What do we do with the agony? What can we do? Where do we go for help?


For all those who feel deeply

For all those who are confused

For all those who feel helpless

For all those who are angry

For all those who are hiding and are shut down

For all those who have no voice

For all those who are prayerless

For all those who are sleepless

For all those who are exhausted

How are you staying sane and safe?

In this audio meditation, Josh offers a meditation to consider how our response to the pain surrounding us reveals our false understanding of power. Can we become more honest and open to God by considering our immediate violence in the context of our long addiction to power? After moving through this difficult discernment, Josh offers simple guided breath work to further open to God’s help.



[0:00] Welcome 
America’s struggle with power, and situates this episode within the broader A New Reality in Belonging conversation.

[3:00] An Audio-Only Meditation 
A prayerful, contemplative meditation—especially amid exhaustion, violence, and polarization.

[6:54] Discernment on Power, Weakness, and America
Our self-consumed society is collapsing, with insights from Howard Thurman’s Jesus and the Disinherited.

[29:25] Guided Breath Prayer
A simple, embodied breath practice (4 counts in, 4 counts out) to calm the nervous system and open the heart to God.

[40:46] Staying Open to God in the Midst of Pain
Finding help without bypassing suffering.



Please share your experience of this episode with me. I’d love to know if and how breath work is helpful. Email me: josh at theinvitationcenter dot org.



For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org

For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/

A New Reality in Belonging Series - Robert Caldwell & Keith Reynolds Pt III

What if justice begins with listening?


What if we don’t bring Jesus to others—but discover Jesus already among them?

In this final conversation with Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, we explore contemplation, Black perseverance, cruciform leadership, and the sacramental presence of God revealed through our neighbors. A call to move beyond saviorism, recover communal wisdom, and practice a faith shaped by deep listening, shared life, and hope.

0:51 – Neighbors as Sacrament
Opening the conversation on symbiotic relationship, not saviorism

3:14 – Encountering God Through the Other
How we meet Christ in and through our neighbors

5:48 – NT Wright on the Church as New Creation
A unified, multi-ethnic body as a living sign of God’s kingdom

9:47 – Black Genius, Suffering, and Imagination
How suffering forms vision, creativity, and spiritual resilience

14:51 – Family Stories of Perseverance
Robert’s ancestral story of survival, migration, and hope

21:00 – Going to Celebrate, Not Just Serve
A corrective to paternalism: discovering Jesus already present

25:27 – Contemplation as Formation for Justice
Richard Rohr, inner quiet, and faithful presence

28:57 – Inner Life and World-Mindedness
Howard Thurman on the inseparable bond between contemplation and social responsibility

For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org

For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/

In Part II of this ongoing conversation, Josh continues his dialogue with Robert Caldwell and Keith Reynolds, deepening the exploration of surrender, obedience, and belonging.

Set in the season of Advent, this episode reflects on waiting, disorientation, and unfinishedness as sacred spaces where faith is formed. Drawing on Scripture and lived experience, the conversation challenges self-sufficient models of Christianity and imagines a more honest, dependent way of following God—one shaped by suffering, humility, and spiritual friendship.

Together, the hosts wrestle with the future of the church, the limits of institutional models, and the hope that emerges when control is relinquished and life is received as gift rather than project.

At its heart, this episode affirms that asking the question is itself an act of hope, and that new light often comes not through certainty, but through surrender.

0:00 - Surrendering to God; learning through suffering

01:19 - Introducing Robert Caldwell & Keith Reynolds; focus on faithfulness

03:31 - The “finished man,” self-sufficiency, and Advent’s invitation to need

04:51 - Deconstruction, holding space for pain and hope

06:29 - Community, vulnerability, and hope in belonging

07:46 - Church planting: critique of megachurches, seeking authenticity

14:22 - Launching a new church; forming a core team

18:03 - Mentorship, transparency, and organic process

22:48 - Living in the community; challenging church norms

24:30 - New wine in new wineskins; generational shifts

27:21 - Outward-facing church; serving the marginalized

29:20 - Social location, calling, and never forgetting one’s roots

36:40 - Returning to serve in one’s own neighborhood

41:52 - Living out faith; surrender and next steps

For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org

For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/

In this episode podcaster and spiritual director, Josh Banner with Keith Reynolds, and Robert Caldwell explores how the church can embody creative, justice-oriented responses to today’s social realities by centering marginalized communities and reimagining spiritual formation as social transformation.

Guests:

• Keith Reynolds (Western Theological Seminary)

• Robert Caldwell (Answer Poverty)

Key Topics:

• Church and social justice

• Community development

• Faith in action

• Racial equity

• Creative ministry models

00:00 – Introduction

• Opening thoughts on not being anxious about current events and the call for the church to focus on supporting marginalized people.

00:32 – Organizing for Impact

• Discussion on how resources are used to meet material needs in the community.

00:47 – New Wine, Old Wineskins

• Reflection on the need for new approaches in faith and community work.

01:03 – Suffering and Imagination

• The idea that suffering requires imagination and leads to collective genius, especially in the Black community.

01:25 – Robert Caldwell’s Influence

• Robert’s non-reactionary approach and the wisdom gained from elders.

01:51 – Episode Overview

• Host Josh introduces guests Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, and outlines the themes of the episode: church planting, justice, and hope.

02:36 – Orientation and Vision

• Robert shares his story; Keith discusses his vision for a new kind of church.

04:20 – Turning to Hope

• Encouragement to focus on good news and practice hope despite a difficult news cycle.

05:40 – Love and Justice

• Exploring the connection between loving God, neighbor, and self; justice as love in action.

09:00 – Personal Journeys

• Keith and Robert share their backgrounds, vocational journeys, and the importance of mentorship and legacy.

16:36 – Church Planting and Community

• Keith describes the influence of Robert on his approach to church and community development.

36:14 – Closing Reflections

• The episode closes with thoughts on witness, legacy, and the ongoing journey of faith and justice.

For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org

For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/

In this fourth installment of the ‘Eastertide’ series, Josh Banner invites listeners to explore the concept of becoming small through Christ's resurrection. By reflecting on Psalm 131, the discussion delves into humility and love for others, even those we don't understand. The episode examines toxic masculinity, the nurturing aspect of God, and the importance of empathy in Christianity. Highlighting insights from Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Howard Thurman, Banner emphasizes the need for a counter-cultural approach to faith, focusing on humility, meekness, and a deeper connection to justice and love. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own posture and to engage in supportive practices for personal and communal growth.

Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx

www.theinvitationcenter.org

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:18 Exploring Psalm 131

02:04 Contemplative Listening and the Divine Feminine

03:08 Toxic Masculinity and Patriarchy

06:00 Bonhoeffer and Thurman on Brotherhood

08:52 Bonhoeffer's Transformation in Harlem

12:19 Empathy and Its Potential Abuses

16:19 The Paradox of Becoming Small

21:07 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of The Invitation Podcast, Josh Banner delves deep into the concept of resurrection as a means to become humble and small. Drawing upon passages from Psalm 131, Romans 12, and integrating thoughts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr., and Howard Thurman, Josh explores the transformation of society and self by aligning with the suffering and marginalized rather than seeking power. He discusses the challenges of religious jargon, the value of questioning deeply held beliefs, and fostering true dignity and justice for all. The episode invites listeners to consider the depths of their faith, the importance of mutuality, and to explore how to embody Christ's compassion in their interactions with others.


Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx



www.theinvitationcenter.org

00:00 Introduction to The Invitation Podcast

00:36 Exploring Resurrection and Humanity

01:42 Bonhoeffer's Messianic Act and Religious Jargon

02:45 Deconstruction and Desert Spirituality

04:10 Resurrection Life Amidst Pain and Oppression

05:30 Integrating Teachings from Dr. King, Bonhoeffer, and Thurman

08:13 Psalm 131: A Meditation on Humility and Trust

09:24 Howard Thurman's Perspective on Jesus and the Disinherited

11:27 Christianity's Relationship with Power and Suffering

18:42 Resurrection Life and Creative Maladjustment

18:56 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Resurrection Power

20:33 Embracing the Other with Christ's Love

23:39 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

In this episode of The Invitation Podcast, Josh Banner explores the idea of 'Resurrection Life as an Invitation to Become Small.' He delves into the late writings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, suggesting that Bonhoeffer's true essence and his writings on powerlessness align with a deeper understanding of Jesus' teachings. Josh contrasts religious complacency with true Christian life, emphasizing humility, meekness, and genuine fellowship with others. He connects scripture from Psalm 131 and insights from Bonhoeffer's prison letters to encourage listeners to embrace a life of smallness and trust in God, steering away from traditional notions of religious power and significance.

Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx



www.theinvitationcenter.org

00:00 Introduction to The Invitation Podcast

01:01 Exploring Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Legacy

04:25 Bonhoeffer's Letters and Theological Insights

12:16 The Concept of Religionless Christianity

17:27 Practical Applications of Resurrection Life

19:58 Invitation to Reflect and Become Small

In this episode of the Invitation Podcast, Josh Banner explores the upcoming podcast series focusing on resurrection as an invitation to becoming small. He reflects on the heroic dimension often associated with Christian faith in America and invites listeners to reconsider their understanding during Eastertide, the 50 days after Easter. Using Psalm 131 and teachings from figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Howard Thurman, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Josh guides a meditative journey on aligning with the meek, the poor in spirit, and the non-conforming minority. He also shares his experiences with contemplative practices in prison ministry. Tune in for a deeply reflective and thought-provoking meditation.

Please fill out this questionnaire to give the Invitation feedback on this podcast: https://tinyurl.com/5n73wrcx

www.theinvitationcenter.org

00:00 Preface to Fram Eastertide

01:02 Introduction and Listener Feedback

04:00 Proposing a New Podcast Series

07:05 Meditation on Psalm 130 and Influential Readings

08:02 Personal Reflections on Ministry and Humility

010:25 Dr. King's Influence and Creative Maladjustment

12:34 What is your pending doom?

15:24 Sermon on the Mount, Blessed are the Poor in Spirit 
20:14 Hosanna and the Call to Become Small

23:15 Conclusion: Embracing Smallness and Cooperation with God
25:15 Outro, How you can collaborate with the Invitation Center

I made this sketch for the Invitation Podcast series The Resurrection Invites us to Become Small.

I put this meditation together March 27, 2025 after facilitating an SOCL retreat. I left the retreat appropriately tired yet full and in need of processing with sound.

Rhodes, nylon string guitar, and 'field' recording processed with a Chase Bliss Mood II and some Felt Instruments Smugi.