Shifting Culture

There is a homelessness crisis in the United States. And yes, we have a conversation around the context of the U.S. currently, but there are a lot of helpful points that will help in different contexts around the world. In this episode, Robert Marbut provides helpful context about homelessness in the United States, discusses the underlying issues that often lead to homelessness like untreated mental illness and substance abuse. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic, trauma-informed approach that addresses these root causes through treatment and not just giving out housing vouchers. Collaboration between different organizations like churches, non-profits, and the government was highlighted as key. Practical steps communities can take include prevention programs, transitional housing with wraparound services, and bringing all stakeholders together with a shared vision of helping people recover and rejoin the community. So join us as we tackle the homelessness crisis. Dr. Robert G. Marbut Jr. has worked on issues of homelessness for more than three decades, including being the Founding President and CEO of Haven for Hope and serving as the White House’s “Federal Homelessness Czar.” Dr. Marbut has consulted on issues of homelessness with more communities and organizations than anyone else in the United States and has also worked in three different US Presidential Administrations. He is an Executive Producer of both the No Address movie, starring Ashanti, Billy Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, and Beverly D’Angelo, as well as the Americans with No Address documentary. Dr. Marbut currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the Discovery Institute. Where you can find information about all the No Address initiatives: No Address Join Our Patreon for Early Access and More: Patreon Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

We live in turbulent times. I know we have all felt the shaking in the past many years. Division, Death, Disconnection wreak havoc. There are ways that we cope that don’t bring life and joy only more sorrow and pain. But there are ways that make us more fully alive. There are practices that enable a life of flourishing and may just save our civilization. And that’s what Elizabeth Oldfield does in the conversation. She talks about the importance of relationships and connection in living a fully alive life. We walk through how early life experiences led her to question what a good life entails, and she came to see relationships as central. She talks about challenges like consumerism that discourage connection, and practices like community living that can help cultivate generosity and care for others. We share that listening across differences and protecting vulnerable groups are keys to building a more just and compassionate society. So join us as we discover ways that make us more fully alive. ELIZABETH OLDFIELD hosts The Sacred podcast and is the former director and now senior fellow of the think tank Theos. She appears across the media, including BBC Radio and television, UnHerd, the Financial Times, and beyond. Oldfield is also a contributing editor at Comment magazine, chair of Larger Us, and a coach and consultant working with purpose-driven individuals and organizations. She lives in an intentional community in South London with her husband and children. Her book FULLY ALIVE: TENDING TO THE SOUL IN TURBULENT TIMES is out now. Elizabeth's Book: Fully Alive Elizabeth's Recommendations: Black Ops The Origins of Totalitarianism Join Our Patreon for Early Access and More: Patreon Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Brenda Salter McNeil discusses the long-term work required for Christians to repair broken systems and heal communities. Brenda shares about her journey into racial reconciliation work and how she came to see reconciliation and reparations as two sides of the same coin. We talk about the importance of listening to understand issues of those most affected, getting proximate to communities through relationships, and organizing diverse coalitions to identify shared concerns rather than coming with outside solutions. Brenda emphasizes staying committed to this work through practices like lament as well as self-care to prevent burnout. Our hope is for the church to reimagine what it means to follow Jesus by embodying his call to justice, flourishing for all people, and representing the kingdom vision of every tribe and nation together as God's people on earth. Join us as we discover how to repair broken systems and mend communities. Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil is a dynamic speaker, teacher, author and reconciliation leader! She is a trailblazer, who is thoroughly loving and rigorously prophetic. Her mission is to inspire and empower emerging Christian leaders to be practitioners of reconciliation in their various spheres of influence. As an Associate Professor of Reconciliation Studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University, Dr. Salter McNeil directs the Reconciliation Studies program that prepares students to engage the culture around them as Christian reconcilers. Brenda’s latest book is Empowered to Repair. Brenda's Book: Empowered to Repair Brenda's Recommendation: Prophetic Lament by Soong Chan Rah Join Our Patreon for Early Access and More: Patreon Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Con Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Grief catches us all. One of the things I’m learning about the culture that I’m from is that we don’t grieve well. We don’t know how to do it. In this conversation, Steve Carter shares about his experience grieving after leaving his job at Willow Creek Community Church. He talks about the process of grieving he went through, including dealing with unforgiveness, reorienting his identity, and learning to forgive. He discusses the importance of community and walking through grief with hope. He also shares about helping his son process what happened and the importance of holding space for others in their grief journey. So join us as we learn to grieve, breathe, and receive. Steve Carter is the best selling author of The Thing Beneath The Thing, host of the Craft and Character podcast, a coach to communicators who are looking to find their unique voice or take their next step of growth in speaking and teaches regularly at churches, conferences, and various businesses around the country. His latest book Grieve, Breathe, Receive helps guide people on their unique grief journey. He is the former lead teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and currently serves as a teaching pastor at Forest City Church. He lives outside Chicago, Illinois, with his wife and two kids. Steve's Book: Grieve, Breathe, Receive Steve's Recommendations: The Hidden Peace I Shouldn't Feel This Way Join Our Patreon for Early Access and More: Patreon Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Givi Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

I love to enter the woods find a path and walk with Jesus. It’s a place of life and connection for me. And I know it is for Lore as well. Lore Wilbert spent time reflecting on the forest floor for her latest book The Understory. In this conversation, Lore and I talk about finding identity and community through change and loss.Laurie talks about learning from nature by observing decay and emergence on the forest floor, seeing death as part of life's cycle. In times of loss, Lore encourages us to feel emotions fully and trust that God is still at work, like nutrients from fallen trees nourishing new growth and that moving forward through change requires accepting the "new normal" and focusing on being present each day rather than clinging to the past. So join us as we find rootedness and resilience from the forest floor. Lore Ferguson Wilbert is an award winning writer, thinker, learner, and author of the books, The Understory, A Curious Faith and Handle With Care. She has written for She Reads Truth, Christianity Today, and more, as well as her own site, lorewilbert.com. She has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and Leadership and loves to think and write about the intersection of human formation and the gritty stuff of earth. You can find Lore on Instagram @lorewilbert or on her kayak in the Adirondacks. She lives with her husband Nate in upstate New York and their pups, Harper and Rilke. She really has read all the books on her shelves. Lore's Book: The Understory Lore's Recommendations: I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger We Were the Lucky Ones Join Our Patreon for Early Access and More: Patreon Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Jus Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Yolanda Solomon shares what effective discipleship looks like. It’s important to encounter Jesus' beauty and person rather than focus on behavior modification. She highlights examples of communal and experiential discipleship, navigating cultural biases by focusing on Jesus, and understanding identity and authority in Christ. We also talk about justice and embodiment through following Jesus' care for the poor and marginalized, as well as moving discipleship from a classroom model to more participatory experiences and apprenticeship. So join us as we discover what effective discipleship looks like. Yolanda Solomon is the Director of Discipleship at Epiphany Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. where she teaches and creates discipleship curriculum and resources. She has also worked in campus ministry at Columbia University in New York where she was blessed to serve undergraduate students for eight years. Yolanda recently published her first book entitled "Discipleship as Holy Collaboration: Helping Others Follow Jesus in Real Life" which is available for pre-order and will be released in May 2024. Yolanda is a disciple of Christ, a Brooklyn native and a lifelong Knicks fan which richly fuels her prayer life. Yolanda's Book: Discipleship as Holy Collaboration Yolanda's Recommendations: Holy Imagination Black Liturgies Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcas Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Grace Ji-Sun Kim discusses her experience immigrating to Canada from Korea as a child and facing racism. She talks about how Christianity became associated with whiteness over time as it spread in Europe, with Jesus portrayed as a white man. Grace explains that the concept of race and whiteness are social constructs used to maintain power structures. We unpack the idea of a white God and try to figure out how to present Jesus without cultural overlays. Grace also emphasizes celebrating differences and learning from other cultures to better understand God and each other. So join us as we reflect how easy it is to make God in our own image. Grace Ji-Sun Kim (PhD, University of Toronto) is professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana. She is the host of the Madang podcast and has published in TIME, Huffington Post, US Catholic, and The Nation. She is an ordained PC(USA) minister and enjoys being a guest preacher on most Sundays. Her many books include Invisible, Reimagining Spirit, and Healing Our Broken Humanity. She and her spouse, Perry, have three young adult children and live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Grace's Book: When God Became White Grace's Recommendation: The Not-Yet God by Ilia Delio Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The world is falling apart. The earth is hotter than it has ever been since we have been recording temperatures, the ocean is heating up. We have polarization that tears us to pieces. We are good at division. There is war over resources and power. What can we do? We need some wisdom and courage to move forward together in a world like ours. And Brian McLaren brings it to us in this conversation. Brian helps us to reframe our stories and perspectives, slow down to appreciate beauty, find wise guides, overcome biases, and respond to issues with compassion rather than fear or complacency. So join us as we find wisdom and courage for a world falling apart. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022). His next release, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, is available for pre-order now and will release in May 2024. Brian's Book: Life After Doom Brian's Recommendations: Civil War The Dao of Civilization: A Letter to China by Freya Matthews Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 Consider Giving t Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

The whole system seems to be out of order. It’s time we reckon with the abuse, structure, and outworkings of church. But first, it’s time to heal, to find hope even in the midst of our disillusionment. In this conversation, Aimee Byrd shares her story of disillusionment with the church after facing public shaming and harassment for writing a book critiquing certain theological teachings. She discusses the pain of this experience and her journey to healing, including finding community outside her church. We talk about ideas for reforming church practices to better reflect biblical principles of community, vulnerability, and mutual care and support among believers. So join us as we sit with the disillusionment, but find hope in our scars. Aimee Byrd is an author, speaker, blogger, podcaster, and former coffee shop owner. Aimee is author of several books, including No Little Women, Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, and her latest, The Hope in Our Scars. Her articles have appeared in First Things, Table Talk, Modern Reformation, By Faith, New Horizons, Ordained Servant, Harvest USA, and Credo Magazine, and she has been interviewed and quoted in Christianity Today and The Atlantic. Aimee's Book: The Hope in Our Scars Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this conversation, Kimberly Stuart talks about her journey with grace and her new book "Star for Jesus". We discuss Kimberly's struggles with perfectionism and legalism, and how embracing God's grace has transformed her life and perspective. We also talked about the important roles that humor, shared experiences, and vulnerability play in building understanding and extending grace to ourselves and others. It was a thought-provoking discussion about living in the "not yet" while recognizing God's already finished work. So join us as we laugh, share stories, and invoke God’s grace. Kim is a writer, a speaker, a podcaster, and a dark chocolate obsessive. She is the author of eight novels and a newly released nonfiction debut, Star For Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit). She and New York Times-bestselling author Bob Goff have coached hundreds of aspiring authors through their executive coaching, online courses, and live events in the San Diego area. Stuart has made her home in Minneapolis, Houston, Chicago, Costa Rica, Nebraska, and Iowa, where she now lives with her brave husband and three wily children. Kim's Book: Star for Jesus (And Other Jobs I Quit) Kim's Recommendation: A Prayer for Orion by Katherine James Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Neil Cole explores spiritual formation and missionary methods through a discussion of Paul's journeys in the book of Acts. He shares insights from his book "Journeys" about Paul's progression and growth through each journey of his life and ministry, as well as lessons learned during a 13-year period of silence. Neil applies Paul's model to our own spiritual journeys and finishing well. We also talk shifting from institutions to more organic, relational ministry and hearing God's voice to radically obey his commands. So join us as we dive into the book of Acts, look at Paul’s journeys, and see what it has to do with our own life’s journeys and spiritual formation. Neil Cole is an author, missional thinker, and movement catalyst. His whole work can be summed up in this: listen to Jesus and do what He says. Neil’s latest book and the focus of our conversation today is Journeys: Discovering God’s Paths of Spiritual Formation Building to a Strong Finish. Neil's Book: Journeys Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode Bri Stensrud shares about shifting from a traditional pro-life stance to a whole life approach that values all human dignity and life. Bri shares her personal journey in this regard and emphasized the importance of proximity, empathy, and compassion when it comes to issues like immigration. She encourages Christians to move beyond comfort, engage with Scripture, and advocate for vulnerable groups like immigrants and refugees from a prophetic, non-partisan perspective focused on people rather than politics. Bri encourages us all to have open conversations, welcome immigrants into their communities, and serve with presence rather than just financially supporting issues from a distance. Join us as we learn how to welcome immigrants and refugees with compassion. Bri Stensrud is an author, human dignity advocate, and the Director of Women of Welcome. Her passion is to equip the Church to engage more consistently and tangibly in holistic human dignity issues. Throughout her work in the pro-life movement, Bri continually faced questions from those concerned about immigrants and refugees. Understanding that many concerns were rooted in fear and misinformation she started a journey to detangle from politically partisan narratives and seek out a biblical perspective to uplift and advocate for immigrants and refugees and invite other Christian women into this same space. She has authored two books: Start with Welcome: The Journey toward a Confident and Compassionate Immigration Conversation, and a children's book: The Biggest Best Light: Shining God's Light into the World Around You. Bri's Recommendation: Strange Religion by Nijay Gupta Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Givi Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

Ryan George grew up in an abusive independent fundamental Baptist church led by his father. In the conversation, Ryan discusses how he eventually left that church and the abuse of his father and started a journey of healing from the trauma of his upbringing. He talks about some of the unhealthy and abusive behaviors he experienced. He also talks about how he eventually found healthy church communities that helped him heal and come to know Jesus in a new way. We talk secure attachments, fear and faith, and adventure. So join us as we wade through destructive behavior and trauma and find our way out towards healthy, faith-filled communities centered on Jesus. Ryan George is the author of Scared to Life and Word on the Street. He’s the blogger behind Explorience.org. He co-founded and co-leads Dude Group, a spiritual adventure community in the Blue Ridge Mountains where he lives with his wife, Crystal, and daughter, Deonnie. Ryan's Book: Hurt and Healed by the Church Ryan's Recommendation: Will the Circle be Unbroken? by Sean Dietrich Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Lucas Pulley and I have a great conversation around microchurches and decentralized church networks. Lucas shares his story of how he got involved in microchurches and how they operate. We talk about having an "ecclesial minimum" of worship, community and mission, microchurches can be mission-specific around a calling or distributive with people following various callings, the importance of connecting microchurches through area collectives and larger events, the need to move through the spaces of belonging, and insights into preventing heresy and abuse through governance structures while still allowing for messiness and the priesthood of all believers. Join us as we discover what God is doing through microchurches. Lucas Pulley is Executive Director of Underground Network, an experimental community made up of over 160 microchurches in Tampa Bay and serving dozens of similar decentralized and empowering movements around the world. Lucas has 14 years of experience planting microchurches and leading decentralized networks of grassroots churches, and still leads a neighborhood house church in the projects of inner city Tampa to this day with his wife and three kids. He is driven to see cities transformed by the priesthood of all believers activated in the mission of God. Lucas' Recommendation: The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

What does spiritual formation have to do with our political engagement? Well, if we are followers of Jesus, it’s has a lot to do with it. In this episode, Michael Wear discusses how Dallas Willard's work influenced his view that Christians should approach politics as a way to love God and love their neighbor through civic involvement. We talk about different approaches to political engagement, the role of the church, and stories like Ruby Bridges that demonstrate living out one's faith even in challenging political contexts. Michael hopes that Christians will be empowered to steward their influence in politics in a way that is motivated by spiritual virtues like gentleness and is coherent with their broader discipleship and not just enter into a competition with an antagonizing spirit. So join us as we enter into an all of life spiritual formation into the image and likeness of Jesus, so that our political life looks more like Him and less like an antagonizing sport. Micheal Wear is founder, president, and CEO of the Center for Christianity and Public Life, a nonpartisan, nonprofit institution based in the nation's capital with the mission to contend for the credibility of Christian resources in public life, for the public good. He has served as a trusted resource and advisor for a range of civic leaders on matters of faith and public life for the last fifteen years, including as a White House and presidential campaign staffer. Wear previously led Public Square Strategies, a consulting firm he founded that helps religious organizations, political organizations, businesses and others effectively navigate the rapidly changing American religious and political landscape. He is the author of "The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life," which argues that the kind of people we are has much to do with the kind of politics and public life we will have. Michael's Book: The Spirit of Our Politics Michael's Recommendation: Fully Alive by Elizabeth Oldfield Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtu Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Micha Boyett shares her story of finding out her son Ace would be born with down syndrome and the subsequent years of raising him. Through her story, she uses the framework of the beatitudes found in Jesus’ sermon on the mount as a way to embrace the limits and longings that she has been given. We talk about how the Beatitudes help redefine human worth and value through Jesus' teachings of blessing the marginalized. Micha discusses ableism, grief, suffering, spirituality, following Jesus by loving those on the margins, and living more slowly in today's fast-paced world. So join us as we learn to embrace our limits and longings, so that we can enter the full life of flourishing. In addition to Blessed Are the Rest of Us, Micha Boyett is the author of Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, and Everyday Prayer and a contributor to the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer, edited by Sarah Bessey. She is cohost of the award winning The Lucky Few podcast, creator of The Slow Way podcast and newsletter, and has written for publications such as the Washington Post and Christianity Today. In addition to her work as a writer, she is a part-time youth pastor at Good Shepherd Church in New York City. Boyett lives with her husband and their three sons. Micha's book: Blessed Are the Rest of Us Micha's Substack: The Slow Way Micha's Recommendations: Field Notes for the Wilderness by Sarah Bessey Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, A.J. Swoboda returns to Shifting Culture to discuss his latest book The Gift of Thorns. We talk desires and longings. Our desires are good – we see desire in Adam even before the fall. But sometimes we have desires of the flesh, but even those desires point to an ultimate longing that we have that can be ordered towards God. This is a great conversation, but we lost a bit of it because of technical issues. So you are going to miss a bit of it in the middle, but you probably won’t even notice that something is missing. So, my suggestion – get A.J.’s book. It’s really fantastic and you won’t regret it. I want to have a small group go through it together. I think it’s so helpful. But before you do all that, join us in this conversation as we figure out how to order our desires, find healing, and forgiveness. A.J. Swoboda (Ph.D., Birmingham) is an associate professor of Bible and Theology at Bushnell University and lead mentor for the Doctor of Ministry Program on Spiritual Formation and Soul Care at Friends University. He is the author of many books, including The Gift of Thorns (Zondervan), After Doubt (Brazos), and the award-winning Subversive Sabbath (Brazos). He hosts the Slow Theology podcast with Dr. Nijay Gupta. A.J. lives and works on an urban farm with his wife and son in Eugene, Oregon. A.J.'s Book: The Gift of Thorns Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this conversation, John Inazu and I have a great conversation about learning how to disagree civilly. We talk the importance of seeing others as image-bearers of God, developing empathy even for those we disagree with, distinguishing facts from judgments, and finding common ground. John gave great examples of disagreeing respectfully from his legal and interfaith work. The postures of curiosity, patience, and commitment to relationships over time are crucial. Join us as we learn how to disagree, hear one another, and walk forward gracefully. John Inazu is the author of Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect (Zondervan). He is the Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion at Washington University in St. Louis. He teaches criminal law, law and religion, and various First Amendment courses. He writes and speaks frequently about pluralism, assembly, free speech, religious freedom, and other issues. John has written three books and published opinion pieces in the Washington Post, Atlantic, Chicago Tribune, LA Times, USA Today, Newsweek, and CNN. He is also the founder of the Carver Project and the Legal Vocation Fellowship and is a senior fellow with Interfaith America. John's Book: Learning to Disagree John's Recommendation: The Spirit of Our Politics by Michael Wear Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Dan Kreiss and I have a conversation about how churches can better engage emerging generations and become more just and inclusive faith communities. Dan discusses his experience ministering in New Zealand and the US. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's community, being intentional in serving others, and working together across denominations. We also get into insights from Dan’s research on what young people value in churches, such as authenticity, action on justice issues, and community. Join us as we figure out how to engage emerging generations and become justice oriented multi-inclusive communities of faith. Dan Kreiss has given his career to Christian ministry with emerging generations in international and domestic contexts. He served in ministry in New Zealand for 15 years with Youth for Christ, Knox Presbyterian Church, and Hutt International Boys’ School. When they returned to the US, Dan, his wife Cindy, and their four children settled in Bristol, Tennessee where he served as professor of Youth Ministry and Dean of the School of Missions at King University. Dan completed his Master of Divinity at Emmanuel Christian Seminary and his Doctorate in Leadership and Global Perspectives at George Fox University in 2020. A revamped and updated version of his research along is set to be released in collaboration with co-author Efrem Smith, by InterVarsity Press in February. Dan and Efrem are passionate about the church and want to ensure that emerging generations find the church to be the example to the world of genuine community and context for spiritual nurture that God desires it to be. Dan's Book: Church For Everyone Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.

In this episode, Charles Martin and I explore the crucifixion of Jesus and its profound impact on his life and faith. Charles shares a powerful personal experience encountering the site of Jesus' scourging in Jerusalem, which gave him new insight into both God's wrath towards sin and his limitless love shown through Christ's sacrifice. We talk about struggling to comprehend the depth of Jesus' suffering and why he endured it, as well as the hope, grace and restoration available to all through faith in him. We also talk about the importance of community, narrative and remembering Jesus' cross. Join arms with us as we go on pilgrimage towards the cross. Charles Martin is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over twenty books. Charles and his wife, Christy, live in Jacksonville, Florida where you might find him bow hunting, working out, or doing Tae Kwon Do with his three boys. Charles' Book: It is Finished Charles' Website: www.charlesmartinbooks.com Connect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.us Go to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcast https://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/ https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2 https://www.threads.net/@shiftingculturepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@shiftingculturepodcast Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Send us a Text Message. Support the Show.