Enter the Grayzone

In Part-1 of the conversation, I get personal with my friend Tim Michael, we explore the emotional journey of leaving a lifelong church amidst a scandal, not being awkward, and seeking God's timing.

Tim's new church PLANT

WARNING: this episode will talk about death by suicide and mental health.

In this heartfelt, Robby speaks candidly with Dean Sikes; a passionate advocate for eradicating hopelessness among teenagers. Dean shares his journey of speaking at over 4,000 events, spreading a message of hope and purpose. From his personal testimony of overcoming adversity to his mission of addressing teenage suicide, Dean's story is a powerful reminder that every life matters. His new book, You Matter, is the legacy of his ministry which he gives away to hundreds of teens everyday.

#Hope #TeenSupport #Faith

Dean's Website

In this bonus episode I am joined by Dr. Matthew Boedy to discuss his book: The 7 Mountains Mandate: Exposing the Dangerous Plan to Christianize America and Destroy Democracy

Matthew and I delve into the multi-decade plan by a minority of Christian leaders to gain control and influence over key cultural and political institutions in America. Boedy provides his expertise on Turning Point USA and Charlie Kirk and their role in promoting this philosophy. We break down the dangers and risks of this particular branch of Christian Nationalism and its contrariness to the Biblical Gospel. Buckle up!

Do ALL Christians think climate change is a hoax? Should they? What does care for God's creation look like in the age of conspiracy theories and dispensationalism? We GO THERE.

Paul McGhie is former Hillsong Bible College trainer, w/ his masters in Biblical Studies, and now works as a Sustainability advisor and consultant in city Infrastructure in Mebourne, Australia.

https://biologos.org/ for faith and science resources

https://www.katharinehayhoe.com/ and https://billmckibben.substack.com/ for faith friendly voices

https://www.bbcearth.com/shows/planet-earth and https://www.abc.net.au/education/digibooks/fight-for-planet-a-our-climate-change-challenge/ for some inspiration

and podcasts on climate change https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/

Immigration is complicated, but for Bri Stensrud, it doesn't have to be. Bri discusses the need for compassion and love for immigrants as well as safe secure borders. As the founder of Women of Welcome, Bri engages with women on a regular basis to challenge their immigration assertions and build compassionate communities of understanding.

Women of Welcome is a community dedicated to diving into the whole of scripture to understand God’s heart for the immigrant and refugee.

Women of Welcome Website

Were you SPANKED for discipline as a child?

This conversation is probably for you. Robby and Melissa dive into myths that were and ARE prevalent in Christian evangelicalism related to good parenting. Alongside co-author Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, Marissa wrote The Myth of Good Christian Parenting. This good faith reading of resources and testimonies from the 'Dobson' era provides criticism and reflection that hopefully helps people deconstruct in a healthy way. We don't have to make the same mistakes nor do we have to point fingers and blame others ad abandon our faith altogether. What's a good way forward?

Pre-Order BONUSES

Link to download of the introduction and first chapter of he Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How false promises betrayed a generation of evangelical families.
Find the book on Amazon

Order from Baker for guaranteed release day delivery

Bookshop book link 

Audible link

Marissa Franks Burt (MA in Theological Studies, Columbia International University) is a novelist, editor, teacher, and cohost of the At Home with the Lectionary and In the Church Library podcasts. She lives in a small town in Washington's Snoqualmie Valley with her husband, six children, and heaps of books.

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis (PhD, University of Iowa) is a musicologist, educator, and correspondent for Christianity Today, writing on worship practices and Christian subculture. She is an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines and previously worked at the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights.The book is available for pre-order across platforms:

Amber Albee Swenson shares her journey of faith, the importance of confidence in God, and how media can be a powerful tool for ministry. She discusses her book, 'Key to Confidence,' emphasizing that true confidence comes from understanding our identity in Christ. The discussion also touches on the challenges of greed, the significance of stewardship, and the impact of small acts of kindness in our communities. Amber encourages listeners to embrace their unique callings and to trust in God's plan for their lives.

Amber's Book

Amber's Website

Amber's Podcast

In this conversation, Robby speaks with Natalie Runion, author of 'I Don't Even Like Women,' about the complexities of women's relationships within the church and with each other. Natalie does NOT hold back and calls on women to step up and take ownership of their choices and responses. They explore themes of competition, trauma, and the need for sacred sisterhood, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for women to connect and grow. Natalie shares her personal journey and insights on how women can empower each other and navigate the challenges they face in ministry and beyond.

Get the Book HERE

In the episode, we mention this book by Beth Allison Barr

Robby and Miles Gloetzner explore the complex and sensitive topic of euthanasia and medical assistance in dying (MAID). They discuss the mission of Inhora Home, a hospice home providing free care and housing to those at the end of their lives, and how faith and compassion drive their work. The conversation delves into the dignity of life, the cultural perspectives on death, and the importance of community support during the dying process. They emphasize the need for compassion and understanding in the face of suffering, and the significance of allowing loved ones to share in the journey of dying.

Inhora Home

Wounded by Love - St Porphyrios

Robby's Patreon

In this conversation, Robby Ortiz explores the complex issue of restoring pastors who have faced moral failures. He discusses the biblical standards for pastoral leadership, the dangers of charismatic leadership, and the need for accountability and humility within the church. Robby emphasizes that restoration should focus on community and personal growth rather than returning to positions of power. He calls for a reevaluation of how the church handles fallen leaders and advocates for a more humble approach to ministry.