Going Deeper

Matters of faith, justice and first nations people have historically been neglected conversations. But God is restoring the voice of Australia's indigenous Christian apostolic leaders and prophetic voices, as a part of the move of God that is stirring. Pastor Ada Boland from the Indigenous Apostolic and Prophetic Voice, and Pastor Di (part of Ps Ada's Visionary Elders Groups) join Ps Robyn and Ps Jo to discuss their faith journey, and the invitation to all people to join into a unified church.

When we want to connect with people about the Christian faith, the questions of God's existence, justice and the way the world around us seems to work against a vision of flourishing, the questions can be insurmountable. But with compassion, a little insight, and an emphasis on loving others well, we can help bridge those gaps. Dan Patterson, from Questioning Christianity, talks to Ps Jo & Ps Robyn about how we can best talk about justice with those around us.

When something is lost, when someone is in trouble, the Bible tells us that we should turn to God for the answers. But the lived experience of many Christians is not that way. Rob Spurr and the Prophetic Finders ministry do exactly that - they ask God where people and things are. Seem overly simple, or an excuse to not do anything practical? That might be, until you hear from the Lord on people smuggling and break up human trafficking rings! Rob shares both the journey into and daily practices of listening to God to help people find hope. There's so much to do that comes from effective prayer!

The Oceania/Pacific region covers such a diverse range of cultures, ethnic heritage and spiritual expression. In the midst of that, Elissa MacPherson has the task of uniting women around the truth of Jesus within their common stories. Elissa is the President of the Baptist Women of the Pacific, and Ps Jo Leutton and Ps Robyn Robertson from Riverlife Church talk with her about the blessings and challenges of uniting such a diverse community, as she seeks to walk together with people to unlock deeper compassion and solidarity.

Rod Callanan felt the call of God to invest in the people and future of his home continent of Africa. Small steps of obedience from Rob birthed DIAS - Droplets In A Stream, which aims to resource selected Partner Organisations in Africa that care for and bring hope to vulnerable children. This initial step then led to the team growing, to include Jen Barker, and has resulted in a decade and a half of growth, lives set free, and now influencing changes for justice national legislation changed in Uganda. Ps Robyn Robertson and Ps Jo Leutton spoke to Rod and Jen following the Talking Justice event at Riverlife Church in April 2021.

Dave Andrews' life has been one marked by responding to opportunities to see what God might do if someone is willing to respond. From Afghanistan to India to the West End of Brisbane, Dave and his wife Angie have spent their life loving everyone God brings into their lives, most often the poorest and most maligned in the places God takes them to.

From the disadvantaged, the misunderstood, the marginalised and those who have lost their way, Dave has practised what Jesus taught no matter the cost. He describes himself as a Christian Anarchist and practices non-violence, and the fruit of his life is a challenge and an invitation. Dave spoke with Ps Robyn Robertson and Ps Jo Leutton as part of our Talking Justice series.

See Dave's website for information about his books, lectures, teaching and music - daveandrews.com.au

God plants seeds throughout our lives that call our hearts to His. Amy Smith is no different: through a childhood exposed to the missional heart of God, through politics, to the International Justice mission, God has been calling her to be a voice for the voiceless. Jo chats with Amy about her journey, and her work as Chief Advocacy Officer at IJM.

Advocacy - speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves - is part of Jesus's example to us. But should all believer's be advocates? In the first episode of our series 'Talking Justice', hosts Jo Leutton and Robyn Robertson are joined by the Rev. Tim Costello and Beck Wilesmith from Micah Australia and talk about the importance of advocacy for disciples of Jesus.

The Going Deeper book club is back! Every couple of months, we'll read and discuss a book with a panel of different people.

This episode, we are taking a look at Pete Greig's "How to Pray: a simple Guide for Normal People". Jo is joined by Claudine Hawkins and Ryan Vallee, as they unpack the book, what they learned, and why the book is an essential read for every Christian!

As we spend the start of 2021 focussing on Jesus, we're taking the time on Going Deeper to talk to people about their stories of encountering Jesus, and the difference that has made in their lives. Today, Jo chats with Ps Petrea Taylor, the new Children's Pastor at Riverlife, about her journey to being on staff, and her own encounters with Jesus that have profoundly changed her life.