The Allender Center Podcast

"Everyone's disciplined for what they love," states Dr. Dan Allender. The quest for becoming "more disciplined" prompts questions about motivation. Is it fueled by a higher purpose or overshadowed by shame and guilt? Does discipline revolve around self-control or simply a desire for control? What are the costs of being disciplined - and what goodness results from it? In their discussion, Dan and Rachael dive into these questions and more. They explore the complexities of discipline, the significance of small disciplined actions, and the sustaining power of delight and beauty.

This week, Dr. J. Derek McNeil, the president of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, engages in a candid dialogue with Dr. Dan Allender, exploring the multifaceted challenges of leading in today's turbulent times. Whether you hold a formal leadership role or not, this conversation speaks to the universal nature of leadership. Whether as a parent, grandparent, or friend, each of us has a level of influence on others and grapples with the burden of providing guidance amid uncertainty. The conversation explores the tension between agency and dependence, and the balancing act of taking action and surrendering to a larger divine plan. Derek candidly shares his journey, grappling with the uncertainties of life while prioritizing his mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Drawing from his upbringing and faith tradition, he finds solace in scripture, particularly Jeremiah 29:11, during moments of uncertainty and despair. His emphasis on cultivating a support system and fostering collaboration underscores the importance of community in leadership roles. As you engage with this conversation between two insightful leaders, we hope it deepens your understanding of the complexities of leadership and sparks a sense of renewed hope amid life's uncertainties.

Join Dan and Rachael as they continue last week's discussion about spiritual abuse. This week, they shift their focus to the healing process, exploring the challenges of naming and reconciling our experiences with spiritual abuse, particularly the difficulty in trusting others with our stories. Spiritual abuse casts a shadow, creating a landscape of distrust, fragmentation, and isolation, often cutting us off from the very thing that can help us heal - one another. Drawing from years of conducting Story Workshops, Dan and Rachael underscore the transformative power found in the collective sharing of our stories. It is this understanding that has led to the creation of the Story Workshop for Spiritual Abuse & Healing, which is designed to serve as a safe space for sharing, grieving, and hopefully, discovering more of the goodness of God within your own story. If you've felt the impact of spiritual abuse and are seeking a supportive, facilitated community to navigate the healing process, consider joining this transformative Story Workshop, happening March 15-17, 2024. You can learn more at theallendercenter.org/workshops

A discussion on the insidious issue of spiritual abuse and the broken systems that perpetuate it. Exploring the roots of spiritual abuse, highlighting its connection to fear and control. The manipulation and disempowerment caused by leveraging God's love. The liberation and deliverance found through education and community. Recognizing the impact of spiritual abuse and advocating for change within broken systems.

Explore the concepts of containment and attunement in relationships to create safe spaces for emotional expression. Discover the transformative power of lament and the importance of living in tension. Learn how to establish a context of containment in challenging times and hold the tension of grief and desire.

Author Curtis Chang joins the podcast to discuss how to navigate personal and collective anxiety in the midst of global challenges. They explore topics such as the impact of a book on anxiety, global conflicts and political tensions, reshaping politics by addressing anxiety, applying the 'how' of Jesus' teachings to policies, and introducing the After Party project focused on spiritual values and relational practices.

It's become an annual tradition for Dan and Becky Allender to reflect on their year on the podcast, and today, we get to hear their personal reflections on 2023. They discuss the loss of dear friends this year, the fragility of life, the heartache of crises happening around the world, and the impact of disappointment on some of their personal plans and dreams. In the midst of grief, they also express gratitude for the goodness they have experienced this year. As we listen, themes of simplicity, aging, and the awareness of life's brevity emerge. The Allenders discuss the need for kindness and grace in facing disappointment and the importance of not succumbing to fear, leaving us with hope as we look forward to the new year.

Joining us is Lauren Peiser, our resident gastronomist, to discuss the sensuality of food, drink, and company. They explore the joy and nostalgia of the holiday season, the significance of bread and wine, and the disruption and comfort found at the table. They also share a unique dining experience and discuss the anticipation and chaos of Christmas planning.

Looking for a good book to curl up with this winter? Dan and Rachael both highly recommend the new book by today's guest, Blaine Eldredge: "The Paradise King." The book is a unique exploration of Jesus through the Old Testament and into the New, blending historical fiction with a deep engagement with the biblical text. Blaine joins us today to discuss the inspiration behind the book, sharing a personal journey marked by challenges and loss. The book and our discussion serve as an open invitation to embark on an exploration of wonder, curiosity, and the transformative power of storytelling. You can find "The Paradise King" at your favorite bookstores, and don't miss our enlightening episode with Blaine Eldredge.

Adam Young, Cathy Loerzel, and Dan Allender discuss the healing power of understanding your story and how it impacts your thoughts and actions. They explore the influence of family of origin on present mentality, the value of community in the healing process, and the importance of embracing different perspectives within ourselves. The podcast also announces the StoryWork Conference for engaging with your own story and finding freedom.