Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

Today’s podcast is a 13-minute meditation — an audio retreat — on a prayer by the French priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Put on some headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let your soul be quieted.

Rich Villodas, the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship in Queens, dives into profound discussions on faith and community. He emphasizes the transformative teachings from the Sermon on the Mount and their relevance today. Villodas shares insights from his new book, highlighting the significance of compassion amid shared suffering and the power of genuine connections. He also reflects on mentorship's impact across generations and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a digital world, advocating for a faith that embodies Christ's teachings.

Nate visited with Luci Shaw in her home and recorded this special episode about her life as a poet and the potential she sees in words to call us into conversation with the art form itself and with God.

Mindy Caliguire says that stepping into life with God is like underwater breathing — we have to learn how to do it and use the practical supports available to us. Join Nathan and Mindy for a great conversation about practices for spiritual thriving. 

Brandan Spencer, Renovaré’s Director of Church Engagement and a seasoned pastor and leadership coach, shares insights on church renewal and family life. He emphasizes the importance of being present with children and the enriching role of nature and community. Discussing the evolving nature of the church, he highlights the power of faith, relationships, and healing, urging listeners to trust in God's plan as they navigate modern challenges together.

Author and teacher Jan Johnson joins Nate to talk about Jesus' parables that help us understand God's reign. The kingdom parables are the topic of a new book—created from Dallas Willard's teaching archives—and a companion workbook that Jan Johnson created.Show NotesThe Scandal of the Kingdom WorkbookThe Scandal of the KingdomDownloadable resources:The Foreword and Chapter OneChapter One of the WorkbookSix-Part Sermon Series.The original audio series (for The Scandal of the Kingdom) is being released week-by-week on The Dallas Willard Podcast.Want to participate in a course on the book? You can join the interest list here.

Renovaré’s Education Program Coordinator Wendy Dean talks with Nate about wanting what’s best for our kids—and letting God’s vision of the best supersede our own.

Winn Collier, director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, talks with Nathan about hardships that shatter false hopes and the one reality that provides a sturdy place to stand.

Steve and Nate have an honest conversation about whether Christian spiritual formation is a movement or just a moment or fad. They also delve into the importance of total abandonment to God and the gift of brokenness.

Nathan welcomes author Sarah Clarkson to the show to discuss Scottish preacher and fiction writer George MacDonald—a key influence on Sarah’s literary career as well as her faith.Show NotesYou can find Sarah writing regularly at her Substack, From the Vicarage (sarahclarkson.substack.com) or discover her books at sarahclarkson.comRecommended by SarahFree online version of The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories Free online version of Princess and the Goblins, one of Sarah’s favorite children's novels by MacDonaldFree online version of Lilith, Sarah’s favorite adult fairy tale by MacDonaldSarah’s friend, Dr. Amanda Vernon, is a MacDonald scholar and children’s literature enthusiast.A website dedicated to books, articles, art, and music about, or inspired by, George MacDonald's sermons, lectures, poems, prose, and prayers.Recent Word on Fire edition of The Golden Key.