Great things can happen when a congregation stops asking, “How have we always done this?” and starts asking, “What does our community need now?” In this episode of What’s Brewing, Blake Smith talks with Brooke and Thomas Schlenker of Highland Park, WA Congregation about their sacred (and un-conditional) yes to congregational leadership and to new ideas ... embracing experimentation, and becoming comfortable with the discomfort of change. Highland Park offers a compelling glimpse of what can happen when faith communities prepare well, take risks, learn from failure, and follow where the Spirit leads.  

Listen to more episodes in the What’s Brewing series. 

Download the transcript. 

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Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

There are times when we take our bodies for granted... abusing them with lengthy to-do lists of tasks that test the limits of our capacity. We go about our lives as if the “vessels” we have been given are unshakable, unbreakable, and without limits. How often do we thank others for the things they do for us, yet forget to take time to thank our bodies for getting us through the day? Join host Shannon McAdam for a blessing of the body. Take time to acknowledge and give thanks for the body you have been given, while allowing it a moment or two to rest and be blessed. 

Joyce Rupp, Out of the Ordinary: Prayers, Poems, and Reflections for Every Season, (Ave Maria Press, 2011). 

Listen to other Episodes in the Awaken to God’s Presence series.  

Download the transcript. 

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Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

Wrestling with God can be painful, but it just might be worth it if it transforms us. In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore Jacob’s mysterious nighttime struggle in Genesis 32—and the lasting mark it leaves on him. Be prepared to reflect on the ways our own encounters with God, uncertainty, and the sacred can leave us changed, sometimes even limping into a new way of being. As we wrestle with the questions and challenges of our own lives, we’re invited to slow down, pay attention, and discover what blessing might be waiting for us in the darkness. 

Listen to more episodes in the Coffee to Go series. 

Download the transcript. 

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
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Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

In this latest episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Robin Linkhart sits down with David Wilson, a lifelong member of Community of Christ, who shares his journey from growing up in a church-centric family in Detroit to his current active involvement. David recounts his early church experiences, including youth activities and the impact of changes like the call of women to the priesthood, open communion, acceptance of LGBTQ+ members, and the name change to Community of Christ. David's story highlights the evolving nature of the church and the importance of its mission in fostering inclusivity and social justice.  

Listen to more episodes in the Chai Can’t Even series. 

Download the transcript. 

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
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Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

What if nothing—not suffering, rejection, failure, or even our deepest pain—could separate us from the love of God? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they explore Romans 8:26–39 and Paul’s powerful assurance that God’s love is not reserved for a select few but is expansive, extravagant, and available to all. Reflect on how divine love meets us in the midst of suffering and calls us to become people who practice that same lavish love through compassion, justice, peace, and deep listening.  

Listen to other episodes in the Coffee to Go Series. 

Download the transcript. 

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

What if the most powerful way to change hearts and minds is simply to invite someone into your family? In this moving episode of Grounds for Peace, Palestinian American filmmaker Monear Shaer shares the deeply personal story behind his documentary Gaza Is Our Home, offering an intimate window into his family, the beauty of life in Gaza, and the devastating realities they have endured. Joined by hosts, Linda Stanbridge and Blake Smith, Monear explores the power of storytelling to restore humanity, challenge narratives, and call us to bear witness when suffering is hidden or forgotten. This is a compelling conversation about family, faith, courage, and the responsibility we each have to see in order to learn, and act for peace. 

 Watch the film, “Gaza is Our Home.” 

Reach out to Monear or his team via email [email protected] or [email protected]  

Learn more about the Community of Christ 2026 Peace Forum. 

Listen to other episodes in the Grounds for Peace series. 

Download the transcript.

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

Belonging matters! What does it mean to find a place where you truly belong? Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, as they explore Jacob's dream at Bethel (Genesis 28:10–19) as a story of pilgrimage, migration, and unexpected encounters with God's presence. Reflect on how our journeys—whether across borders, through life's transitions, or back to cherished places—shape our identity and reveal that our deepest home is found in God's abiding presence.  

Listen to more episodes in the Coffee to Go series. 

Download the transcript.

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

Even as air quality warnings have been issues as a result of raging fires in the Western USA, we once again find ourselves in the midst of camping season, So, while campgrounds are on our minds, why not think creatively about how to sustain those resources while contributing to environmental justice? As you’ll hear in this episode in the Climate Brewing Series that originally aired in July of 2024, there are several things we can do. Join host Susan Oxley, as she sits down with fellow Climate Justice Team member, Joan Thompson, to discuss some of those “doable” things. You may be surprised at how easy some of these ideas are to implement. In a denomination where camping has had a huge impact on communal and spiritual growth... we can’t afford to do nothing. 

Listen to other episodes in the Climate Brewing series. 

Download the transcript. 

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

Are you playing it safe with your life, or are you scattering your gifts with reckless abandon? In this episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith dig into the famous Parable of the Sower from the Gospel of Matthew. Positioned in the midst of "Ordinary Time"—the liturgical season built for growing in our discipleship—this scripture challenges us to look closely at the soil of our own hearts.

Listen to other episodes in the Coffee to Go series. 

Download the transcript. 

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ. 

The wait is over! In this episode of Grounds for Peace, host Blake Smith sits down with Joelle Wight, director of the upcoming 2026 Peace Forum, to talk about the highly anticipated return of the church's flagship peace event. Joelle shares how we can embrace "faithful disagreement" with wonder, what to expect from the brand-new Creative Reuse Pop-Up, and the incredibly inclusive ways for adults, youth, and global online congregations to participate.   

Secure your early bird registration before September 1st!

Listen to other episodes in the Grounds for Peace series. 

Download the transcript.

Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!


Intro and Outro music used with permission: 

“For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. [email protected] 

“The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). 

All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey.  

NOTE: The series that make up Faith Unfiltered explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Faith Unfiltered is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.