Regent College Podcast

What if one of the Bible’s most important ideas isn’t simply a word, but a way of being in relationship?

Dr. Jenny Matheny takes us into the rich world of hesed—a Hebrew concept often translated as “steadfast love,” “mercy,” or “faithfulness,” but whose meaning reaches far beyond any single English word. From the Exodus story to Ruth, the Psalms to the prophets, Jenny explores how hesed acts like a seed planted throughout Scripture, gradually revealing what God’s faithful love looks like in relationship with his people.

Along the way, we consider what hesed means for biblical ethics, how lament can coexist with trust, and what happens when we read Scripture as a story shaped by relationship. Jenny also reflects on how her time at Regent has influenced the way she reads the Old Testament and understands God’s self-disclosure.

 
Jenny's Bio

Dr. Jenny Matheny is an Associate Professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett Seminary and Baylor University. Jenny is an MCS graduate of Regent College and holds a PhD in Old Testament from the University of Kent. In her research, she explores ethical and interdisciplinary approaches to interpreting difficult and violent biblical texts, with a particular interest in helping readers engage faithfully. A passionate teacher and mentor, Jenny is committed to creating spaces for thoughtful theological dialogue and the formation of students for ministry. Today, we are discussing her new book, Hesed: The Seed of the Biblical Story. 

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In this interview, we are privileged to learn from our neighbour and Indigenous elder, artist, and chef, Melaney Gleeson-Lyall. Melaney shares aspects of her life story, as well as her integration of Indigenous history, culture, and spirituality with Christian faith. She shares about the Kairos blanket exercise and how it tells the history of colonization in Canada through embodied storytelling. Melaney shares how storytelling through art and food can foster intercultural understanding and integration of the various strands of our own identities. In this time of truth and reconciliation, we invite you to listen and learn from Melaney's wisdom and lived experience, and be open to learning from perspectives beyond your own cultural ways of being. 

Melaney's Bio

Melaney Gleeson‑Lyall is a Musqueam, Snaw‑naw‑as, and Lyackson Coast Salish artist whose work reflects her journey as a Sixties Scoop survivor reclaiming culture, identity, and belonging. Through her contemporary Coast Salish designs, she shares stories of resilience, reconnection, and community, and the strength of her ancestral roots. Melaney has led Kairos Blanket exercises at Regent several times over the past decade, and we are grateful for her wisdom and presence among us. 

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In this episode, we are introducing a sessional lecturer in Greek, Davinson Bohorquez, who shares his journey to discovering his calling in theology and biblical languages at Regent College. He discusses the transformative power of learning Greek, the importance of humility in theological education, and how sharing his personal story encouraged his students and led to an unforeseen reunion. If you are a new student or you have been around for a while, you may find a companion as Davinson speaks honestly about the emotional and psychological challenges of studying theology: financial costs, imposter syndrome, and receiving difficult feedback. He also inspires us to delve into the Koiné Greek world, so that we, too, can say, “In the Greek, it says…”

Davinson's Bio

The Reverend Davidson Bohorquez is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He earned an MATS in New Testament Studies from Regent College in 2021 and then completed his ThM in 2022. His thesis focused on developing a literary framework for the interpretation of the contentious passage Matthew 25:31–46, commonly known as the parable of the sheep and the goats. He is now a PhD student at Wycliffe College in Toronto, and he enjoys teaching Koine Greek both as an academic discipline and a tool for spiritual formation. He contributed a chapter to Miriam Kovalishyn's book, Reading the New Testament Around the World, on the book of Philippians, in which he invites us to joy.

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We're interrupting our usual bi-weekly release schedule at the beginning of a new term to share a special bonus anniversary episode! We're talking with current and former students who, inspired by the Regent College Podcast, "upped stumps" (thanks, Susie) and came to Vancouver to study at Regent College. Susie, Jacob, Silja, and Rachel share their journeys to Regent, reminisce about favourite past episodes, and reflect on how they are experiencing, or have experienced, life at Regent. 

We hope that as you listen, you'll be inspired to go into the back catalogue to (re)discover ten years of meaningful conversations. Maybe you'll take a class yourself, or consider joining us here for a time in our very unique community, where you can be yourself and bring your questions, whether you are discerning ministry, vocation, or academic research.

Past Podcast Mentions:

• #044 Hans Boersma on Theology and Tradition (October 2016)
• #068 A new language for the sexual crisis of our generation - with Dr. Sarah Williams (July 2019)
• The Artist #1-3 (November 2022)
• From Politics to Palliative Care - With Mike Baird (May 2022)
• Whole Person Healthcare - with Morgan Wills (October 2021)
• #055 Pain, suffering, and depression in the life of a believer—with Dr. Ross Hastings (April 2019)
• #140 Friendship recentered - with Dr. Maxine Hancock and Dr. Cindy Aalders (March 2021)
• Called to be Friends - With Dr. Cindy Aalders and Dr. David Robinson (November 2021)

Helpful Info for Discerning Coming to Regent

• Regent College Admissions
• Academic Advising
• Studying Online
• Life in Vancouver
• Community Life
• Current Faculty

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In this episode, Regent grad and artist-pastor-theologian David Taylor shares insights on the relationship between art, theology, and vocation, drawn from over thirty years of theological reflection and ministry with artists. Beginning with his reflections on how Regent College influenced his understanding of art and theology, David then discusses core aspects of the book: the importance of belovedness in vocation, who gets to call themselves an artist, and the historical shift from artisans to artists and creative entrepreneurs. He also reflects theologically on the role of the Holy Spirit in artistic creation, and the limitations and constraints placed on creative work modelled in the life of Jesus. David also shares the formational aspects of being an artist, including practices for combating creative stagnation and the importance of doing art in community. Finally, he shares the missional purpose of art-making in a world on fire: home-making, which points us to the truer story in which we are living.

David's Bio

W. David O. Taylor is Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, an Anglican priest, and an internationally recognized scholar of theology, worship, and the arts. He has written books including Open and Unafraid, Glimpses of the New Creation, and Prayers for the Pilgrimage. His newest book, To Set the World Aflame: How Artists Bear Witness to the Fullness of God's Creation, draws on more than three decades of pastoral ministry, theological scholarship, and collaboration with artists around the world. 

Previous Podcast Appearances

On the Arts and Worship (September 2017)

The Formative Power of the Arts (November 2019)

Broken Raging Hearts Before God (February 2021)

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As we wrap up Season 8 of the podcast, we take time to catch up with prolific chemist-theologian-pastor-writer and much-loved Regent professor, Dr. Ross Hastings. Ross's new book, God and Molecules: Chemical Evolution and Divine Providence, explores how God has been working purposefully in his creation all the way back to the first molecules. This is a conversation that stretches the limits of knowledge in the two disciplines Ross is integrating, inviting intellectual humility. Claire and Rachel sought to model this by asking many non-specialist clarifying questions! Even if you are not a scientist, we invite you to listen and learn from the insights chemistry can bring to our understanding of God, his divine agency in the world, and his relationship to creation. As Ross says, these insights inspire our awe and worship, reminding us that our God is too small and our God isn't small enough. 

See you in September!

Ross's Bio
Dr. Ross Hastings, a Zimbabwean Scot, holds PhDs in organometallic chemistry and theology. He currently serves as the Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology at Regent College, where he teaches systematic and pastoral theology. Ross’s most recent books are Pastoral Ethics: Moral Formation as Life in the Trinity, 2nd ed. (Cascade, 2025) and The Glory of the Ascension (IVP Academic, 2026).

More from Ross

• Wade Even Deeper (Regent Convocation Address 2026)
• The Son Went Up . . . and the Spirit Came Down: Lessons from the Ascent of the Son and the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Regent Vine Article, May 2026)
• Sport: Idolatry or the Image of God … or Both? (Regent Vine Article, February 2026)
• The Ascension and the High Priesthood of Christ (May 2025)
• The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (February 2022)
• Pain, Suffering and Depression in the Life of the Believer (April 2019)

Sources Mentioned

• Paul Rimmer's research in chemical evolution
• Biologos - Faith and Science
• Intelligent Design - Ken Ham

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"The Bible invites us to wrestle with life's realities."

In this final episode of our Summer Forecast series of 2026, Rev. Dr. Isabelle Hamley discusses the challenges and importance of preaching from difficult parts of scripture, including texts on judgment, trauma, violence, and justice. While we often want to avoid these sections of Scripture, she helps us think about how to read these texts faithfully and responsibly. Isabelle’s commitment to preaching from the whole counsel of God reminds us to recognize the limits of our capacity to understand God. She also shares thoughtful insights on contemporary humility in relation to the interpretation and misuse of scripture, challenging us to consider the ways in which we, too, miss the mark. 

TW: references to sexual violence, war, and trauma

Isabelle's Bio

Rev. Dr. Isabelle Hamley is a minister, speaker, and writer. She currently serves as Principal of Ridley Hall, an Anglican seminary that trains women and men for lay and ordained ministry. She has previously held posts as church leader, university chaplain, chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Theological Adviser to the House of Bishops. Her interests include the Bible in the life of the church, how Scripture helps shape a Christian response to justice, conflict, and violence, and the relationship between faith, ministry, and mental health. She is an ambassador for Sanctuary Mental Health and co-chairs a World Council of Churches working group on violence, conflict, peace, and reconciliation. She will be back at Regent this summer, teaching Preaching the Unpreachable: Opening Up the “Difficult” Texts of Scripture from July 27-31.

Previous Podcast Appearances

Being Human in God's World (June 2024)

Old Testament Suffering and Life with God (February 2022) 

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Our Summer Forecast continues! In this conversation, Dr. Brent Strawn discusses his extensive background in Old Testament studies, particularly focusing on the book of Deuteronomy. He explores its significance within the Torah, its audiences throughout Israel's history, and its unique structure as a covenant document. Brent emphasizes the rhetorical nature of Deuteronomy, its legal framework, and the importance of repetition in its teachings.  In this conversation, we explore the themes of Deuteronomy, focusing on its role in shaping character, the nature of law and leadership, and the importance of heart change. We discuss the contemporary implications of a thin social contract in relation to law and how Deuteronomy encourages a deeper understanding of law as a covenant. Reflecting on Deuteronomy 17, Brent emphasizes the importance of humble leadership and diligent reading of Scripture for pastors and teachers. We also talk about images in the Song of Moses, and how God presents himself through various metaphors and conceptual blends to demonstrate his incomparability. We also touch on Jesus' relationship with Deuteronomy. Finally, Brent shares his pedagogical approach to scripture reading, advocating for empathy and attention in understanding biblical texts without the distractions of technology.

Brent's Bio

Dr. Brent A. Strawn is D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and Professor of Law at Duke University. He has edited over thirty volumes, including the award-winning Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Law (2015), and authored seven books and over three hundred articles, essays, and contributions to reference works. His most recent book, co-authored with Walter Brueggemann, is Unwavering Faithfulness: Pivotal Moments in the Book of Isaiah (Westminster John Knox, 2025). An ordained minister in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Strawn has served as a translator and editor for the Common English Bible (2011) and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (2022). He’ll be here teaching Deuteronomy: Moses Amends the Constitution from Jul 20-24.

Previous Podcast Appearances

A Skeptic in Scripture (May 2024)

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This week, we are reconnecting with Dr. Susan Phillips, who has been a long-standing presence at Regent Summer School. This year, she will be back teaching Contemplative Listening: The Foundation of Spiritual Friendship and Direction from July 20-31. Susan has many years of experience as a spiritual director, researcher and teacher. In this conversation, she shares with us about listening as vocation and sanctuary. She also shares helpful perspectives on the transformative power of listening, why it’s so hard to listen, how we slowly build trust in listening relationships, and balance empathy and self-care. As you listen, we hope you receive an invitation to slow down and notice the kind voice of God in your life.

Susan's Bio

A spiritual director and professor of sociology and Christian spirituality, Susan S. Phillips earned a PhD in sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, and served as the Executive Director of New College Berkeley, an affiliate of the Graduate Theological Union, from 1994 to 2022. In addition to teaching in a number of institutions within the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and serving on its doctoral faculty, Susan has taught for many years at Fuller Theological Seminary, Regent College, and San Francisco Theological Seminary. Her books, like her teaching, explore the intersection of Christian spirituality and social science, and include the award-winning Crisis of Care: Affirming and Restoring Caring Practices in the Helping Profession (Georgetown University Press, 1995), Candlelight: Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction (Morehouse, 2008), and The Cultivated Life: From Ceaseless Striving to Receiving Joy (IVP, 2015). Susan loves listening to people as they pray and seek the Holy in spiritual direction, retreats, and everyday life. 

Related Content

Previous Podcast Appearances

On Spiritual Practice (Nov 2017)

Spiritual Direction, with John Lunn (June 2018)

Spiritual Practices in Community (Nov 2021)

Regent Vine Article

Advent: God Forges a Path (Dec 5, 2025)

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We're returning to a soul-filling conversation with Dr. Tom Schwanda ahead of his summer class, "Experiencing the Presence: Walking with God All Day Long," which will be running from July 13-17. Two years ago, he spoke with Claire and Christina about the joys of soul recreation, enjoying God, contemplation and meditation. Drawing on the rich history of the church and artistic engagement with Scripture, Tom invites us to slow down and notice God in our lives. He also tackles the distractions that keep us from God. If you are longing for this kind of rest, consider joining us this summer.

Tom's Bio

After serving as a pastor for eighteen years, Tom Schwanda taught Christian spirituality at Wheaton College until his retirement. He now serves as Senior Fellow for Christian Spirituality at the C. S. Lewis Institute and continues to teach Doctor of Ministry courses at several seminaries. He is a trained spiritual director and has published widely. His most recent publication is Whitefield on the Christian Life: New Birth to Enjoy God (Crossway, 2025). His current project involves compiling evening hymns and prayers on sleep and insomnia from across the centuries.

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