In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland introduces a vision he has been articulating for years—a way of understanding both his own spiritual journey and the identity of the church he serves, Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Derek describes it as a holy convergence: the coming together of the gifts and wisdom of multiple Christian traditions within one church centered on Jesus.  

While many churches identify primarily with one denomination or stream of Christianity, Derek reflects on how his church has been shaped by influences from across the historic Christian tradition: Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, Protestantism, Anabaptism, Classic Evangelicalism, and Pentecostalism. Rather than focusing on division or doctrinal tribalism, this episode explores what each tradition uniquely contributes to the life of the Church. 

Drawing on voices like Jaroslav Pelikan, G. K. Chesterton, and Brian Zahnd, Derek reflects on the difference between tradition and traditionalism, the beauty of learning from the whole Church, and the need for Christians to recover humility, curiosity, and unity in a polarized age. 

This episode serves as an introduction to a forthcoming series exploring seven Christian traditions and the unique gifts each brings to the body of Christ. 

Key Takeaways 

• Every church has traditions, even contemporary non-denominational churches. 
• Tradition is not inherently bad. It is the collective wisdom of the past handed down through generations. 
• Traditionalism is different from tradition; it is “the dead faith of the living.” 
• No single Christian tradition contains the fullness of Christian experience. 
• Christians are enriched when they learn from the whole Church. 
• The Church is one house with many windows, different perspectives illuminating the same light. 
• Unity does not require uniformity. 
• A “holy convergence” values the gifts of multiple traditions while remaining centered on Jesus. 

Scriptures Mentioned 

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 
• 1 Corinthians 11:2 
• Mark 7:8–9 
• Romans 11:33 
• Acts 1:8 

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Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: 
Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs 
Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk 
Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 

Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch  

Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com 

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