Faith Revisited

S4:Ep17 Real Talk

Nothing like trying to pull yourself together then hitting record on a podcast episode... This podcast episode is a little different, Molly had an experience on a trip that she needed to talk through and gain some insight from Ben on how it was handled, what to say in the moment and also reflections afterwards. This conversation is unedited, off the cuff, talking through tears at times, holding it together at other times. We hope you enjoy a peek into a real conversation between friends.

S4:Ep15 Embracing the Shadow: The Essential Journey Through Grief

In this episode, we’re getting real about grief—a thing we all face but don’t talk about enough. “Embracing the Shadow” is all about the rollercoaster of feelings that come with loss, and why it’s super important to let ourselves feel all of it. We’ll share some personal stories and chat about how we can be there for ourselves and others who are going through tough times. Whether you’re dealing with grief yourself or helping someone else through it, this episode is about finding light in the darkest times and the healing that comes when we face our pain.

S4:Ep14 Downtown Church Dynamics

Venture into the heart of Savannah, GA, as Ben and Molly explore the distinctive challenges and rewards of operating a church in a downtown urban setting. From logistical hurdles like parking to forging deep community ties, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the day-to-day realities of a downtown church, specifically Trinity United Methodist. We share captivating stories of resilience, adaptation, and the innovative ways in which the church has embraced its neighbors and unconventional neighborhood. For anyone curious about the intersection of faith, community, and city life, this episode illuminates the dance of spiritual work amidst urban rhythm.

S4:Ep13 The State of Christian Publishing with Len Wilson

Dive deep into the evolving world of Christian publishing in this episode featuring Len Wilson, Executive Director of Invite Resources and Publisher of Invite Press. We discuss the current state of the industry, weighing the pros and cons of authors self-publishing versus collaborating with traditional publishers. Discover what today's publishers are truly seeking and gather invaluable advice for unpublished authors striving to make their mark. Our returning special guest, Len Wilson, brings unique insights from his journey in the world of Christian literature and shares about this innovative publishing venture, Invite Resources. Whether you're an aspiring author or an avid reader, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the heart of Christian literary endeavors.

S4:Ep12 MLK I Have a Dream 60th Anniversary Interview

Ben interviews Urban Ministries Inc. CEO, Jeffrey Wright and Matthew Daniels, Author of Share The Dream in honor of the 60th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's I Have A Dream Speech. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Faith Revisited Podcast!

 

Share the Dream™ is a six-session video Bible study based on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You will look at six biblical principles that shaped Dr. King’s life and motivated him to speak on behalf of African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement: love, conscience, freedom, justice, perseverance, and hope.

Video Promotion for Share The Dream can be found here.

Learn more about Share The Dream here.

S4:Ep11 Adulting Part 2: Self, Spiritual, and Work

Tune in as Molly and Ben embark on a journey from the inside out, discussing the evolution of self, the spiritual odyssey of adulthood, and the trials and triumphs of the work world. They share personal anecdotes, shedding light on the moments they've grown the most, the challenges they've faced in maintaining a spiritual center, and the balance of pursuing purpose in their careers. It's an introspective dive into understanding the core of adulthood in their terms—being at peace with oneself, finding spiritual grounding, and carving out a meaningful professional path.

S4:Ep10 Adulting Part 1: Family, Marriage, and Friendships

In this episode, Molly and Ben delve deep into the intricacies of the relationships that define our lives: family, marriage, and friendships. From moments they felt like bona fide "adults" to the unexpected lessons that these relationships bring, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the bonds that challenge, sustain, and grow us. Join these two millennial church leaders as they candidly share stories, reflections, and insights on navigating life's most complex and valuable relationships and how faith influences those journeys.

Stay tuned next episode for Adulting Part 2: Self, Spiritual, and Work.

S4:Ep9 Centering Our Lives in Prayer with Dr. Brian Russell

As Christians, we believe prayer is an important practice in our spiritual lives. But knowing how to pray is a skill we must learn. Dr. Brian Russell is a professor of theology and spiritual coach and he's written a book about the practice of centering prayer as a pathway to grow deeper in our prayer lives. In this episode, Ben and Brian talk about the role of prayer, how to pray in different, more contemplative ways, and how this practice can shape us in deep ways as people of faith. 

 

Brian Russell (Ph.D.) is a professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. His personal mission is to seek out, study, and embody the deepest truths about God so that he can share them compellingly, lovingly, and transformationally with others. He is passionate about helping people just like you to grow in your love for God and neighbor.

 

He is the author of Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed 2014), (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade 2015); and his latest Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete Press, 2021). He is also host of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast. 
Contact: brian@brianrussellphd.com
Twitter: @briandrussell
Instagram: @yourprofessorforlife
Sign up for updates about centering prayer and invitations to Virtual Centering prayer gatherings co-hosted by Brian: www.centeringprayerbook.com

S4Ep8: The Secret Power of Kindness with Greg Atkinson

Bestselling Author, speaker and pastor Greg Atkinson joins Ben to discuss his new book and the important lessons of The Secret Power of Kindness. Each chapter of The Secret Power of Kindness is dedicated to different key of kindness to unlock. Beginning with forgiveness and followed by generosity, composure, acceptance, rest, wisdom,
empathy, patience, love, and unity.

"Kindness unlocks kindness and kindness is contagious."

We hope you enjoy Ben and Greg's discussion on the importance of kindness and hope for the future.

Greg has a free Kindness devotional on the YouVersion App - Linked Here.

Learn more about Greg Atkinson on his website - Linked Here.

Buy The Secret Power of Kindness Here!

S4:Ep7 Why Stay: Research on Marginalized Voices in the UMC

Ben interviews Nancy Malcom and AJ Ramierez, two UMC lay people and academic researchers who are studying why people are staying in the UMC in spite of the struggles to include LGBT+ persons. They have spent the last year interviewing LGBT+ persons and allys trying to flesh out why people want to remain in the UMC despite our impending denominational split. They give voice to voices who have been largely left out of most UMC discussions about denominational divisions. You will definitely want to hear more about their work and their passion for making the UMC a more inclusive space for all people.

 

Head to www.faithrevistedpodcast.com for links to all of their research articles.