In this heartfelt interview, Mike Saulnier shares his faith journey, leadership in faith communities, and the importance of community and mentorship for young adults. Discover how gardening metaphors and personal stories inspire resilience and purpose. Oh, and Mike also happens to be Rev. Cecie Suknaic's husband.

Show Notes:

• Gather Network 
• Treehouse Campus Ministry 
• Holden Village 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:32 Faith and Community in Upbringing
09:42 Transitioning to Law School
13:23 The Importance of Mentorship
19:32 Navigating Relationships and Community
24:59 Creating Gather Network Community
28:19 The Garden of Faith: Seasons of Growth and Desolation
33:57 A Year of Service: Lessons from the Field
43:08 The Impact of Community: Navigating Challenges Together
49:37 Creating Safe Spaces: Young Adults in Faith Communities
53:25 Reflections on Faith: The Role of Pastors and Community
59:21 Lenten Practices: Intentional Growth in Faith
01:01:02 Final Thoughts: God as the Gardener

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Sean McDonald shares his journey from a small rural church in Virginia to becoming a pastor and church planter in the Bishop Arts area of Dallas. He discusses the importance of mentorship in his life, the challenges of ministry, and his vision for reaching young adults and the unchurched. Sean emphasizes the need for authenticity in ministry and the importance of serving the community to build trust. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of faith and the church's role in connecting with younger generations.
Sean also shares his reflection on Lent and how his understanding of this season has evolved over time. 

Connect with Sean:
[email protected]
TikTok: revseanmcdonald
Instagram: oldmcdonald89

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reverend Sean McDonald
05:55 Journey of Faith and Ministry
10:37 The Importance of Mentorship
12:59 Challenges in Youth Ministry
18:09 Vision for Church Planting
24:22 The Call to Church Planting
25:20 Navigating Spiritual Needs as a Pastor
26:38 Faith in Action: Leaning on Prayer
28:32 Embracing Uncertainty in Ministry
30:21 Understanding the Community of Bishop Arts
35:13 Authenticity and Connection with Young Adults
39:10 Lenten Reflections and Spiritual Growth
43:40 Connecting with the Next Generation of Leaders

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke and Rev. Cecie Suknaic engage in a heartfelt conversation with Samantha Johnson, exploring themes of community, music, justice, and the evolving role of young adults in ministry. They discuss the importance of grounding practices amidst societal tensions, the role of music in faith formation, and how innovative approaches to ministry can foster intergenerational connections. The conversation also touches on the significance of justice in worship and the blending of the secular and sacred, culminating in reflections on Lenten practices and community service.
The discussion also talks about Sam's experiences in Minnesota as the community has responded to ICE and how neighbors have showed up for one another.

Show Notes:

• Gather Network
• Gather: Twin Cities
• Singing Resistance

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Collective Voice
02:04 Community Engagement and Grounding Practices
06:00 The Role of Music in Faith and Community
11:54 Justice and Music: A Theological Exploration
17:03 Innovative Ministry and the Spirit of Creativity
21:04 Singing Resistance and Collective Grieving
26:41 Transcendence in Music and Worship
28:03 The Search for Belonging
29:05 Challenging Traditional Worship Practices
33:31 Navigating Generational Differences in Faith
35:00 God's Love Beyond Understanding
40:21 The Future of Young Adult Ministry
43:54 Lenten Practices and Personal Growth

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke and Rev. Cecie Suknaic welcome Hannah Thomas, the Faith Formation Director at First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas. The conversation explores Hannah's diverse background, her journey into ministry, and the importance of patience and vulnerability in faith formation. They discuss the challenges of transitioning from a fast-paced educational environment to a more deliberate approach in ministry, the significance of mentorship, and the beauty of community. Hannah shares her personal struggles with mental health and the journey of finding a welcoming church home after moving back to her hometown. The episode emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, the richness of diverse experiences, and the beauty found in everyday moments.

Show Notes:

• First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:08 Hannah's Background and Diverse Skills
04:52 Balancing Urgency and Patience in Ministry
08:15 Cultivating Community and Vulnerability
12:31 Navigating Mentorship and Support in Ministry
13:52 The Importance of Community and Vulnerability
18:47 Transitioning to PCUSA and Returning Home
24:45 Struggles with Faith and Community
28:16 Finding Inclusive Spaces in Faith
34:57 Navigating Change and Returning Home
39:56 Embracing Growth and Family Dynamics
47:28 Finding Beauty in Community and Connection

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Phil and Cecie engage with Bianca Blaney, a co-leader of Gather Austin and middle school teacher, discussing her journey within the Lutheran community, the importance of belonging, and the role of mentorship in young adulthood. Bianca shares her experiences balancing her teaching career with church involvement, emphasizing the significance of community and connection in navigating the challenges of young adulthood. The conversation highlights the need for the church to create spaces for young adults to engage and contribute meaningfully, while also recognizing the diverse paths individuals take in their faith journeys.

Show Notes:

• Triumphant Love Lutheran Church
• Gather:Austin 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Gather and Community Engagement
04:45 Bianca's Journey and Involvement in Gather
09:50 Balancing Teaching and Community Service
14:40 The Role of Mentorship in Young Adulthood
19:28 Building Connections and Community Support
25:01 The Challenge of Reading and Inspiration
25:32 Triumphant Love and Personal Connections
29:03 Understanding the Young Adult Experience
30:06 Navigating Adulthood and Community Building
33:59 The Importance of Inclusivity in the Church
38:04 Leadership and Opportunities for Young Adults
39:57 Finding Meaning and Confidence in Community
44:45 The Value of Diverse Ministries

In this episode of the Collective Voice podcast, Rev. Phil Dieke, Rev. CeCie Suknaic, and Owen Copps explore themes of faith, community, and belonging. They discuss Owen's journey from the mountains of Colorado to seminary in Austin, the importance of creating and finding community, and the role of justice work in faith. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitions, the significance of intergenerational connections, and the exploration of personal call and purpose in ministry.

Show Notes:

• Gather Network
• Seminary of the Southwest
• First Light Coffee in Austin
• Book People in Austin
• Yellow Bike Project

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
04:26 Nature and Faith: Owen's Journey
09:53 The Search for Belonging
20:02 Finding Community in Austin
27:42 The Role of Young Adults in Faith Communities
38:32 Navigating Transitions and Future Aspirations

In this episode, Rev. Phil Dieke interviews Brian McChesney, a young adult passionate about advocacy, justice, and ministry. Brian shares his journey from aspiring architect to pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church, emphasizing the importance of integrating justice into congregational life. He discusses his experiences in seminary, the significance of the Flipping Tables initiative at Violet Crown City Church in Austin, TX, and the upcoming Nativity Demonstration focused on immigration advocacy taking place at the Texas Capitol on December 20th. The conversation highlights the need for community, belonging, and theological imagination in faith, as well as the importance of nurturing one's soul amidst activism.

Show Notes

• The Writing on the Wall: Signs of Faith Against Fascism - Eric Martin
• Illustrated Ministry
• RSVP for the Nativity Demonstration on December 20th in Austin
• Email Brien - [email protected]

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Brian McChesney and His Journey
02:53 The Call to Justice in Ministry
06:07 The Role of Seminary in Shaping Faith
08:55 Exploring the Flipping Tables Initiative
11:41 The Significance of the Nativity in Immigration Advocacy
14:50 Building Community and Belonging in Faith
17:55 Theological Imagination and Childlike Faith
19:53 Nurturing the Soul Amidst Activism
20:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke speaks with Becca Pessoa about her journey into spiritual leadership and the formation of Wild Church Fresno. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature, the role of environmental justice, and how Becca's personal experiences have shaped her understanding of spirituality. The conversation highlights the significance of community, storytelling, and the need for a deeper connection to the earth and each other.

Do you find spiritual connection in nature? We'd love to hear about it.

Show Notes:

• Wild Church Fresno Website, Instagram, Facebook
• Willow Mennonie Church
• Sovereign Spirits Instagram
• Rebeca Pessoa Instagram

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Wild Church and Personal Background
09:56 Connection to the Watershed and Environmental Justice
19:53 Structure and Activities of Wild Church Fresno
29:52 Community Engagement and Personal Stories
30:30 The Role of Wild Church in Community
33:13 Redefining Spirituality and Christ
38:51 Sovereign Spirit: A Personal Journey
44:45 Final Thoughts on Spiritual Connection

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke engages in a profound conversation with JD Mechelke about the themes of climate justice, hope, and the role of the church in addressing the climate crisis. They explore the implications of living in the Anthropocene, the myth of progress, and the importance of facing hopelessness. The discussion also highlights indigenous perspectives and the need for a revised eschatology that reflects the current realities of climate change. Through personal stories and theological reflections, they emphasize the necessity of action and resilience in the face of environmental catastrophe.

Show Notes:

• Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church from Young Adults
• David Wallace Wells - The Uninhabitable Earth
• Talitha Amadea Aho - In Deep Waters: Spiritual Care for Young People in a Climate Crisis
• Lauren Berlant - Cruel Optimism
• Barbara Brown Taylor - Learning to Walk in the Dark
• Donna Haraway - Staying with the Trouble: Making Kin in the Chthulucene
• Anna Tsing - The Mushroom at the End of the World: On the Possibility of Life in Capitalist Ruins

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hungry for Hope
02:51 Exploring Climate Catastrophe
05:37 Personal Journey and Climate Awareness
08:46 Theological Reflections on Climate Change
11:27 The Myth of Progress and Its Implications
14:34 Hope and Hopelessness in the Anthropocene
17:20 Indigenous Perspectives on Hope
20:38 The Role of the Church in Climate Action
23:28 Rethinking Eschatology
26:13 Stories of Resilience and Beauty
29:19 Concluding Thoughts on Hope and Action

In this episode, Rev. Phil Dieke is once again joined by Hanna Newcomer Sliva to discuss the evolution of Hanna's project within the Polaris Leadership Network, focusing on the theology of aging and the importance of storytelling. They explore cultural insights from Hanna's experiences in Hawaii, the significance of scars and survival, and the impact of personal growth on their understanding of faith. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic storytelling and the reverence for aging in a society that often seeks to erase the evidence of time.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Updates
02:58 The Polaris Leadership Network and Project Overview
05:52 The Theology of Aging and Storytelling
08:48 Collecting Stories and Cultural Insights
12:00 Exploring Life Expectancy: Hawaii vs. Mississippi
15:03 Experiencing Tongan Culture and Mother's Day Celebration
17:48 The Art of Storytelling in Tongan Culture
20:55 Reflections on Trust and Transformation
23:50 Understanding God Through Stories
26:52 The Multifaceted Nature of Human Experience
30:10 Exploring God's Presence in Everyday Life
32:41 Stories from the Tongan Community
35:38 Connecting with Nature and Spirit
38:27 The Impact of Conservation Efforts
42:36 Experiencing Awe and Humanity
44:28 The Theology of Aging and Hope
47:14 Cultural Attitudes Towards Aging
49:53 The Significance of Scars and Stories
51:15 Future Projects and Storytelling