Month: September 2025

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Discovering Better Ways to Read the Bible with Zachary Lambert on Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday.

In this episode, Zach Lambert and host Ryan Dunn explore how many of us have been handed rigid, harmful ways to interpret the Bible—and how moving toward healthier, life-giving lenses can transform both our understanding of scripture and our spiritual lives. We dig deep into themes such as reading the Bible with curiosity, dismantling literalism, building communities of restoration, and seeking interpretations that bear true “good fruit.” Whether you’re deconstructing, reconstructing, or just spiritually curious, there’s space here for honest questions and renewed inspiration.

Zachary Lambert (he/him) is the lead pastor and co-founder of Restore Austin, a dynamic, radically inclusive church embracing grace, authenticity, and diversity in Austin, Texas. He is the author of “Better Ways to Read the Bible,” a guide to transforming scripture from a tool of exclusion into a wellspring of liberation. Zach’s own journey has included being kicked out of several religious institutions, which fuels his passion for building spiritual communities where all are welcome to heal and grow. Restore Austin recently joined the United Methodist Church, signaling a new chapter of compassion and justice-driven ministry in the heart of Austin.

Find episode notes and the full catalog of past episodes: www.umc.org/compass

00:00 Podcast Invitation & Zach Lambert Intro
04:19 Jesus as an Essentialist
08:27 Humble Inspiration of Scripture
10:55 Challenging Biblical Literalism
14:13 Literalism’s Impact on Christian Faith
17:31 Divine Imprint and Storytelling Truth
22:57 Restoring Faith for Church Returnees
25:28 Inspired by Jesus’s Teachings
28:23 Balancing Bible Reading and Wellbeing
30:58 Church Merger and Renovation Initiative

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Unpacking faith, masculinity, and hope with Rev. Angela Denker on Compass 164: Disciples of White Jesus. Dive into a candid conversation exploring how our images of Jesus, shaped by culture and media, influence everyday faith, identity, and relationships.

Discover practical wisdom for nurturing authentic spirituality at home, at church, and in daily life — plus stories of empathy, resistance, and a kinder, more inclusive community. Need new language to talk about difficult faith questions or searching for ways to live out a more compassionate Christian witness? This episode is for you.

Rev. Angela Denker is an award-winning author, ELCA Lutheran pastor, and veteran journalist. Her first book, Red State Christians, was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award-winner for political and social sciences. Her second book, Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood, came out on March, 25, 2025. She is a columnist for the Minnesota Star Tribune and has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, the Washington Post, and FORTUNE magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews, and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian Nationalism.

In this episode:
00:00 Exploring Faith and Identity Issues
05:18 “The Crusades’ Legacy in Modern Masculinity”
08:04 Misrepresentation of Jesus Online
10:59 Reclaiming Masculinity Through Relationships
15:13 Caution in Church Involvement
19:33 Journey to Writer and Pastor Role
22:04 White Men: Danger and Struggle
25:32 “Confronting Localized Violent Masculinity”
30:15 “Embrace Presence Amidst Distractions”
33:25 Closing

If thought-provoking conversations about faith, justice, and true community inspire you, make sure to subscribe to Compass on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review and share the episode to help others find spiritual wisdom in everyday moments.

Visit umc.org/Compass for show notes and more episodes.