Same Jesus Podcast

In this short conversation with Russell and AJ, they discuss the role of AI in sermon crafting. As AI tools become increasingly popular, do they have a role in sermon creation, and if so, what should that role be? How can we use AI as a tool instead of as a substitute for the Holy Spirit?

Technology is remaking the world. It's also remaking the church. What biblical wisdom do we have to navigate these disruptive trends and lead God's people forward with grace, courage, and groundedness? In this episode, Russel and A.J. are joined by Jay Kim as they wrestle with these questions. 

 How do we view the person and work of the Holy Spirit, and how does that impact our lives and our churches? What are the differences between Pentecostalism, Foursquare, and being Charismatic? In episode 21 of The Same Jesus Podcast, Russell and AJ are joined by Steve Felix-Jager and Jenifer Manginelli as they discuss the unique Pentecostal ethos of The Foursquare Church.

The phrase Christian nationalism is thrown around a lot in our current world. In this episode, A.J. and Russell, along with Pastor Ben Dixon, define Christian nationalism, discuss how it differs from historical and biblical Christianity, and ponder what it looks like to hold a middle position as the church increasingly intersects with partisan politics. 

The role of women in the church is a hot topic of discussion in the Christian world right now. In this special episode of the Same Jesus Podcast, Russell Joyce is joined by guest co-host Carrie Jenkins (Lead Women's Mobilizer for The Foursquare Church) and a panel of female senior pastors: Bo Stern-Brady, Ilcian Gomez and Alyssa Smith. Together, they discuss a biblical view of women in leadership, their own experiences as female pastors and the uniqueness of Foursquare's position towards women in leadership.

Additional Reading: https://resources.foursquare.org/books-and-articles-from-your-womens-mobilizers/

Created to Lead Podcast: https://resources.foursquare.org/introducing-created-to-lead/

Foursquare Women's Mobilizers Resource page: https://www.foursquare.org/support/womens-mobilizers/

Leading through cultural tension is actually not a new problem. It's a challenge that's faced every generation. Join AJ and Russell for an honest conversation about what it looks like to lead with courage, compassion and conviction in the moments that matter most. Drawing on the roots of who Foursquare has always been, they'll explore how our history can speak to our present and remind us that faithful, Spirit-led leadership has always found a way forward. This episode was recorded live at Foursquare Connection 2026.

In episode 18, A.J. and Russell welcome Author Carmen Joy Imes, Ph.D. Listen in as they discuss a biblical definition for family and how it differs from a typical American vision of family. Why is the definition of family so important? Because the church's understanding of family can become a counter-cultural witness in our world.

Join A.J. Swabota and Russell Joyce as they host conversations for the church in the midst of a noisy world, trying to play both sides against the middle in pursuit of the One who is the same yesterday, today and forever. In episode 17, they share some slight changes to the podcast and talk with Pastor Glenn Packiam about Spiritual formation. Get ready to make room in your prayer closet for both the Charismatic AND the contemplative.

In the final episode of Season 2 of the Same Jesus podcast, Russell and A.J. are joined by John Mark Comer to discuss the spiritual formation of ministry leaders.

You can watch this episode on YouTube here.

The Same Jesus podcast is hosted by Russell Joyce and A.J. Swoboda.

Russell Joyce is senior pastor of Faith Center, a Foursquare church located in Eugene, Ore. He is also the director of Foursquare Multiply, which seeks to train, network and multiply the next generation of Foursquare churches across the U.S. He wrote the new book His Face Like Mine: Finding God’s Love in Our Wounds (IVP).

A.J. Swoboda, Ph.D., is assistant professor of Bible, Theology and World Christianity at Bushnell University. He has planted and pastored a Foursquare church in Portland called Theophilus that continues to worship to this day, as well as authored several books including his latest release, The Gift of Thorns: Jesus, the Flesh, and the War for Our Wants (Zondervan).

Thanks to our special guest John Mark Comer. John Mark is The New York Times bestselling author of seven books and creator of “Practicing the Way,” a ministry that provides resources for churches to aid in spiritual formation.

Learn more about the Same Jesus podcast at foursquare.org/SameJesusPodcast, or contact us at [email protected].

Additional Resources

Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer

Becoming Dallas Willard by Gary W. Moon

The post S2 – E7: The desperate need for spiritual formation in our time appeared first on News + Resources.

In Episode 6 / Season 2 of the Same Jesus podcast, Russell and A.J. delve into the many ways that the world, culture and church are changing, and what this means for the future of the church.

You can watch this episode on YouTube here.

The Same Jesus podcast is hosted by Russell Joyce and A.J. Swoboda.

Russell Joyce is senior pastor of Faith Center, a Foursquare church located in Eugene, Ore. He is also the director of Foursquare Multiply, which seeks to train, network and multiply the next generation of Foursquare churches across the U.S. He wrote the new book His Face Like Mine: Finding God’s Love in Our Wounds (IVP).

A.J. Swoboda, Ph.D., is assistant professor of Bible, Theology and World Christianity at Bushnell University. He has planted and pastored a Foursquare church in Portland called Theophilus that continues to worship to this day, as well as authored several books including his latest release, The Gift of Thorns: Jesus, the Flesh, and the War for Our Wants (Zondervan).

Thanks to our special guests Yas and Monique Handall, and Obe Arellano. Yas and Monique are Foursquare pastors and the founders of Arise, a ministry that empowers Native Americans to be leaders in their own community and beyond. Obe is the co-founder and executive director of Exponential Español, an organization that provides multiplication resources to Latino pastors, churches and denominations.

Learn more about the Same Jesus podcast at foursquare.org/SameJesusPodcast, or contact us at [email protected].

Additional Resources

To find more information on Foursquare Multiply, visit https://foursquaremultiply.com/en/

To find more information on Exponential Español, visit https://multiplicacion.org

The post S2 – E6: The future of the church in the Western culture appeared first on News + Resources.