Friendly Chats

Strahan Coleman is a musician, writer, psalmist and storyteller from New Zealand. His folk music is contemplative, and his writing and teaching on prayer are a help to anyone looking to commune more deeply with God.  Take some time to check out Strahan's music, which can be found on a multitude of platforms, and connect with him on social media at @strahanmusic or @commoners_communion. Strahan is a fantastic person, and we hope that you'll enjoy this conversation as much as Luke did.

Dr. Angela Gorrell, a practical theologian at Baylor's Truett Seminary, will be in chapel at Friends University on September 30, 2021. Dr. G studies and writes about a myriad of topics, but her focuses are on joy, as well as navigating the new media landscape. Luke and Dr. G have a conversation about how to live a more theologically grounded and fulfilling, connected life in the world of social media.

Dr. Luke Bobo is the Vice President of networks at Made to Flourish, an organization that empowers pastors and their churches to integrate faith, work, and economic wisdom for the flourishing of their communities. Dr. Bobo is a published author, gifted educator, and his wisdom is a true gift. We hope you'll take time to listen to this episode.

Nigel Cottle loves community. He's one of the founders of Crave Cafe, one of the best cafés in New Zealand; even NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Arden gets her coffee there. Nigel and the Crave Collective moved into the neighborhood of Morningside in Auckland, New Zealand with the intention of making good in the 'hood. Nigel is brimming with life and energy as he chats with us from Crave, where he talks about a theology of failure, the necessity of risk, and the wonderful neighborhood he calls home. 

Dr. Michael Frost's books and blogs have had a shaping and guiding influence on Friends University's Campus Ministries, so we were thrilled to have him on the Friendly Chats podcast! Mike is a professor, missiologist, and thinker from Sydney, Australia. In this episode, he and Luke discuss approaches to church and community identity in a post-Christendom age.

Not sure what that is? It's the world you live in where Christianity is no longer the cultural default.

Blake Sherman, outgoing missionary with Greater European Mission, talks about his experiences and growing wisdom in living in community and relationships with other people. Blake and his family live in Waco, TX where he is on staff at First Baptist Woodway, but will be moving to the UK this year.

Ray Chang, campus pastor at Wheaton College, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative, and all around great guy,  joins us in our first episode of season two! Ray and Luke have a conversation about life in community, and how we can push for deeper levels of relationships.

Paul Nix of InnerChange joins us in this latest episode of Friendly Chats. Paul and his family are a part of InnerChange, a Christian order that journeys with the poor. Paul talks with us about incarnational ministry and the importance of reverse hospitality. 
 

Shannon Hopkins of Rooted Good  shares with us about social entrepreneurship, change, and the courageous path following Jesus can take you on. Shannon has worked with Matryoshka Haus  in London, England tackling social problems with creativity and connection. Her work as been recognized by the United Nations, and she has worked with churches and major corporations in helping them see the possible in new ways.