In Good Faith

Dave Gibbons discusses the concept of third culture, and how Jesus may be the ultimate third culture person. He explains how it is important to love and serve in any community, regardless of pain or discomfort, and talks about how he has faced his PTSD and trauma with faith and purpose.  Dave Gibbons is the founder and lead pastor of New Song Church in Santa Ana, California. He's recently published "The Shape of My Eyes, a memoir on Race, faith, and Finding Myself" From Worthy Books. Gibbons has served on the Board of World Vision and Fuller Seminary.

Father Laurence Freeman shares his journey to becoming a Benedictine monk and the pivotal role meditation plays in spiritual growth. He delves into the core principles of the Benedictine order and reveals the profound impact of cultivating inner stillness. Tune in for practical tips on beginning your own contemplative practice and enriching your spiritual life. Before entering monastic life, Laurence Freeman worked with the United Nations in New York, in Banking and Journalism. He is Director of The World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM), an inclusive contemplative community. A prolific author, his most recent book is Tasting Wisdom: Meditations for Every Day of the Year (Canterbury Press Norwich, March 2025). He was awarded the Order of Canada in recognition of his work for interfaith dialogue and the promotion of world peace.

Pastor Kevin Brown delves into his transformative journey from leading an executive search firm to co-founding the Perfecting Church. He shares powerful personal stories about why and how he felt called to do God's work. Additionally, Pastor Brown stresses the importance of fostering unity and understanding amidst societal polarization, offering insightful perspectives on building stronger, faith-driven communities. Pastor Kevin Brown founded Perfecting Ministries with his wife, Angela Brown. He's the pastor of Perfecting Church, a growing multi-ethnic church in the greater Philadelphia region. He's also the founder of Diverse But Not Divided, a network of churches of different hues and views that work to unify the church in a day of increasing polarity.

Steve sits down with Julie Boerio-Goates and Dr. Brandon Peterson to chat about the legacy of Pope Francis, including his journey from Jorge of Argentina to the Bishop of Rome. Dr. Julianna Boerio-Goates was our very first guest on Episode 1 and returned to help lead a discussion on Henri Nouwen’t book “Spiritual Direction” in our book club Episode 229. Julie is a retired professor of thermo dynamics. Julie discusses the intersection of science and faith, navigating a mixed-faith marriage, and what keeps her connected to God in her everyday life and in her service to her Catholic parish. Dr. Brandon Peterson is also a returning guest—he was most recently on our Holy Week series talking about the meaning and observance of Good Friday. Brandon is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Utah in the Department of of World Languages & Cultures and an adjunct in the Department of Philosopy. Brandon is also a parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.

Major Nesan Kistan discusses the role the Salvation Army has played in his life, outlines some of its charitable programs, and explains how it inspires him to turn his love into kindness. Despite hardship and loss, his faith pushes him to serve. Major Nesan Kistan is the Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army, currently serving in the Intermountain Division. Previously, he served in Orange County, and was on the Commission to End Homelessness. Born in South Africa, his family relocated to Australia when he was 8 to escape apartheid. He is married to Cheryl Kistan, who is also a Captain in the Salvation Army.

Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King delves into the intersection of thriving and spiritual development, discussing her personal and professional journey. From pondering the fullness of life to engaging in cross-cultural and interfaith dialogue, Dr. King shares insights on how individuals and communities can thrive. She also addresses the psychological and theological aspects of thriving, emphasizing the significance of relationships, purpose, and unique contributions to community Pamela Ebstyne King is the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at the Fuller School of Psychology and the executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development. Her primary research interests lie at the intersection of thriving and spiritual development. She has conducted research funded by Biologos Foundation, John Templeton Foundation, and Tyndale House. Ordained in the Presbyterian Church (USA), she has led high school and college ministries for various community organizations and churches.

Sit down with AJ Levine, Seemi Ghazi, Trey Ferguson, and James Early for a discussion about how Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities interpret the Genesis stories about Adam and Eve. Amy-Jill Levine is a professor of New Testament and Jewish studies and has written many books about the New Testament, including Jesus for Everyone: Not Just Christians. Seemi Ghazi is a lecturer at the University of British Columbia on Quranic Arabic, with interests in Sufism and comparative mysticism, Islamic and Muslim feminism, theology and exegesis, and Muslim vocal arts. Trey Ferguson is a minister, writer, and speaker,. He is the author of Theologizin' Bigger: Homilies on Living Freely and Loving Wholly and host of the New Living Treyslation podcast. James Early is a Bible teacher and gives talks and conducts workshops for churches and groups. He conducts weekly Bible study classes at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT, and hosts The Bible Speaks to You Podcast.

Gaye Strathearn, Associate Dean of the BYU School of Religion, discusses Easter Sunday.

Jeff McCullough discusses Holy Saturday. Jeff McCullough is the host and producer of the YouTube Channel Hello Saints.

Brandon Peterson shares his personal connection to Good Friday. Brandon Peterson is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Utah, in the Department of of World Languages & Cultures and an adjunct appointment in the Department of Philosophy. Brandon is also a parishioner at The Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City.