<![CDATA[The Micah Podcast]]>A white man, a Black woman, and an Asian man walk into a podcast. Three pastors wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in a divided world, exploring faith, justice, culture, and courageous discipleship—and what it looks like for the church to live prophetically in our time.

]]>https://www.micahgroups.orgRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 03 Nov 2026 21:00:01 GMTWed, 26 Aug 2026 21:04:16 GMT60Brehm Preaching<p>A white man, a Black woman, and an Asian man walk into a podcast. Three pastors wrestle with what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in a divided world, exploring faith, justice, culture, and courageous discipleship—and what it looks like for the church to live prophetically in our time.</p>episodicBrehm Preachingbrehmpreaching@fuller.eduno<![CDATA[Power vs. Service in Matthew 23:1-12]]>What happens when spiritual leadership becomes more about power than service? In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus confronts religious leaders whose pursuit of status and honor comes at the expense of others. Joy, Jin, and Bret explore the dark side of church leadership—ego, hypocrisy, and spiritual abuse—and ask a hard question: Are we leading like Jesus, or using Jesus to protect our power?

Learn more about Micah Groups at www.micahgroups.org.

]]>https://brehmcenter.org/brehm-preaching200db751-3607-43cd-8552-0a3c491d9e28Mon, 12 Oct 2026 21:33:31 GMT<p>What happens when spiritual leadership becomes more about power than service? In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus confronts religious leaders whose pursuit of status and honor comes at the expense of others. Joy, Jin, and Bret explore the dark side of church leadership—ego, hypocrisy, and spiritual abuse—and ask a hard question: Are we leading like Jesus, or using Jesus to protect our power?</p><p>Learn more about Micah Groups at www.micahgroups.org. </p>no00:50:26511Power vs. Service in Matthew 23:1-12full<![CDATA[Starting with Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17]]>This episode introduces a new rhythm for the Micah podcast, with conversations starting in scripture before exploring cultural and pastoral applications. Diving into Matthew 13:10–17, the Micah Mobilizers consider Jesus’s discussion on parables, exploring how echo chambers, comfort, and the fear of differing perspectives can lead to spiritual and intellectual dullness. How do we, as church leaders, continue growing in our own faith and understanding when so many churches resist that evolution, wanting the security and familiarity of staying the same?

For more information, visit us at Micah Groups.

]]>f38671c2-26b6-4d52-8c4f-e2f427f6782aThu, 08 Oct 2026 17:18:20 GMT<p><b><strong>This episode introduces a new rhythm for the Micah podcast, with conversations starting in scripture before exploring cultural and pastoral applications. Diving into Matthew 13:10–17, the Micah Mobilizers consider Jesus’s discussion on parables, exploring how echo chambers, comfort, and the fear of differing perspectives can lead to spiritual and intellectual dullness. How do we, as church leaders, continue growing in our own faith and understanding when so many churches resist that evolution, wanting the security and familiarity of staying the same?</strong></b></p><p>For more information, visit us at <a href="https://brehmcenter.org/micah-groups" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Micah Groups</a>.</p>no00:36:40510Starting with Scripture: Matthew 13:10-17full<![CDATA[ What can we learn from Christians like Dolly Parton?]]>In this episode, Joy, Jin, and Bret explore how Dolly Parton embodied a faith rooted in radical acceptance, justice for the poor, and unconditional love for the marginalized—all while bypassing the rigid doctrinal tests that often define modern religious life. In a time when so many people seem deeply turned off by the Christianity they see represented in America, what are the elements of Christian faith that someone like Dolly Parton embodied that we need to hold onto? What does it look like to sift through the noise, proclaim a gospel centered on mercy, and recover a lived-out faith worth keeping today?

Visit micahgroups.org to learn how to join one of our Micah Groups starting September 29, 2026. 

]]>437f4f0a-974d-40fd-b0d4-b204d236936bThu, 08 Oct 2026 16:37:52 GMT<p><b><strong>In this episode, Joy, Jin, and Bret explore how Dolly Parton embodied a faith rooted in radical acceptance, justice for the poor, and unconditional love for the marginalized—all while bypassing the rigid doctrinal tests that often define modern religious life. In a time when so many people seem deeply turned off by the Christianity they see represented in America, what are the elements of Christian faith that someone like Dolly Parton embodied that we need to hold onto? What does it look like to sift through the noise, proclaim a gospel centered on mercy, and recover a lived-out faith worth keeping today?</strong></b></p><p>Visit <a href="https://brehmcenter.org/micah-groups" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">micahgroups.org </a>to learn how to join one of our Micah Groups starting September 29, 2026. </p>no00:37:1459 What can we learn from Christians like Dolly Parton?full<![CDATA[ Not All Name-Calling Is Equal]]>The Micah Mobilizers wrestle with the question: when does naming evil become a prophetic act, and when does it become dehumanizing rhetoric? Scripture itself is full of fierce language for confronting injustice—from the prophets’ warnings to Jesus’s “brood of vipers.” So how do we distinguish righteous naming from destructive name-calling? What does it look like to confront the evil work of oppressors while still honoring the humanity of every person?

Visit micahgroups.org to learn how to join one of our Micah Groups starting September 29. 

]]>e886d264-485a-4e21-b74b-a7ac68cc997eThu, 08 Oct 2026 16:35:42 GMT<p><b><strong>The Micah Mobilizers wrestle with the question: when does naming evil become a prophetic act, and when does it become dehumanizing rhetoric? Scripture itself is full of fierce language for confronting injustice—from the prophets’ warnings to Jesus’s “brood of vipers.” So how do we distinguish righteous naming from destructive name-calling? What does it look like to confront the evil work of oppressors while still honoring the humanity of every person?</strong></b></p><p>Visit <a href="https://brehmcenter.org/micah-groups" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">micahgroups.org</a> to learn how to join one of our Micah Groups starting September 29. </p>no00:44:2258 Not All Name-Calling Is Equalfull<![CDATA[Speaking Prophetically Across Cultural Divides]]>Bret’s recent experience preaching in a Black church context and realizing, in real time, that his message was not landing as expected, sparks this discussion about the challenge of speaking across cultural divides. What happens when our assumptions don’t translate? What does it mean to speak prophetically in a space shaped by different lived experiences? The Micah Mobilizers are joined by Eric Nicolaysen, a Vineyard pastor and hospital chaplain in Des Moines, Iowa, as they reflect on code-switching, double consciousness, and the weight of communicating faithfully. How do we remain attentive to the Spirit without silencing ourselves—or others?

]]>Buzzsprout-18870745Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMT<p><b>Bret’s recent experience preaching in a Black church context and realizing, in real time, that his message was not landing as expected, sparks this discussion about the challenge of speaking across cultural divides. What happens when our assumptions don’t translate? What does it mean to speak prophetically in a space shaped by different lived experiences? The Micah Mobilizers are joined by Eric Nicolaysen, a Vineyard pastor and hospital chaplain in Des Moines, Iowa, as they reflect on code-switching, double consciousness, and the weight of communicating faithfully. How do we remain attentive to the Spirit without silencing ourselves—or others?</b></p>no00:52:2953Speaking Prophetically Across Cultural Dividesfull<![CDATA[What We Miss When We Don’t Talk Honestly about Charlie Kirk]]>The Micah Mobilizers continue their discussion of the American Church’s response to Charlie Kirk. Many in leadership are focused on calming the anxieties of people by acknowledging the tragedy of this violence, but also ignoring or whitewashing the politics of white supremacy and violence espoused and stoked by Kirk. As Ta-Nehisi Coates asks, “If you would look away from the words of Charlie Kirk, from what else would you look away?” 

How can we find courage to speak the truth? What does it look like to use our prophetic voice in this time?


]]>Buzzsprout-17952387Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT<p><b>The Micah Mobilizers continue their discussion of the American Church’s response to Charlie Kirk. Many in leadership are focused on calming the anxieties of people by acknowledging the tragedy of this violence, but also ignoring or whitewashing the politics of white supremacy and violence espoused and stoked by Kirk. As Ta-Nehisi Coates asks, “If you would look away from the words of Charlie Kirk, from what else would you look away?” </b></p><p><b>How can we find courage to speak the truth? What does it look like to use our prophetic voice in this time?</b></p><p><br /></p>no00:58:3449What We Miss When We Don’t Talk Honestly about Charlie Kirkfull<![CDATA[What is Christlike Leadership?]]>The Micah Mobilizers are joined by special guest Sandy Richter, an Anglican priest and Micah Group alum, as they reflect on the prophetic witness of Bishop Budde, who called for mercy at the National Prayer Breakfast last month and was met with anger and hate from many Christians. In these tumultuous times, the most powerful prophetic work we can do is to live out Christlike qualities.


]]>Buzzsprout-16612825Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:00:00 GMT<p>The Micah Mobilizers are joined by special guest Sandy Richter, an Anglican priest and Micah Group alum, as they reflect on the prophetic witness of Bishop Budde, who called for mercy at the National Prayer Breakfast last month and was met with anger and hate from many Christians. In these tumultuous times, the most powerful prophetic work we can do is to live out Christlike qualities.</p><p><br /></p>no00:46:2742What is Christlike Leadership?full<![CDATA[Power, Position, and the Preacher’s Voice]]>Special guest Mark Labberton, former president of Fuller Seminary, joins the Micah Podcast hosts to discuss how we can use power differently—like the way Jesus embodies it in Philippians 2.

Your Micah Podcast Hosts: Rev. Joy Johnson, Rev. Jin Cho, and Rev. Bret Widman
Special Guest: Rev. Mark Labberton 


]]>Buzzsprout-13494162Tue, 29 Aug 2023 22:00:00 GMT<p>Special guest Mark Labberton, former president of Fuller Seminary, joins the Micah Podcast hosts to discuss how we can use power differently—like the way Jesus embodies it in Philippians 2.<br /><br />Your Micah Podcast Hosts: Rev. Joy Johnson, Rev. Jin Cho, and Rev. Bret Widman<br />Special Guest: Rev. Mark Labberton <b><br /><br /></b><br /></p>no00:50:5926Power, Position, and the Preacher’s Voicefull<![CDATA[More on Race and Politics]]>What do we need to confront about how race and gender are used by both sides in an election year? And what’s happening to the Black male vote? In today’s discussion, Joy, Jin, and Bret are joined by special guest, Pastor Fred Wilson, Faith & Community Relations Director at UCAN Chicago. 

]]>Buzzsprout-15966984Tue, 22 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>What do we need to confront about how race and gender are used by both sides in an election year? And what’s happening to the Black male vote? In today’s discussion, Joy, Jin, and Bret are joined by special guest, Pastor Fred Wilson, Faith &amp; Community Relations Director at UCAN Chicago. </p>no00:57:4236More on Race and Politicsfull<![CDATA[How to Be Both Pastor and Prophet?]]>Special guest Judy Peterson, "The Walking Pastor," talks with Joy, Jin, and Bret about how a call to the pastoral and prophetic work together. Learn more about Judy's ministry "to pastor the feral children of God" at https://linktr.ee/walkingpastor.

]]>Buzzsprout-14370077Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:00:00 GMT<p>Special guest Judy Peterson, "The Walking Pastor," talks with Joy, Jin, and Bret about how a call to the pastoral and prophetic work together. Learn more about Judy's ministry "to pastor the feral children of God" at <a href="https://linktr.ee/walkingpastor" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://linktr.ee/walkingpastor</a>.</p>no00:44:4931How to Be Both Pastor and Prophet?full<![CDATA[On Speaking Plainly About Trump's Racism]]>Recently, the sitting president of the United States posted a video portraying the Obamas as apes. This blatant racism plays on one of the oldest, vilest, tropes of white supremacy that has been used to justify centuries of dehumanization of Black men and women. This is not an agree to disagree situation. Christ-followers must stand against this kind of evil rhetoric. In today’s episode, Jin, Joy, and Bret discuss: How can we begin to talk about this plainly? Why is it so hard? How can we help each other do this better?


]]>Buzzsprout-18721123Sat, 21 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT<p><b>Recently, the sitting president of the United States posted a video portraying the Obamas as apes. This blatant racism plays on one of the oldest, vilest, tropes of white supremacy that has been used to justify centuries of dehumanization of Black men and women. This is not an agree to disagree situation. Christ-followers must stand against this kind of evil rhetoric. In today’s episode, Jin, Joy, and Bret discuss: How can we begin to talk about this plainly? Why is it so hard? How can we help each other do this better?</b></p><p><br /></p>no00:45:5851On Speaking Plainly About Trump's Racismfull<![CDATA[Tax Law and the Church]]>In a surprise announcement, the IRS recently stated that “houses of worship can endorse candidates for political office without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.”This might sound like greater freedom for churches to do what they’re supposed to do, but it also blurs the line between the church and state even further. So the question is —does this help or harm the prophetic voice of the church? 

]]>Buzzsprout-17585441Wed, 30 Jul 2025 02:00:00 GMT<p><b>In a surprise announcement, the IRS recently stated that “houses of worship can endorse candidates for political office without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.”This might sound like greater freedom for churches to do what they’re supposed to do, but it also blurs the line between the church and state even further. So the question is —does this help or harm the prophetic voice of the church? </b></p>no00:40:2947Tax Law and the Churchfull<![CDATA[Let's Talk About Patriarchy]]>In this first conversation that begins a series about patriarchy and the church, Joy, Jin, and Bret look at the sexist backlash to Kamala Harris’s candidacy and the patterns of gendered abuse and misinformation aimed at women in leadership. How do we speak prophetically when this kind of rhetoric is promoted, repeated, and amplified in the church by Christians?

]]>Buzzsprout-15585030Wed, 14 Aug 2024 21:00:00 GMT<p>In this first conversation that begins a series about patriarchy and the church, Joy, Jin, and Bret look at the sexist backlash to Kamala Harris’s candidacy and the patterns of gendered abuse and misinformation aimed at women in leadership. How do we speak prophetically when this kind of rhetoric is promoted, repeated, and amplified in the church by Christians?</p>no00:33:2634Let's Talk About Patriarchyfull<![CDATA[How NOT to Read the Bible]]>How do we honor scripture as the source of truth for our lives, but not manipulate it to serve our own purposes?

]]>Buzzsprout-13417443Wed, 16 Aug 2023 18:00:00 GMT<p><b>How do we honor scripture as the source of truth for our lives, but not manipulate it to serve our own purposes?</b></p>no00:40:5325How NOT to Read the Biblefull<![CDATA[Can the Church Be Pro-Life and Pro-Guns?]]>As of April 2023, there had been more mass shootings (163) in the U.S. than there had been days. Joy, Jin, and Bret discuss the complex relationship between guns, America, and Christianity. 

]]>Buzzsprout-12808483Mon, 08 May 2023 19:00:00 GMT<p><b>As of April 2023, there had been more mass shootings (163) in the U.S. than there had been days. Joy, Jin, and Bret discuss the complex relationship between guns, America, and Christianity. </b></p>no00:57:5723Can the Church Be Pro-Life and Pro-Guns?full<![CDATA[What is rightly ordered love?]]>There have always been attempts by the Empire to subjugate Christianity for its own purposes, but there is something new about the most recent attempts to co-opt the name of Christ to serve political purposes. Recently, JD Vance appealed to Thomas Aquinas’ concept of ordo Amoris—“rightly ordered love”—to make his case that what this administration is doing is, in fact, not only moral, but Christian. Joy, Jin, and Bret are joined again by Sandy Richter to consider—What is our prophetic work here?

]]>Buzzsprout-16687804Tue, 25 Feb 2025 03:00:00 GMT<p>There have always been attempts by the Empire to subjugate Christianity for its own purposes, but there is something new about the most recent attempts to co-opt the name of Christ to serve political purposes. Recently, JD Vance appealed to Thomas Aquinas’ concept of <em>ordo Amoris</em>—“rightly ordered love”—to make his case that what this administration is doing is, in fact, not only moral, but Christian. Joy, Jin, and Bret are joined again by Sandy Richter to consider—What is our prophetic work here?</p>no00:48:1343What is rightly ordered love?full<![CDATA[What Now? Reflections Since the 2024 Election]]>The Micah Mobilizers spend time processing their emotions and intentions in our post-election reality. As leaders, what do we do when we feel helpless? How do we respond to pushback that pastors are not supposed to be political? How do we model for our communities what it means to both challenge and encourage one another toward confronting our own biases? How do we learn to act upon the imagination and strength that God has given us? What courageous conversation do you feel called to today?

]]>Buzzsprout-16303980Wed, 18 Dec 2024 23:00:00 GMT<p>The Micah Mobilizers spend time processing their emotions and intentions in our post-election reality. As leaders, what do we do when we feel helpless? How do we respond to pushback that pastors are not supposed to be political? How do we model for our communities what it means to both challenge and encourage one another toward confronting our own biases? How do we learn to act upon the imagination and strength that God has given us? What courageous conversation do you feel called to today?</p>no00:55:0937What Now? Reflections Since the 2024 Electionfull<![CDATA[Following the Prince of Peace in Times of War]]>Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among others, some are celebrating and some are terrified about what comes next. The modern world continues to assume that violence is the final answer, but the church cannot simply echo that logic. In this episode, the Micah Mobilizers are not asking a partisan question, but a discipleship question: what does it mean to follow the Prince of Peace in times of war? What should pastors say? How should churches pray? How do we resist the seduction of violence while still naming injustice?

]]>Buzzsprout-18786086Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT<p><b>Since the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, among others, some are celebrating and some are terrified about what comes next. The modern world continues to assume that violence is the final answer, but the church cannot simply echo that logic. In this episode, the Micah Mobilizers are not asking a partisan question, but a discipleship question: what does it mean to follow the Prince of Peace in times of war? What should pastors say? How should churches pray? How do we resist the seduction of violence while still naming injustice?</b></p>no00:38:3252Following the Prince of Peace in Times of Warfull<![CDATA[Does Jesus Need an Advertising Campaign?]]>Joy Johnson, Jin Cho, and Bret Widman reflect on the “He Gets Us” ad campaign, including the “Love Your Enemies” ad that ran at the Super Bowl. 

]]>Buzzsprout-12456898Thu, 16 Mar 2023 22:00:00 GMT<p><b>Joy Johnson, Jin Cho, and Bret Widman reflect on the “He Gets Us” ad campaign, including the “</b><a href="https://youtu.be/f5x1RyJOwP8" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b>Love Your Enemies</b></a><b>” ad that ran at the Super Bowl. </b></p>no00:49:2622Does Jesus Need an Advertising Campaign?full<![CDATA[Did the January 6 Insurrection Reveal a Post-Christian Church?]]>For years, a pressing conversation in churches has been around the missional challenge of engaging a Post-Christian culture. This episode presses that conversation further in discussion of Russell Moore’s recent Christianity Today article, “The Capitol Attack Signaled a Post-Christian Church, Not Merely a Post-Christian Culture.”

]]>Buzzsprout-9943217Mon, 24 Jan 2022 18:00:00 GMT<p><b>For years, a pressing conversation in churches has been around the missional challenge of engaging a Post-Christian culture. This episode presses that conversation further in discussion of Russell Moore’s recent Christianity Today article, “</b><a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2022/january-web-only/january-6-attack-russell-moore-post-christian-church.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b>The Capitol Attack Signaled a Post-Christian Church, Not Merely a Post-Christian Culture</b></a><b>.”</b></p>no00:54:54Did the January 6 Insurrection Reveal a Post-Christian Church?full<![CDATA[Is Every Person a Child of God?]]>In a recent pastor’s panel discussion, Joy was rebuffed for asserting, “We are all children of God.” She brings this theological question to Jin and Bret for communal discernment.

]]>Buzzsprout-10334134Mon, 28 Mar 2022 22:00:00 GMT<p><b>In a recent pastor’s panel discussion, Joy was rebuffed for asserting, “We are all children of God.” She brings this theological question to Jin and Bret for communal discernment.</b></p>no00:58:3116Is Every Person a Child of God?full<![CDATA[What Formation Is Needed to Be Both Pastor and Prophet?]]>Special guest Felecia Thompson joins the Micah Mobilizers for this second conversation in a series about the pastoral and the prophetic. Tune in to consider: How do we help others to be formed toward the pastoral and prophetic? What is missing in the formation of our leaders that feeds this problem?

]]>Buzzsprout-14648490Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:00:00 GMT<p><b>Special guest Felecia Thompson joins the Micah Mobilizers for this second conversation in a series about the pastoral and the prophetic. Tune in to consider: How do we help others to be formed toward the pastoral and prophetic? What is missing in the formation of our leaders that feeds this problem?</b></p>no00:44:4932What Formation Is Needed to Be Both Pastor and Prophet?full<![CDATA[What is the connection between patriarchy and abuse?]]>The Micah Mobilizers gather on Juneteenth for a courageous conversation around the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent decision to further restrict women from pastoral leadership. The troubling contrast between its aggressive policing of women in ministry and its failure to address sexual abuse within its churches begs the question: what is the connection between patriarchy, power, and abuse, and why should Christians across denominational lines be paying attention?

]]>Buzzsprout-19433967Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p>The Micah Mobilizers gather on Juneteenth for a courageous conversation around the Southern Baptist Convention’s recent decision to further restrict women from pastoral leadership. The troubling contrast between its aggressive policing of women in ministry and its failure to address sexual abuse within its churches begs the question: what is the connection between patriarchy, power, and abuse, and why should Christians across denominational lines be paying attention?</p>no00:53:2456What is the connection between patriarchy and abuse?full<![CDATA[How to Have Difficult Conversations About Race]]>There is a strange idea on the rise that talking about race is the same as being racist. How can pastors and leaders navigate this challenge in order to work for justice in race relations while being sensitive to the current social defensiveness?

Your Micah Podcast hosts are Rev. Joy Johnson, Rev. Jin Cho, and Rev. Bret Widman.



]]>Buzzsprout-13351281Fri, 04 Aug 2023 21:00:00 GMT<p>There is a strange idea on the rise that talking about race is the same as being racist. How can pastors and leaders navigate this challenge in order to work for justice in race relations while being sensitive to the current social defensiveness?<br /><br />Your Micah Podcast hosts are Rev. Joy Johnson, Rev. Jin Cho, and Rev. Bret Widman.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>no00:39:2524How to Have Difficult Conversations About Racefull<![CDATA[War and Sacred Resistance]]>Last week, the President declared war on Iran and dropped bombs. Many political and religious leaders are espousing support for Israel that is rooted in Christian conviction, but this willingness to kill for God’s sake is driven by bad theology. What is our sacred resistance? What must we say? What must we do? What must we pray?

]]>Buzzsprout-17427046Mon, 30 Jun 2025 23:00:00 GMT<p><b>Last week, the President declared war on Iran and dropped bombs. Many political and religious leaders are espousing support for Israel that is rooted in Christian conviction, but this willingness to kill for God’s sake is driven by bad theology. What is our sacred resistance? What must we say? What must we do? What must we pray?</b></p>no00:43:3146War and Sacred Resistancefull<![CDATA[America's Church: Intentional Blindness or Clear Vision?]]>Joy, Jin, and Bret welcome North Park Theological Seminary student and leader Tricia Ivanoff. They discuss her Alaskan Inuit community, and the challenge of navigating competing visions of God, truth, and justice.

]]>Buzzsprout-10205295Mon, 07 Mar 2022 19:00:00 GMT<p><b>Joy, Jin, and Bret welcome North Park Theological Seminary student and leader Tricia Ivanoff. They discuss her Alaskan Inuit community, and the challenge of navigating competing visions of God, truth, and justice.</b></p>no00:51:2214America's Church: Intentional Blindness or Clear Vision?full<![CDATA[On Two Kinds of Christian Unity]]>In this episode, the Micah Mobilizers discuss two kinds of unity Christians are being called to at this moment. On one hand, U.S. leaders are calling on the church to support unchecked military power. On the other hand, Christians are calling on the church to lay down our denominational differences and come together to proclaim plainly the message of Christ—a message of love, justice, and humble walking before the Lord. So the question is: which unity are we participating in—by what we are doing, and by what we fail to do? 

]]>Buzzsprout-19087235Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT<p><b>In this episode, the Micah Mobilizers discuss two kinds of unity Christians are being called to at this moment. On one hand, U.S. leaders are calling on the church to support unchecked military power. On the other hand, Christians are calling on the church to lay down our denominational differences and come together to proclaim plainly the message of Christ—a message of love, justice, and humble walking before the Lord. So the question is: which unity are we participating in—by what we are doing, and by what we fail to do? </b></p>no00:42:4654On Two Kinds of Christian Unityfull<![CDATA[What Temptations Derail Your Prophetic Voice?]]>Jesus’ ministry only began after facing temptations in the wilderness. What are the temptations in our preaching ministries that we must overcome in order to nurture a prophetic voice?

]]>Buzzsprout-12150286Mon, 30 Jan 2023 23:00:00 GMT<p><b>Jesus’ ministry only began after facing temptations in the wilderness. What are the temptations in our preaching ministries that we must overcome in order to nurture a prophetic voice?</b></p>no00:50:1621What Temptations Derail Your Prophetic Voice?full<![CDATA[How Can We Cultivate Imagination in Preaching?]]>The Micah Mobilizers consider the state of our collective imagination today, as disciples and preachers, and wonder how artists and prophets might help to heal and invigorate broken imagination.

Your Micah Podcast hosts are Joy Johnson, Jin Cho, and Bret Widman.

]]>Buzzsprout-11784021Tue, 29 Nov 2022 21:00:00 GMT<p><b>The Micah Mobilizers consider the state of our collective imagination today, as disciples and preachers, and wonder how artists and prophets might help to heal and invigorate broken imagination.<br /><br />Your Micah Podcast hosts are Joy Johnson, Jin Cho, and Bret Widman.</b></p>no00:54:2219How Can We Cultivate Imagination in Preaching?full<![CDATA[What Does it Mean to Preach Prophetically?]]>Joy, Jin, and Bret discuss the Micah Groups' renewed vision toward catalyzing a prophetic community for nurturing prophetic preaching.

]]>Buzzsprout-11280376Wed, 07 Sep 2022 23:00:00 GMT<p><b>Joy, Jin, and Bret discuss the Micah Groups' renewed vision toward catalyzing a prophetic community for nurturing prophetic preaching.</b></p>no01:00:2318What Does it Mean to Preach Prophetically?full<![CDATA[Resist!]]>What does it mean for Christian leaders to resist in this time? This is not business as usual in the U.S. The dismantling of democracy, due process, rule of law, and the normalization of cruelty and abuse of power is unprecedented in our country's history. What can we do?

]]>Buzzsprout-17356699Wed, 18 Jun 2025 05:00:00 GMT<p><b>What does it mean for Christian leaders to resist in this time? This is not business as usual in the U.S. The dismantling of democracy, due process, rule of law, and the normalization of cruelty and abuse of power is unprecedented in our country's history. What can we do?</b></p>no00:40:3845Resist!full<![CDATA[What is the prophetic role of the church under an authoritarian regime?]]>When should we speak up? When should we remain silent? Where do we find the energy, hope, and joy to sustain us? These are many of the questions pastors and church leaders are asking as we see the world gravitating more and more toward authoritarian governance. 

]]>Buzzsprout-16873284Fri, 28 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT<p>When should we speak up? When should we remain silent? Where do we find the energy, hope, and joy to sustain us? These are many of the questions pastors and church leaders are asking as we see the world gravitating more and more toward authoritarian governance. </p>no00:46:2144What is the prophetic role of the church under an authoritarian regime?full<![CDATA[How Do We Carry Righteous Burdens?]]>Dr. Efrem Smith, co-pastor of Midtown Church in Sacramento, joins the Micah Mobilizers for discussion around the burdens of discipleship and leadership, particularly in this extraordinarily burdened season of pandemic, racial injustice, and war.

]]>Buzzsprout-10290606Mon, 21 Mar 2022 18:00:00 GMT<p><b>Dr. Efrem Smith, co-pastor of Midtown Church in Sacramento, joins the Micah Mobilizers for discussion around the burdens of discipleship and leadership, particularly in this extraordinarily burdened season of pandemic, racial injustice, and war.</b></p>no00:57:2615How Do We Carry Righteous Burdens?full<![CDATA[Is it possible to engage our differences well?]]>Micah Groups began as a place to  gather diverse pastors to have hard conversations, engaging one another in our differences, in order to grow in empathy and courage. In this episode, recorded on the morning of the presidential debate, the Micah Mobilizers are asking: In 2024, is this even possible? What must be in place so that we in the church can somehow engage in conversations of policy and political difference  without killing each other, or killing ourselves?

]]>Buzzsprout-15358010Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:00:00 GMT<p><b>Micah Groups began as a place to  gather diverse pastors to have hard conversations, engaging one another in our differences, in order to grow in empathy and courage. In this episode, recorded on the morning of the presidential debate, the Micah Mobilizers are asking: In 2024, is this even possible? What must be in place so that we in the church can somehow engage in conversations of policy and political difference  without killing each other, or killing ourselves?</b></p>no00:51:1133Is it possible to engage our differences well?full<![CDATA[Patriarchy and Other Hierarchies We Love]]>The Micah Mobilizers welcome special guest, Cheryl Lynn Cain, to this conversation about the gendered dynamics of power that make patriarchy so difficult to topple. How do we begin to break down such a self-perpetuating system of abusive power? 

]]>Buzzsprout-15671435Fri, 30 Aug 2024 21:00:00 GMT<p>The Micah Mobilizers welcome special guest, Cheryl Lynn Cain, to this conversation about the gendered dynamics of power that make patriarchy so difficult to topple. How do we begin to break down such a self-perpetuating system of abusive power? </p>no00:52:1735Patriarchy and Other Hierarchies We Lovefull<![CDATA[Let’s talk about diversity.]]>As we watch the news of the U.S. federal government ending DEI initiatives, and corporations including Wal-Mart, Facebook, McDonald’s, Ford, and many others follow suit, what is the prophetic call to the Christian church? 

]]>Buzzsprout-16528791Wed, 29 Jan 2025 21:00:00 GMT<p>As we watch the news of the U.S. federal government ending DEI initiatives, and corporations including Wal-Mart, Facebook, McDonald’s, Ford, and many others follow suit, what is the prophetic call to the Christian church? </p>no00:47:5741Let’s talk about diversity.full<![CDATA[Racism in the 2024 U.S. Election Cycle]]>Many pastors are scared to talk about the racist lies being spread in the current election cycle in the U.S. We don’t want to be partisan, we don’t want to get into uncomfortable conversations. We hide behind the notion that all politicians lie. But what is this saying to people of color in our churches and communities? How do we help disciple our white men and women to love our neighbors better than this?

]]>Buzzsprout-15897593Wed, 09 Oct 2024 15:00:00 GMT<p>Many pastors are scared to talk about the racist lies being spread in the current election cycle in the U.S. We don’t want to be partisan, we don’t want to get into uncomfortable conversations. We hide behind the notion that all politicians lie. But what is this saying to people of color in our churches and communities? How do we help disciple our white men and women to love our neighbors better than this?</p>no00:50:0336Racism in the 2024 U.S. Election Cyclefull<![CDATA[Charlie Kirk and the American Church]]>The reprehensible killing of Charlie Kirk has revealed a deep divide in our country and a deep divide in the American church. How do we find hope for the church in this era of violent division?

Visit micahgroups.org to learn about our upcoming Micah Groups Facilitator Training, led by Joy, Jin, and Bret. You'll get tools and equipping to help you facilitate courageous conversations in your own church or community.

]]>Buzzsprout-17861736Wed, 17 Sep 2025 17:00:00 GMT<p><b>The reprehensible killing of Charlie Kirk has revealed a deep divide in our country and a deep divide in the American church. How do we find hope for the church in this era of violent division?</b></p><p>Visit <a href="http://micahgroups.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">micahgroups.org</a> to learn about our upcoming Micah Groups Facilitator Training, led by Joy, Jin, and Bret. You'll get tools and equipping to help you facilitate courageous conversations in your own church or community.</p>no00:50:1648Charlie Kirk and the American Churchfull<![CDATA[Does Church Feel Like Home?]]>In this episode Jin, Joy, and Bret discuss feeling at home at church, deconstruction, and the culture’s shifting trust of formal institutions. They also touch on how young people are looking for liturgical congregations—something Joy calls their “ancestral homes.”


]]>Buzzsprout-9887504Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:00:00 GMT<p><b><em>In this episode Jin, Joy, and Bret discuss feeling at home at church, deconstruction, and the culture’s shifting trust of formal institutions. They also touch on how young people are looking for liturgical congregations—something Joy calls their “ancestral homes.”</em></b></p><p><br /></p>no00:54:59Does Church Feel Like Home?full<![CDATA[Why do 50% of White Evangelicals Believe the Great Replacement Theory?]]>In the wake of racially motivated mass shootings in Dallas, Buffalo, and Southern California, the Micah Mobilizers consider the church’s history of violent zealotry and contemporary silence and denial that is complicit in dangerous narratives such as the Great Replacement Theory.

(This episode was recorded before the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX.) 

]]>Buzzsprout-10733381Fri, 03 Jun 2022 18:00:00 GMT<p><b>In the wake of racially motivated mass shootings in Dallas, Buffalo, and Southern California, the Micah Mobilizers consider the church’s history of violent zealotry and contemporary silence and denial that is complicit in dangerous narratives such as the Great Replacement Theory. <br /><br /></b><em>(This episode was recorded before the mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, TX.) </em></p>no00:55:0317Why do 50% of White Evangelicals Believe the Great Replacement Theory?full<![CDATA[American Identity and Christian Witness]]>As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Micah Mobilizers ask: What really is our American identity? Reflecting on an essay by the Pulitzer prize winning Vietnamese American writer Viet Thanh NguyenIn, they explore what it means for Christians to love their country without confusing it with the kingdom of God.

Visit micahgroups.org to learn more about joining Micah Groups Online this fall. 


]]>Buzzsprout-19467400Thu, 09 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT<p><b>As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Micah Mobilizers ask: What really is our American identity? Reflecting on an essay by the Pulitzer prize winning Vietnamese American writer Viet Thanh NguyenIn, they explore what it means for Christians to love their country without confusing it with the kingdom of God.</b></p><p><b><em>Visit micahgroups.org to learn more about joining Micah Groups Online this fall. </em></b></p><p><br /></p>no00:40:5057American Identity and Christian Witnessfull<![CDATA[America's Church: Divine Fire or False Fire?]]>At this moment in history, it seems many swaths of the American church are fueled by a fire far different than the divine fire of God. Michael Emerson’s January 27 talk at Midwinter 2022 stokes this conversation.

]]>Buzzsprout-10088031Mon, 21 Feb 2022 06:00:00 GMT<p><b>At this moment in history, it seems many swaths of the American church are fueled by a fire far different than the divine fire of God. </b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TinhRaCQSA&amp;t=1162s" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><b>Michael Emerson’s January 27 talk at Midwinter 2022</b></a><b> stokes this conversation.</b></p>no01:03:4013America's Church: Divine Fire or False Fire?full<![CDATA[Live from Fuller Texas!]]>In this special episode recorded live at Fuller Seminary’s Houston, TX campus, the Micah Mobilizers are joined by local pastors and Fuller faculty for a conversation about fear, formation, and the church’s witness in a divided world. Using the Supreme Court's recent gutting of the Voting Rights Act and the rise of authoritarianism as a backdrop, the group wrestles with the ways fear has shaped Christian imagination, how scarcity and control can distort the gospel, and what it looks like to re-center the church on the abundance, love, and way of Jesus. Where is God at work right now, and what does faithful, hopeful resistance look like?

Special guests include Houston pastors:
Joseph Yoo, Founding Pastor at Mosaic Episcopal Church; 
Mia Wright, Co-Pastor at The Fountain of Praise; and
Brandon Alred, Lead Pastor at Redemption Church

And Fuller Seminary faculty:
Jaclyn Williams, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Preaching and Chaplaincy;
Collin Cornell, Assistant Professor of Bible and Mission; and
Jennifer Ackerman, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Director of Brehm Preaching—A Lloyd John Ogilvie Initiative

]]>Buzzsprout-19224494Fri, 22 May 2026 20:00:00 GMT<p><b>In this special episode recorded live at Fuller Seminary’s Houston, TX campus, the Micah Mobilizers are joined by local pastors and Fuller faculty for a conversation about fear, formation, and the church’s witness in a divided world. Using the Supreme Court's recent gutting of the Voting Rights Act and the rise of authoritarianism as a backdrop, the group wrestles with the ways fear has shaped Christian imagination, how scarcity and control can distort the gospel, and what it looks like to re-center the church on the abundance, love, and way of Jesus. Where is God at work right now, and what does faithful, hopeful resistance look like?</b></p><p>Special guests include Houston pastors:<br />Joseph Yoo, Founding Pastor at Mosaic Episcopal Church; <br />Mia Wright, Co-Pastor at The Fountain of Praise; and<br />Brandon Alred, Lead Pastor at Redemption Church</p><p>And Fuller Seminary faculty:<br />Jaclyn Williams, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Preaching and Chaplaincy;<br />Collin Cornell, Assistant Professor of Bible and Mission; and <br />Jennifer Ackerman, Assistant Professor of Preaching and Director of Brehm Preaching—A Lloyd John Ogilvie Initiative<b><br /></b><br /></p>no01:18:3355Live from Fuller Texas!full