Commons Church Podcast

As pastors and friends, this is a question that emerges in conversation pretty regularly. We all have doubts about what we believe, questions about whether our beliefs are well-founded, and we struggle sometimes to find the rhythms and habits that support the faith we want to foster. At Commons, we think wrestling with these questions is an essential part of being a faith-full human. In fact, our journey towards understanding who Jesus  is and what He teaches often brings us to a point where we must wrestle with our uncertainties, and hopefully do it together. Throughout this series, we will delve into these themes, offering practical insights and encouragement. We will explore how our doubts can lead to deeper faith, how friendships can support us, and how volunteering can bring us closer to God and each other. Together, let's hold onto faith, knowing that it is through our questions, our connections, and our acts of service that we truly find the divine. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we explore how faith can evolve through critical ideas, personal growth, and changing life experiences. Centered on the journey of faith, this series tackles topics like theology, doubt, and resilience. Through the story of Nicodemus, we learn about deconstructing and rebuilding faith, embracing uncertainty, and trusting in a love beyond ourselves. This is an invitation to hold on, grow, and continuously be “born again” into new spiritual depths. ★ Support this podcast ★

There is no doubt that every single one of us cares about the planet. Driving west through valleys made low by the Rocky Mountains is just one way to feel small in the best possible way. But how do we hold that care, and that smallness, alongside the convictions of our faith? Is it love God, love people, love the planet? If Jesus didn’t say that, could he have? Through the themes of play, awe, sustainability, and change we’ll consider how our love of God can fuse with our love of creation. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this engaging discussion, Yelena Pakhomova, a passionate advocate for sustainability and the nexus of faith and environmental care, shares profound insights on our responsibility towards creation. She explores how Jesus' teachings interweave with themes of play and awe in nature. Yelena emphasizes the importance of community in fostering environmental stewardship and encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the planet. Through scriptural narratives, she inspires listeners to find hope in divine presence, connecting spirituality with sustainability.

Scott Wall, an expert at the intersection of faith and environmental care, dives into the transformative power of awe. He explores how experiences of beauty, like the Rocky Mountains, can evoke a sense of smallness that connects us to creation. Wall examines biblical narratives of Christ’s transfiguration alongside modern psychological insights, emphasizing that moments of awe reveal essential truths. He encourages embracing these experiences through heightened awareness and prayer, blending love for God, people, and the planet.

There is no doubt that every single one of us cares about the planet. Driving west through valleys made low by the Rocky Mountains is just one way to feel small in the best possible way. But how do we hold that care, and that smallness, alongside the convictions of our faith? Is it love God, love people, love the planet? If Jesus didn’t say that, could he have? Through the themes of play, awe, sustainability, and change we’ll consider how our love of God can fuse with our love of creation. ★ Support this podcast ★

Jeremy Duncan is an insightful thinker exploring the deeper significance of home in our lives. He discusses the essential aspects of safety and security in housing, while also reflecting on the quieter hopes associated with the concept of home. The conversation touches on the legacy of family love and its role in shaping faith and community. They also examine the contrast between the teachings of James and Paul, emphasizing the importance of practical love and action in expressing genuine faith, grounded in personal relationships.

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live. ★ Support this podcast ★

Whether you’re a homebody or not, home matters. Of course there are the equity pieces of housing first and affordability. These are big concerns in the life of the city. It’s good to want for others what we want for ourselves: safety, security, and a place to receive our Amazon packages. But there’s also a quieter hope for what home can mean. As is our practice in the summer, we’ll listen to the teaching team explore themes of rest, digest, repair, and relate through their experience of home and theological reflections on the places we live. ★ Support this podcast ★