Discipleship Conversations

“[Grief] is going to stay there whether we want it to orrecognize it or not. Grief finds its way into our bones and if we don’t address it, if we don’t hold it, if we don’t find ways to metabolize it, it’ll remain and more times than not it comes out sideways.”

Grief is a part of life, but too often, we don’t make space for it—especially in the church. In this episode, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell talk with Ben Ries, a hospital chaplain, about the importance of grief and lament. Why does grief matter in our faith? What happens when we ignore it? And how can churches create spaces where people can grieve honestly and find hope? Join us for this meaningful conversation on walking through sorrow with faith and community.

Dr. Ben Ries is a staff chaplain at Peacehealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, WA. Before stepping into chaplaincy, he served as a minister in churches in the Pacific Northwest for eighteen years followed by seven years in higher education administration at Abilene Christian University - Dallas. Ben has a Master's of Divinity from Abilene Christian University and Doctor of Ministry from Lipscomb University. He and his wife, Jen, have three adult children who are beautiful humans and a delight to be around. Ben and Jen spend their free time together camping, hiking, playing games, and laughing. Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected].

There comes a time in every seeker’s life when the well runs dry, when prayer feels hollow, scripture feels distant, and the certainty that once steadied our steps begins to shift like sand beneath our feet. In those moments, we do not need more noise, more answers, or more tasks to complete. Weneed a companion; a wise and patient listener who can help us hear the voice of God again.

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman welcome Dr. Mallory Wyckoff, a writer, speaker, spiritual director, and peacemaker who has spent her life holding space for others to encounter the sacred. As the founder of The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation and associate director of philanthropy communications for Search for Common Ground, Mallory has witnessed firsthand the quiet, transformative power of spiritual direction, especially helpful for those who lead and serve.

Together, they explore the deep well of spiritual direction,how it differs from pastoral counseling, how it helps weary souls rediscover their footing, and why it matters for pastors and leaders. Mallory also shares how trauma shapes the way we see God and what it means to bring our whole selves, wounded and wondering, into the presence of the divine.

If you have ever longed for a way to tend your soul withcuriosity and courage, this conversation is for you. 

Mallory Wyckoff (DMin, MTS, MA) is a writer, speaker, spiritual director, and peacemaker. She is associate director of philanthropy communications with Search for Common Ground, the world’s largest organization dedicated to peacebuilding. She is also the founder and director of The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation, where she trains individuals to become certified spiritual directors. As part of her doctoral program in missional and spiritual formation, Mallory’s dissertation explored the impact of sexual trauma on survivors’ theological perception and spiritual formation—an inquiry that continues to inform her work at every turn. In all her work, Mallory creates spaces and content that help people access themselves and their spirituality with curiosity, honesty, and courage. She lives with her husband, daughters, and a million retirees in St.Petersburg, Florida.

In this episode, hosts Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman dive into a critical and timely topic as they interview Collin Packer to explore a challenging topic that is on many of our minds in this season: Christian nationalism. We are just scratching the surface in this conversation as we discuss how Christian nationalism distorts the gospel, damages the church's witness, and poses significant challenges for pastors today. We also explore practical steps for navigating these difficult waters in the hopes of a communal remembering of the plot of our story, a story which centers on a crucified Lord. We are glad you are here to consider this with us.

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

In the latest episode of Discipleship Conversations, Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman, sit down with Dr. Sara Barton to delve into the spiritual lives of emerging adults. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister, Sara shares her insights into the unique challenges and rewards of walking alongside college students.

We explore key characteristics of emerging adults, their thoughts about identity and faith, and the impact of cultural shifts on their spiritual practices. Sara also discusses the vital role of community in faith development and reflects on how her work with this age group has influenced her own faith journey. Sara offers valuable perspectives on supporting current and future generations of believers.

Sara recently celebrated 30 years in ministry, with over 20 years in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister. She also served churches and rural communities in Uganda. She recently started a new job in acquisitions with HarperCollins Publishers, where she will specialize in Bible Studies, spiritual growth, and congregational resources. Sara is on the preaching team at the Camarillo Church of Christ.

Connect with Sara on her podcast Emerge as well as Facebook and Instagram.

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

How does one become a missionary without ever leaving the country or even leaving town? Brandon Bell might be wondering the same thing as he finds himself back in the

Brandon is the Director of Campus Missions with the Christian Campus Community and also preaches with the Preaching Team at Singing Oaks Church in Denton, TX. He

Brandon just

Connect with Brandon via email ([email protected] or [email protected]),

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell are joined by Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines, lead pastor at Trevecca Christian Community and author of "Pastor as Midwife." Dr. Songer Gaines shares her unique perspective on how midwifery, one of the oldest vocations, provides a timeless and powerful metaphor for leadership that centers on service, empowerment, and following the lead of others. Reflecting on her research and experiences, Shawna discusses how midwives’ practices of supporting and empowering mothers can transform pastoral leadership, moving away from a centralized, leader-focused model to one that is collaborative and Spirit-led.

Listen in to gain an understanding of how pastors can adopt a de-centered leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of following the congregation's needs, encouraging active participation, and cultivating a supportive community. Shawna's reflections challenge the conventional leadership culture, offering a fresh, theologically grounded perspective that redefines success in ministry. Join us for an enriching conversation that delves into the themes of new creation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the practical steps pastors can take to embrace a midwifery model of leadership in their churches.

Shawna Songer Gaines is a follower of Jesus, lover of books, runner of mediocre ability (at best), fan of gluten-free bakeries, wife of a hilarious pastor/theologian, mother of marvelously dramatic children, pastor of a uniquely diverse and intergenerational congregation, author of some books and Bible studies, and neighbor in the curiously creative city of Nashville. She currently serves as

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Discipleship Conversations as we delve into the realm of vocational formation with Dr. Chris Cobbler, a seasoned missional theologian and the newly appointed executive director of the Center for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas online. Dr. Cobbler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table as he shares his vision for helping individuals recognize their vocations as integral parts of God's mission. Drawing from his extensive background in theology and practical ministry, Chris unveils the significance of vocational formation in today's rapidly evolving world. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to embrace your unique calling in God's grand

Dr. Christopher Cobbler was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada, and currently resides in Michigan with his wife and three children. He and his wife, Kahra, have been immersed in many faith traditions; he values the intersectional aspects of his journey and passionately desires to see communities in the church and academy become a sign, instrument and foretaste of the kingdom of

Join hosts Tiffany Dahlman, Steven Carrizal, and Jeremy Hoover in the latest episode of "Discipleship Conversations," where they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the pressing issue of church decline and the innovative ways that some Christian faith communities are responding. The hosts engage with an article by Chris Flanders from Mission Alive's Reimagining Church series titled: “Kainos Koinonias: How Innovative Faith Communities Embody the Missio Dei.” In the article, Chris challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's missional calling in ever-expanding cultural contexts. As

Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Alive Newsletter to read more from the Reimaging Church series and to receive new posts each

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized

Are you a Christian parent with an emerging adult child that is choosing a different faith than you expected? Are you an emerging adult discovering spiritual renewal as you find a path to faith and spirituality apart from the tradition of your youth? Many Christian families are experiencing a change in their family faith dynamic as emerging adults discover their own path to faith and spirituality. On this episode of Discipleship Conversations, we talk with guests Greg Taylor and Jacob Taylor, a father and son navigating a shift in familial faith. Listen in as they share their experience about how they are navigating these changes, finding common ground, and moving closer to one another in the process.

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to ⁠[email protected]⁠. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at ⁠www.missionalive.org/media⁠. Intro and outro music is by ⁠audionautix.com⁠. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at ⁠www.missionalive.org⁠.

It is the season of Advent! Check out our latest podcast episode as hosts Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Cheryl Russell, and Jeremy Hoover, discuss Advent and what it has meant to them personally and in their ministries. Whether you're a seasoned

Advent isn't just about lighting candles or following traditions; it's about finding hope in Jesus, creating balance in the holiday chaos, and bringing warmth to your life and community. It is about discovering how a Christ-centered Advent propels us forward and invites us to partner with God in making the world a better place in the present. We hope that our candid discussion will resonate with you, especially if you are seeking a season of reflection, hope, and anticipation.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized

Episode Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash