In this enlightening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores what makes the United Methodist Church uniquely positioned to speak to 21st century spiritual seekers. Adam engages in an authentic conversation about why so many people who have walked away from church or never attended might find a home in a denomination that intentionally stands in what he calls "the radical center." If you've ever wondered if there's a place where you can ask tough questions, embrace both critical thinking and heartfelt faith, and find community without checking your brain at the door, this episode illuminates a path forward that might surprise you.

Episode Highlights:

📘 Beyond Either/Or Thinking In a world increasingly divided into rigid camps, Adam explores how the United Methodist Church deliberately holds together seemingly opposing values – honoring both intellectual curiosity and emotional connection, personal spiritual growth and social justice, traditional wisdom and progressive openness. This "both/and" approach offers a refreshing alternative to the "either/or" thinking that dominates our culture.

🤔 A Church for Thinking People Adam shares how the Methodist tradition has deep roots in intellectual engagement, beginning at Oxford University. Rather than demanding blind acceptance of dogma, this approach welcomes questions, doubts, and critical thinking as natural parts of the faith journey. The conversation unpacks how loving God with your "critical thinking" was actually encouraged by Jesus himself.

❤️ Head and Heart Together Too often, churches emphasize either intellectual understanding or emotional experience. Adam discusses how bringing these elements together creates a more complete expression of faith—one that values theological depth while ensuring that knowledge leads to loving action in the world. This balance prevents faith from becoming merely academic or merely sentimental.

🌉 Building Bridges, Not Walls One of the most fascinating aspects of this conversation is how the United Methodist Church functions as a bridge-building community. Adam shares remarkable stories of political opponents finding common ground through faith and how diverse congregations (often 40% Republican, 40% Democrat) model respectful disagreement in a polarized world.

🌎 Turned Inside Out for Service Rather than existing solely for the benefit of members, Adam explains how Methodist communities are intentionally focused outward—serving neighborhoods, addressing injustice, and working to close the gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be. For many people, their first encounter with faith happens not in a church building but through witnessing this kind of practical love in action.

Consider yourself spiritual but not religious? Hurt by past experiences with the church? Curious about a different approach to Christianity? No matter where you're at on your journey to find meaning and purpose, this conversation offers a compelling vision of Christianity that might be exactly what you've been looking for. Adam invites listeners into a community where grace comes first, questions are welcomed, and diverse perspectives are valued. In a world crying out for healing and connection, this radical center approach to faith offers not just hope but a practical path forward. Ready to explore a faith that doesn't require you to check your brain or your values at the door? Listen to the full episode to discover if the United Methodist Church might be the spiritual home for you.

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton welcomes viewers into an intimate conversation about refugee resettlement in Kansas City. Adam brings together a diverse panel including refugees who have rebuilt their lives in America, alongside those who support this vital work. Through honest, sometimes emotional exchanges, we witness the human stories behind refugee headlines – tales of fear and loss, but also of remarkable resilience and hope. This episode builds bridges of understanding between communities and challenges assumptions about refugees, reminding us that welcoming strangers is not just a religious mandate but a profound opportunity for human connection.
Episode Highlights:
From Afghanistan to Kansas City – Hear the emotional firsthand account of a former Afghan special forces officer who fled with his family during the chaotic fall of Kabul in 2021, and how his daughters are now thriving in American schools and even competing in robotics competitions.

Rebuilding Lives from Scratch – Witness the extraordinary work of Jewish Vocational Services as they help refugees navigate everything from finding apartments to securing jobs – taking families from airport arrivals with just a few suitcases to self-sufficiency and success in their new community.

More than Community Service – Learn how volunteers form deep relationships with refugee families, moving beyond simple charity to genuine friendship that transforms lives.

New Beginnings – Experience the journey of a young woman who arrived as a refugee child and now helps others find employment opportunities in her role at JVS, giving back to her community.

Building Bridges – Understand why refugee resettlement matters from both humanitarian and community perspectives, as diverse faith traditions unite around a common purpose of welcome and support.
This episode arrives at a pivotal moment in our national conversation about refugees. As Adam reminds us, sometimes we forget that "refugees are people" with stories, dreams, and immense potential. The emotional connections formed in this conversation showcase what's possible when communities open their hearts to welcome strangers. By sharing these stories of tears, triumphs, and new beginnings, Adam invites us to recognize our common humanity and discover how welcoming refugees transforms lives – both for those receiving welcome and those extending it.

In this special 25th episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores how facing life's greatest challenges can transform our perspective and deepen our faith. Through powerful personal stories and insightful biblical analysis, Adam examines how we interpret Jesus's teachings and apply them to modern life. The episode weaves together intimate conversations about cancer, faith, and living fully into the biblical calls for justice and compassion. This is a conversation that bridges the gap between head and heart, offering both intellectual depth and emotional connection.
Episode Highlights:
Embracing "All The Things" - Discover how one couple's cancer journey taught them to say "yes" to life's opportunities, creating meaningful memories and living each day with intention rather than taking time for granted.

Taking Jesus Seriously, Not Always Literally - Adam unpacks how Jesus often used prophetic hyperbole—exaggeration to make a point—and explains why understanding this speaking style helps us interpret challenging passages without missing their deeper meaning.

Grace Beyond the Rules - Learn how Jesus's compassion for the Samaritan woman reveals that while he holds high standards, he offers mercy and grace when we fall short—teaching us to balance ideals with compassion.

Justice and Righteousness - Explore the biblical concepts of "mishpat" (justice) and "tzedekah" (righteousness) and how they call us to care for the vulnerable in both our personal lives and our society.

Common Decency and Common Justice - Adam challenges listeners to move beyond political divisions to embrace values that transcend party lines—creating a society that cares for those in need while practicing good stewardship.
Whether you're questioning your faith, navigating a life’s challenges, or simply trying to make sense of Jesus's confusing teachings, this episode offers fresh perspectives that speak to both your intellect and your heart. Adam's honest exploration invites you into a conversation where doubt is embraced, difficult questions are welcomed, and faith becomes more authentic through the journey. By focusing on how we make sense of faith in real-world situations, this episode demonstrates that Christianity doesn't require checking your brain or your values at the door—instead, it invites you to bring your whole self to a faith that brings people together and transforms lives.

In this impactful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores three essential practices for meaningful connection in our increasingly disconnected world. Through personal stories and scriptural wisdom, Adam makes a compelling case that regardless of our personality type or life circumstances, we all need Jesus as a friend, relationships with others, and meaningful connections in our workplace. His gentle invitation to say "yes" to Jesus offers listeners a simple yet profound way to begin or renew their faith journey.
Episode Highlights:
The Friendship of Jesus - Adam explains that Jesus doesn't just call us servants but friends. The prayer of discipleship is simply saying "yes" to Jesus' invitation to follow him and allow him to walk alongside us in our daily lives.

The Friendship Recession - We're experiencing what experts call a "friendship recession" with fewer people reporting close relationships than ever before. Adam shares how even as a pastor of thousands, he once felt deeply lonely until he intentionally cultivated meaningful friendships.

Who Would You Call at 3 AM? - Drawing from the gospel story of friends who carried a paralyzed man to Jesus, Adam challenges listeners to identify who would carry them in crisis and encourages intentional relationship building through church community.

Faith in the Workplace - Our greatest mission field may be where we spend most of our waking hours. Adam suggests that if coworkers don't see evidence of your faith in how you treat others, it might be time for reflection.

The Power of Gratitude - Simple words like "please" and "thank you" can transform workplace relationships and reflect the fruit of the Spirit in our daily interactions.
Whether you're skeptical about faith, curious about Christianity, or looking to deepen your spiritual journey, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating life's complexities. Adam's conversational approach doesn't require checking your brain or values at the door—instead, he invites you into an authentic exploration of how faith and friendship intersect to bring meaning to our lives. This thought-provoking conversation might be exactly what you need to transform your approach to relationships and find hope in today's disconnected world.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores the profound "I AM" statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. With his characteristic blend of historical context, theological insight, and practical application, Adam invites listeners to consider their own answer to Jesus' timeless question: "Who do you say that I am?" Whether you're spiritually curious or a longtime believer, this concise exploration offers a fresh perspective on statements that have shaped history for over two thousand years.
Episode Highlights:
The Divine Connection – Discover how Jesus' use of "I AM" directly connects to God's revealed name to Moses at the burning bush, challenging listeners to reconsider who Jesus claimed to be.

Bread of Life – Learn why Jesus' declaration about being "the bread of life" goes beyond physical nourishment to address the spiritual hunger we all experience in our increasingly disconnected world.

Light in Darkness – Adam shares a powerful illustration about "punching holes in the darkness" that reveals how Jesus' statement about being "the light of the world" offers hope amid life's uncertainties.

The Good Shepherd – Experience the powerful imagery Adam encountered in the Holy Land that brings new meaning to Jesus' promise of protection and personal care as both "the gate" and "the good shepherd."

Life Beyond Death – Explore the radical hope embedded in Jesus' claim to be "the resurrection and the life," offering an eternal perspective that transforms how we view our current challenges.
These seven statements invite us to see Jesus in a completely new light – not as a distant religious figure, but as someone offering practical wisdom for our deepest human needs: nourishment for the soul, guidance when lost, protection from harm, truth in confusion, and hope beyond death. By understanding these profound self-descriptions, you'll gain fresh perspective on life's big questions without having to check your brain or values at the door. Whether you're spiritually curious or skeptical, these ancient declarations still have the power to transform how you navigate life's complexities and find meaning in an uncertain world.

In this deeply moving episode of "Making Sense of Faith," Adam Hamilton sits down for an intimate conversation with his uncle, Glenn Miller, a man whose life journey epitomizes the transformative power of faith. The episode traces Glenn’s remarkable path from addiction, crime, and federal prison to finding peace and purpose through Christ. With raw honesty, we hear about family trauma beginning with a mother's suicide, struggles with drug addiction, multiple prison sentences, and the gradual journey toward redemption. This powerful testimony speaks directly to those who wonder if their past defines their future or if genuine transformation is possible, showing how faith can bring hope even to those who feel beyond saving.
Five Powerful Moments from This Episode:
The Weight of Family Trauma - Learn how childhood wounds, including a mother's suicide and a difficult relationship with his father, set the stage for decades of struggle.

The Spiral into Addiction - Hear the candid account of how promising opportunities were derailed by drugs, first as a user and then as a dealer.

Prison and Rock Bottom - Discover the sobering reality of multiple prison sentences totaling nearly nine years and the decision point that finally led to change.

Finding Faith - Experience the turning point that occurred when regular church attendance opened the door to a new understanding of forgiveness and purpose.

"These Are the Happiest Times" - Be inspired by the profound revelation that despite earlier wealth and success, true happiness came through faith in the love and grace of Christ
This episode speaks to anyone who's ever felt lost, broken, or defined by their mistakes. It addresses life's hardest questions with honesty and compassion, offering hope without easy answers. If you've ever wondered whether a troubled past can give way to a peaceful present, or if redemption is possible for those who feel they've gone too far, this conversation offers a thoughtful glimpse into how faith can transform a life from the inside out. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey—skeptical, curious, or somewhere in between—this story reminds us that transformation is possible for everyone.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles perhaps the most challenging question people face on their spiritual journey: Does everything happen for a reason? Drawing from his pastoral experience, Adam offers a fresh perspective that bridges faith and doubt, challenging the common notion that God micromanages every detail of our lives. Instead, he presents a view of God who created natural processes and gave humans freedom, yet walks alongside us through our suffering. This conversation invites everyone to reconsider comforting but potentially harmful phrases like "everything happens for a reason" or "it must be God's will" when confronting life's painful moments.
Key insights from this episode:
God created processes, not puppets - Adam challenges the perception that God controls every detail at the cellular, cosmic, and personal levels. Instead, he suggests God created natural processes that generally work well but sometimes go wrong, and gave humans genuine freedom to make choices—both good and bad.

Why "everything happens for a reason" hurts - Through powerful stories like Patty's experience after losing her two-year-old daughter, Adam reveals why well-meaning platitudes can actually increase someone's pain and anger toward God by making Him the source of suffering rather than comfort.

Jesus healed, He didn't explain - If sickness were God's will, Adam points out, Jesus wouldn't have healed people—he would have told them to accept their illness as divine punishment or teaching. Instead, Jesus consistently worked against suffering, showing God's true desire.

Prayer works, just not how we expect - Rather than always delivering dramatic miracles, God typically answers prayers through people, medicine, and compassion. Adam shares how he prays for both miraculous healing and for God to work through doctors, revealing a balanced approach to faith and practical action.

Finding meaning without blaming God - Adam offers a powerful reframing of Romans 8:28, suggesting that God doesn't cause suffering but works to bring good from it—an invitation to ask "how can something meaningful come from this?" rather than "why did God do this?"
When life's hardest moments leave us questioning where God is, this episode offers a lifeline of hope without sacrificing intellectual honesty. Adam stands firmly in what the Resurrection community calls "the radical center"—acknowledging the reality of suffering while affirming God's loving presence through it all. Whether you're wrestling with doubt, seeking deeper understanding, or supporting someone through grief, this conversation provides language and perspective to make sense of faith when life seems senseless. Listen to the full episode to discover a God who doesn't cause your suffering but promises to walk with you through it.

In this eye-opening episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton explores two powerful Hebrew words that appear 357 times in the Old Testament: "mishpat" (justice) and "tzedekah" (righteousness). Adam unpacks how these ancient concepts speak directly to today's heated debates about government spending and social programs. While acknowledging the importance of eliminating waste in government, he challenges listeners to consider whether we're using a precise scalpel or a destructive chainsaw when making these cuts. This episode bridges the gap between fiscal responsibility and our moral obligation to protect the vulnerable—offering a fresh perspective that transcends partisan politics and speaks to the heart of what it means to live out our faith in today's complex world.
Episode Highlights:
Biblical Foundation for Social Justice - Adam explores how the Hebrew words "mishpat" and "tzedekah" appear throughout scripture, revealing God's expectation that we create systems that ensure fairness for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, the poor, and immigrants.
The Fast God Truly Desires - Through Isaiah 58, Adam illustrates how God is less concerned with religious rituals and more interested in our commitment to "loose the chains of injustice" and care for those in need—challenging us to reconsider what spiritual disciplines should actually accomplish.
Balancing Fiscal Responsibility with Compassion - Rather than taking sides politically, Adam advocates for a thoughtful approach that eliminates waste while preserving programs that provide vital support to vulnerable populations.
Common Values Beyond Politics - The episode makes a compelling case that protection of the vulnerable isn't a partisan issue but a matter of "common decency, common justice, and common righteousness"—values that unite us across political divides.
Jesus's Standard of Judgment - Drawing from the parable of the sheep and goats and the Good Samaritan, Adam reminds us that Jesus's measure of faithfulness centers on our treatment of "the least of these"—a timely challenge as we consider government's role in meeting human needs.
Whether you're questioning your faith, curious about Christianity, or wrestling with how to apply your beliefs to complex societal issues, this episode offers a refreshing perspective that doesn't ask you to check your brain or your values at the door. Adam stands firmly in the radical center, inviting listeners to embrace both fiscal responsibility and compassionate concern for others. In a time when political discourse often divides us into opposing camps, Making Sense of Faith offers a bridge-building alternative that honors both wisdom and compassion. By examining ancient biblical principles through a contemporary lens, this episode equips listeners to engage thoughtfully in conversations about government spending while remaining grounded in timeless values that transcend political affiliation.

In this thought-provoking episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton tackles one of the most perplexing aspects of Jesus's teachings: those moments when his words seem impossibly harsh or difficult to follow. With honesty and transparency, Adam explores Jesus's command to "cut off your hand" or "pluck out your eye" if they cause you to sin. He unpacks what Jesus really meant by these jarring statements and helps listeners understand when to take Jesus literally versus when he was speaking figuratively. Through real-life examples and historical context, Adam offers a fresh perspective that makes these challenging teachings not only understandable but also deeply meaningful for our lives today.
Episode Highlights:
The Power of Prophetic Hyperbole: Adam explains how Jesus often spoke in what scholars call "prophetic hyperbole"—using dramatic exaggeration to make powerful points that shake up his listeners. Far from expecting to be taken literally, Jesus was emphasizing the seriousness of sin and our need to address it radically.

Marriage, Divorce, and Grace: When discussing Jesus's seemingly harsh teachings on divorce, Adam provides crucial historical context about women's vulnerability in first-century society and reveals how Jesus was actually protecting women while upholding the sanctity of marriage—all while leaving room for grace in broken situations.

The Woman at the Well: Through the story of Jesus's compassionate interaction with a Samaritan woman who had been married five times, Adam illustrates how Jesus balanced high moral standards with extraordinary mercy and acceptance—proving we can take his teachings seriously without being legalistic.

Wealth and the Kingdom: Is it really "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter heaven"? Adam unpacks this famous teaching to reveal Jesus's warnings about wealth without condemning prosperity itself.

Serious, Not Literal: The episode culminates in a liberating principle for interpreting Jesus's challenging words: we are meant to take Jesus seriously but not always literally, understanding both the high ideals he calls us toward and the grace he extends when we fall short.
In a world that often dismisses Christianity as judgmental or simplistic, this episode offers a refreshing alternative—a faith that embraces questions, acknowledges complexity, and finds hope in Jesus's teachings rather than confusion or despair. Whether you're skeptical about faith, wrestling with doubt, or simply curious about what Jesus really meant, Adam's thoughtful exploration provides practical wisdom for making sense of Christianity's most challenging passages. By the end, you'll discover that Jesus's seemingly harsh words weren't meant to condemn us but to transform us, inviting us into a life of deeper meaning and purpose. Join the conversation and find out how these ancient teachings speak directly to our modern questions and struggles.

In this powerful episode of Making Sense of Faith, Adam Hamilton sits down with Matt Stewart, a Kansas City news reporter, who shares his family's incredible journey through dual cancer diagnoses. Matt's wife Chrissy was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer in 2021, and while serving as her caregiver, Matt received his own devastating diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his brain, lungs, and spine. Rather than surrendering to despair, the couple embraced a philosophy of "all the things" – saying yes to life's opportunities and leaning deeply into their faith. This conversation explores how facing mortality can transform our perspective on life, faith, and purpose in profound ways. Matt's compelling story shows how adversity can strengthen faith rather than diminish it, offering listeners authentic insights into finding hope and meaning during life's most challenging seasons.
Episode Highlights:
All the things" approach to living: Discover how Matt and Chrissy's decision to say "yes" to every opportunity after their diagnoses, including a wedding vow renewal that became a beautiful celebration of life and love for their entire family.

Faith in the face of mortality: Hear Matt's candid reflections on how his cancer diagnosis deepened rather than diminished his faith, and how he finds comfort in knowing "where he's going" while still praying for more time.

From football to fighting cancer: Learn how Matt's experience as a walk-on football player at Northwestern, where persistence transformed him from fifth-string to scholarship athlete, prepared him mentally for his cancer battle.

Supporting loved ones with cancer: Get practical, honest advice about what to say (and what not to say) to someone facing cancer, with Matt's refreshing perspective on avoiding the "head tilt" of pity and focusing on authentic connection.

Finding purpose through adversity: Explore how Matt uses his platform as a news reporter to inspire others facing similar challenges, controlling his attitude when he couldn't control his diagnosis.
This episode embodies what Making Sense of Faith is all about – wrestling with life's biggest questions through the lens of authentic faith. Whether you're facing your own health crisis, supporting someone through illness, or simply questioning how faith works when life gets hard, this episode offers genuine perspective from someone living in that difficult space. It's a powerful reminder that faith doesn't require checking your brain at the door – it can provide genuine comfort and purpose even in life's darkest moments.