In an era where political tensions seem to be reaching a fever pitch globally, how can church leaders guide their communities with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering focus on Jesus? Join us for this timely and thoughtful conversation with pastors Keith Smith, Jonny Morrison, and Cherish Hamilton as they share their experiences and insights on leading congregations through politically charged seasons.

Our panel moves beyond reactive commentary to explore deeper questions: How do we maintain our prophetic witness as the Body of Christ when political identities threaten to overshadow our Kingdom calling? What does it mean to be the church in an increasingly polarized world? And how do we sustain hope and avoid weariness while leading through extended seasons of tension?

Drawing from their diverse ministry contexts across the United States, our guests offer practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders wrestling with these challenges. They share vulnerable stories of struggles and breakthrough moments while unpacking how their communities are learning to prioritize Kingdom values over partisan divisions.

Whether you're a church leader seeking guidance, a Christian struggling to navigate political tensions in your own community, or simply someone yearning for a more hope-filled way forward, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can remain rooted in Jesus while engaging thoughtfully with the political realities of our time.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Anna Vogt, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), as we explore what Jesus-shaped political advocacy looks like in today's complex world. Drawing from over a decade of experience with MCC, including years of grassroots work in Colombia, Anna shares powerful stories of transformation, reconciliation, and the occasionally surprising journey of loving one's enemies.

In this timely discussion, we dive into how Christians can navigate political engagement while maintaining their primary allegiance to Jesus, especially during this unprecedented global election year. Anna offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to foster unity amid political division and shares insights on building communities of peace that stand as alternatives to our culture's polarized discourse.

From witnessing prisoners being set free to seeing communities forge paths to peace, Anna's experiences illuminate how faith-informed advocacy can help make the impossible possible. Whether you're a pastor, peace worker, or someone wrestling with faith's role in politics, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on embodying Jesus' way in our political engagement.

Referenced links from the podcast

Advocacy toolkit and resources: www.mcc.org/get-involved/advocacy/canada

Talk climate, practice peace: www.mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change/talk-climate-practice-peace

Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict: www.mcc.org/resources/peaceful-practices-guide-healthy-communication-conflict

Anna's website: www.annavogt.ca

Sign up for the Peace & Justice newsletter: www.mcc.org/impact/newsletters/peace-justice

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Justin Brierley, who has created spaces for meaningful conversations between believers and skeptics, earning respect from both communities for his thoughtful approach to faith, science, and culture.

In this episode, Justin shares his remarkable journey from an early podcast pioneer to a respected cultural commentator. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from his recent book "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God" (2023), he explores the unexpected resurgence of religious interest among public intellectuals and what this means for the future of faith.

In this episode, we delve deep into:

The art of hosting difficult conversations across ideological divides

How twenty years of dialogue with skeptics has shaped his faith

The current "meaning crisis" and Christianity's unique response

The decline of New Atheism and the changing landscape of belief

Practical wisdom for church leaders engaging with a post-Christian culture

Justin brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between intellectual discourse and everyday faith. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers valuable insights on navigating faith in an increasingly complex world.

Visit www.justinbrierley.com to learn more!

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In this episode of The Jesus Collective Podcast, we sit down with Christie Penner Worden, author of The Me I Was Made to Be: Helping Christian Parents Navigate the Identity Conversation. Christie dives deep into the heart of her new book, exploring how today’s kids and youth are grappling with identity in ways that often differ from the adults in their lives.

Together, we discuss how parents and church leaders can walk alongside young people as they navigate questions of who they are and how they fit into God’s family. Christie emphasizes the importance of telling a more Jesus-centered, gospel-rooted story that invites kids into the conversation rather than leaving them out.

This episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to love, guide, and understand the next generation as they learn who they are and who they are in Christ. Tune in for a thoughtful, heartfelt discussion on how we can better engage in these crucial conversations and help kids feel safe, seen, and valued within the family of God.



Thanks for listening!

www.jesuscollective.com

In this episode of the Jesus Collective podcast, we sit with Dr. Mike O'Shea, Lead Pastor at Waterville Community Church and author of "All The Way Down: Rebuilding Christian Faith from the Rubble of Evangelicalism." Dr. O'Shea shares his journey from working in an international Evangelical mission organization to becoming a pastor helping people reimagine their faith.

Drawing from his book and personal experiences, Dr. O'Shea discusses the challenges many face with traditional evangelical approaches to the Bible and faith. He explores what it means to "reimagine" our understanding of Scripture and how viewing God through the lens of Jesus can transform our approach to faith.

This episode delves into practical advice for Christians feeling lost in the "rubble of evangelicalism," offering insights on rebuilding a more authentic and Jesus-centered faith. Dr. O'Shea also addresses how church leaders can guide congregations through reimagining and rebuilding.

Many Christians—especially young Christians stepping into a world and a church devastated by division, scandal, and abuse—are asking the question: "What is the gospel?" and deciding that the gospel is not good news. For many, it seems like our faith has little to offer the world around us. Our gospel has become too small—it looks nothing like the Jesus who embodies good news in the flesh. But what if we could re-discover the radical power of a Jesus-shaped Good News that upends religions, disrupts empires, heals the wounded, and empowers the marginalized? Join us as we chat with Jonny Morrison about his new book "Prodigal Gospel" which helps us get lost and found again in the Good News.

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At Jesus Collective, we want to be a part of a movement that is trying to look more like Jesus in all things– and that even includes how we grieve. Author and pastor Leanne Friesen joins us to discuss her book ​‘Grieving Room,’ inspired by the loss of her sister to cancer. Leanne challenges common notions about grief, advocating for authentic emotional processing and the importance of rituals. She shares insights on supporting those in mourning, discusses how loss reshaped her pastoral approach and explores finding hope amidst pain. Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or anyone navigating the difficult terrain of loss, this episode offers profound insights on creating space for authentic grieving and finding hope in the darkest moments. Join us for a conversation that will challenge, inspire, and provide practical guidance for walking alongside those in grief.

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Join author and theologian Brad Jersak as we embark on a journey into the depths of the Cross. From Abbotsford, BC, Brad, the Principal of St. Stephen’s University, shares his personal evolution of understanding, moving away from the doctrine of penal substitution and towards a non-violent interpretation of atonement. Delving into the landscape of atonement theories, Brad challenges us to broaden our perspectives and embrace the endless mystery and meaning of the Cross. Reflecting on his influential book "Stricken By God?" and the changing ecclesial landscape, Brad offers valuable insights for pastors and church leaders seeking to preach a deeper understanding of Jesus' death, emphasizing the need to approach the Cross with fresh eyes and avoid reductionism. We hope this episode helps you explore the profound truths of the Crucified God.

Visit the website for St. Stephen’s University at www.ssu.ca

Also, there's still time to register for Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Thank you for listening!