cancer. Leanne challenges common notions about grief, advocating for authentic emotional processing and the importance of rituals. She shares insights on supporting those in mourning, discusses how loss reshaped her pastoral approach and explores finding hope amidst pain. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or anyone navigating the difficult terrain of loss, this episode offers profound insights on creating space for authentic grieving and finding hope in the darkest moments. Join us for a conversation that will challenge, inspire, and provide practical guidance for walking alongside those in grief.Thank you for listening!

Join Brad Jersak on a journey into the Cross, rethinking penal substitution, exploring atonement theories, critiquing penal substitution theory, emphasizing the unity of the Trinity, discussing Romans 8:3, advocating for radical forgiveness, contrasting wrath and mercy, and promoting a Jesus-centered approach in churches.

There's a mystery and a question at the heart of the cross. In his new book "The Wood Between the Worlds," pastor and author Brian Zahnd passionately explores the kaleidoscopic and Theo-poetic nature of the cross, cautioning against misconceptions and urging a recapture of its scandal and shock in a world where it has become a mere religious cliché. From the Crucified God at the center of theology to a Trinitarian co-suffering perspective, Zahnd tackles profound questions about the cross, offering insights into the problem of evil and notions of justice while giving valuable advice for preachers seeking to expand congregational imagination. Join us for a captivating exploration of beauty, art, and poetic theology surrounding the cross, inviting listeners to embrace the mystery and significance of this symbol not just during Lent but throughout their theological journey.Don't forget to check out Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Join us on an inspiring episode as we delve into the transformative power of unity and reconciliation with our special guest, Issa Sadi Ebombolo. Issa currently serves as the Peacebuilding Coordinator at the Mennonite Central Committee in Zambia and Malawi and brings a wealth of experience and hope to the conversation. From sharing impactful stories of reconciliation emerging from the Peace Clubs in Zambia to exploring the role of a unified church in addressing societal polarization, Issa provides valuable insights and practical strategies. As the former chair of the MCC Africa Peace Network, he offers a hopeful perspective on fostering unity in diverse cultural contexts and shares a message for North American church leaders on leading with a commitment to reconciliation. Tune in to discover the positive impact of peacebuilding, learn from successful initiatives, and explore practical steps for creating a more hopeful and unified church environment in today's polarized world.Don't forget to check out Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Mental health and the conversation around it have reached crisis levels in our society. Yet the church has sometimes been hesitant to step into the conversation, fearing they are ill-equipped or overconfident. Join Pastor Jenni Waldron on a learning journey as she shares her family story, pastoral wisdom on walking with people and how the church can be a place of hope and healing.Check out Jenni Waldron's website, where you can also find her book! www.byjenwaldron.comAnd don't forget to check out Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

There is so much emotional anxiety and polarity around issues confronting the church today... Division about politics, hand-wringing about de-churching and disputes over what it means to be Jesus-centred. Join Pastors Brian Zahnd and Greg Boyd as they speak words of hope and encouragement into this moment and how a chaste and diminished church can bring healing to the hopelessness of our moment.