Send us a text

Ever struggled to forgive someone, even when you know it's the right thing to do? That's a journey we're all familiar with, and in this episode, we seek to unravel the complexities of forgiveness and share insights that could transform your perspective.

Throughout our conversation, we tackle the misconceptions surrounding forgiveness. We delve into the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, exploring why letting go of bitterness is a personal decision, while rebuilding trust requires mutual effort. With personal stories, theological insights, and the wisdom of figures like Martin Luther King Jr., we challenge the notion that forgiveness is a sign of weakness. Instead, we present it as a profound act of strength and liberation, capable of opening doors to healing and growth in both personal relationships and broader societal contexts.

This episode seeks to redefine forgiveness by examining its spiritual and emotional dimensions. It’s not about ignoring or excusing harm, but about acknowledging the truth and choosing to release resentment. By discussing how forgiveness aligns with redemption and underscores the importance of boundaries, we highlight that it doesn’t erase the memory of wrongdoing but cancels the emotional debt without removing accountability. Join us as we explore how the act of forgiveness can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and a catalyst for hope in our everyday lives.

Send us a text

Our episode dives into the phenomenon of de-churching, a significant shift affecting millions in America. We explore why individuals leave the church, how to engage them compassionately, and the importance of being a person of peace in their lives.

• Exploring the statistics of de-churching in America
• Discussing motivations behind leaving the church
• Highlighting the need for compassionate engagemen
• Identifying ways not to engage: guilt, shame, and fear
• Emphasizing the importance of curiosity and authentic listening
• Recognizing individuals as “people of peace”
• Paying attention to God’s work in their lives
• Offering practical steps for engagement
• Encouraging active participation in community life

If you're interested in learning more or have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Send us a text

Licensed therapist Terri Koschnick joins us for a heartfelt discussion on navigating grief during the holiday season. With over 30 years of experience, Terri offers her invaluable insights into managing the complex emotions that arise during this time. We begin on a lighthearted note, followed by an episode filled with empathy, practical advice, and the reminder that grief, though intensified during the holidays, is a natural response to loss.

As we explore the unpredictability of grief, Terri guides us in recognizing various types of loss, from the passing of loved ones to significant life changes. We delve into the therapeutic benefits of journaling, allowing emotions to be processed and triggers managed. Through personal stories, we highlight the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking a supportive community. Terri also emphasizes the vital role of faith in navigating grief, reminding us that emotions like sadness and anger are not contrary to spiritual strength.

The episode offers practical advice for handling holiday gatherings, encouraging listeners to set boundaries and find compassionate support. We discuss the need for self-awareness and patience, particularly during this emotionally challenging time. With Terri's guidance, learn how to embrace grief with grace and find solace in faith, all while equipping yourself with tools for healing. Whether you're facing grief yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode provides the understanding and strategies needed to navigate the holiday season thoughtfully and compassionately.

Send us a text

What if the quiet exodus from American churches is reshaping the very fabric of our communities? Join us on Praxis as we explore the Great Dechurching, where over 40 million adults have stepped away from church attendance in the last quarter-century. This significant shift raises questions about what individuals miss by leaving church life and how it impacts their spiritual and communal experiences.

Church communities offer unique spiritual and communal fulfillment, inspired by the early church model in Acts 2. We address the vital role these communities play in fostering generosity, support, and a shared sense of purpose. By engaging with diverse groups of people, churches provide a nurturing environment that challenges and enriches personal growth. Personal stories illustrate how intergenerational relationships within these communities contribute to spiritual development, highlighting the importance of engaging with others to refine character and deepen faith.

We delve into the transformative power of communities centered around Jesus' teachings, offering support and guidance in maintaining Christ-like values. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their faith journeys, emphasizing the profound impact of communal connections in navigating life's challenges.

Send us a text

What happens when 40 million adults in America decide to step away from church attendance? This episode of the Praxis podcast takes you on an enlightening journey through the cultural phenomenon known as the great de-churching. We navigate the complexities behind this mass exodus, examining how it reshapes our communities and challenges those still committed to church life. Join us as we celebrate our two-year anniversary with lighter moments—a humorous nod to "fat bear week" and a discussion of our favorite indulgent winter foods—while setting the stage for a thoughtful exploration of faith and spiritual priorities.

As we face the reality of Christians transitioning from places of honor to spaces of shame and hostility, urgent questions arise about the church's evolving role. Through personal stories and reflection, we tackle church-related trauma and the healing journey many undertake. Discover how overcoming church hurt can transform individuals into advocates for more compassionate and inclusive communities, while we emphasize the critical need to address deconstruction in faith with openness and humility. Our discussions are grounded in shared experiences, from the vulnerability required for authentic transformation to balancing busy lives with spiritual commitments.

Through real-life examples, we underscore the importance of intentionally maintaining community connections during these pivotal times. This episode also scrutinizes the impact of modern cultural pressures like consumerism on church attendance and spiritual priorities. As we close, expect insights into the de-churching phenomenon's broader implications, challenging some motivations behind it while affirming others. Don't miss this opportunity to explore profound changes in the religious landscape with us.

Send us a text

Ever wondered why modern churches often struggle with embodying the humility and self-sacrificial love that Jesus exemplified? Join Katie, Mac, and Josiah as we navigate the journey of molding our communities into reflections of Christ, questioning how Enlightenment ideals and individualism have reshaped our understanding of selfless love and humility.

As we continue our conversation, we grapple with the tension between contemporary church leadership models and the countercultural way of Jesus. The book "A Church Called Tov" prompts us to reevaluate pastoral roles, contrasting the CEO-like expectations with the biblical image of shepherds committed to prayer and spiritual guidance. We share how others' expectations sometimes clash with authentic discipleship values, emphasizing that true growth and success aren't always measured by numbers but by faithfulness and transformation through divine grace.

Finally, we reflect on the importance of embracing faithfulness over immediate success. Inspired by Jesus' ministry and author Eugene Peterson's experiences, we discuss the temptation to create momentum artificially and the pitfalls of consumer-driven church cultures. Through the analogy of navigating with a compass, we underscore the necessity of aligning our direction with core Christian values, acknowledging the gaps between our current state and where we need to be. Join us as we encourage a collective reassessment of our spiritual journeys, fostering a community rooted in the faithful love and teachings of Christ.

Send us a text

What happens when you prioritize service, humility, and genuine love in your church community? Join us in this episode as we explore the transformative power of cultivating a Tove church culture, following Jesus' example from Mark 10. We'll illustrate how embodying goodness, kindness, and love can close the gap between the current state of your church and a healthier, more vibrant community.

We delve into the historical shifts in pastoral credibility, emphasizing the importance of character over celebrity. Drawing inspiration from figures like John the Baptist, we discuss the cultural pressures exacerbated by social media and the need for self-care to prevent burnout in service-oriented environments. Learn practical tips for maintaining sustainable and grace-filled motivations in your ministry, ensuring that your service remains genuine and impactful.

Serving with integrity and humility is a complex dance, especially in the age of instant gratification and social media fame. We discuss power imbalances and the significance of viewing those we serve as equals, sharing insights from mission trips and community engagements. Discover how to create a culture of service that values communal well-being over individual recognition, and how to instill these virtues right at home, paving the way for a life of humble service.

Send us a text

What does it mean to truly embody justice in our daily lives and church communities? Inspired by the wisdom of Micah 6:8, we embark on an exploration of how justice can transform church culture into a space radiating goodness, kindness, and love. We begin with some personal updates, sharing the joy of summer's end and the excitement of new school routines, and we celebrate a significant milestone in Josiah's life—his recent marriage!

Anchored in the insightful book, "Church Called Tov", we unravel the complexities of biblical justice beyond political lenses. We explore how justice is central to faith and relationships, drawing on the teachings of Jesus and theologians like Miroslav Volf. Through Jesus' prophetic actions and teachings, we reveal the integral role of justice in embodying God's heart and creating a loving community. This episode underscores the significance of living justly, not just as an abstract concept, but as a tangible practice that shapes our interactions and the church's health.

We're not just talking theory; we highlight real-world examples of addressing and recognizing injustice within and beyond church walls. Through powerful stories of advocacy and the necessity of empathy, we discuss the importance of transparency and proactive measures to tackle wrongs. Our aim is to inspire listeners to build relationships and cultivate a church culture that mirrors God’s justice, love, and empathy. Tune in for a compelling discussion that challenges each of us to live out justice authentically in our communities.