Bestselling Author Julie Cantrell joins Eddie and Chris to talk through how she discovered her gift for writing and developed a discipline for integrating writing into her life. They discuss the ways that stories help connect us, citing Jesus’s passion for sharing stories as a way of shaping people’s hearts. They talk about the power of stories throughout the Bible and how they create space for connection in our everyday lives.

Nicole Morgan joins Eddie and Chris to talk about her journey towards “fat acceptance” and her mission to help people of all sizes see that they are beloved and worthy of being celebrated. They have an honest discussion about the ways church leaders made Nicole feel like her body was unacceptable in the Christian faith and her subsequent journey of deconstruction. Nicole helps us consider how we can not only recognize the worth of every body size, but also how we can cultivate a narrative that focuses on uplifting rather than shaming.

Micah Whitson talks to Eddie and Chris about how his passion to uplift the beauty of southern culture led him to design a submission for the new state flag of Mississippi. He reflects on the power of representation and the role that aesthetics play in cultivating a sense of unity and pride. As a man of deep faith, he also shares the role that the teachings of Jesus Christ play in shaping his work.

Justin Posey serves as the Social Media Manager for Jesus Culture after having worked with Bethel Church in content development. With a passion for faithfulness and integrity in digital outreach efforts, Justin talks to us about what it means to use social media with a “Kingdom mindset” and as a catalyst for a more personal connection.

Reckoning with the failure of Christians to make justice efforts more than mere words may be a hard pill to swallow for some, yet it could also be the most faithful next step on the road to change. Are not confession and repentance essential parts of the Christian life?

Hannah joins us to reflect on what a healthy understanding of calling looks like and how it is a part of every Christian’s life, not just those with “Reverend” in front of their name. Using her own calling to the airline industry, she discusses the importance of recognizing that God makes every person different and that comparison is the thief of the purpose and joy that each individual is called to.

Brian spoke with Eddie and Chris about his personal transformation from conservative evangelicalism to what he calls the “biblical Gospel of peace.” He uses the narrative of his life and the evangelical movement to offer a wholehearted critique of the marriage of civil religion and the American church and the ways it can inhibit faithfulness to the call of Christ. Though Zahnd’s ideas may rub against the grain of the beliefs of some, it offers an important perspective to consider in the discernment of faithful witness in the United States.

In this episode, Strawn joins Chris and Eddie to discuss the unique role that the Old Testament can play in today's calamitous world. Revealing the multi-faceted nature of the oft-generalized testament, they discuss how the Old Testament can both accurately reflect the depths of anxiety and suffering felt in today’s world while also serving as conduit of substantial hope and empowerment. No matter where you fall on the religious spectrum, let this conversation be the beginning of a journey of rediscovery of the treasures hidden within the texts of the Old Testament.

Dr. Graham Bodie has dedicated his career to the art of listening. Along with serving as a professor of Integrated Marketing Communications at the University of Mississippi, Graham is a leader of the Listen First Project. Listen First seeks to mend our frayed social fabric by building relationships and bridging divides.

Shane Claiborne seeks to challenge the Church, through word and example, to recognize that such a way of living is not only doable, but well worth pursuing, especially in the face of the disparities that exist for marginalized people. To reflect this possibility, he helped found “The Simple Way,” a neighborhood that seeks to create spaces for all of its members to belong and thrive. Shane has developed prominence as a speaker, activist, and best-selling author on his journey of sharing the story of this community while also being a “champion of grace” in advocacy for the homeless as well as his active opposition to war, the death penalty, and gun violence among other issues.

In this episode, Sweet speaks bluntly about the aspects of today’s world that concern him, but also offers a vision of Christianity as a faith that isn’t separated from the culture of the world, but indigenous in it. He challenges listeners to recognize the ways that the Spirit of God can work through the culture of the world to make miracles happen and “bring the best out of the worst.”

Pastor McBride challenges the American church to do the “soul-searching” necessary to recognize the places in which we need to further let our values, both individually and collectively, be transformed by the message and power of Jesus Christ. 

Perhaps the weightiest topic there is is the one that we all must face: death. Much of our lives can be spent evading this reality until it comes crashing into our lives somehow. What might it look like to adopt a posture towards death that not only makes us more prepared, but helps us live life more abundantly? To engage this question, we welcome Dana Trent!

Hamilton discusses the frequent zoom calls with his staff, the opportunity to learn and connect with other pastors in the United States, and the unexpected rewards in the midst of having to remain at home. Listeners will learn what Church of the Resurrection is doing and how they will approach reopening. All three pastors Chris, Eddie, and Adam examine and consider the new form of ministry that focuses on online worship. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of holding onto the knowledge gained during this time and applying it to the future.

In today’s episode, Lo helps us discern the essential nature of creativity in the Church’s work of guiding people to an holistic understanding of the love of Jesus Christ. We also discuss the ways in which the creative skill sets of the emerging generation should be more valued by the Church as it continues to grow in size and mission.

Joining us to discuss what it is that makes the absence of sports so impactful is Wright Thompson. Thompson is a senior writer for ESPN.com with an extensive career in sports journalism. A native Mississippian, Wright is well known for his work with ESPN’s 30 for 30 special covering the intersection of Ole Miss Football and the tumultuous events that took place on campus during its integration in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement in 1962.

A serious dialogue on race and equity is imperative for the life of the church, a truth that we are painfully reminded of in the aftermath of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, Georgia. How can the Church do better in its pursuit of justice for all? How can we pursue reconciliation that isn’t shallow or even callous, but rather is honest about the work that still needs to be done to bring about substantive change? How can we posture our hearts, minds, and actions towards the vision of God’s creation where all are truly cared for, valued, and protected?

In this episode, Chris and Eddie talk with Professor Watson about the importance of a renewed focus on this type of intentional, vulnerable community and how being a part of one, even if virtually for the time being, can help us confront our sins and grow in holiness during this time of global crisis.

When the pandemic became a reality in the United States, it forced Blue Delta CEO Josh West and his team to ask the question, “What’s next?" The answer has brought about a transformation of their operations as they have transitioned much of their focus from clothing production to the production of face masks for frontline healthcare workers.

In times of adversity and crisis, it is helpful to seek the counsel of wise teachers. Our guest today, Don Saliers, Theologian in Residence at Candler School of Theology, is one of our wisest teachers. He’s handling social distancing, in part, by playing the piano, revisiting sacred music from Bach to the spirituals.