Month: July 2024

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Summarizing Faith and Theology with Bruce Reyes-Chow on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday. Bruce shares the importance of distilling and articulating beliefs in simple, digestible formats. Discover his innovative concept of a “faith montage” and how it serves as a primer on progressive Christianity to guide individuals through faith deconstruction and reconstruction.

Bruce Reyes-Chow is an influential author, speaker, parent, consultant, coach, podcaster, and pastor. His latest book, “Everything Good About God is True,” encapsulates beliefs about God through the lens of lived experiences. In this episode, he discusses his approach to writing, crowd-sourcing feedback, and addressing both practical and theological questions. Bruce’s work aspires to be a conversation starter in churches, giving depth and clarity to longtime churchgoers and spiritual seekers alike.

Join Ryan Dunn and Bruce Reyes-Chow as they reflect on the future of the church, diversity, inclusivity, and Christianity’s portrayal in media. This episode offers rich insights into condensing complex theological ideas and crafting a narrative that resonates with both believers and those curious about faith.

Keywords: progressive Christianity, faith deconstruction, spiritual reconstruction, faith montage, Bruce Reyes-Chow, articulate beliefs, theology, Christianity in media, diversity in the church, inclusive faith.

Check out episode 133 with John Pavlovitz and episode 126 with Heather Jallad for more compelling discussions on spirituality and faith.

Don’t forget to leave a rating and review to help us bring more meaningful content to our audience and connect with future guests! Sponsored by United Methodist Communications.

In this episode:
(00:00) Exploring the evolving future of the church.
(05:04) Challenge the dominant Christian cultural narrative responsibly.
(08:29) Distilling beliefs into simple, understandable messages is essential.
(09:29) God loves you, no need for more.
(13:24) Reflecting on writing project, seeking input for relevance.
(16:37) A cautious approach to the definitive article.
(18:58) Connecting to God through Jesus, death & resurrection.
(24:26) Treat everyone as complex child of God.
(27:32) Our shared human value.
930:26) Committed to Jesus, bodily resurrection, healing world.
(33:06) Changed denominational stance on LGBTQI inclusion, progress.
(36:22) Transitioning from pastor to full-time writer and speaker.

Subscribe and stay tuned for our next episode in 2 weeks. Peace until then!

For more episodes of Compass and episode notes: https://www.umc.org/compass

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Pastor David Livingston discusses the concept of abundant life and how it can be experienced in the present. He emphasizes that abundant life is not solely about material well-being or a perfect life, but rather about finding spiritual and emotional well-being in the midst of life’s challenges.

Pastor Livingston shares his personal experience with anxiety and how he has found peace and permission to be anxious through reframing the language of Jesus’ command to not be anxious. He also discusses the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care in order to maintain spiritual and emotional health. Additionally, he explores the idea of finding meaning and redemption in difficult circumstances, trusting that God is at work even in the midst of pain and suffering. Finally, Pastor Livingston offers practical suggestions for deepening one’s spiritual connection, such as journaling, prayer practices, engaging in acts of service, and reading the Bible with a focus on understanding and reflection rather than completing a set reading plan.

David is lead pastor at Old Mission United Methodist Church in Fairway, Kansas, and the author of “Getting to Good: Moving to a Fuller More Abundant Life Right Now”.

In this episode:
(00:00) Reverend David shares wisdom on spirituality and coping.
(04:53) Struggle with anxiety, find peace through faith.
(09:07) Mother soothing and comforting child with words.
(11:04) Individual response to anxiety has biochemical basis.
(13:00) Setting boundaries to manage anxiety and stress.
(18:15) Staff sponsored Bible halted, allowing others to help.
(19:53) Parenting: allowing kids to fail, avoid catastrophizing.
(22:54) Disagreement with Romans 8:28 passage interpretation.
(28:23) Life is hard, but there’s redemption.
(30:09) Journaling and prayer can bring clarity and faith.
(32:43) Devotional books help encounter the divine.
(37:23) Peter’s story reveals redemption in the gospel.
(39:12) New episode in 2 weeks. Chat then. Peace.