<![CDATA[Faith (In)Forming with Travis Jamieson]]>A podcast about what informs our faith and how our faith forms us. Travis Jamieson is a pastor, author, and podcaster serving in Silicon Valley.

]]>https://substack.com/@travisjamiesonRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:34:52 GMTThu, 23 Apr 2026 20:23:50 GMT60Travis Jamieson<p>A podcast about what informs our faith and how our faith forms us. Travis Jamieson is a pastor, author, and podcaster serving in Silicon Valley.</p>episodicTravis Jamiesontravis.jamieson@pacrc.orgno<![CDATA[What the Bible Actually Teaches About Being a Man | Zachary Wagner on Men of Virtue]]>The conversation about men and masculinity is everywhere right now — and most of it generates more heat than light. On one side: the manosphere's message that real men are warriors, dominance is the point, and the culture has gone soft. On the other: the insistence that masculinity itself is the problem. New Testament scholar Zachary Wagner thinks both answers are wrong — and that the church has something far better to offer.

In this episode of the Faith Informing Podcast, I sit down with Zach to discuss his new book Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World (Brazos Press). Drawing on his Oxford D.Phil in New Testament Studies, Zach builds a vision of godly masculinity not from cultural stereotypes but from the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including:

→ Why the fruit of the Spirit is the biblical framework most missing from the Christian masculinity conversation → How the Industrial, Sexual, and Technological Revolutions have created a genuine crisis of male identity, fatherlessness, and meaning → The "twin ditches" — why both the manosphere and toxic-masculinity rhetoric push men toward destruction → The difference between "man up" and "grow up" — and why that distinction matters for pastors and fathers → Why gentleness (praotes) is the virtue men most need — and how Jesus modeled it → What it looks like to use strength in the service of others rather than for self-actualization

Whether you're a pastor trying to disciple men, a father raising sons, or a man trying to figure out what faithfulness looks like in your own body and life — this conversation is for you.

📖 Men of Virtue by Zachary Wagner — available wherever books are sold 📖 Non-Toxic Masculinity — Zachary's first book (Intervarsity Press) 🌐 Zachary Wagner's website: zacharycwagner.com 📱 Zachary on Substack & Instagram

🎙️ Subscribe to the Faith Informing Podcast for conversations at the intersection of Christian faith and formation.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Introduction 01:11 — How Travis and Zach go back over a decade 02:47 — Why Zach wrote Men of Virtue (and almost didn't) 09:00 — The fruit of the Spirit as a framework for male character 11:17 — Why hasn't the church used this framework before? 16:55 — Three historical revolutions disrupting male identity 22:00 — The fourfold crisis: education, fatherlessness, meaning, and character 23:43 — "Man up" vs. "Grow up" — what's the difference? 30:28 — Small-s sin and Capital-S Sin in the masculinity crisis 31:06 — The twin ditches: manosphere vs. toxic masculinity narrative 38:17 — One fruit of the Spirit every man needs right now 40:57 — Gentleness, physical strength, and what Zach tells his son 44:06 — Why apologizing to your kids is harder than it sounds 46:19 — Virtue formation leads to communities of shalom 47:18 — Where to find Zachary Wagner

#ChristianMasculinity #MenOfVirtue #ZacharyWagner #FruitOfTheSpirit #FaithInformingPodcast #GodlyManhood #BiblicalMasculinity #ChristianMen #Manosphere #Discipleship

]]>06ed143b-6f05-43b9-89e7-696e826c7d8fMon, 15 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation about men and masculinity is everywhere right now — and most of it generates more heat than light. On one side: the manosphere's message that real men are warriors, dominance is the point, and the culture has gone soft. On the other: the insistence that masculinity itself is the problem. New Testament scholar Zachary Wagner thinks both answers are wrong — and that the church has something far better to offer.</p><p>In this episode of the Faith Informing Podcast, I sit down with Zach to discuss his new book <i>Men of Virtue: How the Fruit of the Spirit Forms Male Character in the Modern World</i> (Brazos Press). Drawing on his Oxford D.Phil in New Testament Studies, Zach builds a vision of godly masculinity not from cultural stereotypes but from the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5 — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.</p><p>We cover a lot of ground in this conversation, including:</p><p>→ Why the fruit of the Spirit is the biblical framework most missing from the Christian masculinity conversation → How the Industrial, Sexual, and Technological Revolutions have created a genuine crisis of male identity, fatherlessness, and meaning → The "twin ditches" — why both the manosphere and toxic-masculinity rhetoric push men toward destruction → The difference between "man up" and "grow up" — and why that distinction matters for pastors and fathers → Why gentleness (<i>praotes</i>) is the virtue men most need — and how Jesus modeled it → What it looks like to use strength in the service of others rather than for self-actualization</p><p>Whether you're a pastor trying to disciple men, a father raising sons, or a man trying to figure out what faithfulness looks like in your own body and life — this conversation is for you.</p><p>📖 <i>Men of Virtue</i> by Zachary Wagner — available wherever books are sold 📖 <i>Non-Toxic Masculinity</i> — Zachary's first book (Intervarsity Press) 🌐 Zachary Wagner's website: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://zacharycwagner.com" target="_blank">zacharycwagner.com</a> 📱 Zachary on Substack &amp; Instagram </p><p>🎙️ Subscribe to the Faith Informing Podcast for conversations at the intersection of Christian faith and formation.</p><hr /><p>⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Introduction 01:11 — How Travis and Zach go back over a decade 02:47 — Why Zach wrote <i>Men of Virtue</i> (and almost didn't) 09:00 — The fruit of the Spirit as a framework for male character 11:17 — Why hasn't the church used this framework before? 16:55 — Three historical revolutions disrupting male identity 22:00 — The fourfold crisis: education, fatherlessness, meaning, and character 23:43 — "Man up" vs. "Grow up" — what's the difference? 30:28 — Small-s sin and Capital-S Sin in the masculinity crisis 31:06 — The twin ditches: manosphere vs. toxic masculinity narrative 38:17 — One fruit of the Spirit every man needs right now 40:57 — Gentleness, physical strength, and what Zach tells his son 44:06 — Why apologizing to your kids is harder than it sounds 46:19 — Virtue formation leads to communities of shalom 47:18 — Where to find Zachary Wagner</p><hr /><p>#ChristianMasculinity #MenOfVirtue #ZacharyWagner #FruitOfTheSpirit #FaithInformingPodcast #GodlyManhood #BiblicalMasculinity #ChristianMen #Manosphere #Discipleship</p>no00:43:13312What the Bible Actually Teaches About Being a Man | Zachary Wagner on Men of Virtuefull<![CDATA[What Is the Faith and Work Movement? (And Why Your Church Probably Never Taught You)]]>What does your faith have to do with your job? For most Christians, Sunday and Monday feel like two completely different worlds — and that gap is not an accident. In this episode, pastor and Faith, Work & Tech Director Travis launches a new series on the Faith and Work movement: what it is, where it came from, and why it matters more than ever.

We cover:

* The "Sunday-Monday gap" and why most churches have never closed it
* The Hebrew word avodah — and why the ancient world had no category for separating work from worship
* Dorothy Sayers' prophetic 1942 challenge to the church
* The three waves of the Faith and Work movement (Social Gospel → Ministry of the Laity → the modern movement)
* Tim Keller, Os Guinness, and the scholars who built the theological foundation
* Why this conversation is urgent right now — especially in a world being reshaped by AI and automation

Whether you're a pastor, a professional, a student, or someone who's ever wondered if God actually cares what you do from 9 to 5 — this series is for you.

📚 Referenced in this episode:

* God at Work — David Miller (Oxford University Press, 2007)
* Every Good Endeavor — Tim Keller & Katherine Leary Alsdorf
* The Call — Os Guinness
* "Why Work?" — Dorothy Sayers (in Letters to a Diminished Church)

🎙️ Faith (In)Forming is hosted by Travis, pastor at Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church and Director of Church Engagement at the Bay Area Center for Faith, Work & Tech.

----------------------------------------



faith and work, theology of work, Christian vocation, Sunday Monday gap, Tim Keller, Dorothy Sayers, Os Guinness, avodah, marketplace ministry, faith at work movement, Christian podcast, Reformed theology, Silicon Valley faith, Bay Area church, calling and vocation, Every Good Endeavor, work and worship

]]>bca2ac30-de95-4629-b16b-b5d3b12ba99bTue, 09 Jun 2026 00:22:43 GMT<p>What does your faith have to do with your job? For most Christians, Sunday and Monday feel like two completely different worlds — and that gap is not an accident. In this episode, pastor and Faith, Work &amp; Tech Director Travis launches a new series on the Faith and Work movement: what it is, where it came from, and why it matters more than ever.<br /><br />We cover:<br /><br />* The "Sunday-Monday gap" and why most churches have never closed it<br />* The Hebrew word avodah — and why the ancient world had no category for separating work from worship<br />* Dorothy Sayers' prophetic 1942 challenge to the church<br />* The three waves of the Faith and Work movement (Social Gospel → Ministry of the Laity → the modern movement)<br />* Tim Keller, Os Guinness, and the scholars who built the theological foundation<br />* Why this conversation is urgent right now — especially in a world being reshaped by AI and automation<br /><br />Whether you're a pastor, a professional, a student, or someone who's ever wondered if God actually cares what you do from 9 to 5 — this series is for you.<br /><br />📚 Referenced in this episode:<br /><br />* God at Work — David Miller (Oxford University Press, 2007)<br />* Every Good Endeavor — Tim Keller &amp; Katherine Leary Alsdorf<br />* The Call — Os Guinness<br />* "Why Work?" — Dorothy Sayers (in Letters to a Diminished Church)<br /><br />🎙️ Faith (In)Forming is hosted by Travis, pastor at Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church and Director of Church Engagement at the Bay Area Center for Faith, Work &amp; Tech.<br /><br />----------------------------------------<br /><br /><br /><br />faith and work, theology of work, Christian vocation, Sunday Monday gap, Tim Keller, Dorothy Sayers, Os Guinness, avodah, marketplace ministry, faith at work movement, Christian podcast, Reformed theology, Silicon Valley faith, Bay Area church, calling and vocation, Every Good Endeavor, work and worship</p>no00:22:02311What Is the Faith and Work Movement? (And Why Your Church Probably Never Taught You)full<![CDATA[What Happens When Church Hurts? | Scot McKnight & Adrienne Gibson on the Traumatized Church]]>What do you do when the place meant to bring healing becomes a source of pain? In this episode of Faith (In)Forming, Travis Jamieson sits down with New Testament scholar Scot McKnight and licensed professional counselor Adrienne Gibson — co-authors of Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who Are Hurting — to explore what trauma really is, how it shows up in the church, and what it looks like to build communities where people can actually heal.

They unpack:

  • Why the Apostle Paul may be one of the most relatable trauma survivors in Scripture
  • The difference between hyperarousal and hypoarousal — and what "fawning" actually means
  • How even theological language (like calling God "Father") can trigger a trauma response
  • The six pillars of trauma-informed care and how any church can begin applying them
  • What pastors and church leaders need to hear — and do — first

Whether you've been hurt by a church, lead one, or simply want to love people better, this conversation is for you.

📖 Traumatized Church by Scot McKnight & Adrienne Gibson — available now wherever books are sold.

🎙️ Faith (In)Forming is the podcast that explores what informs our faith and how our faith forms us.

#TraumatizedChurch #ScotMcKnight #ChurchTrauma #FaithInForming #TraumaInformedCare #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealthAndFaith #AdrienneGibson

]]>198fe02b-f918-4647-a6a7-9e4a1611b40bMon, 01 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>What do you do when the place meant to bring healing becomes a source of pain? In this episode of Faith (In)Forming, Travis Jamieson sits down with New Testament scholar Scot McKnight and licensed professional counselor Adrienne Gibson — co-authors of <i>Traumatized Church: What Paul's Relationship with the Corinthian Church Teaches Us About Helping Those Who Are Hurting</i> — to explore what trauma really is, how it shows up in the church, and what it looks like to build communities where people can actually heal.</p><p>They unpack:</p><ul><li>Why the Apostle Paul may be one of the most relatable trauma survivors in Scripture</li><li>The difference between hyperarousal and hypoarousal — and what "fawning" actually means</li><li>How even theological language (like calling God "Father") can trigger a trauma response</li><li>The six pillars of trauma-informed care and how any church can begin applying them</li><li>What pastors and church leaders need to hear — and do — first</li></ul><p>Whether you've been hurt by a church, lead one, or simply want to love people better, this conversation is for you.</p><p>📖 <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Traumatized-Church-Relationship-Corinthian-Teaches/dp/0310179807" target="_blank"><i>Traumatized Church</i></a> by Scot McKnight &amp; Adrienne Gibson — available now wherever books are sold.</p><p>🎙️ <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.pacrc.org/faith-informing-podcast" target="_blank">Faith (In)Forming</a> is the podcast that explores what informs our faith and how our faith forms us.</p><p><b>#TraumatizedChurch #ScotMcKnight #ChurchTrauma #FaithInForming #TraumaInformedCare #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealthAndFaith #AdrienneGibson</b></p>no00:45:49310What Happens When Church Hurts? | Scot McKnight & Adrienne Gibson on the Traumatized Churchfull<![CDATA[Faith, Pride & Gulliver's Travels | Karen Swallow Prior ]]>What if a 300-year-old satire about tiny people and giants is actually one of the most relevant books you can read right now?

In this episode, host Travis Jamieson sits down with author, professor, and Substack writer Karen Swallow Prior to unpack Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels — not the children's story you remember, but the fierce, theologically rich satire beneath it. From the dawn of the Enlightenment to the age of AI, Swift's insights about human pride, perspective, and the limits of reason feel more urgent than ever.

In this conversation:

  • Why Gulliver's Travels is satire, not a novel — and why that matters
  • How Swift's Christian faith shapes every voyage
  • What Gulliver reveals about human perspective
  • The scatological humor that is actually a profound theological argument
  • Why the fourth voyage — the land of the Houyhnhnms — is a warning, not a utopia
  • How Swift's critique of frictionless rationality connects to AI, disability, and the Incarnation

Karen Swallow Prior has written a free 16-part analysis of Gulliver's Travels on Substack — links below.

Karen's Substack

Tags: Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift, Christian literature, Karen Swallow Prior, classical books, satire, Enlightenment, theology, Christian podcast, great books, faith and culture, human nature, AI

]]>231da0b8-931d-4337-a2b1-1ca2575cbd57Mon, 25 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>What if a 300-year-old satire about tiny people and giants is actually one of the most relevant books you can read right now?</p><p>In this episode, host Travis Jamieson sits down with author, professor, and Substack writer Karen Swallow Prior to unpack Jonathan Swift's <i>Gulliver's Travels</i> — not the children's story you remember, but the fierce, theologically rich satire beneath it. From the dawn of the Enlightenment to the age of AI, Swift's insights about human pride, perspective, and the limits of reason feel more urgent than ever.</p><p><b>In this conversation:</b></p><ul><li>Why <i>Gulliver's Travels</i> is satire, not a novel — and why that matters</li><li>How Swift's Christian faith shapes every voyage</li><li>What Gulliver reveals about human perspective</li><li>The scatological humor that is actually a profound theological argument</li><li>Why the fourth voyage — the land of the Houyhnhnms — is a warning, not a utopia</li><li>How Swift's critique of frictionless rationality connects to AI, disability, and the Incarnation</li></ul><p>Karen Swallow Prior has written a free 16-part analysis of <i>Gulliver's Travels</i> on Substack — links below.</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://substack.com/@karenswallowprior" target="_blank"><b>Karen's Substack</b></a></p><p></p><p><i>Tags: Gulliver's Travels, Jonathan Swift, Christian literature, Karen Swallow Prior, classical books, satire, Enlightenment, theology, Christian podcast, great books, faith and culture, human nature, AI</i></p>no00:45:2439Faith, Pride & Gulliver's Travels | Karen Swallow Prior full<![CDATA[The Man Who Invented the Modern World | Graham Tomlin]]>Blaise Pascal — mathematician, physicist, inventor, and theologian — helped shape the modern world while offering one of its most penetrating critiques of it. In this episode, Travis Jamieson sits down with Graham Tomlin (Bishop of Kensington, author of Blaise Pascal: The Man Who Made the Modern World) to explore why a 17th-century genius feels urgently relevant today.

From the wristwatch to the computer to public transportation, Pascal's fingerprints are everywhere in modern life. But his deeper legacy may be his unflinching diagnosis of the human heart — our restlessness, our addiction to distraction, and our longing for something no screen or success can fill.

In this episode:

  • Why Pascal is called "the first modern Christian"
  • Pascal's Night of Fire — the hidden document sewn into his coat
  • Faith vs. reason: what Pascal really believed
  • Why Descartes' God was "uncertain and useless" to Pascal
  • The hidden God of Jesus Christ vs. the God of the philosophers
  • Pascal's diagnosis of distraction — and why it hits harder in 2025
  • The infinite abyss and what can actually fill it

Keywords: Blaise Pascal, Christian apologetics, faith and reason, Pascal's Wager, Pascal's Night of Fire, Pensées, Graham Tomlin, Christian philosophy, theology podcast, distraction and the soul, hiddenness of God, Jansenism, modern Christianity, apologetics podcast, Christian faith podcast

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and ideas. 📖 Get Graham's book: Blaise Pascal: The Man Who Made the Modern World 🌐 Explore Graham's work: seeeandunseen.com

]]>1382f042-8724-4ff6-a266-c5cf72228986Mon, 18 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Blaise Pascal — mathematician, physicist, inventor, and theologian — helped shape the modern world while offering one of its most penetrating critiques of it. In this episode, Travis Jamieson sits down with Graham Tomlin (Bishop of Kensington, author of <i>Blaise Pascal: The Man Who Made the Modern World</i>) to explore why a 17th-century genius feels urgently relevant today.</p><p>From the wristwatch to the computer to public transportation, Pascal's fingerprints are everywhere in modern life. But his deeper legacy may be his unflinching diagnosis of the human heart — our restlessness, our addiction to distraction, and our longing for something no screen or success can fill.</p><p><b>In this episode:</b></p><ul><li>Why Pascal is called "the first modern Christian"</li><li>Pascal's Night of Fire — the hidden document sewn into his coat</li><li>Faith vs. reason: what Pascal really believed</li><li>Why Descartes' God was "uncertain and useless" to Pascal</li><li>The hidden God of Jesus Christ vs. the God of the philosophers</li><li>Pascal's diagnosis of distraction — and why it hits harder in 2025</li><li>The infinite abyss and what can actually fill it</li></ul><p><b>Keywords:</b> Blaise Pascal, Christian apologetics, faith and reason, Pascal's Wager, Pascal's Night of Fire, Pensées, Graham Tomlin, Christian philosophy, theology podcast, distraction and the soul, hiddenness of God, Jansenism, modern Christianity, apologetics podcast, Christian faith podcast</p><p></p><p>🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, culture, and ideas. 📖 Get Graham's book: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Blaise-Pascal-Made-Modern-World/dp/1399807641" target="_blank"><i>Blaise Pascal: The Man Who Made the Modern World</i> </a>🌐 Explore Graham's work: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.seenandunseen.com/" target="_blank">seeeandunseen.com</a></p>no00:45:1138The Man Who Invented the Modern World | Graham Tomlinfull<![CDATA[John Calvin, Refugee Theologian — with Dr. Kenneth Woo]]>What did it mean for John Calvin to be a refugee — and how did that shape everything he believed?

In this episode of the Faith Informing Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with Dr. Kenneth Woo, Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and author of "John Calvin, Refugee Theologian: Introducing a Reformer in Exile."

Dr. Woo unpacks how Calvin's experience as a political exile from France shaped his theology, his preaching, his pastoral care, and his reading of scripture.

🔑 TOPICS COVERED:
• Why Calvin is best understood as a refugee theologian
• The millions displaced during the Reformation era — and before it
• How Calvin built a mixed church in Geneva among refugees and native citizens
• Calvin's deeply personal identification with David as an exilic figure
• How predestination functioned as a doctrine of comfort for displaced people
• What Calvin's theology of spiritual exile says to Christians feeling politically homeless today
• Reimagining Reformed theology as a theology from the margins

📖 BOOK MENTIONED:
"John Calvin, Refugee Theologian: Introducing a Reformer in Exile" by Dr. Kenneth Woo

👤 GUEST:
Dr. Kenneth Woo — P.C. Ross Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

🎙️ HOST: Travis Jamieson — Faith (In)forming Podcast

---
#JohnCalvin #ReformedTheology #ChurchHistory #Reformation #Refugees #Theology #CalvinismExplained #FaithInformingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalExile

]]>c87f811a-1757-482c-8c8d-2aded623ded7Mon, 11 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>What did it mean for John Calvin to be a refugee — and how did that shape everything he believed?<br /><br />In this episode of the Faith Informing Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with Dr. Kenneth Woo, Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and author of "John Calvin, Refugee Theologian: Introducing a Reformer in Exile."<br /><br />Dr. Woo unpacks how Calvin's experience as a political exile from France shaped his theology, his preaching, his pastoral care, and his reading of scripture.<br /><br />🔑 TOPICS COVERED:<br />• Why Calvin is best understood as a refugee theologian<br />• The millions displaced during the Reformation era — and before it<br />• How Calvin built a mixed church in Geneva among refugees and native citizens<br />• Calvin's deeply personal identification with David as an exilic figure<br />• How predestination functioned as a doctrine of comfort for displaced people<br />• What Calvin's theology of spiritual exile says to Christians feeling politically homeless today<br />• Reimagining Reformed theology as a theology from the margins<br /><br />📖 BOOK MENTIONED:<br />"<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/john-calvin-refugee-theologian-introducing-a-reformer-in-exile-kenneth-j-woo/979b795b96371bbf" target="_blank">John Calvin, Refugee Theologian: Introducing a Reformer in Exile"</a> by Dr. Kenneth Woo<br /><br />👤 GUEST:<br />Dr. Kenneth Woo — P.C. Ross Associate Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary<br /><br />🎙️ HOST: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-mystery-of-faith-why-the-gospel-is-still-good-news-travis-jamieson/0061f06cbab684a1?ean=9798385233113&amp;next=t" target="_blank">Travis Jamieson </a>— Faith (In)forming Podcast<br /><br />---<br />#JohnCalvin #ReformedTheology #ChurchHistory #Reformation #Refugees #Theology #CalvinismExplained #FaithInformingPodcast #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalExile</p>no00:45:3637John Calvin, Refugee Theologian — with Dr. Kenneth Woofull<![CDATA[Icons, Imagination & Spiritual Formation | Dr. Lanta Davis]]>What if the key to spiritual growth isn't more information — but a transformed imagination? In this episode, Travis sits down with Dr. Lanta Davis, professor at the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation, to explore a neglected dimension of Christian discipleship.

They discuss how our imaginations are constantly being shaped — by advertising, social media, entertainment, and culture — and what the church has historically done to intentionally form believers through images, stories, and sacred spaces.

They also do a deep dive into Christian iconography, unpacking two iconic works: the ancient Christ Pantocrator icon from St. Catherine's Monastery and Rublev's Trinity icon — and what they reveal about the Incarnation, the dual nature of Christ, and our invitation into the life of God.

Topics covered:

  • What is the sacramental imagination and why does it matter?
  • How consumerism, Christian nationalism, and entertainment culture malform our faith
  • What ancient Christians knew about training the soul through images
  • A close look at the Christ Pantocrator — the eye of mercy vs. the eye of judgment
  • The Trinity icon and the open seat at the table

🎙️ Guest: Dr. Lanta Davis | Author of Becoming by Beholding 📚 Learn more: [link to book] 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, theology, and discipleship

#SpiritualFormation #ChristianPodcast #Theology #Discipleship #SacramentalImagination #ChristianIcons #FaithPodcast #ChurchHistory

]]>7d24dfaf-c1f4-496f-b613-1d842ce37862Mon, 04 May 2026 20:22:26 GMT<p>What if the key to spiritual growth isn't more information — but a transformed imagination? In this episode, Travis sits down with Dr. Lanta Davis, professor at the John Wesley Honors College at Indiana Wesleyan University and author of <i>Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation</i>, to explore a neglected dimension of Christian discipleship.</p><p></p><p>They discuss how our imaginations are constantly being shaped — by advertising, social media, entertainment, and culture — and what the church has historically done to intentionally form believers through images, stories, and sacred spaces.</p><p></p><p>They also do a deep dive into <b>Christian iconography</b>, unpacking two iconic works: the ancient Christ Pantocrator icon from St. Catherine's Monastery and Rublev's Trinity icon — and what they reveal about the Incarnation, the dual nature of Christ, and our invitation into the life of God.</p><p></p><p><b>Topics covered:</b></p><ul><li>What is the sacramental imagination and why does it matter?</li><li>How consumerism, Christian nationalism, and entertainment culture malform our faith</li><li>What ancient Christians knew about training the soul through images</li><li>A close look at the Christ Pantocrator — the eye of mercy vs. the eye of judgment</li><li>The Trinity icon and the open seat at the table</li></ul><p>🎙️ Guest: Dr. Lanta Davis | Author of <i>Becoming by Beholding</i> 📚 Learn more: <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/becoming-by-beholding-the-power-of-the-imagination-in-spiritual-formation-lanta-davis/955960a26f2d6f90?ean=9781540966186&amp;next=t&amp;next=t" target="_blank">[link to book]</a> 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, theology, and discipleship</p><p><b>#SpiritualFormation #ChristianPodcast #Theology #Discipleship #SacramentalImagination #ChristianIcons #FaithPodcast #ChurchHistory</b></p>no00:48:3336Icons, Imagination & Spiritual Formation | Dr. Lanta Davisfull<![CDATA[What Christians Get Wrong About the Devil | Philip Ziegler]]>What do Christians today misunderstand about the devil—and why does it matter for how we understand the gospel?

In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with theologian Philip Ziegler to explore a topic many churches avoid: the doctrine of the devil. Drawing from his book God’s Adversary and Ours, Ziegler offers a deeply biblical and theological framework for understanding Satan—not through speculation, but through the life and work of Jesus Christ.

Together, we discuss:

  • Why modern Christians often ignore or misuse the idea of the devil
  • How the Bible actually portrays Satan (hint: it’s about what he does, not what he is)
  • Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and what it reveals about evil
  • The meaning of exorcisms in the Gospels
  • Why the cross can be understood as Christ’s ultimate victory over the powers of evil
  • How ordinary Christian practices (prayer, worship, Scripture) are forms of spiritual resistance

This conversation will expand your understanding of the gospel—not just as personal salvation, but as a cosmic story of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil.

If you’ve ever wondered:

  • Is the devil real?
  • What does the Bible actually teach about Satan?
  • How should Christians think about spiritual warfare today?

This episode is for you.

📚 Related Resource

If this conversation resonates, you may also enjoy my book, The Mystery of Faith, where I explore how the gospel is far bigger, deeper, and more transformative than we often imagine.

🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations

The Faith (In)Forming Podcast is a space for deep, thoughtful conversations on theology, culture, and the Christian life.

👉 Subscribe for more interviews with leading thinkers, pastors, and authors.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Why Talk About the Devil?
01:00 – What Led Philip Ziegler to Study This Topic
06:45 – Why the Church Stopped Talking About the Devil
14:50 – Avoidance vs. Weaponization
16:50 – Understanding the Devil Through Jesus
24:30 – The Temptation of Christ Explained
28:30 – Exorcism and the Meaning of “Life”
33:30 – Shalom, Chaos, and the Story of Scripture
35:20 – The Cross as the Ultimate Exorcism
40:00 – Expanding Our Vision of the Gospel
41:10 – What This Means for the Christian Life Today
49:00 – Ordinary Faith as Spiritual Resistance

🔍 Keywords (for search visibility)

theology of the devil, is the devil real, satan in the bible, spiritual warfare explained, christian theology podcast, philip ziegler, doctrine of satan, jesus temptation in the wilderness, exorcism in the bible, meaning of the cross, gospel explained, reformed theology, christian podcast 2026

]]>4b859da2-cab5-4f57-b573-3853fd951a0cThu, 23 Apr 2026 20:36:42 GMT<p>What do Christians today misunderstand about the devil—and why does it matter for how we understand the gospel?</p><p>In this episode of <i>The Faith (In)Forming Podcast</i>, I sit down with theologian Philip Ziegler to explore a topic many churches avoid: <b>the doctrine of the devil</b>. Drawing from his book <i>God’s Adversary and Ours</i>, Ziegler offers a deeply biblical and theological framework for understanding Satan—not through speculation, but through the life and work of Jesus Christ.</p><p>Together, we discuss:</p><ul><li>Why modern Christians often ignore or misuse the idea of the devil</li><li>How the Bible actually portrays Satan (hint: it’s about what he <i>does</i>, not what he <i>is</i>)</li><li>Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness and what it reveals about evil</li><li>The meaning of exorcisms in the Gospels</li><li>Why the cross can be understood as Christ’s ultimate victory over the powers of evil</li><li>How ordinary Christian practices (prayer, worship, Scripture) are forms of spiritual resistance</li></ul><p>This conversation will expand your understanding of the gospel—not just as personal salvation, but as a <b>cosmic story of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil</b>.</p><p>If you’ve ever wondered:</p><ul><li><i>Is the devil real?</i></li><li><i>What does the Bible actually teach about Satan?</i></li><li><i>How should Christians think about spiritual warfare today?</i></li></ul><p>This episode is for you.</p><hr /><h2>📚 Related Resource</h2><p>If this conversation resonates, you may also enjoy my book, The Mystery of Faith, where I explore how the gospel is far bigger, deeper, and more transformative than we often imagine.</p><hr /><h2>🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations</h2><p>The <i>Faith (In)Forming Podcast</i> is a space for deep, thoughtful conversations on theology, culture, and the Christian life.</p><p>👉 Subscribe for more interviews with leading thinkers, pastors, and authors.</p><hr /><h2>⏱️ Timestamps</h2><p>00:00 – Introduction: Why Talk About the Devil?<br />01:00 – What Led Philip Ziegler to Study This Topic<br />06:45 – Why the Church Stopped Talking About the Devil<br />14:50 – Avoidance vs. Weaponization<br />16:50 – Understanding the Devil Through Jesus<br />24:30 – The Temptation of Christ Explained<br />28:30 – Exorcism and the Meaning of “Life”<br />33:30 – Shalom, Chaos, and the Story of Scripture<br />35:20 – The Cross as the Ultimate Exorcism<br />40:00 – Expanding Our Vision of the Gospel<br />41:10 – What This Means for the Christian Life Today<br />49:00 – Ordinary Faith as Spiritual Resistance</p><hr /><h2>🔍 Keywords (for search visibility)</h2><p>theology of the devil, is the devil real, satan in the bible, spiritual warfare explained, christian theology podcast, philip ziegler, doctrine of satan, jesus temptation in the wilderness, exorcism in the bible, meaning of the cross, gospel explained, reformed theology, christian podcast 2026</p>no00:52:0035What Christians Get Wrong About the Devil | Philip Zieglerfull<![CDATA[Dr. Helen Bond on Ancient Biographies and the Gospels]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Helen Bond—New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, and co-host of the Biblical Time Machine podcast. Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of ancient biography and explore how this literary form shaped the writing of the Gospel of Mark and other New Testament texts.

We discuss: 📜 What makes a biography "ancient"? ✍️ How and why the Gospel writers used biography to tell the story of Jesus 🔍 Similarities and differences between the Gospels and Greco-Roman biographies 💬 Why early Christian writers turned to storytelling to shape faith

And why understanding ancient biographies can help you more accurately read the Gospels today 

Dr. Bond brings decades of scholarship, storytelling, and public engagement to this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. Whether you're a Bible nerd, a church leader, or just curious about Christian origins, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

🔗 Subscribe for more episodes exploring faith, history, and the power of story.

📖 Learn more about Dr. Bond and the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins at: http://www.christianorigins.div.ed.ac.uk

🎙️ Check out the Biblical Time Machine podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

#AncientBiography #GospelOfMark #HelenBond #ChristianOrigins #BiblicalScholarship #HistoricalJesus #FaithInFormingPodcast #NewTestament #Christianity #BibleHistory #JesusBiography #EarlyChurch #GrecoRomanHistory #PodcastInterview #BibleStudy

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/dr-helen-bond-on-ancient-biographies-and-the-gospels/travisjamieson.podbean.com/bbd5bbbc-c6c3-3af8-8ec5-1ec7c32e5d88Wed, 02 Jul 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Helen Bond—New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, and co-host of the Biblical Time Machine podcast. Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of ancient biography and explore how this literary form shaped the writing of the Gospel of Mark and other New Testament texts.</p> <p>We discuss: 📜 What makes a biography "ancient"? ✍️ How and why the Gospel writers used biography to tell the story of Jesus 🔍 Similarities and differences between the Gospels and Greco-Roman biographies 💬 Why early Christian writers turned to storytelling to shape faith</p> <p>And why understanding ancient biographies can help you more accurately read the Gospels today </p> <p>Dr. Bond brings decades of scholarship, storytelling, and public engagement to this wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation. Whether you're a Bible nerd, a church leader, or just curious about Christian origins, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.</p> <p>🔗 Subscribe for more episodes exploring faith, history, and the power of story.</p> <p>📖 Learn more about Dr. Bond and the Centre for the Study of Christian Origins at: <a href="http://www.christianorigins.div.ed.ac.uk" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">http://www.christianorigins.div.ed.ac.uk</a></p> <p>🎙️ Check out the Biblical Time Machine podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.</p> <p>#AncientBiography #GospelOfMark #HelenBond #ChristianOrigins #BiblicalScholarship #HistoricalJesus #FaithInFormingPodcast #NewTestament #Christianity #BibleHistory #JesusBiography #EarlyChurch #GrecoRomanHistory #PodcastInterview #BibleStudy</p> no00:46:32210Dr. Helen Bond on Ancient Biographies and the Gospelsfull<![CDATA[The Artist’s Gaze & the Spirit’s Guidance | Andy Maitland]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with UK-based artist and spiritual director Andy Maitland to explore the intersection of art, imagination, and the Holy Spirit.

Andy has been drawing exclusively on the iPad since 2011, focusing on the English landscape and the practice of paying close attention to the subject. He shares how his daily drawing practice becomes a form of spiritual discipline, and how the Holy Spirit plays a central role in creativity and discernment.

🔗 Links Mentioned:

🎨 Andy Maitland’s Website: 👉 https://www.andymaitland.com/ipad-artist/video-bio.html

📚 An Imagined Garden One (iPad Drawings 2011–22): 👉 https://www.andymaitland.com/ipad-drawings-publications/andy-maitland-ipad-drawings-an-imagined-garden-one-from-figurative-to-abstraction-2011-22.html

📰 The Ministry of Imagination – Andy’s Substack: 👉 https://ministryofimagination.substack.com/

🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast

#AndyMaitland #ChristianArtist #DigitalArt #FaithAndArt #SpiritualDirection #HolySpirit #ImaginationAndFaith #ContemplativeArt #iPadArt #TheFaithInformingPodcast

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/the-artist-s-gaze-the-spirit-s-guidance-andy-maitland/travisjamieson.podbean.com/c6e23dd7-954e-3dce-852d-6c8cdc27c7b4Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with UK-based artist and spiritual director Andy Maitland to explore the intersection of art, imagination, and the Holy Spirit.</p> <p>Andy has been drawing exclusively on the iPad since 2011, focusing on the English landscape and the practice of paying close attention to the subject. He shares how his daily drawing practice becomes a form of spiritual discipline, and how the Holy Spirit plays a central role in creativity and discernment.</p> <p>🔗 Links Mentioned:</p> <p>🎨 Andy Maitland’s Website: 👉 <a href="https://www.andymaitland.com/ipad-artist/video-bio.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.andymaitland.com/ipad-artist/video-bio.html</a></p> <p>📚 An Imagined Garden One (iPad Drawings 2011–22): 👉 <a href="https://www.andymaitland.com/ipad-drawings-publications/andy-maitland-ipad-drawings-an-imagined-garden-one-from-figurative-to-abstraction-2011-22.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.andymaitland.com/ipad-drawings-publications/andy-maitland-ipad-drawings-an-imagined-garden-one-from-figurative-to-abstraction-2011-22.html</a></p> <p>📰 The Ministry of Imagination – Andy’s Substack: 👉 <a href="https://ministryofimagination.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://ministryofimagination.substack.com/</a></p> <p>🎧 Listen to more episodes of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast</p> <p>#AndyMaitland #ChristianArtist #DigitalArt #FaithAndArt #SpiritualDirection #HolySpirit #ImaginationAndFaith #ContemplativeArt #iPadArt #TheFaithInformingPodcast</p> no00:55:06211The Artist’s Gaze & the Spirit’s Guidance | Andy Maitlandfull<![CDATA[Andrew Root on Letting Go of Control]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with theologian and author Andrew Root to talk about his newest book, written with his wife Kara Root, about their family pilgrimage through Scotland following the way of St. Cuthbert.

Andrew and Kara’s journey becomes a living parable about letting go of control in our parenting, pastoring, and spiritual lives. Drawing on Hartmut Rosa’s philosophy of resonance, Andrew explores how we can rediscover God’s uncontrollable presence in a world obsessed with efficiency, productivity, and growth.

Together, we talk about: ⛰️ How pilgrimage reshapes our understanding of time and control 🕊️ What it means to experience resonance with God and others 👨‍👩‍👧 Lessons from parenting in an age of anxiety and optimization ⛪ How pastors and churches can become places of “relationful relating”

If you’re a pastor, parent, or follower of Jesus longing to live with deeper peace and attentiveness in a hurried world, this conversation will speak to you.

📘 Learn more about Andrew Root and Kara Root’s book: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587436628_a-pilgrimage-into-letting-go

Evangelism in the Age of Despair: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540968715_evangelism-in-an-age-of-despair

Tags: Andrew Root Kara Root Faith InForming Podcast Christian podcast pilgrimage St. Cuthbert theology spiritual formation pastoral ministry Christian parenting resonance Hartmut Rosa Sabbath rest Christian life church leadership letting go of control God’s presence

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/andrew-root-on-letting-go-of-control/travisjamieson.podbean.com/baa9aa77-cb78-36c0-a32a-224c2f35b69eWed, 05 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with theologian and author Andrew Root to talk about his newest book, written with his wife Kara Root, about their family pilgrimage through Scotland following the way of St. Cuthbert.</p> <p>Andrew and Kara’s journey becomes a living parable about letting go of control in our parenting, pastoring, and spiritual lives. Drawing on Hartmut Rosa’s philosophy of resonance, Andrew explores how we can rediscover God’s uncontrollable presence in a world obsessed with efficiency, productivity, and growth.</p> <p>Together, we talk about: ⛰️ How pilgrimage reshapes our understanding of time and control 🕊️ What it means to experience resonance with God and others 👨‍👩‍👧 Lessons from parenting in an age of anxiety and optimization ⛪ How pastors and churches can become places of “relationful relating”</p> <p>If you’re a pastor, parent, or follower of Jesus longing to live with deeper peace and attentiveness in a hurried world, this conversation will speak to you.</p> <p>📘 Learn more about Andrew Root and Kara Root’s book: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781587436628_a-pilgrimage-into-letting-go</p> <p>Evangelism in the Age of Despair: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9781540968715_evangelism-in-an-age-of-despair</p> <p> Tags: Andrew Root Kara Root Faith InForming Podcast Christian podcast pilgrimage St. Cuthbert theology spiritual formation pastoral ministry Christian parenting resonance Hartmut Rosa Sabbath rest Christian life church leadership letting go of control God’s presence</p> no00:53:21216Andrew Root on Letting Go of Controlfull<![CDATA[Paul Taylor on Revival, Influence, and Exilic Discipleship in Silicon Valley]]>Silicon Valley is often described as both post-Christian and pre-Christian—a place of deep disillusionment and surprising openness. How do Christians navigate that tension?

In the latest episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Paul Taylor, Director of Unify at Transforming the Bay with Christ and Co-Founder of the Bay Area Center for Faith, Work & Tech. Before that, he spent nearly two decades as a pastor at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto.

We talk about his recent Christianity Today article, “The Silicon Valley Revival Has Momentum. Next Comes Maturity.” We dig into questions like:

  • Why should Christian leaders approach revival with both excitement and discernment—not just one or the other?

  • What does it mean to live in a place that holds both post-Christian disillusionment and pre-Christian openness?

  • How can Christians move beyond survival in the workplace to faithful influence—shaping cultures, guiding innovation, and bearing redemptive witness?

  • Do the powerful need Jesus just as much as the marginalized?

  • How do we avoid confusing evangelism with another form of Christian nationalism?

  • And why might “exilic discipleship” be a faithful way forward for Christians in Silicon Valley?

Paul brings wisdom, humility, and years of pastoral experience to these questions—and paints a hopeful picture of what maturity might look like for revival in the Bay Area.

 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/paul-taylor-on-revival-influence-and-exilic-discipleship-in-silicon-valley/travisjamieson.podbean.com/affdbe01-c3ef-31ba-b498-3e2dbf713294Wed, 27 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMT<p>Silicon Valley is often described as both post-Christian and pre-Christian—a place of deep disillusionment and surprising openness. How do Christians navigate that tension?</p> <p>In the latest episode of <a href="https://www.pacrc.org/faith-informing-podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Faith (In)Forming Podcast</a>, I sit down with Paul Taylor, Director of Unify at <a href="https://www.tbc.city/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Transforming the Bay with Christ</a> and Co-Founder of the <a href="https://www.faithworktech.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Bay Area Center for Faith, Work &amp; Tech</a>. Before that, he spent nearly two decades as a pastor at Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto.</p> <p>We talk about his recent Christianity Today article, “<a href="https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/07/silicon-valley-revival-momentum-maturity/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">The Silicon Valley Revival Has Momentum. Next Comes Maturity</a>.” We dig into questions like:</p> <ul> <li> <p>Why should Christian leaders approach revival with both excitement and discernment—not just one or the other?</p> </li> <li> <p>What does it mean to live in a place that holds both post-Christian disillusionment and pre-Christian openness?</p> </li> <li> <p>How can Christians move beyond survival in the workplace to faithful influence—shaping cultures, guiding innovation, and bearing redemptive witness?</p> </li> <li> <p>Do the powerful need Jesus just as much as the marginalized?</p> </li> <li> <p>How do we avoid confusing evangelism with another form of Christian nationalism?</p> </li> <li> <p>And why might “exilic discipleship” be a faithful way forward for Christians in Silicon Valley?</p> </li> </ul> <p>Paul brings wisdom, humility, and years of pastoral experience to these questions—and paints a hopeful picture of what maturity might look like for revival in the Bay Area.</p> <p> </p> no00:48:26213Paul Taylor on Revival, Influence, and Exilic Discipleship in Silicon Valleyfull<![CDATA[Episode 6: Friendship, Gay Identity, and the Church with Dr. Wesley Hill]]>Dr. Wesley Hill joins Pastor Travis for a conversation about the power of friendship amid denominational conflict about human sexuality. 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-6-friendship-gay-identity-and-the-church-with-dr-wesley-hill/travisjamieson.podbean.com/f8c38ad3-8db0-3256-b03e-05ad775c2a82Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Dr. Wesley Hill joins Pastor Travis for a conversation about the power of friendship amid denominational conflict about human sexuality. </p> no00:50:4816Episode 6: Friendship, Gay Identity, and the Church with Dr. Wesley Hillfull<![CDATA[Episode 7: Work, Worship, and the Sovereignty of God with Dr. Cory Wilson]]>Dr. Cory Wilson joins the show today to talk about work and worship. We often think of worship as something Christians do on Sundays, but what if a deeper Christian way of being integrates our worship with our work? How would that change the Sunday worship service and 9am on Monday?

 

Learn more about our ministry at pacrc.org.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-7-work-worship-and-the-sovereignty-of-god-with-dr-cory-wilson/travisjamieson.podbean.com/ca9df4c8-2b40-3984-80ac-0a85a10c3db5Wed, 03 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Dr. Cory Wilson joins the show today to talk about work and worship. We often think of worship as something Christians do on Sundays, but what if a deeper Christian way of being integrates our worship with our work? How would that change the Sunday worship service and 9am on Monday?</p> <p> </p> <p>Learn more about our ministry at pacrc.org.</p> no00:58:3017Episode 7: Work, Worship, and the Sovereignty of God with Dr. Cory Wilsonfull<![CDATA[Episode 15: Narcissism, Trauma, and Hope for Healing with Chuck DeGroat]]>Chuck DeGroat shares insights on narcissism, the power of getting curious about our personal stories, and the journey toward healing by looking to Jesus for restoration and hope.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-15-narcissism-trauma-and-hope-for-healing-with-chuck-degroat/travisjamieson.podbean.com/cf9a8206-4fe3-3b9e-beaa-6022b255dd0bWed, 23 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Chuck DeGroat shares insights on narcissism, the power of getting curious about our personal stories, and the journey toward healing by looking to Jesus for restoration and hope.</p> no00:45:10115Episode 15: Narcissism, Trauma, and Hope for Healing with Chuck DeGroatfull<![CDATA[Episode 11: The Quest for Meaningful Conversations with Paul Vander Klay]]>Pastor Paul Vander Klay joins the podcast today to discuss the deep need people have to find space where they can have deep and meaningful conversations. He makes the case that Estuary is just that space. 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-11-the-quest-for-meaningful-conversations-with-paul-vander-klay/travisjamieson.podbean.com/ef389152-bf3e-30d7-a9de-9beb298b3554Wed, 28 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Pastor Paul Vander Klay joins the podcast today to discuss the deep need people have to find space where they can have deep and meaningful conversations. He makes the case that Estuary is just that space. </p> no00:53:18111Episode 11: The Quest for Meaningful Conversations with Paul Vander Klayfull<![CDATA[Episode 1 - Fellipe do Vale PhD. on Gender and Theology]]>In Episode 1 of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Pastor Travis interviews Fellipe do Vale, PhD. about his new book, Gender as Love: A Theological Account of Human Identity, Embodied Desire, and Our Social Worlds. Fellipe do Vale is Assistant Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinty School in Deerfield, IL. He received his PhD. from Southern Methodist University and is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Calvin University.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-1-fellipe-do-vale-phd-on-gender-and-theology/travisjamieson.podbean.com/658d5f48-fc37-3e8a-9184-82b3bf4d1716Wed, 20 Mar 2024 17:42:55 GMT<p>In Episode 1 of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Pastor Travis interviews Fellipe do Vale, PhD. about his new book, Gender as Love: A Theological Account of Human Identity, Embodied Desire, and Our Social Worlds. Fellipe do Vale is Assistant Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinty School in Deerfield, IL. He received his PhD. from Southern Methodist University and is a graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Calvin University.</p> no00:46:5111Episode 1 - Fellipe do Vale PhD. on Gender and Theologyfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Cornelius (Neal) Plantinga Jr. on his influences, gratitude, and presidential biographies]]>Neal Plantinga shares with Pastor Travis what influenced his faith journey, how writing a book on gratitude made him a more grateful person, and why reading presidential biographies can make you a wiser person.

https://www.pacrc.org/ 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-2-cornelius-neal-plantinga-jr-on-his-influences-gratitude-and-presidential-biographies/travisjamieson.podbean.com/6f78e16a-12c1-351b-a5f6-2628380e9890Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:18:54 GMT<p>Neal Plantinga shares with Pastor Travis what influenced his faith journey, how writing a book on gratitude made him a more grateful person, and why reading presidential biographies can make you a wiser person.</p> <p><a href="https://www.pacrc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.pacrc.org/</a> </p> no00:46:0412Episode 2: Cornelius (Neal) Plantinga Jr. on his influences, gratitude, and presidential biographiesfull<![CDATA[Episode 5: The Gospel for the Person who has Everything with Dr. Will Willimon]]>Dr. Will Willimon joins the show today to talk about why Jesus offers the church so much more than empathy. Jesus gives Christians a vocation. 

 

Learn more about our ministry at pacrc.org

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-5-why-empathy-is-not-enough-with-dr-will-willimon/travisjamieson.podbean.com/a4b8a0eb-24e8-3264-907b-0644ab6ca052Wed, 05 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Dr. Will Willimon joins the show today to talk about why Jesus offers the church so much more than empathy. Jesus gives Christians a vocation. </p> <p> </p> <p>Learn more about our ministry at pacrc.org</p> no00:46:5215Episode 5: The Gospel for the Person who has Everything with Dr. Will Willimonfull<![CDATA[Dr. Warren Kinghorn: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Care]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, we welcome Dr. Warren Kinghorn, psychiatrist, theologian, and co-director of the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Kinghorn discusses his new book, Wayfaring: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Care, and explores how faith communities can cultivate a more compassionate and theologically grounded response to mental health.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith and culture!

📖 Get Dr. Kinghorn’s book here: https://a.co/d/bIdgzOQ

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/dr-warren-kinghorn-a-christian-approach-to-mental-health-care/travisjamieson.podbean.com/4ce2d578-c767-35d3-aa31-998455d9d470Wed, 26 Feb 2025 14:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, we welcome Dr. Warren Kinghorn, psychiatrist, theologian, and co-director of the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke Divinity School. Dr. Kinghorn discusses his new book, Wayfaring: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Care, and explores how faith communities can cultivate a more compassionate and theologically grounded response to mental health.</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith and culture!</p> <p>📖 Get Dr. Kinghorn’s book here: https://a.co/d/bIdgzOQ</p> no00:53:0821Dr. Warren Kinghorn: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Carefull<![CDATA[Episode 14: The Canons of Dort, North Korea, and Convicted Civility with Richard Mouw]]>The title says it all. In this episode, Pastor Travis has a far-ranging conversation with Richard Mouw, President Emeritus of Fuller Seminary.

Listen in as Rich shares his wisdom about delving deeply in one's faith tradition, engaging people you disagree with in a posture of grace and love, and what's encouraging him about the church today.

Learn more about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: www.pacrc.org

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-14-the-canons-of-dort-north-korea-and-convicted-civility-with-richard-mouw/travisjamieson.podbean.com/013f077d-0392-3b44-ac50-ae5b7256b291Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>The title says it all. In this episode, Pastor Travis has a far-ranging conversation with Richard Mouw, President Emeritus of Fuller Seminary.</p> <p>Listen in as Rich shares his wisdom about delving deeply in one's faith tradition, engaging people you disagree with in a posture of grace and love, and what's encouraging him about the church today.</p> <p>Learn more about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: www.pacrc.org</p> no00:59:08114Episode 14: The Canons of Dort, North Korea, and Convicted Civility with Richard Mouwfull<![CDATA[Leading Like Jesus: Formation Before Influence with Jason Jenson]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with author and leadership mentor Jason Jensen to discuss his book Formed to Lead and the deeper calling of Christian leadership.

What if leadership is less about platform, personality, and performance — and more about humility, character, integrity, and spiritual discernment? This conversation explores how leaders are shaped through spiritual formation, the example of Jesus, and everyday practices of faithfulness.

We discuss: • How dreaming leads to discernment • Why humility is foundational for Christian leaders • How character and integrity are formed over time • The role of discernment in ministry decisions • Practices that help pastors and leaders lead from the inside out

Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, or thoughtful Christian, this episode will help you rethink leadership through the lens of spiritual formation and discipleship.

Subscribe for more conversations on biblical theology, spiritual formation, and faithful witness in everyday life.

#ChristianLeadership #SpiritualFormation #PastoralLeadership #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #FaithInForming #LeadershipDevelopment

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/leading-like-jesus-formation-before-influence-with-jason-jenson/travisjamieson.podbean.com/1040c8c4-2bb2-34fc-9da1-761f08d8668dWed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with author and leadership mentor Jason Jensen to discuss his book Formed to Lead and the deeper calling of Christian leadership.</p> <p>What if leadership is less about platform, personality, and performance — and more about humility, character, integrity, and spiritual discernment? This conversation explores how leaders are shaped through spiritual formation, the example of Jesus, and everyday practices of faithfulness.</p> <p>We discuss: • How dreaming leads to discernment • Why humility is foundational for Christian leaders • How character and integrity are formed over time • The role of discernment in ministry decisions • Practices that help pastors and leaders lead from the inside out</p> <p>Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, volunteer, or thoughtful Christian, this episode will help you rethink leadership through the lens of spiritual formation and discipleship.</p> <p>Subscribe for more conversations on biblical theology, spiritual formation, and faithful witness in everyday life.</p> <p>#ChristianLeadership #SpiritualFormation #PastoralLeadership #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #FaithInForming #LeadershipDevelopment</p> no00:49:3032Leading Like Jesus: Formation Before Influence with Jason Jensonfull<![CDATA[Karen Swallow Prior on Vocation, Calling, and the Christian Life]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis welcomes Karen Swallow Prior—renowned author, speaker, and scholar—for a thoughtful conversation about her latest book, You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good and Beautiful.

This episode delves into the meaning of Christian vocation, the distinction between calling and career, and how the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty can shape your sense of purpose. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your life’s direction or curious about how God calls us in today’s world, this conversation will inspire and challenge you.

✅ In this episode, we discuss:

What is Christian vocation?

How to discern your calling

The role of beauty and literature in spiritual formation

🔔 Subscribe for more interviews on faith, theology, culture, and vocation

Tags: Christian calling, vocation, Karen Swallow Prior, You Have a Calling, faith and work, theology of vocation, Christian podcast, spiritual formation, true good and beautiful, discernment, literature and faith

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/karen-swallow-prior-on-vocation-calling-and-the-christian-life/travisjamieson.podbean.com/0af80985-6dbe-3be0-ad10-73244710db2eWed, 30 Jul 2025 13:13:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis welcomes Karen Swallow Prior—renowned author, speaker, and scholar—for a thoughtful conversation about her latest book, You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good and Beautiful.</p> <p>This episode delves into the meaning of Christian vocation, the distinction between calling and career, and how the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty can shape your sense of purpose. Whether you’re seeking clarity about your life’s direction or curious about how God calls us in today’s world, this conversation will inspire and challenge you.</p> <p>✅ In this episode, we discuss:</p> <p>What is Christian vocation?</p> <p>How to discern your calling</p> <p>The role of beauty and literature in spiritual formation</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe for more interviews on faith, theology, culture, and vocation</p> <p>Tags: Christian calling, vocation, Karen Swallow Prior, You Have a Calling, faith and work, theology of vocation, Christian podcast, spiritual formation, true good and beautiful, discernment, literature and faith</p> no00:53:172Karen Swallow Prior on Vocation, Calling, and the Christian Lifefull<![CDATA[Finding Hope After Church Trauma with Andrew Nicewander]]>In this powerful episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, special guest Andrew Nicewander — a software engineer, seminary graduate, and passionate reader of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and G. K. Chesterton — shares his journey through church trauma and how he found healing.

Andrew opens up about experiencing both the brokenness and beauty of the church. Drawing from Tolkien's concept of "Eucatastrophe" — the sudden, unexpected joy that breaks through despair — he explores how great stories can help process pain, rebuild faith, and offer hope in the aftermath of religious hurt.

👉 Whether you are deconstructing, rebuilding, or searching for meaning after spiritual wounds, this conversation is for you. We talk faith and doubt, trauma and healing, and the profound wisdom of Tolkien in navigating life's hardest seasons.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, theology, doubt, healing, and hope.

👍 Like this episode if you enjoy thoughtful discussions on Christian faith and literature.

💬 Comment below: How have stories like Tolkien’s helped you in your own faith journey?

#Tolkien #CSLewis #FaithAndHealing #ChurchTrauma #Eucatastrophe #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualHealing #FaithJourney #Deconstruction #TheologyPodcast

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/finding-hope-after-church-trauma-with-andrew-nicewander/travisjamieson.podbean.com/a00f79ea-03b0-3b52-9edc-ec332cba2702Wed, 21 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this powerful episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, special guest Andrew Nicewander — a software engineer, seminary graduate, and passionate reader of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and G. K. Chesterton — shares his journey through church trauma and how he found healing.</p> <p>Andrew opens up about experiencing both the brokenness and beauty of the church. Drawing from Tolkien's concept of "Eucatastrophe" — the sudden, unexpected joy that breaks through despair — he explores how great stories can help process pain, rebuild faith, and offer hope in the aftermath of religious hurt.</p> <p>👉 Whether you are deconstructing, rebuilding, or searching for meaning after spiritual wounds, this conversation is for you. We talk faith and doubt, trauma and healing, and the profound wisdom of Tolkien in navigating life's hardest seasons.</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, theology, doubt, healing, and hope.</p> <p>👍 Like this episode if you enjoy thoughtful discussions on Christian faith and literature.</p> <p>💬 Comment below: How have stories like Tolkien’s helped you in your own faith journey?</p> <p>#Tolkien #CSLewis #FaithAndHealing #ChurchTrauma #Eucatastrophe #ChristianPodcast #SpiritualHealing #FaithJourney #Deconstruction #TheologyPodcast</p> no00:58:1027Finding Hope After Church Trauma with Andrew Nicewanderfull<![CDATA[Discernment and Aging with Chaplain Mary Marks]]>In this episode, Chaplain Mary Marks joins us for a rich and heartfelt conversation about discerning God's call in different seasons of life. Together, we explore how to listen for God’s voice—especially in times of transition. Mary offers compassionate wisdom on navigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving aging parents into assisted living, and shares how cultivating an honest knowledge of our own needs can help us thrive as we grow older. Whether you're caring for a loved one or seeking clarity in your own journey, this episode offers both guidance and grace.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/discernment-and-aging-with-chaplain-mary-marks/travisjamieson.podbean.com/422f2a4b-3777-306d-8b7c-3268bde50011Wed, 07 May 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Chaplain Mary Marks joins us for a rich and heartfelt conversation about discerning God's call in different seasons of life. Together, we explore how to listen for God’s voice—especially in times of transition. Mary offers compassionate wisdom on navigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving aging parents into assisted living, and shares how cultivating an honest knowledge of our own needs can help us thrive as we grow older. Whether you're caring for a loved one or seeking clarity in your own journey, this episode offers both guidance and grace.</p> no00:54:0518Discernment and Aging with Chaplain Mary Marksfull<![CDATA[Alan Noble: Why Wasting Time is Good]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Alan Noble to discuss his book You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World. We explore the weight of modern self-belonging, the exhaustion of constructing our identities, and the radical freedom found in the biblical truth that we belong to Christ.

Dr. Noble, a professor, writer, and cultural critic, offers deep insight into how the pressures of our society shape our lives and how faith reorients us to live with grace and purpose. Whether you’re wrestling with identity, burnout, or just seeking a fresh perspective on Christian discipleship, this conversation is for you.

📖 Check out Alan Noble’s book: https://a.co/d/7fH8K2N

🎙 Subscribe for more conversations on faith and culture!

#FaithInForming #AlanNoble #YouAreNotYourOwn #Christianity #FaithAndCulture #Podcast

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/alan-noble-you-are-not-your-own/travisjamieson.podbean.com/6a7e1f3b-be40-3e5f-b900-7555e43d9fa9Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Alan Noble to discuss his book You Are Not Your Own: Belonging to God in an Inhuman World. We explore the weight of modern self-belonging, the exhaustion of constructing our identities, and the radical freedom found in the biblical truth that we belong to Christ.</p> <p>Dr. Noble, a professor, writer, and cultural critic, offers deep insight into how the pressures of our society shape our lives and how faith reorients us to live with grace and purpose. Whether you’re wrestling with identity, burnout, or just seeking a fresh perspective on Christian discipleship, this conversation is for you.</p> <p>📖 Check out Alan Noble’s book: <a href="https://a.co/d/7fH8K2N" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/7fH8K2N </a></p> <p>🎙 Subscribe for more conversations on faith and culture!</p> <p>#FaithInForming #AlanNoble #YouAreNotYourOwn #Christianity #FaithAndCulture #Podcast</p> no00:50:2823Alan Noble: Why Wasting Time is Goodfull<![CDATA[Episode 9: Science and Faith with Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray]]>Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray is here to discuss her new book, "The God of Monkey Science." We will explore the connections between the anti-evolution movements of the 20th century and the COVID deniers of the 21st century.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-9-why-covid-denial-grew-out-of-evolution-denial-with-dr-janet-kellogg-ray/travisjamieson.podbean.com/1fef07ce-de70-3053-803a-ba004c6b7fd8Wed, 31 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Dr. Janet Kellogg Ray is here to discuss her new book, "The God of Monkey Science." We will explore the connections between the anti-evolution movements of the 20th century and the COVID deniers of the 21st century.</p> no00:53:4319Episode 9: Science and Faith with Dr. Janet Kellogg Rayfull<![CDATA[Episode 4: Calvinism for a Secular Age with Dr. Jessica Joustra]]>In this episode of the Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Dr. Jessica Joustra makes a compelling case for why Abraham Kuyper's Calvinism is still relevant for Christians today.

 

Learn more about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church at PACRC.org 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-4-calvinism-for-a-secular-age-with-dr-jessica-joustra/travisjamieson.podbean.com/f30f5e18-d3c0-34ac-be41-5c244e9ece7aWed, 22 May 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Dr. Jessica Joustra makes a compelling case for why Abraham Kuyper's Calvinism is still relevant for Christians today.</p> <p> </p> <p>Learn more about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church at PACRC.org </p> no00:51:5814Episode 4: Calvinism for a Secular Age with Dr. Jessica Joustrafull<![CDATA[Travis Jamieson on The Mystery of Faith: Why the Gospel is Still Good News]]>In this special episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson becomes the guest as his wife and co-pastor, Annie, takes over hosting duties. Annie interviews author and pastor Travis about his new book, The Mystery of Faith: Why the Gospel is Still Good News.

Join us for a rich and personal conversation exploring Travis’s background and faith journey, the central themes of his new book, and why mystery lies at the heart of the Christian gospel. We talk about what it means to recover a sacramental worldview, how to live faithfully in an age of doubt and disillusionment, and why the gospel still speaks good news today. Travis also reads a short excerpt from the book and reflects on how his pastoral work and personal experiences have shaped his writing.

🕊️ Topics Covered:

The story behind The Mystery of Faith

Embracing mystery in Christian life and theology

The importance of a sacramental imagination

A sneak peek reading from the book

📖 The Mystery of Faith: Why the Gospel is Still Good News is available now!  Local Bookstore Amazon Wipf and Stock

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, theology, and culture.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

#TheMysteryOfFaith #TravisJamieson #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #SacramentalWorldview #GoodNews #TheologyPodcast #Gospel #FaithInFormingPodcast #ChristianBooks #SpiritualFormation

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/travis-jamieson-on-the-mystery-of-faith-why-the-gospel-is-still-good-news/travisjamieson.podbean.com/3d5415b5-a830-3c7c-8b46-453ab12e3453Wed, 04 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>In this special episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson becomes the guest as his wife and co-pastor, Annie, takes over hosting duties. Annie interviews author and pastor Travis about his new book, The Mystery of Faith: Why the Gospel is Still Good News.</p> <p>Join us for a rich and personal conversation exploring Travis’s background and faith journey, the central themes of his new book, and why mystery lies at the heart of the Christian gospel. We talk about what it means to recover a sacramental worldview, how to live faithfully in an age of doubt and disillusionment, and why the gospel still speaks good news today. Travis also reads a short excerpt from the book and reflects on how his pastoral work and personal experiences have shaped his writing.</p> <p>🕊️ Topics Covered:</p> <p>The story behind The Mystery of Faith</p> <p>Embracing mystery in Christian life and theology</p> <p>The importance of a sacramental imagination</p> <p>A sneak peek reading from the book</p> <p>📖 The Mystery of Faith: Why the Gospel is Still Good News is available now!  <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-mystery-of-faith-why-the-gospel-is-still-good-news/e43018fc000843cf?ean=9798385233113&amp;next=t&amp;affiliate=21568" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Local Bookstore</a> <a href="https://a.co/d/1Acbsxd" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Amazon</a> <a href="https://wipfandstock.com/9798385233113/the-mystery-of-faith/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Wipf and Stock</a></p> <p>🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, theology, and culture.</p> <p>🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!</p> <p>#TheMysteryOfFaith #TravisJamieson #ChristianPodcast #FaithJourney #SacramentalWorldview #GoodNews #TheologyPodcast #Gospel #FaithInFormingPodcast #ChristianBooks #SpiritualFormation</p> no00:33:2828Travis Jamieson on The Mystery of Faith: Why the Gospel is Still Good Newsfull<![CDATA[The Ascension and the Baptized Imagination with Ross Hastings]]>In this episode of the Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with theologian Ross Hastings for a rich and practical conversation on the ascension of Jesus Christ and why it matters for everyday Christian faith and discipleship. Too often overlooked, the ascension is not a minor doctrine — it reshapes how we understand Christ’s reign, the mission of the church, Christian hope, and how believers see the world.

Together, they explore what it means to develop a baptized imagination — learning to see reality through the lens of the gospel story — and how the ascended Christ transforms our worship, witness, leadership, and daily life. This episode connects biblical theology, spiritual formation, and pastoral practice in a way that is accessible and deeply encouraging.

Topics include: • The theological meaning of the ascension • Why the ascension is essential to the gospel • Christ’s present reign and intercession • The role of imagination in Christian formation • Recovering a sacramental and mission-shaped vision of reality • How pastors and churches can cultivate a baptized imagination

Perfect for pastors, church leaders, theology students, and thoughtful Christians who want a deeper, more integrated faith.

Subscribe for more conversations on theology, spiritual formation, and the life of the church.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/the-ascension-and-the-baptized-imagination-with-ross-hastings/travisjamieson.podbean.com/93716b34-9bb3-32b4-83fb-3c020b8a37ffWed, 04 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of the Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with theologian Ross Hastings for a rich and practical conversation on the ascension of Jesus Christ and why it matters for everyday Christian faith and discipleship. Too often overlooked, the ascension is not a minor doctrine — it reshapes how we understand Christ’s reign, the mission of the church, Christian hope, and how believers see the world.</p> <p>Together, they explore what it means to develop a baptized imagination — learning to see reality through the lens of the gospel story — and how the ascended Christ transforms our worship, witness, leadership, and daily life. This episode connects biblical theology, spiritual formation, and pastoral practice in a way that is accessible and deeply encouraging.</p> <p>Topics include: • The theological meaning of the ascension • Why the ascension is essential to the gospel • Christ’s present reign and intercession • The role of imagination in Christian formation • Recovering a sacramental and mission-shaped vision of reality • How pastors and churches can cultivate a baptized imagination</p> <p>Perfect for pastors, church leaders, theology students, and thoughtful Christians who want a deeper, more integrated faith.</p> <p>Subscribe for more conversations on theology, spiritual formation, and the life of the church.</p> no00:39:2631The Ascension and the Baptized Imagination with Ross Hastingsfull<![CDATA[Daniel Daley on the Beatitudes and Discipleship]]>📖 What do the Beatitudes reveal about Jesus’ vision for the world? In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Daniel Daley, Professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, to explore the radical nature of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. Dr. Daley unpacks the theological depth, ethical demands, and transformative power of the Beatitudes—showing how they call us into a life of humility, justice, and grace.

Pick up a copy of his book today: https://a.co/d/6t5HDR6

📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on faith, theology, and culture!

🎙️ The Faith (In)Forming Podcast—where we talk about what informs our faith and how our faith forms us.

#FaithInFormingPodcast #Beatitudes #DanielDaley #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianTheology #BiblicalStudies #Jesus

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/daniel-daley-on-the-beatitudes-and-discipleship/travisjamieson.podbean.com/2bd2614b-2f57-3d69-8ed3-015da6e26658Wed, 09 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>📖 What do the Beatitudes reveal about Jesus’ vision for the world? In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Daniel Daley, Professor of New Testament at Calvin Theological Seminary, to explore the radical nature of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. Dr. Daley unpacks the theological depth, ethical demands, and transformative power of the Beatitudes—showing how they call us into a life of humility, justice, and grace.</p> <p>Pick up a copy of his book today: <a href="https://a.co/d/6t5HDR6" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/6t5HDR6 </a></p> <p>📢 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on faith, theology, and culture!</p> <p>🎙️ The Faith (In)Forming Podcast—where we talk about what informs our faith and how our faith forms us.</p> <p>#FaithInFormingPodcast #Beatitudes #DanielDaley #SermonOnTheMount #ChristianTheology #BiblicalStudies #Jesus</p> no00:54:2124Daniel Daley on the Beatitudes and Discipleshipfull<![CDATA[Episode 8: Grief, Death, and Poetry with Thomas Lynch]]>Thomas Lynch joins the podcast today to share how he ended up in the funeral directing business, how he got his first poem published, and why personal grief is different than seeing others grieve.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-8-grief-death-and-poetry-with-thomas-lynch/travisjamieson.podbean.com/1355b8c1-086d-38e1-a387-a055554a9bb9Wed, 17 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Thomas Lynch joins the podcast today to share how he ended up in the funeral directing business, how he got his first poem published, and why personal grief is different than seeing others grieve.</p> no00:48:4818Episode 8: Grief, Death, and Poetry with Thomas Lynchfull<![CDATA[Herman Bavinck & Neo-Calvinism: Theological Roots for Pastoring Today]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis explores how Neo-Calvinist theology—through the insights of Herman Bavinck and Abraham Kuyper—offers deep wisdom for pastoring in today’s culture. From Silicon Valley’s “work-as-religion” to the challenges of technology, pastors need theological roots that are both orthodox and modern, holding together the truths of Common Grace and the Antithesis, and trusting that grace restores nature.

Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or Christian navigating life in a secular age, this episode will equip you to stay rooted, discerning, and hopeful as you live out your faith locally.

✨ Keywords to help you find this episode: Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Neo-Calvinism, Common Grace, Antithesis, grace restores nature, orthodox yet modern, pastoring local, theology of culture, pastoral ministry, Silicon Valley and faith, Reformed theology podcast, Christian theology and culture

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, theology, and culture

🎙️ Listen to The Faith (In)Forming Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

📖 Learn more about Travis’s work: https://travisjamieson.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/herman-bavinck-neo-calvinism-theological-roots-for-pastoring-today/travisjamieson.podbean.com/4cdf2e77-2944-3f7f-baaf-e627ff5e3abbWed, 10 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis explores how Neo-Calvinist theology—through the insights of Herman Bavinck and Abraham Kuyper—offers deep wisdom for pastoring in today’s culture. From Silicon Valley’s “work-as-religion” to the challenges of technology, pastors need theological roots that are both orthodox and modern, holding together the truths of Common Grace and the Antithesis, and trusting that grace restores nature.</p> <p>Whether you’re a pastor, church leader, or Christian navigating life in a secular age, this episode will equip you to stay rooted, discerning, and hopeful as you live out your faith locally.</p> <p>✨ Keywords to help you find this episode: Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Neo-Calvinism, Common Grace, Antithesis, grace restores nature, orthodox yet modern, pastoring local, theology of culture, pastoral ministry, Silicon Valley and faith, Reformed theology podcast, Christian theology and culture</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, theology, and culture</p> <p>🎙️ Listen to The Faith (In)Forming Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.</p> <p>📖 Learn more about Travis’s work: https://travisjamieson.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips</p> no00:31:13214Herman Bavinck & Neo-Calvinism: Theological Roots for Pastoring Todayfull<![CDATA[Episode 12: Faith, Culture, and TikTok with Justin Ariel Bailey]]>In today’s episode, we are diving into a conversation on faith and culture. What kind of posture can Christians have towards culture? Should Christians engage, run away, or embrace culture? What would it mean to redeem culture? And how has the TikTokification of culture changed the way young people engage pop culture today? These are all questions I’ll be talking about with our guest Justin Bailey. 

Dr. Bailey is the professor and chair of the theology department at Dordt University, where he navigates the intersections of theology, culture, and ministry. His writings have appeared in publications like Christianity Today, Christian Scholars Review, and the International Journal of Public Theology.

As the author of Reimagining Apologetics and Interpreting Your World, Dr. Bailey has challenged and inspired many with his deep reflections on faith in our contemporary world. Beyond academia, he is also an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church, with a diverse pastoral experience serving in Filipino-American, Korean-American, and Anglo-American communities.

Read his books:

Reimagining Apologetics: https://a.co/d/1YocO4L

Interpreting Your World: https://a.co/d/iLWcMvK 

Listen to his podcast:

In All Things: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-all-things-podcast/id1556164581

Learn about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: https://www.pacrc.org/

Learn about Faith (In)Forming Lectures: https://www.pacrc.org/faith-in-forming-lectures

 

 

 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-12-faith-culture-and-tiktok-with-justin-ariel-bailey/travisjamieson.podbean.com/d6a20124-8b2e-329c-8b53-ddd2849b092aWed, 11 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>In today’s episode, we are diving into a conversation on faith and culture. What kind of posture can Christians have towards culture? Should Christians engage, run away, or embrace culture? What would it mean to redeem culture? And how has the TikTokification of culture changed the way young people engage pop culture today? These are all questions I’ll be talking about with our guest Justin Bailey. </p> <p>Dr. Bailey is the professor and chair of the theology department at Dordt University, where he navigates the intersections of theology, culture, and ministry. His writings have appeared in publications like Christianity Today, Christian Scholars Review, and the International Journal of Public Theology.</p> <p>As the author of Reimagining Apologetics and Interpreting Your World, Dr. Bailey has challenged and inspired many with his deep reflections on faith in our contemporary world. Beyond academia, he is also an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church, with a diverse pastoral experience serving in Filipino-American, Korean-American, and Anglo-American communities.</p> <p>Read his books:</p> <p>Reimagining Apologetics: <a href="https://a.co/d/1YocO4L" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/1YocO4L</a></p> <p>Interpreting Your World: <a href="https://a.co/d/iLWcMvK" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/iLWcMvK</a> </p> <p>Listen to his podcast:</p> <p>In All Things: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-all-things-podcast/id1556164581" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-all-things-podcast/id1556164581</a></p> <p>Learn about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: <a href="https://www.pacrc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.pacrc.org/</a></p> <p>Learn about Faith (In)Forming Lectures: <a href="https://www.pacrc.org/faith-in-forming-lectures" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.pacrc.org/faith-in-forming-lectures</a></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> no00:53:07112Episode 12: Faith, Culture, and TikTok with Justin Ariel Baileyfull<![CDATA[Episode 13: Words Matter in Christian Witness with James E. Beitler III]]>Pastor Travis interviews James E. Beitler about his book, Seasoned Speech: Rhetoric in the Life of the Church.

James E. Beitler (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is the Director of the Wade Center, the Marion E. Wade Chair of Christian Thought, and a Professor of English. His scholarship focuses on the rhetoric of Christian witness and writing as a spiritual activity, looking to C.S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers, Desmond Tutu, and other exemplary communicators as guides for faithful practice.

Pickup one of his books:

Seasoned Speech: https://a.co/d/efMsw7c

Charitable Writing: https://a.co/d/ePrEvbR

Learn more about the ministry of Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: https://www.pacrc.org/

Learn more about host Travis Jamieson: https://www.travisjamieson.com/

 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-13-words-matter-in-christian-witness-with-james-e-beitler-iii/travisjamieson.podbean.com/97758247-2fe4-3764-9c4e-4de9b52cf503Wed, 25 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Pastor Travis interviews James E. Beitler about his book, Seasoned Speech: Rhetoric in the Life of the Church.</p> <p>James E. Beitler (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is the Director of the Wade Center, the Marion E. Wade Chair of Christian Thought, and a Professor of English. His scholarship focuses on the rhetoric of Christian witness and writing as a spiritual activity, looking to C.S. Lewis, Dorothy L. Sayers, Desmond Tutu, and other exemplary communicators as guides for faithful practice.</p> <p>Pickup one of his books:</p> <p>Seasoned Speech: <a href="https://a.co/d/efMsw7c" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/efMsw7c </a></p> <p>Charitable Writing: <a href="https://a.co/d/ePrEvbR" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://a.co/d/ePrEvbR </a></p> <p>Learn more about the ministry of Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: <a href="https://www.pacrc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.pacrc.org/ </a></p> <p>Learn more about host Travis Jamieson: <a href="https://www.travisjamieson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.travisjamieson.com/</a></p> <p> </p> no00:51:3213Episode 13: Words Matter in Christian Witness with James E. Beitler IIIfull<![CDATA[Knowing as an Act of Love with Esther Lightcap Meek]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with philosopher and author Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek to explore the nature of knowing—not just as an intellectual exercise, but as a deeply relational and transformative act. Drawing from her book A Little Manual for Knowing, Dr. Meek challenges conventional ideas about knowledge, inviting us to embrace mystery, risk, and love in our pursuit of truth.

📖 Topics We Cover: ✅ How knowing is an act of love rather than just information gathering ✅ The influence of Michael Polanyi on Esther’s philosophy of knowledge ✅ Why humility and risk are essential to genuine knowing ✅ How this approach reshapes faith, theology, and personal relationships

🎧 Listen & Subscribe: 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48S9KiHPLcq6PXIK0oI0sq 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-in-forming-podcast/id1736996163

📚 Get the Book: A Little Manual for Knowing – https://a.co/d/3hOoiiY Dive Deeper with: Loving to Know - https://a.co/d/2W9QY2r

👤 About the Guest: Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Geneva College and a leading voice in the study of epistemology. Her work focuses on the relational nature of knowledge, drawing inspiration from Michael Polanyi’s philosophy.

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on faith, philosophy, and theology. Hit the 🔔 bell icon to get notified when new episodes drop!

📢 Join the Conversation: 💬 What resonated with you most in this episode? Drop a comment below! 📲 Follow us on Instagram/Twitter: [Insert Social Media Links]

#EstherLightcapMeek #FaithInFormingPodcast #ALittleManualForKnowing #Epistemology #PhilosophyOfKnowing #MichaelPolanyi #ChristianPhilosophy #KnowingAndLoving #Theology #FaithAndReason

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/knowing-as-an-act-of-love-with-esther-lightcap-meek/travisjamieson.podbean.com/5d80b38e-605e-3203-b2bf-38a3716b2de2Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:02:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with philosopher and author Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek to explore the nature of knowing—not just as an intellectual exercise, but as a deeply relational and transformative act. Drawing from her book A Little Manual for Knowing, Dr. Meek challenges conventional ideas about knowledge, inviting us to embrace mystery, risk, and love in our pursuit of truth.</p> <p>📖 Topics We Cover: ✅ How knowing is an act of love rather than just information gathering ✅ The influence of Michael Polanyi on Esther’s philosophy of knowledge ✅ Why humility and risk are essential to genuine knowing ✅ How this approach reshapes faith, theology, and personal relationships</p> <p>🎧 Listen &amp; Subscribe: 🔗 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/48S9KiHPLcq6PXIK0oI0sq 🔗 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-in-forming-podcast/id1736996163</p> <p>📚 Get the Book: A Little Manual for Knowing – https://a.co/d/3hOoiiY Dive Deeper with: Loving to Know - https://a.co/d/2W9QY2r</p> <p>👤 About the Guest: Dr. Esther Lightcap Meek is Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Geneva College and a leading voice in the study of epistemology. Her work focuses on the relational nature of knowledge, drawing inspiration from Michael Polanyi’s philosophy.</p> <p>👍 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on faith, philosophy, and theology. Hit the 🔔 bell icon to get notified when new episodes drop!</p> <p>📢 Join the Conversation: 💬 What resonated with you most in this episode? Drop a comment below! 📲 Follow us on Instagram/Twitter: [Insert Social Media Links]</p> <p>#EstherLightcapMeek #FaithInFormingPodcast #ALittleManualForKnowing #Epistemology #PhilosophyOfKnowing #MichaelPolanyi #ChristianPhilosophy #KnowingAndLoving #Theology #FaithAndReason</p> no00:54:4325Knowing as an Act of Love with Esther Lightcap Meekfull<![CDATA[The Mary We Forgot – Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt]]>What if the Church has forgotten one of its most important witnesses?

In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, professor of theology and history at Wheaton College, to discuss her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today (Brazos Press, 2024).

We explore: 🔹 Who Mary Magdalene really was in the Gospels 🔹 How the Church misremembered her story through history 🔹 Why she’s called “the apostle to the apostles” 🔹 What reclaiming her story means for the Church today 🔹 The intersection of historical theology, gender, and resurrection witness

Dr. McNutt is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, an ordained Presbyterian minister, and an award-winning author known for her work on the Reformation and the Reformed tradition. This conversation bridges the academy and the church, challenging us to reconsider how we remember—and why it matters.

📖 Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-mary-we-forgot-what-the-apostle-to-the-apostles-teaches-the-church-today-jennifer-powell-mcnutt/20656741?ean=9781587436178&next=t

If you’re interested in biblical theology, church history, women in the Bible, or recovering forgotten voices in Christian tradition, this episode is for you.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment if you found this episode meaningful.

#MaryMagdalene #JenniferPowellMcNutt #FaithInForming #ChurchHistory #TheologyPodcast #Christianity #Resurrection #WomenInTheBible #ReformedTheology #BiblicalStudies

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/the-mary-we-forgot-%e2%80%93-dr-jennifer-powell-mcnutt/travisjamieson.podbean.com/b287202e-c72b-3f51-a5a5-1092b1b28690Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>What if the Church has forgotten one of its most important witnesses?</p> <p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, host Travis Jamieson sits down with Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt, professor of theology and history at Wheaton College, to discuss her new book, The Mary We Forgot: What the Apostle to the Apostles Teaches the Church Today (Brazos Press, 2024).</p> <p>We explore: 🔹 Who Mary Magdalene really was in the Gospels 🔹 How the Church misremembered her story through history 🔹 Why she’s called “the apostle to the apostles” 🔹 What reclaiming her story means for the Church today 🔹 The intersection of historical theology, gender, and resurrection witness</p> <p>Dr. McNutt is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, an ordained Presbyterian minister, and an award-winning author known for her work on the Reformation and the Reformed tradition. This conversation bridges the academy and the church, challenging us to reconsider how we remember—and why it matters.</p> <p>📖 Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-mary-we-forgot-what-the-apostle-to-the-apostles-teaches-the-church-today-jennifer-powell-mcnutt/20656741?ean=9781587436178&amp;next=t</p> <p>If you’re interested in biblical theology, church history, women in the Bible, or recovering forgotten voices in Christian tradition, this episode is for you.</p> <p>🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and comment if you found this episode meaningful.</p> <p>#MaryMagdalene #JenniferPowellMcNutt #FaithInForming #ChurchHistory #TheologyPodcast #Christianity #Resurrection #WomenInTheBible #ReformedTheology #BiblicalStudies</p> no00:49:03212The Mary We Forgot – Dr. Jennifer Powell McNuttfull<![CDATA[The Pastor as Gardener with Matthew Erickson]]>What if pastoral ministry isn't about managing outcomes — but tending a garden?

In this episode of the Faith Informing Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with Matthew Erickson, senior pastor of Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee and author of the new book Pastor as Gardener. Drawing from Scripture, the writings of Eugene Peterson and Wendell Berry, and decades of hands-on ministry experience, Matt unpacks a vision of pastoral work that is patient, rooted, and deeply hopeful.

In this conversation, you'll discover:

  • Why the gardener metaphor reframes what faithful pastoral ministry actually looks like
  • How 1 Corinthians 3:5 ("I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth") set Matt free from the CEO and strategist mindset
  • What "the soil of ministry" means — and why every pastor must understand the unique soil of their congregation and city
  • The difference between the above-ground visible works of ministry and the hidden root system underneath — and why the hidden practices matter most
  • How Eastbrook's food pantry garden became a living parable of dignity, new creation, and organic ministry
  • Why Mary mistaking the risen Jesus for a gardener in John 20 is one of the most theologically rich moments in all of Scripture
  • What it looks like to pastor with hope in a season of church decline, cultural chaos, and loneliness

Whether you're a pastor, church leader, seminary student, or simply someone who cares about the health of the local church, this episode will challenge you to slow down, tend the soil, and trust God for the growth.

📖 Pastor as Gardener by Matthew Erickson — available now 🌐 Eastbrook Church: eastbrook.org

Related searches: pastoral ministry, pastor burnout, healthy church leadership, Eugene Peterson, Wendell Berry faith, spiritual formation, local church, church leadership podcast, pastor as shepherd, Christian vocation

Subscribe to the Faith Informing Podcast for conversations at the intersection of theology and everyday ministry life.

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/the-pastor-as-gardener-with-matthew-erickson/travisjamieson.podbean.com/1617e821-b17c-35e9-98c0-c19000617471Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>What if pastoral ministry isn't about managing outcomes — but tending a garden?</p> <p>In this episode of the Faith Informing Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with Matthew Erickson, senior pastor of Eastbrook Church in Milwaukee and author of the new book Pastor as Gardener. Drawing from Scripture, the writings of Eugene Peterson and Wendell Berry, and decades of hands-on ministry experience, Matt unpacks a vision of pastoral work that is patient, rooted, and deeply hopeful.</p> <p>In this conversation, you'll discover:</p> <ul> <li>Why the gardener metaphor reframes what faithful pastoral ministry actually looks like</li> <li>How 1 Corinthians 3:5 ("I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth") set Matt free from the CEO and strategist mindset</li> <li>What "the soil of ministry" means — and why every pastor must understand the unique soil of their congregation and city</li> <li>The difference between the above-ground visible works of ministry and the hidden root system underneath — and why the hidden practices matter most</li> <li>How Eastbrook's food pantry garden became a living parable of dignity, new creation, and organic ministry</li> <li>Why Mary mistaking the risen Jesus for a gardener in John 20 is one of the most theologically rich moments in all of Scripture</li> <li>What it looks like to pastor with hope in a season of church decline, cultural chaos, and loneliness</li> </ul> <p>Whether you're a pastor, church leader, seminary student, or simply someone who cares about the health of the local church, this episode will challenge you to slow down, tend the soil, and trust God for the growth.</p> <p>📖 Pastor as Gardener by Matthew Erickson — available now 🌐 Eastbrook Church: eastbrook.org</p> <p>Related searches: pastoral ministry, pastor burnout, healthy church leadership, Eugene Peterson, Wendell Berry faith, spiritual formation, local church, church leadership podcast, pastor as shepherd, Christian vocation</p> <p>Subscribe to the Faith Informing Podcast for conversations at the intersection of theology and everyday ministry life.</p> no00:44:1834The Pastor as Gardener with Matthew Ericksonfull<![CDATA[Multi-Racial Churches, Unity, and Vulnerability with Kyle Brooks]]>What does it take to plant a church that truly blesses its community and reflects the call of Abraham to bless the nations? In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Kyle Brooks of Tapestry Church in Oakland to talk about the heart of his ministry and vision for the church today.

Kyle shares his journey into ministry and why he believes church planting is one of the most effective ways to fulfill the church’s mission. We dive into the challenges and hope of building multi-racial congregations, exploring what it requires—structurally, systemically, and personally—to cultivate and sustain unity.

Our conversation concludes with a candid discussion on vulnerability in ministry spaces with both men and women, and why honesty and humility are central to spiritual growth.

🔔 Subscribe to The Faith (In)Forming Podcast for more conversations on faith, theology, and culture.

📌 Connect with Kyle Brooks: ✍️ Newsletter: https://kylebrooks.substack.com 🌐 Tapestry Church: https://www.tapestryoakland.org/

📌 Connect with me (Travis Jamieson): 🌐 Substack: https://substack.com/@travisjamieson 🎙️ Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-in-forming-podcast/id1736996163 https://open.spotify.com/show/48S9KiHPLcq6PXIK0oI0sq

#FaithInFormingPodcast #KyleBrooks #ChurchPlanting #MultiracialChurch #ChristianPodcast

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/multi-racial-churches-unity-and-vulnerability-with-kyle-brooks/travisjamieson.podbean.com/84c53bf5-03bc-303b-aceb-eae6108e0369Wed, 24 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>What does it take to plant a church that truly blesses its community and reflects the call of Abraham to bless the nations? In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Kyle Brooks of Tapestry Church in Oakland to talk about the heart of his ministry and vision for the church today.</p> <p>Kyle shares his journey into ministry and why he believes church planting is one of the most effective ways to fulfill the church’s mission. We dive into the challenges and hope of building multi-racial congregations, exploring what it requires—structurally, systemically, and personally—to cultivate and sustain unity.</p> <p>Our conversation concludes with a candid discussion on vulnerability in ministry spaces with both men and women, and why honesty and humility are central to spiritual growth.</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe to The Faith (In)Forming Podcast for more conversations on faith, theology, and culture.</p> <p>📌 Connect with Kyle Brooks: ✍️ Newsletter: https://kylebrooks.substack.com 🌐 Tapestry Church: https://www.tapestryoakland.org/</p> <p>📌 Connect with me (Travis Jamieson): 🌐 Substack: https://substack.com/@travisjamieson 🎙️ Listen on Spotify/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-in-forming-podcast/id1736996163 https://open.spotify.com/show/48S9KiHPLcq6PXIK0oI0sq</p> <p>#FaithInFormingPodcast #KyleBrooks #ChurchPlanting #MultiracialChurch #ChristianPodcast</p> no00:46:58215Multi-Racial Churches, Unity, and Vulnerability with Kyle Brooksfull<![CDATA[Episode 10: Faith, Politics, and Neo-Calvinism with Gayle Doornbos]]>Today on the podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gayle Doornbos about her story of becoming a theologian as well as how the works of Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck can help Christians faithfully navigate the political landscape of our day. 

Dr. Gayle Doornbos is an Associate Professor of Theology at Dordt University. She brings a wealth of academic achievement and practical experience to her role. With a doctorate from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, focusing on Trinitarian theology, as well as degrees in Philosophical Theology and Biblical Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary, she has had extensive career teaching in academic and ecclesial communities across Michigan, Washington, and Canada.

Learn more about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: https://www.pacrc.org/

Learn more about the Faith (In)Forming Lecture Series: https://www.pacrc.org/faith-in-forming-lectures

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-10-faith-politics-and-neo-calvinism-with-gayle-doornbos/travisjamieson.podbean.com/1dd933d2-853e-3134-b788-b7a38d1eaa3aWed, 14 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Today on the podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gayle Doornbos about her story of becoming a theologian as well as how the works of Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck can help Christians faithfully navigate the political landscape of our day. </p> <p>Dr. Gayle Doornbos is an Associate Professor of Theology at Dordt University. She brings a wealth of academic achievement and practical experience to her role. With a doctorate from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto, focusing on Trinitarian theology, as well as degrees in Philosophical Theology and Biblical Studies from Calvin Theological Seminary, she has had extensive career teaching in academic and ecclesial communities across Michigan, Washington, and Canada.</p> <p>Learn more about Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church: https://www.pacrc.org/</p> <p>Learn more about the Faith (In)Forming Lecture Series: https://www.pacrc.org/faith-in-forming-lectures</p> no00:52:5010Episode 10: Faith, Politics, and Neo-Calvinism with Gayle Doornbosfull<![CDATA[Episode 16: Kingfishers, Nature Writing, and the Art of Observation with Hadden Turner]]>In this episode, Pastor Travis interviews Hadden Turner, a young agrarian and nature writer from Essex, UK, whose work is inspired by deep thinkers like Wendell Berry. Together, we explore the rich connections between faith, ecology, and the practice of observation in nature writing.

We dive into questions like:

  • Who inspired Hadden to pursue agrarianism and nature writing?
  • How does the skill of observation shape his craft?
  • What is an amateur naturalist, and can we all become one?
  • How can we embrace our human limits?
  • How does birding help us love the places we call home

Listen now to hear more about how faith and nature intersect in Hadden Turner's unique perspective!

Read Hadden's writing: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/environment/naming-creatures

https://overthefield.substack.com/utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile

 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-16-kingfishers-nature-writing-and-the-art-of-observation-with-hadden-turner/travisjamieson.podbean.com/5bb66a26-499e-3c43-be8c-5dd203ab7073Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode, Pastor Travis interviews Hadden Turner, a young agrarian and nature writer from Essex, UK, whose work is inspired by deep thinkers like Wendell Berry. Together, we explore the rich connections between faith, ecology, and the practice of observation in nature writing.</p> <p>We dive into questions like:</p> <ul><li>Who inspired Hadden to pursue agrarianism and nature writing?</li> <li>How does the skill of observation shape his craft?</li> <li>What is an amateur naturalist, and can we all become one?</li> <li>How can we embrace our human limits?</li> <li>How does birding help us love the places we call home</li> </ul> <p>Listen now to hear more about how faith and nature intersect in Hadden Turner's unique perspective!</p> <p>Read Hadden's writing: <a href="https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/environment/naming-creatures" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/environment/naming-creatures</a></p> <p>https://overthefield.substack.com/utm_source=substack&amp;utm_medium=web&amp;utm_campaign=substack_profile</p> <p> </p> no00:57:33116Episode 16: Kingfishers, Nature Writing, and the Art of Observation with Hadden Turnerfull<![CDATA[Episode 3: Pastor Karl Vaters on De-Sizing the Church]]>Pastor Travis interviews Pastor Karl Vaters about what shaped his faith, how church size is not an indicator of church health, and why small churches are the engine for gospel work in the world. 

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-3-pastor-karl-vaters-on-de-sizing-the-church/travisjamieson.podbean.com/a7f3d9c0-9b71-338f-993f-da77ea495674Wed, 01 May 2024 13:00:00 GMT<p>Pastor Travis interviews Pastor Karl Vaters about what shaped his faith, how church size is not an indicator of church health, and why small churches are the engine for gospel work in the world. </p> no00:45:1813Episode 3: Pastor Karl Vaters on De-Sizing the Churchfull<![CDATA[Women Leaders in Early Christianity with Dr. Susan Benton]]>What if our understanding of women in the early church is far too small?

In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with Dr. Susan Benton, New Testament scholar and Lecturer in Religion and Ministry Guidance at Baylor University. Drawing on her deep academic research and pastoral background, Susan helps us reimagine the roles of women like Phoebe and Prisca—not as footnotes in the New Testament, but as vital leaders in the early Christian movement.

We explore:

How Greco-Roman inscriptions shed light on women’s leadership roles

What the Apostle Paul may have seen in Phoebe and Prisca

Why recovering these histories matters for the church today

Susan’s own journey from ministry to academia

Dr. Benton holds degrees from Baylor, Duke Divinity, and Fuller Seminary, and her forthcoming book, Women Patrons and Mothers in Greco-Roman Associations and the New Testament (Mohr Siebeck), promises to reshape how we read the early church.

Whether you're a pastor, student, or thoughtful Christian seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, this episode offers a rich, scholarly, and accessible conversation on women in ministry, New Testament context, and faithful interpretation.

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on theology, ministry, and formation.

🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#FaithInForming #SusanBenton #WomenInMinistry #EarlyChristianity #NewTestamentScholarship #Phoebe #Prisca #BaylorUniversity #BiblePodcast #ChristianFormation #WomenInLeadership #BiblicalStudies

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/women-leaders-in-early-christianity-with-dr-susan-benton/travisjamieson.podbean.com/df888469-a0d3-3120-aa56-ca2409392a9bWed, 18 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT<p>What if our understanding of women in the early church is far too small?</p> <p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, Travis Jamieson sits down with Dr. Susan Benton, New Testament scholar and Lecturer in Religion and Ministry Guidance at Baylor University. Drawing on her deep academic research and pastoral background, Susan helps us reimagine the roles of women like Phoebe and Prisca—not as footnotes in the New Testament, but as vital leaders in the early Christian movement.</p> <p>We explore:</p> <p>How Greco-Roman inscriptions shed light on women’s leadership roles</p> <p>What the Apostle Paul may have seen in Phoebe and Prisca</p> <p>Why recovering these histories matters for the church today</p> <p>Susan’s own journey from ministry to academia</p> <p>Dr. Benton holds degrees from Baylor, Duke Divinity, and Fuller Seminary, and her forthcoming book, Women Patrons and Mothers in Greco-Roman Associations and the New Testament (Mohr Siebeck), promises to reshape how we read the early church.</p> <p>Whether you're a pastor, student, or thoughtful Christian seeking a deeper understanding of Scripture, this episode offers a rich, scholarly, and accessible conversation on women in ministry, New Testament context, and faithful interpretation.</p> <p>👉 Subscribe for more conversations on theology, ministry, and formation.</p> <p>🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.</p> <p>#FaithInForming #SusanBenton #WomenInMinistry #EarlyChristianity #NewTestamentScholarship #Phoebe #Prisca #BaylorUniversity #BiblePodcast #ChristianFormation #WomenInLeadership #BiblicalStudies</p> no01:07:0929Women Leaders in Early Christianity with Dr. Susan Bentonfull<![CDATA[Episode 17: Margaret G. Kibben: The 61st Chaplain of the House of Representatives]]>In the powerful conclusion to Season 1, we are joined by Margaret G. Kibben, the 61st Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives. Margaret shares her remarkable journey of faith and service, offering unique insights into her role as a spiritual guide in one of the most influential institutions in the world.

We explore the intersection of faith and politics, the importance of chaplaincy in public life, and the profound impact of prayer in times of division and uncertainty. Don't miss this deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation!

Listen to Chaplain Kibben's Election Day Prayer: https://chaplain.house.gov/archive/index.html?id=4861 

🔔 Subscribe to The Faith (In)Forming Podcast for more meaningful conversations coming in Season 2!

💬 Have questions or thoughts? Share them in the comments below!

📌 Listen and follow here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-in-forming-podcast/id1736996163  https://open.spotify.com/show/48S9KiHPLcq6PXIK0oI0sq?si=d00197f981404e6b

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/episode-17-margaret-g-kibben-the-61st-chaplain-of-the-house-of-representatives/travisjamieson.podbean.com/f58a30c8-3ff0-3ddd-b000-aad5d071b755Wed, 20 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMT<p>In the powerful conclusion to Season 1, we are joined by Margaret G. Kibben, the 61st Chaplain of the United States House of Representatives. Margaret shares her remarkable journey of faith and service, offering unique insights into her role as a spiritual guide in one of the most influential institutions in the world.</p> <p>We explore the intersection of faith and politics, the importance of chaplaincy in public life, and the profound impact of prayer in times of division and uncertainty. Don't miss this deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation!</p> <p>Listen to Chaplain Kibben's Election Day Prayer: https://chaplain.house.gov/archive/index.html?id=4861 </p> <p>🔔 Subscribe to The Faith (In)Forming Podcast for more meaningful conversations coming in Season 2!</p> <p>💬 Have questions or thoughts? Share them in the comments below!</p> <p>📌 Listen and follow here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-faith-in-forming-podcast/id1736996163  https://open.spotify.com/show/48S9KiHPLcq6PXIK0oI0sq?si=d00197f981404e6b</p> no00:50:51117Episode 17: Margaret G. Kibben: The 61st Chaplain of the House of Representativesfull<![CDATA[Poetry for the Church with Abram Van Engen]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with literary scholar Abram Van Engen to discuss his powerful new book, Word Made Fresh: An Invitation to Poetry for the Church.

Why does poetry captivate children but often intimidate adults? What would it look like for the Church to rediscover poetry—not as a niche art for experts—but as a shared, communal practice? And how might poetry help us name creation, tell the truth, and bear one another’s burdens?

In this rich and practical conversation, Abram shares:

  • What first made him fall in love with poetry

  • Why the Church needs to recover the role of the amateur poet

  • Why kids instinctively delight in poetry—and why adults tend to drift away

  • How poetry acts as an act of naming God’s world

  • Why poetry helps us tell the truth about suffering and joy

  • How poetic language fosters unity in the body of Christ

If you’re a pastor, teacher, parent, or simply someone who wants to deepen your faith and imagination, this episode will renew your vision for how poetry can shape Christian discipleship and church life.

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#PoetryAndFaith #ChristianPoetry #AbramVanEngen #FaithAndCulture #ChurchLife #PastoralTheology #WordMadeFresh #ChristianPodcast

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/poetry-for-the-church-with-abram-van-engen/travisjamieson.podbean.com/cbb1ad0c-e224-3c30-9552-f9bb0f08e8a7Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, I sit down with literary scholar Abram Van Engen to discuss his powerful new book, Word Made Fresh: An Invitation to Poetry for the Church.</p> <p>Why does poetry captivate children but often intimidate adults? What would it look like for the Church to rediscover poetry—not as a niche art for experts—but as a shared, communal practice? And how might poetry help us name creation, tell the truth, and bear one another’s burdens?</p> <p>In this rich and practical conversation, Abram shares:</p> <ul> <li> <p>What first made him fall in love with poetry</p> </li> <li> <p>Why the Church needs to recover the role of the amateur poet</p> </li> <li> <p>Why kids instinctively delight in poetry—and why adults tend to drift away</p> </li> <li> <p>How poetry acts as an act of naming God’s world</p> </li> <li> <p>Why poetry helps us tell the truth about suffering and joy</p> </li> <li> <p>How poetic language fosters unity in the body of Christ</p> </li> </ul> <p>If you’re a pastor, teacher, parent, or simply someone who wants to deepen your faith and imagination, this episode will renew your vision for how poetry can shape Christian discipleship and church life.</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of faith, theology, culture, and pastoral ministry. 👍 Like, comment, and share to help others rediscover the gift of poetry for the Church.</p> <p>#PoetryAndFaith #ChristianPoetry #AbramVanEngen #FaithAndCulture #ChurchLife #PastoralTheology #WordMadeFresh #ChristianPodcast</p> no00:50:0533Poetry for the Church with Abram Van Engenfull<![CDATA[Changing My Mind with Will Willimon]]>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, we welcome the legendary preacher, professor, and author Will Willimon to discuss his latest book, Changing My Mind: The Overlooked Virtue for Faithful Ministry Willimon reflects on his decades of ministry,the way his assumptions were wrong, and why staying open to change is essential for faithful leadership. Join us for a lively and thought-provoking conversation on faith, formation, and the ways God continues to surprise us.

🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on faith and culture!

📖 Get the Book: https://a.co/d/8OyQ9T7

]]>https://travisjamieson.podbean.com/e/changing-my-mind-with-will-willimon/travisjamieson.podbean.com/138f3145-3663-38a6-8de7-dd4f8ff9892fWed, 12 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMT<p>In this episode of The Faith (In)Forming Podcast, we welcome the legendary preacher, professor, and author Will Willimon to discuss his latest book, Changing My Mind: The Overlooked Virtue for Faithful Ministry Willimon reflects on his decades of ministry,the way his assumptions were wrong, and why staying open to change is essential for faithful leadership. Join us for a lively and thought-provoking conversation on faith, formation, and the ways God continues to surprise us.</p> <p>🔔 Subscribe for more deep conversations on faith and culture!</p> <p>📖 Get the Book: https://a.co/d/8OyQ9T7</p> no00:54:4022Changing My Mind with Will Willimonfull