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

Walking the Camino de Santiago, as Kevin & Shelly Huddleston did (see Season 5 Episode 10), is a big undertaking. But what if we could see pilgrimage and the lessons of pilgrimage in the everyday of our lives. In this episode, the hosts have a roundtable discussion about finding and implementing pilgrimage in our ministry contexts.

Each day between two and three thousand people arrive in Santiago, Spain as pilgrims. This past summer, Kevin and Shelly Huddleston were two among that number on July 13 as they along with a small group of friends completed a 14-day walk on the Camino de Santiago. In this episode, we talk the two of them about their pilgrimage experience—about how they were formed by daily prayer, an expanding understanding of community, and the expected and surprising presence of God.

Kevin & Shelly Huddleston have been in ministry together for over 35 years. They spent 30 years in congregational ministry and now Kevin is the Director of Ministries for Arms of Hope, a Christian care organization that cares for children and single moms with families. He has a Bachelors degree from Abilene Christian University, a Masters degree in Missional Leadership from Rochester University and a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation from Lipscomb University. His doctoral emphasis is on Sabbath and the Mission of God. Shelly is an assistant superintendent with the San Angelo Independent School District where she has worked for the past 28 years and holds a Bachelors in Communication from ACU and a Masters in Education from Angelo State. Both Kevin and Shelly are certified Spiritual Directors. Best of all, they have a few awesome pairs in their lives: 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 2 grandsons and 2 rescue schnauzers that rule the house. They are excited to share their passion for families and the love of Jesus.

You can reach them via Facebook or by email: [email protected] and [email protected].