The Leader’s Way

Andrew McGowan, Dean and President of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, shares his insights on the changing dynamics of the church and its future. He discusses the parallels between Australian secularization and trends in the U.S., including a decline in church attendance. McGowan highlights the nuanced difference between hope and optimism and critiques consumer capitalism's impact on faith communities. The conversation also touches on the importance of genuine community engagement and the evolving nature of the Eucharist, culminating in a lighthearted debate about the best bread for the sacrament.

THE Father Lizzie is back on The Leader's Way podcast, talking about her new devotional God Didn't Make Us to Hate Us. We talk about the alternative to "billboard Christianity" and how an expansive, inclusive God affects individual spirituality and corporate worship in church. Finally, the Golden Retriever Games are back, baby. Stay 'till the end for "Holy or Horror?" https://bookshop.org/contributors/lizzie-mcmanus-dail Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Lizzie McManus-Dail Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Teresa Morgan, a Yale Divinity School Professor, specializes in the history of ideas and early Christianity. In this engaging conversation, she unpacks the Greek word 'pistis,' revealing its profound meanings surrounding trust and faith. Morgan critiques traditional views of atonement theology, highlighting the importance of genuine relationships in both ancient and modern contexts. The discussion also links trust to personal identity and emphasizes the need for cultivating authentic connections in faith practices today.

The Rev'd John Burruss (The Leader's Way ’23 Fellow) and the Rev'd Mary Bea Sullivan join hosts Hannah Black and Brandon Nappi to tell the story of the Threshold Center, a vibrant space designed to address loneliness and foster connection in Birmingham, Alabama. Born from a tragic event in the life of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, the Threshold Center nurtures well-being and connection by engaging practices of the heart, body, and imagination through innovative programs like trauma-informed yoga, listening as an act of love, and peace through poetry. This episode offers rich insights into the power of collaboration, creativity, and radical hospitality.   https://www.thethresholdcenter.org/ Advertising partners: http://livingchurch.org/events   Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guests: The Rev'd John Burruss and the Rev'd Mary Bea Sullivan Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast https://berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Bishop Graham Kings, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Ely and Research Associate of the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide, joins us to delve into the possibilities of engaging creativity in ministry. We discuss the power of collaboration with artists, crafting liturgical celebrations, his project on women in the Bible, how to start a Beer and Theology gathering, traveling from Oxford to Cambridge by camel, a surprise meeting with Prince Philip and Desmond Tutu in 1999, and the centrality of mission.   Host: Hannah Black Guest: Bishop Graham Kings Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast

On Being host Krista Tippett reflects on her career and tells stories never before heard on air. She contemplates her grandfather's spirituality, what she was looking for when she decided to come to Yale Divinity School, the need she saw for intelligent public conversation about spirituality and religion, and the birth story of Speaking of Faith (later On Being) during the Cold War. We consider how religious traditions can open up to the world's pain and, finally, encourage imaginative, muscular hope. Hosts: Brandon Nappi and Hannah Black Guest: Krista Tippett Production: Goodchild Media Music: Wayfaring Stranger, Theodicy Jazz Collective Art: E. Landino Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Jesse Zink, an Anglican priest and principal of Montreal Diocesan Theological College, discusses navigating faith in today's crisis-laden world. He highlights the importance of fostering a culture of contentment against the backdrop of consumerism. They delve into the idea of 'pdf polycrisis', emphasizing how interconnected global challenges require a faith-based response. Zink shares insights from his book, advocating for creativity and hope while reevaluating Christian values amid contemporary societal pressures.

Michael Battle, a theologian and professor at the Desmond Tutu Center, discusses the evolution of the Anglican Church from establishment to advocacy. He shares insights from his work on global Anglican theology, emphasizing faith's role in culture and activism. Battle highlights the importance of listening to overlooked voices and engaging with contemporary issues like LGBTQ rights and climate change. He also explores modern spirituality, encouraging deeper connections with the divine through mysticism and contemplation.

Bishop Mary Glasspool, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of New York, shares her rich experiences in church leadership. She reflects on servant leadership, emphasizing personal identity's role in ministry and the complexities of women's leadership within the Episcopal Church. Bishop Mary discusses effective conflict resolution within the church and highlights the innovative learning opportunities that blend academics with spiritual growth. She shares inspiring stories of resilience and community support, especially during challenging times.

Yejide Peters Pietersen, the Associate Dean and Director of Formation at Berkeley Divinity School, shares her insights into seminary life and vocational discernment. She emphasizes how theological education can be accessible and inclusive for everyone, spotlighting full-tuition scholarships available at Berkeley. The discussion highlights the blend of community, intellectual growth, and spiritual formation that defines the seminary experience. Yejide also encourages potential students to embrace their unique calls, fostering a sense of belonging within the vibrant campus community.