Native Exiles

In this episode, we sit down with author and pastor Patrick Miller to explore his book, Joyful Outsider, through the lens of mental health. As our culture changes rapidly, many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, and disconnected—but what if embracing our role as outsiders could lead to peace and joy? Patrick discusses how Jesus invites us to experience the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) instead of succumbing to the pressure of fitting in or chasing after approval. We dive into practical ways to navigate stress, anxiety, and fear in today’s world by finding our identity in Christ, not in external validation. Whether you identify as an artist, protestor, builder, advisor, ambassador, or trainer, Patrick provides actionable insights on how to cultivate mental well-being and emotional resilience through faith. Tune in for a hopeful conversation on healing, finding purpose, and embracing the peace of being a joyful outsider.
 
Patrick Miller is a pastor and cultural commentator who writes about politics, culture, and technology, contributing articles to Christianity Today, Newsweek, The Gospel Coalition, and other publications. His podcast, Truth Over Tribe, is one of Apple's top news commentary podcasts, featuring interviews with leading Christian thinkers, writers, and scholars. He’s the co-author of Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant. Patrick holds a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary and pastors a politically diverse church, The Crossing. He and his wife, Emily, have two children.
 
Learn more about Patrick and his podcast here:
https://truthovertribe.com/about  
Check out his book Joyful Outsiders

http://amazon.com/Joyful-Outsiders-Jesus-Disorienting-Culture/dp/031036874X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XNt-GCZXHnB4r9JAGzbj9smVyKsKGcKgaPyfoAQBft3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.9PUx1HX4RZJydrf1YwR2E6BFb0PO5Xb1GnipEICq3rE&dib_tag=se&hvadid=719674314865&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9024568&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6943957188159859892&hvtargid=kwd-2372010398786&hydadcr=22535_13493342&keywords=joyful+outsiders&mcid=8db605a268293975a1d7539a99ad6a72&qid=1742848166&sr=8-1

In this deeply personal episode, Steve Brooks, one of the regular hosts on Native Exiles, opens up about his struggle with religious OCD and the profound doubts he faced regarding his salvation, despite growing up in a strong Christian family. Steve takes us through his journey of wrestling with fear and uncertainty, which first surfaced while living internationally in Taiwan. He shares the emotional toll of trying to find peace through unhelpful solutions, and how God's intervention, through both books and a reimagining of his faith, eventually reframed his understanding of assurance. This raw and honest conversation offers insight into the complexities of faith, mental health, and the grace that brings clarity amidst confusion.

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church. In it, we discuss following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

In this powerful conversation, Rachael Clinton Chen, a trauma care practitioner and co-host of The Allender Center Podcast, joins us to discuss the deep impact of spiritual abuse and the church’s responsibility in creating safe spaces for healing. With a heart devoted to addressing the harm of abuse, especially spiritual abuse, Rachael shares her insights on trauma, embodiment, and spiritual formation, and how the church can be a place of reclamation rather than harm. As a contemplative charismatic and advocate for justice, mercy, and humility, Rachael offers wisdom on navigating the complexities of healing in faith communities. Join us as we explore the intersection of trauma and spirituality, and discover how we can begin to rebuild the church as a sanctuary for true restoration.

In addition to exploring the healing potential within faith communities, Rachael highlights the critical role that churches can play in cultivating trauma-informed spaces by first acknowledging the realities of abuse. By recognizing the power differences that often exist between leaders and congregants, churches can begin to dismantle harmful structures and create more equitable environments. Rachael emphasizes that addressing abuse openly, offering validation to survivors, and empowering individuals to reclaim their voice are essential steps in transforming communities. By fostering humility, transparency, and a deep commitment to justice, churches can become spaces where trauma is not only acknowledged, but where healing is actively nurtured, restoring trust and hope in the process.

For more information on Rachael's work, check out the Allender Center's Spiritual Abuse & Healing Online Course. Also check out the Allender Center Podcast or Rachel’s bio!

In this thought-provoking episode with Curtis Chang, we explore a radical shift in how we view anxiety—not as a problem to be solved or eliminated, but as an opportunity to draw nearer to Jesus. Curtis delves into how anxiety often marks the people who approach Jesus, and how it can serve as the catalyst for spiritual growth. We discuss the contrasting approaches of the church and the world to anxiety, with prayer as the church's method of elimination and prescription as the world's solution. Curtis offers a mindset switch that invites us to see anxiety not as a sign of distance from Christ, but as an invitation to step closer to Him. Tune in for a transformative perspective on anxiety that could change the way you experience your faith.

Curtis Chang is a consulting professor in innovation and organization at Duke Divinity School and a senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also a faculty member at American University. Curtis has a distinguished background in social innovation, having won an Obama White House award as the founder and head of Consulting Within Reach, a firm dedicated to serving nonprofits and government. His work bridges the worlds of faith, leadership, and mental health, focusing on how spiritual growth can be integrated with personal transformation. Curtis is the author of Engaging Unbelief: A Captivating Strategy from Augustine and Aquinas (IVP) and is a former Rockefeller Fellow. Known for his thoughtful and transformative approach to anxiety, he encourages individuals to view their struggles not as barriers, but as opportunities to grow closer to Jesus.

Check out Dr. Chang's book below:

Anxiety Opportunity

Also listen to his podcast here:

The good faith podcast

Find out more about Dr. Chang’s work on his website:

Redeeming Babble

In this powerful re-release of one of our most impactful episodes, Steve and Wyatt sit down with Dr. Dan Allender, renowned psychologist and author, to unpack the complex role of shame in marriage and deep relationships. Dr. Allender brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on how shame silently shapes the dynamics of intimate partnerships, often leading to disconnection, resentment, and emotional isolation. Through this conversation, we explore how shame takes root, how it impacts communication and trust, and most importantly, how couples can navigate its grip to heal and grow together.

Whether you're in a committed relationship or working through personal struggles with shame, Dr. Allender’s insights offer a roadmap to understanding and transforming the ways shame shows up in our deepest connections.

Join us for a rich discussion on healing, vulnerability, and the journey toward more authentic and resilient relationships.

Read his books!

The Intimate Mystery

The Cry of the Soul

Learn more about Dr. Dan Allender here: https://theallendercenter.org/about/team/dan-allender/

Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus. 

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

In this insightful episode, we sit down with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Dan Allender to explore the complexities of anxiety—its roots, its impact, and the path to healing. Drawing on his vast experience and wisdom, Dr. Allender shares transformative insights on understanding anxiety, confronting its emotional and spiritual dimensions, and discovering ways to break free from its grip. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or simply seeking a deeper understanding, this conversation offers valuable tools for navigating life's challenges with courage and hope.

Dr. Dan Allender is a renowned author, speaker, and therapist known for his work in the field of trauma, emotional healing, and Christian counseling. As a pioneering figure in the integration of psychology and theology, Dr. Allender has focused much of his research and writing on how individuals can heal from deep emotional wounds and trauma through understanding their story and the redemptive power of God.

Dr. Allender founded The Allender Center at The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology, where he trains professionals and offers workshops aimed at helping people understand the impact of their past experiences on their present lives. His work emphasizes the importance of telling one’s story, recognizing the ways in which shame, brokenness, and sin affect mental health, and finding freedom and healing through Christ.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Doctor Gregory Jantz joins Wyatt to discuss a holistic approach to mental health that considers our spiritual, physical, and mental design as created beings. Additionally, Dr. Jantz share practical resources to quantify anxiety and begin the journey towards healing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or looking to help others who may be, Dr. Jantz has something to say for everyone involved in this conversation.

Doctor Gregory Jantz is an acclaimed author, speaker, and researcher in the field of mental health. From eating disorders to depression, Dr. Jantz has written and conducted research on a wide range of mental health topic. Out of his work, Dr. Jantz started A Place of Hope, to put into practice a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns. As a follower of Jesus, Dr. Jantz continue to model a balanced view on mental health that finds its basis in scripture.

Check out Dr. Jantz’s Anxiety test here or find additional resources from Dr. Jantz on his website.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Join  us as we continue our conversation about mental health. In today’s episode, Pastor Wyatt welcomes Tristan Collins, author of "Why Emotions Matter" to the studio. 

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church. In it, we discuss following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Mental health conversations and challenges permeate our society. In today’s episode, Pastors Wyatt and Steve explore how faith and psychology intersect against common misconceptions in our culture and churches. We are excited for the next few months as we take a deep dive into the topic of mental health.

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church. In it, we discuss following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

In the wake of a historical election, Pastors Wyatt and Steve share some practical steps followers of Jesus can take to engage in political even after we’ve cast our votes.

Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

Are you interested in viewing the ladder of influence? Check it out here. https://alderwood.cc/wp-content/uploads/Ladder-of-influence.pdf

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.