Discipleship Conversations

18/08/2024

Exploring the Faith Lives of Emerging Adults - A Conversation with Sara Barton

In the latest episode of Discipleship Conversations, Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman, sit down with Dr. Sara Barton to delve into the spiritual lives of emerging adults. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister, Sara shares her insights into the unique challenges and rewards of walking alongside college students.

We explore key characteristics of emerging adults, their thoughts about identity and faith, and the impact of cultural shifts on their spiritual practices. Sara also discusses the vital role of community in faith development and reflects on how her work with this age group has influenced her own faith journey. Sara offers valuable perspectives on supporting current and future generations of believers.

Sara recently celebrated 30 years in ministry, with over 20 years in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister. She also served churches and rural communities in Uganda. She recently started a new job in acquisitions with HarperCollins Publishers, where she will specialize in Bible Studies, spiritual growth, and congregational resources. Sara is on the preaching team at the Camarillo Church of Christ.

In the latest episode of Discipleship Conversations, Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman, sit down with Dr. Sara Barton to delve into the spiritual lives of emerging adults. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister, Sara shares her insigh...

18/07/2024

How does one become a missionary without ever leaving the country or even leaving town? Brandon Bell might be wondering the same thing as he finds himself back in the
town where he went to college to become a coach and teacher. In this conversation we talk about Brandon’s journey of discipleship, how he got into ministry, his take on campus ministry as an opportunity to be a missionary, his passion for training students and young adults for mission, and his new book.

How does one become a missionary without ever leaving the country or even leaving town? Brandon Bell might be wondering the same thing as he finds himself back in the town where he went to college to become a coach and teacher. In this conversation we talk about Brandon’s journey of discipleship, ...

14/06/2024

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell are joined by Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines, lead pastor at Trevecca Christian Community and author of "Pastor as Midwife." Dr. Songer Gaines shares her unique perspective on how midwifery, one of the oldest vocations, provides a timeless and powerful metaphor for leadership that centers on service, empowerment, and following the lead of others. Reflecting on her research and experiences, Shawna discusses how midwives’ practices of supporting and empowering mothers can transform pastoral leadership, moving away from a centralized, leader-focused model to one that is collaborative and Spirit-led.

Listen in to gain an understanding of how pastors can adopt a de-centered leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of following the congregation's needs, encouraging active participation, and cultivating a supportive community. Shawna's reflections challenge the conventional leadership culture, offering a fresh, theologically grounded perspective that redefines success in ministry. Join us for an enriching conversation that delves into the themes of new creation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the practical steps pastors can take to embrace a midwifery model of leadership in their churches.

Shawna Songer Gaines is a follower of Jesus, lover of books, runner of mediocre ability (at best), fan of gluten-free bakeries, wife of a hilarious pastor/theologian, mother of marvelously dramatic children, pastor of a uniquely diverse and intergenerational congregation, author of some books and Bible studies, and neighbor in the curiously creative city of Nashville. She currently serves as the lead pastor at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene, a congregation in the heart of Nashville, on the University campus. Shawna and her husband, Tim, have a passion for learning from and pouring into the next generation of leaders in the church. She earned her B.A. from Point Loma Nazarene University, M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and D.Min. from Lipscomb University.

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/discipleshipconversations/episodes/De-Centered-Leadership-Insights-from-Pastor-as-Midwife---A-Conversation-with-Dr--Shawna-Songer-Gaines-e2kk802

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell are joined by Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines, lead pastor at Trevecca Christian Community and author of "Pastor as Midwife." Dr. Songer Gaines shares her unique perspective on how midwifery, one of the oldest vocations...

27/03/2024

Unveiling Vocational Formation - A Conversation with Dr. Chis Cobbler

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, we delve into the realm of vocational formation with Dr. Chris Cobbler, a seasoned missional theologian and the newly appointed executive director of the Center for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas online. Dr. Cobbler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table as he shares his vision for helping individuals recognize their vocations as integral parts of God's mission. Drawing from his extensive background in theology and practical ministry, Chris unveils the significance of vocational formation in today's rapidly evolving world. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to embrace your unique calling in God's grand narrative of redemption and restoration.

Dr. Christopher Cobbler was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada, and currently resides in Michigan with his wife and three children. He and his wife, Kahra, have been immersed in many faith traditions; he values the intersectional aspects of his journey and passionately desires to see communities in the church and academy become a sign, instrument and foretaste of the kingdom of God. Chris graduated from Alberta Bible College, Rochester University and most recently with a Doctoral Degree from Lipscomb University. He is the Dean of Vocational Formation and the Director of the Center for Vocational Formation at Abilene Christian University, Dallas.

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.



Episode Link
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/discipleshipconversations/episodes/Unveiling-Vocational-Formation---A-Conversation-with-Dr--Chis-Cobbler-e2hffp6

Join us in this enlightening episode of Discipleship Conversations as we delve into the realm of vocational formation with Dr. Chris Cobbler, a seasoned missional theologian and the newly appointed executive director of the Center for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas online. Dr. Cobbler brings a w...

08/03/2024

"Local churches must be vigilant against hierarchical structures that siphon power to a select few. Reimagining power within the local church requires consistent and intentional steps to reshape organizational structures, leadership paradigms, and communal attitudes."

Learn how churches can do this by reading Cheryl Russell's recent post on the Mission Alive substack page.

Reorienting Power, Status, and Privilege for the Sake of Redemptive Ecclesial Life

21/02/2024

Challenges & Opportunities: Church Decline & the Missional Call

Join hosts Tiffany Dahlman, Steven Carrizal, and Jeremy Hoover in the latest episode of "Discipleship Conversations," where they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the pressing issue of church decline and the innovative ways that some Christian faith communities are responding. The hosts engage with an article by Chris Flanders from Mission Alive's Reimagining Church series titled: "Kainos Koinonias: How Innovative Faith Communities Embody the Missio Dei."

In the article, Chris challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's missional calling in ever-expanding cultural contexts. As churches grapple with rapid change, and also seek to partner with God in redemptive mission, this episode considers what questions churches are asking, and how they are adapting to try to meet the evolving needs of their communities.

Join us as we contemplate the future landscape of church and faith, recognizing the diverse expressions emerging in response to the call of the Kingdom. In a world where the Kingdom comes near in various forms, the discussion prompts us to reimagine our understanding of church and embrace the innovative spirit driving the Missio Dei forward.

Join hosts Tiffany Dahlman, Steven Carrizal, and Jeremy Hoover in the latest episode of "Discipleship Conversations," where they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the pressing issue of church decline and the innovative ways that some Christian faith communities are responding. The hosts en...

24/01/2024

Diverging Traditions, Merging Faith - A Conversation With Greg Taylor and Jacob Taylor

Are you a Christian parent with a young adult child that is choosing a different faith than you expected? Are you an emerging adult discovering spiritual renewal as you find a path to faith and spirituality apart from the tradition of your youth? Many Christian families are experiencing a change in their family faith dynamic as emerging adults and young adults discover their own path to faith and spirituality. On this episode of Discipleship Conversations, we talk with guests Greg Taylor and Jacob Taylor, a father and son navigating a shift in familial faith. Listen in as they share their experience about how they are navigating these changes, finding common ground, and moving closer to one another in the process.

Are you a Christian parent with a young adult child that is choosing a different faith than you expected? Are you an emerging adult discovering spiritual renewal as you find a path to faith and spirituality apart from the tradition of your youth? Many Christian families are experiencing a change in....

14/12/2023

This week on the Discipleship Conversations podcast: No special guest! It's the 4 hosts talking about Advent, how it hopes and waits and breathes in their churches that are not historically tied in its rhythm. We cover everything from chocolate Advent calendars to the lectionary calendar! Take a listen, and comment how Advent is forming people of faith in your community.

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/discipleshipconversations/episodes/More-Than-Just-Lighting-The-Candles--A-Conversation-About-Advent-e2d0ina

01/12/2023

We have a lot of fun on this podcast! Take a listen to the two most recent episodes for rich content on pilgrimage–what is it, why do it, what is like from those who've done it, do you need boots?–and subscribe to be notified of next week's drop–a conversation about Advent.

08/11/2023

Walking the Camino de Santiago, as Kevin & Shelly Huddleston did (see previous episode), is a big undertaking. But what if we could see pilgrimage and the lessons of pilgrimage in the everyday of our lives. In this episode, the hosts have a roundtable discussion about finding and implementing pilgrimage in our ministry contexts.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

This is a podcast focusing on conversations with guests about following Jesus in various arenas and circumstances of life. Our team of hosts include Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Jeremy Hoover, and Cheryl Russell. We invite you to join us for these conversations, where we reflect on what it mean...

11/10/2023

Each day between two and three thousand people arrive in Santiago, Spain as pilgrims. This past summer, Kevin Huddleston and Shelly Huddleston were two among that number on July 13 as they, along with a small group of friends, completed a 14-day walk on the Camino de Santiago. Listen in as we talk the two of them about their pilgrimage experience—about how they were formed by daily prayer, an expanding understanding of community, and the expected and surprising presence of God.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

10/10/2023

“Be where your feet are not where they are going.” But how does one do that when you have a destination to get to? Hear what Kevin Huddleston and Shelly Huddleston have to say about their experience with prayer, community, and presence on their 14-day pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago this past summer. Watch for this episode to drop tomorrow. You can find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

06/10/2023

Watch for a new Discipleship Conversations episode to drop next Wednesday. But in the meantime, catch our most recent conversation with Greg Ross Taylor about his new book Prodigals: Finding Home When We’ve Lost the Way (Leafwood Publishers).

Note: Towards the end of this podcast a mention is made of domestic violence. “We are all prodigals.” With this statement, Greg Ross Taylor encourages us to take a new look at perhaps the greatest parable Jesus ever told. In this episode we talk to Greg about his new book Prodigals: Finding Home...

06/09/2023

“We are all prodigals.” With this statement, Greg R. Taylor (home builder with Taylor Homes, president of 1256 Movement, and author) encourages us to take a new look at perhaps the greatest parable Jesus ever told. In this episode we talk to Greg about his new book Prodigals: Finding Home When We’ve Lost the Way (Leafwood Publishers). Rather than dividing the world into prodigals and nonprodigals, Greg invites us to find ourselves in the teaching of Jesus as either younger or elder siblings. In this way we discover a new meaning for prodigal—anyone who accepts they have a sinful human nature and turns toward the love of home, the place where we find a deeper relationship with God.

Please note, towards the end of this podcast a mention is made of domestic violence.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

05/09/2023

When you hear the word prodigal, what do you think of? Who do you think of? Greg R. Taylor (home builder with Taylor Homes , president of 1256 Movement, and author of Prodigals: Finding Home When We’ve Lost the Way) is ready to help you consider a new way to hear the word prodigal. Watch for this episode to drop tomorrow. You can find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

02/09/2023

Watch for a new Discipleship Conversations episode to drop next Wednesday. But in the meantime, catch our most recent conversation with Wayne Beason about finding God in the lives of people who live in your church’s neighborhood.

“When we say that God is up to something in our neighborhood, that’s no just abstract or theoretical. That’s a broad way of describing very specific stories that are just waiting to be heard.” Wondering what those stories could be, Wayne Beason decided to ask. What he stumbled on something s...

28/07/2023

If you are looking to dive into more of Wayne Beason's D.Min. project, you can catch it here.

This doctor of ministry project presents the results of research completed with congregants and neighbors of Parkside Church of Christ in Dearborn Heights, MI. The research question driving this project is: How might a congregation’s missional identity be reshaped by attentiveness to God’s activ...

26/07/2023

“When we say that God is up to something in our neighborhood, that’s no just abstract or theoretical. That’s a broad way of describing very specific stories that are just waiting to be heard.” Wondering what those stories could be, Wayne Beason, Preaching Minister for Parkside Church of Christ in Dearborn Heights, MI, decided to ask. What he stumbled on something surprising. While many churches see themselves as God’s way of working in the neighborhood, Wayne discovered that God was already at work in their neighborhood sending neighbors to bring the Parkside church family something they were missing out on. In this episode we talk with Wayne about listening to the stories of the people in the Dearborn Heights neighborhood and how his church is finding their future in those conversation.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

25/07/2023

What happens when a church decides to stop trying to become what it once was and decides to explore what it can be next? That is the question that has Wayne Beason and his Parkside Church of Christ family paying attention to the activity of the Holy Spirit in their church’s neighborhood. How are they doing this? What are they discovering? Watch for this episode to drop tomorrow. You can find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

21/07/2023

Watch for a new Discipleship Conversations episode to drop next Wednesday. But in the meantime, catch our most recent conversation with Falon Barton and connecting with emerging adults through green spiritual practices of simplicity.

“To be a disciple of Jesus is to love what Jesus loves, and Jesus loves creation.” Why is a large portion of one of the most spiritually rich generation of emerging adults leaving their faith? Falon Barton suggests that it is because their churches (and religion in general) are not addressing th...

07/07/2023

If you are looking to dive into more of what Falon Opsahl Barton's work on creation care and emerging adults, check out her Doctor of Ministry project “New Embodiments of Ancient Wisdom: How Green Spiritual Practices of Simplicity can Meaningfully Integrate Faith and Environmental Justice Among Emerging Adults.”

This Doctor of Ministry Project explores how green spiritual practices of simplicity provide opportunities for spiritual formation and missional participation, especially for emerging adults. This project synthesizes the biblical and theological foundations for creation care, overviews the sociology...

06/07/2023

Watch Falon Opsahl Barton's recent presentation at Harbor - Pepperdine Bible Lectures.

38:24 "Created in Love" - Falon BartonFor this special 80th anniversary, our theme is: "God Loves Forever." Could anything be more important for the church n...

05/07/2023

“To be a disciple of Jesus is to love what Jesus loves, and Jesus loves creation.”
Why is a large portion of one of the most spiritually rich generation of emerging adults leaving their faith? Falon Opsahl Barton, Campus Minister for University Church of Christ in Malibu and recent Doctor of Ministry graduate from Lipscomb University, suggests that it is because their churches (and religion in general) are not addressing their strong value in justice. As one very connected to the season of emerging adults herself, one of Falon’s big questions has been about environmental justice. In this episode we talk with Falon about creation care, discipleship, and engaging today’s emerging adults in our church communities by valuing what they are concerned and listening to what they have to say.
Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

04/07/2023

What does it mean to practice simplicity as a disciple of Jesus? This is the question that was part of Falon Opsahl Barton's journey from seeing climate change as an important public issue to understanding creation care as integral with her life as a Christian. Her study of this question in scripture and among emerging adults within her ministry led to important discovery’s that churches should pay attention to if they want to connect with this spiritually rich generation. What are those discoveries? Watch for this episode to drop tomorrow. You can find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

30/06/2023

Watch for a new Discipleship Conversations episode to drop next Wednesday. But in the meantime, catch our most recent conversation with Steven J. Brice about finding God on the yoga mat.

“It wasn’t until I stepped on my yoga mat where I was able to reconnect with God in a deeper, more authentic way.” Following an intense dark night of the soul that had him questioning life and faith, Steven Brice found renewal in his relationship with God through the practice of yoga and medit...

14/06/2023

“It wasn’t until I stepped on my yoga mat where I was able to reconnect with God in a deeper, more authentic way.” Following an intense dark night of the soul that had him questioning faith and life, Steven J. Brice found renewal in his relationship with God through the practice of yoga and meditation. As CEO of Yoga 4 Philly, Steven has found a way to do incarnational ministry in the world. As an adjunct Bible/Ministry instructor with ACU, Steven brings an engaging perspective and style that captures the incarnational imaginations of his students. Yet, even with all this renewed joy, it has not been easy disappointing all those who expected a more traditional ministry path from him. Listen in as he shares his story of courage, hope, and purpose with our hosts.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

13/06/2023

Early on many could see something special in Steven J. Brice and expected to him do ministry in the traditional way. However, Steven has found a way to use his traditional ministry training do ministry in very nontraditional yet very incarnational ways. What does that look like in the City of Brotherly Love? Watch for this episode to drop tomorrow. You can find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

09/06/2023

Watch for a new Discipleship Conversations episode to drop next Wednesday. But in the meantime, catch our most recent conversation Cheryl Russell about the egalitarian priesthood of all believers.

Kenosis. This is the word that describes the self-emptying love of Jesus which, for Dr. Cheryl Russell, is the basis for a reoriented theology of power and privilege. This reorientation of power and privilege seen in the life and ministry of Jesus is then a foundation for what Cheryl calls an egalit...

31/05/2023

Kenosis. This is the word that describes the self-emptying love of Jesus which, for Cheryl Russell, is the basis for a reoriented theology of power and privilege. This reorientation of power and privilege seen in the life and ministry of Jesus is then a foundation for what Cheryl calls an egalitarian priesthood of all believers. Want to hear more? Listen in as she talks with Tiffany Mangan Dahlman and Steven Carrizal about how this environment at New Heritage Fellowship has led to a mutual flourishing of church family and pastor.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

30/05/2023

Cheryl Russell is in her first role as a lead pastor at a church where most everyone is experiencing a female lead pastor for the first time. As her final project for her recently completed Doctor of Ministry (from The Hazelip School of Theology at Lipscomb University) she focused on what kind of impact this experience is having on her and her church family at New Heritage Fellowship. What is that impact you ask? Watch for this episode to drop tomorrow. You can find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Be sure to subscribe to, review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.