Practicing Hope Podcast

In this episode of Leap of Faith Movie Conversations, Ashlee Eiland welcomes her friend Ben Kampmeier, a seasoned minister with a rich background in various church roles. From his beginnings as the "youth group guitar kid" to his current role as Director of Engagement at Our Daily Bread Ministries, Ben shares the journey that has shaped his faith and ministry.

As they explore Ben’s unexpected involvement in LEAP OF FAITH, he emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and authenticity, sharing how deep friendships formed across differences became a powerful witness to the world. He discusses the concept of “rupture and repair,” illustrating how meaningful connections require both honesty and the willingness to apologize and grow together.

Now navigating life as a parishioner after years in leadership, Ben reveals the hope he finds in community. He discusses how being part of a small church has reshaped his understanding of authenticity and the profound impact of genuine human connection on his faith journey.

In this episode, Ben and Ashlee discuss: 

• The role of creativity in Ben's early ministry and how it shaped his calling as a worship leader

• The balance between honesty and authenticity in ministry, and the need for boundaries in relationships 

• The struggle with ministry burnout and how it influenced Ben's view on his vocation 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

What if the key to healing a polarized world lies in the ancient wisdom of faith? In this episode on The Practicing Hope Podcast, host Jenny Steele speaks with Michael Gulker, the president of the Colossian Forum, to continue the conversation about the new movie LEAP OF FAITH. Jenny and Michael delve into the origins of the groundbreaking film project that arose from the heart of Grand Rapids, sparked by filmmaker Nicholas, who sought to document the journey of pastors grappling with deep-seated exhaustion and isolation. They reflect on the challenges these leaders faced in a world rife with division and how, through vulnerability and shared stories, they found a renewed sense of connection.

Listeners will hear about the hurdles faced by pastors, who, although eager for connection and healing, often felt exhausted and stretched thin. Michael highlights how, through this process, they discovered a surprising depth of loneliness among these leaders and the transformative power of community.

In this episode, Michael and Jenny discuss: 

• Michael’s unique journey from aspiring engineer to ordained pastor and how that background has impacted his understanding of conflict in the church

• The importance of engaging conflict as an act of worship and a spiritual discipline, rather than merely a source of division

• The evolution of The Colossian Forum, highlighting its transition from hosting forums to creating curricula and offering coaching designed to guide individuals through difficult discussions on topics like faith and science 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com.

As part of our series exploring the LEAP OF FAITH documentary, podcast host Jenny Steele and the Rev. Molly Bosscher (St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Grand Rapids, MI) discuss Molly’s unique journey throughout the filming of LEAP OF FAITH, the active nature of hope, and what it looks like for her parish to be a safe haven for all who enter. With heartwarming anecdotes about her congregation's compassionate outreach, Molly paints a vivid picture of a church where everyone is embraced for their true selves.

Molly opens up about how her differences, specifically her liberal theological beliefs and value of silence in worship, made it a beautiful, holy challenge to be vulnerable with the eleven other pastors in LEAP OF FAITH. Together, Jenny and Molly explore the fumbling that often accompanies growth in community, ultimately emphasizing that the journey of connection is an ongoing process of learning and understanding. 

In this episode, Jenny and Molly discuss: 

• The importance of incorporating space and silence into intense conversations 

• The need to create space for diverse perspectives within faith communities to build a more inclusive environment

• How open communication about discomfort and challenges fosters deeper connections and growth among communities 

Join them as they explore the delicate dance of fostering inclusive communities, emphasizing that while the path may be messy, it’s through these shared experiences that genuine bonds are formed. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that challenges us all to embrace our differences and learn from one another.

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com

In this episode of Leap of Faith Movie Conversations, Jenny Steele talks with Pastor Chase Stancle, the pastor of Unison Christian Church in Grand Rapids, MI, about his experience being featured in the LEAP OF FAITH movie, the challenges of seeking communal healing in a midwestern culture of conflict avoidance, and how unity, understood as a divine command, not a nicety, can change the world’s perception of the church. As the discussion progresses, Pastor Stancle delves into his church’s intentional embrace of multiculturalism and fostering an environment of honest dialogue and conflict navigation. 

Join us as we discuss the importance of addressing "elephants in the room," the transformative power of candid communication, and how conflict can lead to deeper intimacy with God and each other. Whether you're involved in church leadership or seeking to strengthen your community ties, this episode offers valuable insights and practical wisdom for nurturing authentic relationships in a polarized world.

In this episode, Jenny and Chase discuss: 

• The cultural tendency to prioritize task-oriented approaches over genuine relationships among church leaders

• The challenges posed by social media in reducing people to one-dimensional figures, which undermines the complexity of human relationships

• A call for curiosity in relationships, urging individuals to explore and understand the many dimensions of each other instead of simplifying their identities 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website, leapoffaithmovie.com

In a world where every post can spark debate, how can church leaders maintain a faithful witness online? In this inaugural Pastors Anonymous episode, host Jenny Steele and Chief Partnerships Officer Rev. Jess Shults dive into the complexities of being a pastor in today's polarized climate. As they explore the challenges of maintaining unity among a politically diverse staff, they unpack the emotional landscape that accompanies social media interactions.

Jess draws from her 18 years of pastoral experience to provide advice on practicing generosity and humility in online discussions, encouraging leaders to approach social media with a spirit of peace and understanding.

Whether you’re a seasoned pastor or simply curious about the dynamics of church leadership today, this episode offers a safe space to reflect on the struggles and hopes of church leaders seeking to be faithful witnesses amidst division. 

In this episode, Jenny and Jess discuss: 

• The critical role that social media plays in contemporary church leadership, examining how it influences communication and community engagement

• The necessity of proactive conversations about social media policies with church staff 

• The challenges church staff may face when attempting to separate personal beliefs from organizational identity

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter.

In this episode on our Leap of Faith Movie Conversations segment, podcast host Jenny Steele and Leap of Faith movie participant Rev. Joan VanDessel process what they learned in the filming process, how they experienced the Holy Spirit’s movement throughout, and what it looks like for humility and mystery to play an integral role in our faith journeys. 

As Joan and Jenny navigate themes of trust, community, and the necessity of leaving space for the unexpected, listeners are invited to reconsider their own faith practices and the beauty of engaging with others who may hold different views. 

Tune in for an engaging conversation that challenges us to embrace the unknown, cherish the deep bonds formed through shared experiences, and celebrate the diverse ways God moves among us.

In this episode, Joan and Jenny discuss: 

• The impact of Joan’s role as a pastor in the film and her experiences navigating difficult conversations about LGBTQ inclusion

• How Joan’s faith shapes her interactions with pastors who hold differing convictions

• The profound questions that arise when we recognize we worship the same God, despite our difference 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website.

What if the political unrest we see today is deeply connected to how we process grief? In this episode, hospital chaplain and author J.S. Park joins us to explore the profound and often overlooked intersection of grief and politics. He draws on his experience in trauma care to challenge the hustle culture that pushes us to move on quickly and urges us to create space for lament in our communities. 

In this episode, Michael and J.S. Park discuss:

• The ancient roots of grief suppression and its impact on modern society

• How grief can serve as a guide and anchor in political movements

• Practical ways to cultivate sacred spaces for grief amidst the demands of daily life

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter.

Follow J.S. Park on Instagram–@jspark3000. You can find more information about his work and book “As Long As You Need” here.

We have exciting news! The Colossian Forum is featured in an upcoming movie by filmmaker Nicholas Ma. In this episode, we dive deep into the making of the poignant movie Leap of Faith, which hits theaters this fall. Jenny, the project manager for the movie, speaks with Michael Gulker, president of the Colossian Forum and a key partner in the movie, about his journey of vulnerability throughout the filming process.

In this series, our aim is to introduce you to the incredible pastors featured in the film, exploring their unique gifts, struggles, and the profound ways they bridge differences within their communities. Whether you’ve seen the film and want to connect more deeply with its subjects or you’re a Christian leader grappling with institutional challenges, this podcast is designed to offer hope and inspiration. Discover the behind-the-scenes dynamics, the emotional highs and lows, and the transformative impact of this project as Michael and Jenny recount their experiences. 

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation that promises to deepen your understanding of the film and inspire you to stay engaged in the work of hope and reconciliation.

In this episode, Michael and Jenny discuss: 

• The personal and organizational challenges and complex dynamics Michael and the pastors faced in the filming of the movie

• What it means to embody and practice the principles of love and reconciliation in complex and challenging contexts

• How the project illustrated that imperfections are integral to the journey toward reconciliation and understanding 

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter.

To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's website. 

Americans are bad at grieving. As a society, we try our best to move past pain quickly and remove any reminders of it. In this episode, author and therapist Dieula Previlon suggests that hope and healing for our relationships and our nation in this political climate will only come when we slow down, tell stories, and lament our collective trauma together. Passionate about empowering people to heal from trauma, find their purpose, and flourish in their daily lives, Dieula invites us to ask the questions, “What happened to you? What happened to us?” 

In this episode, Michael and Dieula discuss: 

• What it means to be trauma-informed and how that helps you be present to others in the midst of conflict 

• How the story of Hagar in scripture challenges us to humbly refrain from always having an answer for hard questions

• Practical tips and wisdom to equip Christian leaders to hold space for grief and hope in their communities

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. If you'd like to recieve a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

Follow Dieula Previlon on Instagram–@dieulamprevilon. You can find more information about her book “Does God See Me?” here.

In the midst of conflict and disagreement, Christians have a history of talking about big ideas and beliefs rather than “experiencing” them. In this episode, author and therapist Aundi Kolbert joins us and compassionately reminds us what she’s always reminded her readers: Until we feel safe in our bodies, we won’t be able to healthily address conflict with others. To begin transformative work on the big tensions we face in this world–familially, institutionally, ecclesially, or nationally–we first need to get small and address the personal, hidden layer of attachment and embodiment trauma we have experienced and continue to experience. 

In this conversation, Michael and Aundi discuss: 

1. Why it’s hard to remain present and embodied in the current ecclesial atmosphere 

2. Our tendency to want to eliminate people in our circles who hold different beliefs than us 

3. How we build distress tolerance by first learning to approach conflict on a smaller scale

Follow The Colossian Forum on Instagram or Facebook–@colossianforum. We'd love to keep you in the loop on TCF resources and events! If you'd like to recieve a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our newsletter. 

Follow Aundi Kolbert on Instagram–@aundikolber. You can find more information about her books “Strong Like Water” and “Try Softer” here.