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Ruth Harvey and Christine Sine explore the relationship between work and worship, emphasizing how skilled laborers can contribute to spiritual leadership. Ruth highlights the importance of a rhythm of daily prayer and the ethical use of time and resources within a community, as well as a commitment to justice and integrity. She discusses her formative faith experiences and her long history with Iona - which goes back to childhood. Finally they reflect on Celtic Saints and the beauty and depth of Celtic Advent - a 40 day tradition parallel to Lent.

Iona takeaways

• Those early workers would pray and learn together.
• Anyone, including the skilled laborers building Iona, could lead worship.
• A commitment to daily prayer is still upheld.
• Members discuss how they use their time and money.
• Members of the Iona Community live under a Rule of Life made of four rules.
• The community values justice, peace, and integrity.
• The use of Earth's resources and ethical living are shared concerns.

Ruth Harvey is a leader in the Iona Community grounded in both the Quaker and Church of Scotland traditions. She has particular responsibility for Iona Community Life: Membership and Pastoral Care, Communications and Public Witness. 

In work and worship
     God is with us
Gathered and scattered
     God is with us
Now and always
     God is with us

We speak these words in Iona Abbey, at our
kitchen table, in small groups across the globe,
and as we meet in community.

Prayer and reflection inspire us to act for
justice and peace in the world. And as a
movement for change, we inspire each other to
live out our faith wherever we find ourselves.

We are convinced that communities are not just
the stuff of dreams. At their best, they are radical,
inclusive spaces where everyone belongs and
everyone has the potential to change the world.
And that includes you.

To find out more about the Iona Community:

• iona.org.uk
• fb and Insta: @IonaCommunity
• youtube: @IonaCommunityOnline
• ionabooks.com

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In this first episode in a series preparing for Celtic Advent, Roy Searle joins Christine to discuss his own spiritual journey, Celtic Spirituality and the Northumbria Community. Roy moved from a happy, un-churched childhood to an adulthood influenced by friends and mentors from a variety of Christian traditions. He himself has led a number of different Christian churches and communities, including the Northumbria Community, a geographically diverse community of believers. Christine and Roy explore the particular blessings of Celtic Spirituality and discuss ways of being and doing Church. 

Roy Searle lives with his wife Shirley in Newcastle, in the north-east of England. A father of four and grandfather of eight, Roy loves spending time with family and friends, playing a lot of sport, and spending time in his beloved Northumberland. A Northumbrian by birth and calling, he is a companion and former leader of the Northumbria Community, www.northumbriacommunity.org. He is a former President of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, a creative pioneer ambassador, leadership mentor, a member of the Renovare Board in Britain and Ireland, www.renovare.org.uk, an associate of a Northumbrian Collective www.northumbrian.org and a member of The Commons executive team, https://www.thecommonscooperative.com. He contributed and was part of the editorial team that compiled Celtic Daily Prayer and he has recently published a book on Forming Communities of Hope in the Great Unravelling: Leadership in a changing world, with his friend, the Canadian missiologist Alan Roxburgh (interviewed by Christine this year, here.)

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In this conversation, Christine Sine interviews Ben Lowe, exploring his multicultural background, faith journey, and deep connection to creation. They discuss the importance of environmental stewardship within Christian theology, the blind spots often present in traditional teachings, and the growing engagement of Christians in environmental issues. They discuss the theological perspectives that inform Christian attitudes towards creation care, the impact of political identity on environmental attitudes, and the importance of education and connection to nature in fostering a love for God's creation. Lowe shares insights about A Rocha's mission and various initiatives aimed at promoting ecological awareness and action within communities. 

Takeaways

• Ben Lowe's upbringing in Singapore fostered a love for creation.
• Many Christians overlook the importance of creation in theology.
• Cultural lenses can distort our understanding of God's Word.
• Environmental issues are often rooted in social crises and attitudes are driven by political identity rather than theology..
• Christians should be at the forefront of environmental care.
• The Left Behind theology can create a disconnect from environmental concerns.
• Understanding scripture in context is crucial for responsible environmental stewardship.
• Caring for creation begins with knowing and loving the world around us.
• A Rocha's mission is to equip others to care for creation.
• Churches can serve as community hubs for environmental action.
• Simple actions like composting can make a difference.
• The invitation to care for creation is a privilege and responsibility.

Rev Dr Ben Lowe is the Executive Director of A Rocha USA, a Christian environmental conservation organization and part of the worldwide A Rocha network. He holds a BS in environmental biology from Wheaton College and a PhD in the human and religious dimensions of environmental change from the University of Florida (USA). Originally from Singapore, Ben is an ordained minister, the author of multiple books, and was the founding national organizer of Young Evangelicals for Climate Action. Ben is currently based in the warm and watery state of Florida, USA, where he can often be found kayaking around the mangroves. 

More about A Rocha can be found here

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Brian McLaren discusses his journey into writing science fiction with Christine Sine as they discuss his latest book, The Last Voyage. He was inspired by the socio-political climate and his Christian faith. They explore the prophetic nature of sci-fi, the importance of community and diversity, and the transformative power of conflict. McLaren emphasizes the need for imagination in church work and in addressing contemporary challenges and rethinking leadership within a collaborative framework. The discussion also touches on environmental concerns and the role of storytelling in shaping a better future.

Takeaways

• Brian Mclaren's journey into science fiction began after the 2016 US election.
• He views science fiction as a prophetic genre that can help us imagine the future.
• The importance of diversity and of including artists and ethicists in problem-solving is emphasized.
• The conflicts between characters in stories can lead to transformative experiences.
• Mclaren reflects on the need for humility among different groups to work together.
• The conversation highlights the role of community in storytelling and problem-solving.
• McLaren discusses the environmental implications of his work and the need for a collective response to crisis.
• The trilogy he is writing aims to explore these themes through a narrative lens.

A former English professor, Brian D. McLaren was a pastor for twenty-four years. Now he’s an author, activist, public theologian, and popular public speaker. His work has been covered in TIME Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN. The author of more than 15 books, including Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, Faith After Doubt, Do I Stay Christian? and A New Kind of Christianity, he is a faculty member of The Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation. You can find Brian's blog, social media links, and contact information on his website, brianmclaren.net

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In this conversation, Christine Sine and Mark Wallace explore the intersection of faith, ecology, and the divine. Mark shares his journey from a traditional evangelical background to a deeper understanding of the relationship between religion and the natural world. They discuss the concept of the creatureliness of God, emphasizing how God is embodied and represented in nature and the implications of environmental destruction on spirituality. The conversation also highlights the importance of figures like John Muir in bridging faith and nature, and the need for a spiritual reconnection to the earth in the face of climate change.

Takeaways

• Mark emphasizes the importance of mystery and awe in faith.
• Religion and ecology are deeply interconnected.
• The loss of biodiversity reflects a spiritual crisis and damage to God.
• The Bible uses earth-based imagery to refer to God.
• John Muir saw no contradiction between faith and nature.
• Killing animals impacts our relationship with God.
• Worshiping nature can be a form of spiritual practice.
• The current environmental crisis is a tragedy for God.

Mark I. Wallace is the James Hormel Professor of Social Justice in the Department of Religion at Swarthmore College. At Swarthmore, he directs the ChesterSemester Fellowship in which college students work alongside Chester PA city partners in high-value internships focused on education and environmental justice. He has been a visiting professor at The University of Pennsylvania, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Japan International Christian University, and is core faculty for the U.S. State Department's Institutes on Religious Pluralism at Temple University. His many books include When God Was a Bird: Christianity, Animism, and the Re-Enchantment of the World (Fordham University Press 2019), awarded the 2019 Nautilus Gold Award for best book in Western religious thought; and Green Christianity: Five Ways to a Sustainable Future (Fortress 2010). His research has been supported by the American Council of Learned Societies, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Eugene M. Lang Foundation, the American Academy of Religion, and the National Endowment of the Humanities.

To reach Mark I. Wallace, he/him:

• James Hormel Professor of Social Justice, Dept. of Religion, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore PA 19081, 
• [email protected], 
• https://swarthmore.zoom.us/j/5095249320,  
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_I._Wallace

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In this conversation, Christine Sine interviews Ash Barker about his journey with Urban Neighbours of Hope, exploring themes of community development, cultural transitions, and the importance of empowering local talent. They discuss the challenges and rewards of working in diverse environments, the impact of family dynamics on community work, and the significance of participatory church models. Ash shares inspiring stories, including that of Poo, a local chef who transformed her life through community support. The conversation also touches on the role of spiritual practices, the challenges of chronic illness, and the power of storytelling in reimagining communities. Ultimately, Ash emphasizes the importance of Jesus' model of empowerment and the need for humor and community in ministry.

Takeaways

• Cultural transitions can shape community development approaches.
• Empowering local talent leads to sustainable change.
• Family dynamics play a crucial role in community work.
• Leadership transitions can open new opportunities for growth.
• The seedbed vision emphasizes cultivating local leaders.
• Participatory church models foster community engagement.
• Spiritual practices help in paying attention to community needs.
• Chronic illness can impact community work but also provide insights.
• Storytelling is vital in reimagining communities.

Husband to a force of nature (Anji) and Dad to two amazing young people (Amy and Aiden), Ash has spent over 30 years living and serving on the front line of urban poverty and has a passion to release the unique potential of urban people and places. Since 2014, the Barkers have been based in Winson Green, inner city Birmingham, UK. They founded Newbigin House which started two new local congregations as well as innovative organisations such as Newbigin Community Trust (NewbiginTrust.uk), Red Letter Christians UK (RedLetterChristians.org.uk) and Urban Shalom Society (UrbanShalomSociety.org). Ash and Anji are also United Reformed Church Ministers of Lodge Road Community Church in Winson Green with Anji also leading Newbigin Community Trust. A strategic focus for Ash is leading Seedbeds (the public name for Newbigin School for Urban Leadership). Through responsive, practical and innovative programmes, Seedbeds grows local leaders and communities into fullness of life, believing that every local community can flourish, but few neighbourhoods realise their unique potential. Seedbeds equips local people and places to discover, connect and release their unique potential together from the inside out.

More information about Ash Barker can be found at 

• Seedbeds website 
• Seedbeds donations
• Seedbeds facebook 
• Seedbeds youtube 

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In this conversation with Christine, Mike Frost shares his journey from a conventional upbringing to becoming an advocate for social justice and a voice in the church. He discusses the importance of understanding the intersection of faith and activism, the role of Australians in global conversations, and the impact of his work, particularly the book 'The Shaping of Things to Come'. Mike emphasizes the need for the church to embrace eccentricity and adapt its mission to the context of modern society, drawing on historical examples of transformative figures like Alice Sealy Harris.

Takeaways

• Mike's upbringing in a socially conscious family shaped his commitment to social justice but there was a disconnect between his faith and activism.
• The church's role in social justice is increasingly recognized among younger generations.
• Cultural perspectives influence how social justice is approached in different communities.
• Australians have a unique voice in global church conversations.
• The book 'The Shaping of Things to Come' emerged from a personal journey of renewal.
• Eccentricity in Christianity is essential for fostering inclusive communities.
• Mission should adapt to the context in which it is practiced.
• Historical examples of advocacy can inspire modern mission work.
• Embracing new shapes in mission is crucial for relevance in today's society.

Michael Frost is an internationally recognized Australian missiologist and one of the leading voices in the missional church movement. Since 1999, Dr Frost has been the founding director of the Tinsley Institute, a mission study centre located at Morling College in Sydney, Australia. He is the author or editor of nineteen theological books, the best known of which are the popular and award-winning, The Shaping of Things to Come (2003), Exiles (2006), The Road to Missional (2011) and Surprise the World! (2016). Frost’s work has been translated into German, Korean, Swedish, Portuguese and Spanish.

He was one of the founders of the Forge Mission Training Network and the founder of the missional Christian community, smallboatbigsea, based in Manly in Sydney’s north. He is also well known for his protests against Australia’s treatment of refugees, some of which have resulted in his arrest by the NSW police, as well as his advocacy for racial reconciliation, foreign aid, and gender equality.

You can find out more about Mike Frost at https://mikefrost.net.

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In this conversation, Christine Sine and John van de Laar explore John's journey of faith, identity, and the transformative power of liturgy. They discuss the challenges of navigating faith as an autistic individual, the importance of engaging with liturgy in a meaningful way, and the reinterpretation of the Book of Revelation in contemporary contexts. John's experiences highlight the intersection of personal faith, community, and the evolving understanding of spirituality.

Takeaways

• Liturgy plays a crucial role in personal transformation.
• Liturgy should engage all senses.
• Revelation can be understood as a timeless message embedded in a message fully shaped by its moment in history.
• The church calendar can be adapted for Southern Hemisphere contexts.
• Faith communities can be both inclusive and challenging for autistic individuals.
• John emphasizes the need for honesty in faith expressions.

John Van de Laar is a progressive, autistic writer, musician, theologian, and liturgist who loves exploring life, Jesus the Christ, the Bible, liturgy, and worship (in the broadest sense) from the perspective of evolutionary spirituality. John is the author of three books, including The Hour That Changes Everything, and writes at Sacredise Your Life! on Substack (https://sacredise.substack.com/publish/home). John lives outside of Johannesburg, South Africa, with his wife Debbie. They have two adult sons. 

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In this conversation with Christine, Alan Roxburgh shares his transformative journey of faith, beginning from his working-class roots in Liverpool to his current life in Canada. He discusses the evolution of missional living, emphasizing the importance of relationality and community over traditional church practices. Alan highlights the need for churches to shift their focus from programs to genuine relationships, addressing the loneliness and isolation prevalent in modern society. He advocates for simple, everyday practices that foster connection with God and others, while navigating the complexities of a changing world.

Takeaways

• Experiencing love for the first time led Alan to Christianity.
• Missional living is about being present, not programs.
• Communities centered around God can address societal loneliness.
• Eating together fosters community and connection.
• Our people are not our projects; they are loved by God.
• Shifting focus from church growth to relationality is crucial.
• Practices like dwelling in scripture help build community.
• Asking new questions is more important than finding answers.
• Simplicity in faith practices can lead to deeper engagement.

Alan J. Roxburgh a pastor, seminary professor, and mentor in leadership and missional transformation, who has written thirteen books on missional leadership and culture change. In his work he addresses questions of church and mission, convinced the Spirit is fermenting a movement of God's people that can't be contained in narratives of renewal, reform, or fixing existing systems. Alan was born in Liverpool England but now live in British Columbia Canada. When not traveling or writing, Alan enjoys mountain biking, hiking, cooking and hanging out with Jane and their five grandchildren as well as drinking great coffee in the Pacific North West.

Alan can be found at TMN | Journal | Missional Commons
YouTube | Blog | Books | Twitter | Facebook

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In this conversation, Christine Sine and Rachel G. Jordan explore the intersection of marine biology, faith, and environmental conservation. They discuss personal journeys into marine science, the challenges faced by women in the field, and the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems. The conversation also highlights the threats to coral reefs and practical steps individuals can take to contribute to conservation efforts, emphasizing the role of faith in understanding and responding to environmental issues.

Takeaways

• Rachel's journey into marine biology was inspired by childhood experiences in tide pools.
• The wonder found in studying the natural world scientifically deepens faith.
• The scientific community has been curious about Rachel's faith and open to her experiences, offering deep conversations.
• In Rachel's experience, women in marine science are increasingly supported within the scientific community.
• Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience and stability.
• The natural world is a manifestation of what God values. Its diverse, interconnected design shows us God's plan for what to value and how to thrive.
• Coral reefs face significant threats from climate change and human activity.
• Coral bleaching is an existential crisis caused by rising ocean temperatures.
• Practical actions, like reducing plastic use, can help protect marine ecosystems.
• Understanding the interconnectedness of ecosystems is vital for conservation efforts.

Rachel G. Jordan is a professional marine biologist and lay theologian. A self-
professed Jesus-loving coral nerd, she was raised in Idaho and has since traveled the globe chasing her passion for faith and science. She has an MS in marine biology and ecology from James Cook University (Australia), a BS in ecology from Seattle Pacific University (USA), and a certification in biblical studies from Bodenseehof Bible School (Germany). In addition to working as a coral biologist for the US National Park Service, Rachel has worked in marine aquaculture research, organic chemistry laboratories, veterinary research facilities, the pet industry, and a museum. When not diving or writing, she can be found reading C.S. Lewis, growing wildflowers, and exploring creation with her husband. 

Rachel Jordan can be found on Instagram @shorelinesoul or at rachelgjordan.com

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