Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

In this guided audio meditation, Nathan Foster offers a prayer from the heart for Ukraine and the world.

Nathan speaks with one of his favorite authors, Marilyn McEntyre, about why “words matter more than we can imagine.” She explores words as sacraments, as creative forces, as conveyors of truth, and as precious ingredients in the feast called conversation.Show Notes[2:21] Where did your love of words begin?[4:52] Could you explain a little about how caring for words is a moral issue?[6:34] How about words as art?[9:15] You take this beyond writing and poetry—into normal conversation?[14:41] How do you use words as a spiritual practice?[18:53] What would you say to folks who are just beginning to think in terms of using words with some intentionality?[21:54] Do you speak other languages? What does that change for you reading in languages besides English? Does it open up a different world for you?[25:40] I was really moved by your section on felicity. When a word goes out of use in a culture, is it representative that that thing has gone out of use?[27:55] Do you like Noam Chomsky and his work?[33:09] What's your “one sentence” about the book?[34:47] What gives you hope in our culture today, connected to words?[39:02] What I was hearing was words as a way to love others, to love what's good and right, to care enough about the words we use. ResourcesMarilyn’s website: marilynmcentyre.comBooks by Marilyn McEntyre (a sampling)Caring for Words in a Culture of LiesSpeaking Peace in a Climate of ConflictWhen Poets PrayMake a List: How a Simple Practice Can Change Our Lives and Open Our HeartsWord by Word, A Daily Spiritual PracticeRichard Foster describes Lectio Divina“Politics and the English Language,” essay by George OrwellNo Passion Spent by George Steiner

How do pastors prevent burn out and keep first things first? Renovaré Ministry Team member Mimi Dixon shares insights and lessons from her decades of experience as a senior pastor.Show Notes[1:11] There's an article in Christianity today about pastors that you had mentioned to me. Could you share a little about that?[6:35] What are some things that you think might be helpful for pastors in this season? [17:40] And this happened after you let go of the franchise mentality?[21:32] How does the phrase “first things” play in all this for you?[25:55] Is that way of doing ministry realistic in this day and age?[27:58] I’m thinking of when you asked Dallas if he sinned. Could you share with folks the answer?[36:16] Would you be up for giving a prayer for folks that are in ministry? ResourcesRenovaré Retreat for Pastors“First and Second Things,” God in the Dock pp. 278-280, by C.S. Lewis

Ted Harro joins Nathan Foster to talk about his unexpected journey to become Renovaré’s new president.Show Notes [2:53] I caught wind that you were really pushing to get this position. Is that accurate? [5:51] What changed, to get you in a position where you actually did apply and follow through?[8:23] How are you feeling about coming into the position?[8:54] What first drew you to Renovaré as an organization?[11:25] What was your experience like with the Renovaré Institute?[13:06] How do you see your background as a consultant helping your work at Renovaré?[15:49] What do you think it will look like in the coming years?[19:23] I believe it was Carolyn who asked you, “Well, first hundred days, what are you going to do?” And I believe you just said “listen,” right?[20:19] You don’t come in with an agenda. Is that accurate?[20:44] What excites you about this position?[23:20] What concerns you about stepping into this role?[25:48] Favorite books?[27:35] What’s this business about bread? 

To write Eugene Peterson's biography, Winn Collier spent considerable time with at the Peterson's home, read Eugene's letters, and conducted countless interviews. He discovered a man with a pastor's heart who, while far from perfect, had integrity and a deep love for God. Show Notes [1:40] Are you tired of talking about Eugene now? And if so, why? [2:26] What do you think Eugene would think about the biography coming out and all the interviews and such? [3:32] I'm curious to hear, how did you come to write the book, be the biographer? [8:31] What surprised you in that journey? [9:39] Eugene was like the anti celebrity, but yet in a sense he was the perfect celebrity, because their hospitality… I've heard so many stories of people who they just invited in. [11:43] I found it delightful that at the beginning of the book there’s the map of Montana, and it kind of has that, you know, Tolkein feel to it. How important was place, for Eugene?[14:51] How much do you think some of his thinking was influenced by [his mom]? [18:37] What do you hope people remember about Eugene? [20:52] Do you have a favorite story from the book? [24:30] Eugene did pauses when he talked. What was that like for you when you were interviewing him? [32:40] It sounds like a number of these values Eugene and Jan embodied you're trying to lean into ... Could you tell folks a little about what you're up to there in Holland, Michigan? ResourcesThe Eugene Peterson Center for Christian ImaginationPastor Theologians PodcastConnect with Winn Collier on winncollier.comWinn’s book A Burning in My Bones (This is the next book featured in the Renovaré Book Club.)

In this engaging conversation, Carol Berry, an artist and author specializing in Vincent Van Gogh and Henri Nouwen, shares her insights on their profound influence on compassion and artistry. She reflects on her transformative experiences with Van Gogh's work and Nouwen's teachings. Berry discusses the significance of solidarity in their lives and how vulnerability shaped their legacies. She also explores the deeper meanings behind famous works like Starry Night, emphasizing the emotional connections they foster through art and spirituality.

In this episode, Nathan talks with author and musician Michael Card about hesed, an untranslatable Hebrew word that expresses God’s love and faithfulness. Michael believes it may be the most important word in Scripture and spent ten years writing a book to unpack its meaning.---Show Notes [2:29] What would you tell your younger self?[3:05] What is it that you care about these days?[6:16] You wrote a book about one word. Tell us about the book.[9:22] What does the word mean to you personally?[10:31] How do you live into it?[15:05] I’m noticing in your writings and in your music this love of Scripture. Where did that come from?[18:31] What do you hope people take away from the book?[22:25] How do you personally work with Scripture these days?ResourcesInexpressible: Hesed and the Mystery of God’s Lovingkindness, by Michael CardMichael Card’s website“Hymn to the Kindness of God,” from his album To the Kindness of God

Nate talks with author John Eldredge about healing from the trauma of the pandemic, benevolent detachment, what it means to consecrate your empathy to Christ, and learning to hear the voice of God.Show Notes [1:19] What was the impetus for this book?[3:57] I'm glad to hear you reference the pandemic in this way. It has really baffled me how silent people are in terms of its effects. I think it’s going to take 5 or 10 years out of this to realize some of the ways that it has negatively impacted, and I wish people talk more about it.[8:25] What do you think people should do (to heal their trauma response)?[15:23] I think I’m hearing that instead of coping mechanism that don’t yield fruit or good results, but coping mechanisms that bring life.[19:50] I really like the idea of benevolent detachment.  How do you detach and yet use your ability to change for good?[24:26] One of the phrases I’ll use is trusting people to God.  As much as I would like to control and manage things, there are some limitations.[25:06] What does this look like for you, and what are some of the challenges you face in moving into benevolent detachment?[30:33] Why do you think so many Christians are hung up on the idea of hearing from God?ResourcesGet Your Life Back: Everyday Practices in a World Gone Mad, by John EldredgeBeautiful Outlaw, by John EldredgeThe One Minute Pause app

Eighteen century preacher and abolitionist John Woolman, whose journal is a Renovaré Book Club selection, had a profound impact on Renovaré founder Richard Foster, who like Woolman is Quaker. In this episode, Richard discusses the life and work of this humble yet bold follower of Jesus.Show NotesHow did you discover John Woolman’s Journal?What was it, as a college student, reading Woolman’s journal?Woolman’s first experience with slavery.The story of Benjamin Lay.Woolman dealt with the three great isms of our day: racism, militarism, and consumerism.Could you help folks understand a little about Quakerism and the Friends?Tell us about your doctoral dissertation.What would you hope for people reading the book to take away from it?ResourcesThe Journal and Major Essays of John Woolman, edited by Phillips P. MoultonJoin the Renovaré Book Club to read Woolman's book in December 2021

Nathan talks with author Hannah Anderson about seasons, humility, and how the God we love in scripture is a God who is being revealed through nature.Show Notes [1:24] Why do you write?[2:19] How important is it for you to be honest in your writing?[8:21] Could you share a little about your draw to the wonder and mystery in nature?[10:38] How are you in nature, in terms of observing and being?[12:37] What is it about seasons that you’re drawn to?[15:06] Make the connection between your experience growing up and appreciating nature and scripture.[18:04] What are some rhythms or practices for you, being in the created order?[21:44] How did your book, Turning of Days, come to be?[24:55] This summer in Colorado the wildflowers were off the charts. I’ve tried learning their names, and the names of the trees. I found in being able to name them, it enriched my experience. Is this a similar experience for you? Am I on the right path?[29:55] In which Hannah reads a selection from Fall: Section 7 (p. 116)ResourcesTurning of Days: Lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit, by Hannah AndersonHumble Roots: How Humility Grounds and Nourishes Your Soul, by Hannah AndersonHannah’s website, Sometimes a Light