
Our Church Speaks
A podcast exploring the saints of the church from every era and place.
Latest episodes

Mar 24, 2025 • 52min
Episode 26 - Oscar Romero (with special guest David Bailey)
Ben and Dan welcome special guest David Bailey, a public theologian from Richmond, Virginia. Together, they discuss the life and witness of Latin American bishop and martyr Oscar Romero. | Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about David Bailey and his ministry at https://arrabon.com/ | More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. | Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

Mar 17, 2025 • 39min
Episode 25 - Patrick, Missionary to Ireland
Celebrate the real St. Patrick beyond the clichés! Discover his remarkable journey from captivity to missionary work in Ireland and the divine guidance that shaped his life. Dive into the power of his prayer, emphasizing protection and connection to God. Compare St. Patrick's response to divine calls with Jonah's reluctance, prompting reflections on acceptance in our communities. Lastly, explore his impactful legacy in Irish Christianity and the importance of embracing marginalized voices.

Mar 10, 2025 • 45min
Episode 24 - Harriet Tubman, Prophetic Witness
Ben and Dan talk about Harriet Tubman, a prophetic witness in the American church and the liberator of many African American slaves. Ben and Dan take a significant portion of the episode parsing out what Scripture says about slavery and how it compares to the corrupt teachings that were commonly taught by ministers in Harriet Tubman's childhood. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. Follow Our Church Speaks on Instagram. More info about Our Church Speaks, how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional, and how to contact the podcast with feedback at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

Mar 3, 2025 • 37min
Episode 23 - Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs of Africa
Ben and Dan talk about the early African martyrs, Perpetua and Felicity whose story is recorded in the earliest known Christian writing by a female author. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

10 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 43min
Episode 22 - Art, beauty, and the Christian imagination (with special guest Dr. Lanta Davis)
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Lanta Davis, a Professor at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of "Becoming by Beholding," delves into the impact of Christian art on spiritual formation. She explores how imagination enriches faith and emphasizes the need for truthful representations in modern Christian art. The conversation reveals the unsettling beauty found in faith and the vital role of saints, particularly women, in inspiring believers. They tackle how art nurtures community and invites deeper connections to divine love, urging a reevaluation of beauty in spirituality.

Feb 17, 2025 • 44min
Episode 21 - Polycarp of Smyrna
Hosts Ben and Dan talk about the inspiring witness of Polycarp of Smyrna, who studied at the feet of John of the Apostle. Their conversation covers the significance and content of Polycarp's epistle to the Philippians and his profound confidence in Christ exhibited at his martyrdom. // Cover art by Ben Lansing. More info about Our Church Speaks and how to order the Our Church Speaks devotional at www.ourchurchspeaks.com. Support this podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/ourchurchspeaks

11 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 32min
Episode 20 - The Church Liturgical Calendar (Part 2)
The discussion delves into the significance of Lent, highlighting its role in fasting and reflection. Holy Week's emotional journey is explored, from the somber moments of Maundy Thursday to the joy of Easter. The power of the Ascension and its impact on the disciples’ belief in resurrection is examined. Pentecost's initiation of the church is also discussed, emphasizing its importance in connecting daily life to spiritual growth. The liturgical calendar is framed as a tool for character shaping and preparation for Christ's return.

Feb 3, 2025 • 30min
Episode 19 - The Church Liturgical Calendar (Part 1)
Dive into the rich tapestry of the church liturgical calendar! Discover the beauty of Advent as a time for reflection, anticipation, and spiritual growth. Explore how the significance of Christmas and Epiphany unveils Jesus as the Messiah through key events like the wise men's visit. Unpack the transformative power of structured prayer, and see how these seasons not only enrich individual faith but also foster community spirituality. It's a journey to deepen your connection with God!

Dec 16, 2024 • 42min
Episode 18 - Nino of Georgia
In this season finale episode, Ben and Dan discuss one additional Advent-themed saint - Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia. A contemporary of Saint Nicholas and Saint Lucy, Nino is a lesser known saint with a story of profound courage inspired by love. Our Church Speaks will resume with season 2 in February, 2025. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Cover art by Ben Lansing. The Our Church Speaks Devotional, Our Church Speaks 2025 wall calendars, and prints are available at www.ourchurchspeaks.com

Dec 9, 2024 • 35min
Episode 17 - Lucy, Martyr of Syracuse
Hosts Ben and Dan discuss the Advent-themed saint, Lucy of Syracuse who lived and died during the Great Persucution of Emperor Diocletian and gave her life for her faith in Jesus Christ. Ben and Dan talk about Lucy's life and why her memory is so associated with the power of the light, even amidst growing darkness. Cover art by Ben Lansing. Order the book "Our Church Speaks: An Illustrated Devotional of Saints from Every Era & Place" by Ben Lansing & D.J. Marotta (published by InterVarsity Press) wherever books are sold. More info - www.ourchurchspeaks.com.