The Current

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Dr. Rebecca Laird takes us on a journey through spiritual formation, direction, and the enduring legacy of Henri Nouwen in this deeply personal conversation. Drawing from her years as Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University, alongside decades in pastoral ministry and spiritual direction, Dr. Laird illuminates the pathways to a more meaningful spiritual life.

"Spirituality is usually about lived theology," she explains, distinguishing between abstract theological concepts and the concrete reality of how faith manifests in our daily existence. Through practices like the Prayer of Examen – taking time to notice where we experienced connection and disconnection throughout our day – we begin to recognize patterns and make intentional choices that invite greater meaning into our lives.

The conversation explores Henri Nouwen's remarkable journey from academic prominence at Yale and Harvard to finding his true home at L'Arche, a community centered around people with disabilities. Dr. Laird shares personal memories of Nouwen, revealing how his ability to articulate "the contours of the heart" created profound connections with readers from vastly different backgrounds through his unique pastoral writing style.

At the core of spiritual direction is the practice of accompaniment – walking alongside another person while helping them recognize what God might be doing that they're too close to see themselves. This requires genuine curiosity about people and attention to the "persistent questions" we all wrestle with: Who am I? Where do I belong? How can I serve? What is prayer?

For those seeking a more meaningful spiritual path, Dr. Laird emphasizes three essential disciplines: engagement with community, connection to scripture, and practices of the heart. "If you're seeking discernment but you're not doing those things," she cautions, "it's like saying you want to get stronger but have an aversion to lifting weights."

The conversation concludes with powerful reflections on building authentic community across socioeconomic divisions, moving beyond one-way service relationships toward mutual growth and dignity – a journey that begins when people discover they have meaningful gifts to share, regardless of their circumstances.

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What does the journey from success to rock bottom and back again really look like? Laura Davis Mansfield's story defies simple narratives about homelessness and addiction.

Growing up amid family dysfunction and trauma, Laura nonetheless excelled, becoming a star athlete and graduating from Lehigh University with dual degrees. Her move to California promised new beginnings, but as a single mother fighting anxiety and isolation, everything changed when doctors prescribed her highly addictive Klonopin. This began a devastating spiral that eventually led this former honor student to methamphetamine addiction and the streets of San Diego.

Laura takes us through the raw realities of homelessness—from her first night sleeping on concrete with nothing but a jacket for protection, to the mysterious pizza that appeared beside her like manna from heaven, to her eventual connection with community resources and churches that became lifelines. With unflinching honesty, she reveals how addiction severed her relationship with her teenage daughter—a relationship that would take nearly a decade to rebuild.

The recovery journey wasn't linear. Laura cycled through multiple attempts at sobriety, rehab programs, and even a quixotic plan to bicycle across America before finding lasting recovery through the Salvation Army's rehabilitation program. Today, six and a half years sober, Laura serves as a Salvation Army officer alongside her husband, helping others navigate their own paths to healing.

This conversation doesn't just illuminate the complicated reality of homelessness—it reminds us that behind every person on the street lies a complete human story. Laura's message is clear: no matter how far you've fallen, redemption is possible when you embrace vulnerability, connect with community, and refuse to give up. Have you been trying to face your struggles alone? Maybe it's time to reach out for help.

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Grace can lead us home—but first, we need to dismantle the myths many believe about what keeps people on the streets. Kevin Nye, author and homeless services provider, takes us on a journey to the heart of a crisis that's widely misunderstood, especially within faith communities.

Nye begins by challenging what he calls "the central myth" of homelessness—that people somehow deserve their situation and are therefore less worthy of assistance. This perspective, often intertwined with Christian ministry approaches, creates barriers to effective solutions by focusing on personal transformation rather than addressing systemic housing issues. The conversation explores how scarcity mindset contradicts the abundance mentality demonstrated repeatedly throughout Scripture, especially in Jesus' ministry.

The most revealing segment comes when Nye breaks down the actual causes of homelessness through compelling data. Contrary to popular assumptions, homelessness isn't primarily caused by mental illness, substance use disorders, or even poverty—these factors show virtually no correlation with homelessness rates across different regions. What does correlate strongly is housing affordability and availability. As Nye explains, when we remove affordable housing from our communities, those with pre-existing vulnerabilities are inevitably left without homes.

For churches seeking meaningful engagement, Nye offers practical guidance on leveraging collective people power to advocate for housing policy change. Drawing from inspiring examples of faith communities who've successfully influenced local housing priorities, he demonstrates how congregations can move beyond emergency services toward addressing root causes.

The conversation closes with a profound reflection on maintaining hope amid challenging work. Nye's answer? Connect with people experiencing homelessness—their resilience, joy, and ability to create meaning despite extraordinarily difficult circumstances can restore our perspective and revitalize our commitment to housing justice.

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When a church gathers to wash feet at an immigration detention center, is it worship or protest? According to Isaac Villegas, it's both - and that's precisely the point. In this profound conversation, Villegas shares stories from his new book "Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice," revealing how authentic Christian practices become revolutionary acts in contexts of injustice.

Drawing from his experiences as a Mennonite pastor and the child of Latin American immigrants, Villegas takes us inside the remarkable two-year sanctuary his congregation provided for Rosa del Carmen Ortez Cruz, an undocumented woman facing deportation. With a host of volunteers coordinating everything from grocery delivery to laundry service, this community demonstrated what it means to truly be the church rather than simply attend one. "Rosa believed in the church with her life," Villegas observes, noting how her trust challenged the congregation to live up to its calling.

The conversation explores how traditional Christian practices take on profound political dimensions when performed in contested spaces. Whether conducting communion as a shared meal or washing feet outside detention centers, these acts embody an alternative vision of community that challenges dehumanizing systems. Villegas argues that Christians don't need to "translate" their faith into political action - they simply need to practice it faithfully in public.

With remarkable candor, Villegas also reflects on Martin Luther King Jr.'s final, undelivered sermon titled "Why America May Go to Hell" and what it means to maintain hope while acknowledging harsh realities. He suggests that Christian hope isn't based on political optimism but on the resurrection - the ultimate sign that seemingly impossible transformations remain possible even in dark times. Those seeking authentic ways to connect faith with justice will find this conversation both challenging and deeply encouraging.

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The Current is back for a second season! We hope you'll join us! 

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Join us for an insightful conversation with theologian Dr. Craig Keen as he shares how the Book of Acts became a beacon of guidance in his life during the turbulent year of 1968, amidst the Vietnam War. Reflecting on his journey of faith within a conservative environment, Dr. Keen reveals the profound impact Acts had on his understanding of nonviolence and pacifism. We uncover his introspective exploration of scripture, which shaped his life decisions and spiritual commitments amidst societal challenges.

Our dialogue extends beyond traditional notions of violence, exploring its subtleties in power dynamics and political processes. Dr. Keen and I discuss the essential role of grace in striving for nonviolence while navigating a world riddled with complexities. The conversation emphasizes the delicate balance between confronting violence when necessary and adhering to a life inspired by the gospel. We reflect on the concept of Shalom, advocating for peace that intertwines with justice and community, and the practical challenges of living these ideals daily.

We also dive into the intricate relationship between independence and interconnectedness, examining how societal notions of freedom can lead to isolation. Through stories of community and the church's mission to embrace marginalized individuals, we highlight the beauty and challenges of unity. Inspired by the early Christian community in Acts, our discussion underscores the transformative power of welcoming those who seem different and the irresistible joy that stems from a life of faith and shared purpose.

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How do we navigate the challenging concept of enmity within the Christian faith while remaining committed to justice and peace? Join us for a profound conversation with Melissa Florer-Bixler, pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church, as she unpacks these complexities through her experiences and insights from her book, "How to Have an Enemy." We examine the nuances of defining true enemies, especially in the context of systemic power dynamics, and discuss how to address these conflicts with the grace and teachings of Jesus. 

Anger plays a pivotal role in social change, but how can it be managed and channeled productively? We explore this influential emotion, drawing parallels to movements like Black Lives Matter and the civil rights era, showcasing anger as a driving force for societal transformation. The discussion delves into gender and racial dynamics in societal responses to anger and highlights the importance of understanding these responses to foster environments where anger can catalyze positive change. 

The conversation takes a deeper look into the power of community and collective action in processing emotions like anger, emphasizing the significance of genuine connections over the isolating nature of social media. Through real-life examples, such as ICE detention and systemic issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we reveal how authentic community bonds can inspire advocacy and transformation. As we strive to build strong, accountable community relationships, we find hope in acts of generosity and the transformative potential of faith amidst global chaos.

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Discover the transformative power of the Psalms with our special guest, Dr. Ellen Davis from Duke University Divinity School. Through her profound insights, Dr. Davis illuminates how Psalm 145, an "alphabet of adoration," serves as a timeless bridge connecting spirituality and community across generations. As she opens up about personal experiences, particularly during times of mourning, you’ll find inspiration in the Psalms' ability to foster a candid and emotive dialogue with God, allowing for an authentic expression of praise and lament.

Travel with us into the heart of sacred places and environmental theology, sparked by Wendell Berry’s compelling notion that every place holds sacred potential. We explore how, amidst the chaos of modern mobility, spiritual stability can be achieved by grounding ourselves in the sanctity of familiar places. Delve into personal stories that highlight the importance of maintaining our connection to roots and the spiritual grounding offered by the communities and locations that have shaped us. This discussion encourages a deeper appreciation for the metaphorical "place to stand" in our spiritual journeys, even in moments of physical displacement.

As we navigate hope in the realm of faith communities, discover how it is more than just a fleeting feeling—it's a steadfast commitment. With stories of beauty, like the creation of the St. John's Illuminated Bible, we underscore the role of storytelling and art in nurturing hope and faith. The episode concludes with a thoughtful reflection on the evolving nature of the modern church, guided by the wisdom of Stanley Hauerwas. Join us in celebrating acts of beauty and kindness as heavenly treasures that contribute to healing a divided world, offering a renewed vision for the church's role in promoting justice and compassion.

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Chelsey Brunt is the Director of Women's Soccer at Cumbre Alta, a soccer club in Quito, Ecuador and a ministry of IncaLink Ecuador. Chelsey played competitive soccer from a young age through college and eventually found her calling as a coach and a mentor. Cumbre Alta seeks not only to develop excellence on the pitch, but to provide love, care, and discipleship for athletes. Over the last ten years, Chelsey and Cumbre Alta have blazed a trail for women to play soccer in Quito, who have gone from almost no ability to play organized soccer in the city to having a team on the brink of promotion to the professional league in Ecuador. Chelsey is also the daughter of beloved members of Living Water Church, Alan and Josie Brunt. We talk about coaching, discipleship, wholistic care for humans, and the role of play in life more broadly. We hope you'll find this episode both fun and inspiring! 

https://www.incalink.org/our-team/brunt

https://www.incalink.org/ministries/ecuador/cumbre-alta

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We jump back into the story of Pentecost, talk about the significance of language, the beauty of the plurality of language in witnessing God, the images of the Spirit, and dig a little deeper into the meaning of the Pentecost theophany.