Old Paths New Steps

In this episode of Old Paths, New Steps, host Peter Voorhees welcomes author and speaker Dr. Gregory Coles. They explore the power of resilience through community, discussing how genuine connections help us navigate life's challenges. Greg shares insights from his personal journey as a celibate gay Christian, reflecting on unexpected friendships and the importance of curiosity rather than judgment when encountering differences. This thought-provoking conversation examines how true community forms around shared mission rather than sameness, and how embracing our own 'weirdness' opens doors to deeper understanding of others. Join them for a heartfelt discussion on finding joy amidst difficulty and building meaningful connections across differences.

In this follow-up episode, hosts Peter Voorhees, Malissa Bertella, and Josh Lott discuss key insights from their conversation with Andrea Corbridge about implementing trauma-informed care in children's ministry. They explore the value of focusing on resilience over trauma, the importance of presence and connection before content, and how creating safe spaces allows people to truly be seen and heard. The team shares personal stories of how Andrea's practical wisdom has impacted their own ministry approaches, including powerful reflections on Job's "words for the wind" and the patience required when walking alongside those in pain. This episode offers valuable, actionable wisdom for anyone seeking to create healing environments where people of all ages can flourish.

In this illuminating conversation, host Peter Voorhees and co-host Malissa Bertella welcome Andrea Corbridge to explore how trauma-informed care has transformed children's ministry at City Chapel of Bremerton. Andrea shares powerful stories of moving from behavior-focused approaches to relationship-centered care that honors each child's dignity, including the paradigm-shifting moment when a volunteer crawled under a desk to meet a struggling child where they were. Through practical examples and heartfelt insights, Andrea illustrates how understanding trauma changes everything—from volunteer recruitment to classroom management to the fundamental goals of ministry itself—and offers wisdom on creating safe spaces where healing can happen, the importance of allowing people to lament without correction, and why building resilience through simple, loving interactions might be the most powerful ministry we can offer.

In this episode of Old Paths, New Steps, hosts Peter, Josh, and Malissa reflect on their enlightening conversation with Dr. Lu Wing about the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, epigenetics, and human connection. They reflect how genuine laughter creates powerful neural bonds (what Dr. Wing calls "limbic lock") and share personal stories of deep connections formed through shared joy and grief. The conversation expands into the importance of inter-generational community, the transformative power of relationships over mere information, and how modern science beautifully affirms ancient wisdom about human flourishing. Join us as we discover how both science and theology point to the same truth: we are wired for connection, and healing happens in community.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Luman Wing, a biochemist, pastor, and chaplain. With his unique blend of scientific expertise and pastoral heart, Dr. Wing explores how our bodies respond to trauma and healing at the molecular level. Discover how the emerging science of epigenetics intersects with building authentic community and faith-based healing. From the biochemistry of human connection to the power of safe spaces, this episode weaves together cutting-edge science and timeless biblical wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on how we're designed for connection and healing. Learn why creating space for people to share their stories isn't just good ministry - it's good science too.

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In Episode 5 of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella explore the profound practice of lament and its role in healing and faith. Drawing from the first recorded lament in Genesis to Jesus's expressions of grief, they unpack how lament isn't just about expressing pain—it's about discovering who God truly is in the midst of our suffering. Through personal stories and biblical insights, they examine how God himself models lament, showing it's not a sign of weak faith but a vital path to deeper relationship and healing. The hosts challenge common tendencies to rush past difficult emotions or seek quick fixes, instead advocating for the transformative power of honest expression in community. Whether you're wrestling with pain, questioning God, or supporting others through their struggles, this episode offers wisdom on how lament can become a pathway to authentic faith and lasting healing.

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Join us for a transformative conversation with Rick Griffin, founder of the Neuro Leadership Academy, as he reveals how understanding trauma and the brain's response to past experiences can revolutionize the way we build community. Through engaging examples, including a revealing game of Simon Says, Rick shares practical insights on moving from judgment to curiosity, recognizing behavior as communication, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to flourish. Whether you're a leader, educator, or someone interested in fostering stronger connections, this episode bridges ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience to offer fresh perspectives on caring for one another.

Neuro Leadership Academy: https://neuro-la.com/

Community Resilience Initiative: https://criresilient.org/

Rick Griffin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-griffin-nla/

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In Episode 3 of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella explore the vital role of authentic community in healing. Drawing from Henri Nouwen's wisdom that "Christian community is a healing community not because wounds are cured, but because wounds become openings for a new vision," they unpack how true healing happens in the context of relationships. Through personal stories—from Malissa's experience with elementary school students to Josh's insights on the loneliness epidemic—the hosts examine how vulnerability, mutual support, and consistent presence create spaces where both strength and weakness can coexist. They challenge the cultural emphasis on individualism and efficiency, instead advocating for the "inefficient" but transformative work of building genuine connections. Whether you're seeking to create healing spaces or looking for community yourself, this episode offers practical wisdom on how ancient principles of Christian community can guide us in fostering environments where authentic healing can flourish.

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In Episode 2 of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella delve into understanding trauma through a biblical lens. While "trauma" has become a cultural buzzword, appearing in countless books and podcasts since Bessel van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score" hit bestseller lists, the hosts explore its deeper meaning and physiological impact. Drawing from both modern research on adverse childhood experiences and ancient biblical wisdom, they examine how our bodies and souls respond to difficult experiences. The conversation weaves together insights about the brain's stress responses with scriptural examples of suffering and healing, from Job to Jesus himself. Whether you're seeking to understand your own experiences or support others, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for viewing trauma through both contemporary and timeless perspectives.

In this debut episode of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella lay the foundation for a unique exploration of trauma, faith, and healing. Fresh from the holiday season and admittedly still finding their routines, the hosts share vulnerable insights from their collective decades of pastoral and personal experience. From Josh's journey with family addiction to Malissa's experiences of both receiving and witnessing care in the church, each host brings a distinct perspective on why trauma-informed ministry matters. The conversation weaves through their experiences in foster care, community development, and church ministry, highlighting the critical need for spaces where both strength and vulnerability can coexist. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding, they challenge common approaches to healing and explore what it truly means to walk alongside others in their pain. Whether you're wrestling with your own story or seeking to better support others, this foundational episode sets the stage for a journey where old paths illuminate new steps toward hope and healing.