We're taking a break this week, but in the meantime, we thought we'd share some of our favorite episodes of The Disrupters and look back on what they meant to us.

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BONUS: What We've Learned From The Disrupters

Before we disrupt the church and our culture, how can we disrupt ourselves? Seasons 1 and 2 of The Disrupters podcast asked the question, &#34;What does it mean to disrupt the church?&#34; Seasons 3 and 4 asked the question, &#34;What does it mean to disrupt culture?&#34;For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, &#34;What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?&#34; Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.

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For some, engaging in politics looks like watching particular cable news or social media networks and then amplifying whatever voices align with their own particular values or biases. But perhaps the key to healthy political engagement isn’t about spending time watching C-SPAN, but instead is about focusing on the people we are becoming. In this last episode of season 5 of The Disrupters, Kaitlyn Schiess welcomes Michael Wear, founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Together they explore the necessity of spiritual formation as an essential part of civic involvement and discuss the “election stress syndrome” that many have experienced after 2016. Wear also offers insights from his upcoming book The Spirit of Our Politics to challenge conventional ideas of what it means to be a faithful Christian in the realm of politics. Tune into this fascinating conversation on navigating the intersection of faith and politics with wisdom and grace. This episode highlights the following themes:The spiritual discipline of political engagement or abstentionDistinction between meaningful political participation and political passivityThe role of character and deep listening in transforming political discourseLinks from this episode:Get to know more about Michael WearLearn more about the Center for Christianity and Public LifeCheck out Wear’s IVP book, Compassion (&) ConvictionCheck out Wear’s upcoming book, The Spirit of Our PoliticsUncover insights from Politics is for Power by Eitan HershRead the document, Montgomery Improvement Association Learn About Mack McCarter, Founder of Community Renewal in LouisianaLearn About the Impact of Lead for America, American Connection Corps
 For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.  Other links ✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. ✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble ✅ Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

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Avoiding Politics as Entertainment with Michael Wear

When surrounded by all the needs in the world, people can become overwhelmed and paralyzed to even begin to engage politically if at all. But instead of thinking about every issue to engage in, perhaps the way forward is to find areas of deep focus and personal interest. In this fascinating dive into the convergence of personal faith and public life, host Kaitlyn Schiess welcomes Kathryn Freeman, a voice of experience at the intersection of theology and political advocacy.  Freeman's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing deeply personal issues as the means to shape one’s public advocacy. Her nuanced understanding of political theology, shaped by both African American church traditions and seminary education, provides crucial insight into how churches and believers can navigate the everyday needs in their communities without getting overwhelmed by the broader political landscape. Tune in to this episode to discover healthy ways to pursue local political engagement in a sustainable manner that reflects Christ-led, neighborly love. This episode highlights the following themes:The need to limit oneself in political involvementThe profound political legacy of the African American churchRelationship-building and its significance in community advocacyLinks from this episode:Get to know more about Kathryn Freeman
 For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.  Other links ✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. ✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble ✅ Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik 
 Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

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The Power of Focus in Political Involvement with Kathryn Freeman

The impact of empire has far-reaching implications for the church, the nation, and the world. Even Christians who would claim that the kingdom of heaven is the only true ultimate rule and reign can find themselves complicit in supporting and furthering the empires of our current age. Former presidential candidate Mark Charles wanted to show a different way forward, using the political process to speak truth to power. In this thought-provoking episode, host Kaitlyn Schiess speaks with Charles about lessons learned from his political run and the ways in which trauma has had a particular impact on the white majority in this country. With a focus on healing historical trauma and rethinking the two-party system, Charles shares a compelling vision for a more inclusive and just future. His perspectives on political reform and communal trauma are not to be missed. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how history shapes modern politics and explore ways to contribute to a more just and equitable society. This episode highlights the following themes:The influence of historical trauma on contemporary politicsThe damaging effects of the two-party system on American societyConfronting and dismantling systemic white supremacist ideologiesLinks from this episode:Get to know more about Mark CharlesCheck out his book co-authored with Soong-Chan Rah, Unsettling TruthsCheck out Rachel MacNair’s book, Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress
 For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.  Other links ✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. ✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble ✅ Production Assistant: Isis Toldson and Christine Pelliccio ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik 
 Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

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Using Politics to Stand Against Empire with Mark Charles

For many Christians, disillusionment with the church has become more common as a result of institutional distrust and trauma. But internal confusion can also present people with an opportunity for self-examination and contemplation. In this episode, renowned theologian and ethicist Russell Moore joins Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss the essential work of self-reflection, accountability, and honesty in the face of cynicism. Through prayer, Scripture reading, and engagement in community, Moore encourages listeners to grow from the positive aspects of processing disillusionment.  What can it mean to be sober-minded, hopeful, and discerning in institutional or political spaces come 2024? Moore suggests that reckoning together with the uncertainty of what lies ahead may be a communal starting place for the church. Tune in to be challenged by this week’s theme: that personal, internal repair must precede external progress.  This episode highlights the following themes:Processing betrayal, cynicism, and wisdomObserving and learning from both positive and negative role modelsDiscerning a faithful attitude for the 2024 election season
 Links from this episode:Listen to The Russell Moore ShowFollow Russell Moore on InstagramRead Russell's book, Losing Our Religion
 For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.  Other links ✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. ✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble ✅ Production Assistants: Isis Toldson and Christine Pelliccio ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik 
 Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

How Disillusionment Can Lead to Positive Change with Russell Moore

How do the intertwining threads of love and justice weave a powerful narrative of transformation within the fabric of communities? In this episode, host Kaitlyn Schiess engages in a thoughtful conversation with guest Amy Williams, who has worked in gang intervention and restorative justice for over 29 years. Together, they explore practical avenues through which Christians can actively contribute to the restoration and flourishing of their neighborhoods, viewing the process through the lenses of love and justice. Williams emphasizes the importance of walking alongside the community rather than attempting to lead from a distance. Her lived experience reveals that by immersing herself in the daily life of her neighborhood and embodying love, she has become a vessel for infusing hope into countless lives, particularly those of the incarcerated youth. Her story highlights the importance of doing internal work to sustainably serve others. Williams has had to identify and address unhealthy leadership patterns, seeking support through community, prayer, and mentors, all of which contribute to her continued impact on lives. Williams' experience also shows that churches can't just come with pre-packaged programs. Understanding the communities - their assets and needs - becomes imperative. Consistency and presence within these communities are foundational in establishing trust for partnership; it's not about one-time events, but continual engagement and support. Tune in to hear more of Williams' wisdom on dealing with failure, mentoring the next generation, and allowing God's plans to prevail. This episode highlights the following themes:Trusting God for ministry outcomesCultivating healthy leadership by recognizing human limitationsHighlighting community voices in the process of seeking solutions
 Links from this episode:Get to know more about Amy Williams
 For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.  Other links ✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode. ✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson ✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts ✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble ✅ Production Assistant: Isis Toldson ✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard ✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik 
 Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

BONUS: What We've Learned From The Disrupters

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