The Apprenticeship Way with Marc Alan Schelske

Mandy Smith, a pastor and author from Queensland, Australia, dives deep into the fascinating distinction between childlike and childish faith. She critiques Western cultural assumptions about strength and authority in the church, advocating for a return to vulnerable, inclusive spirituality. The discussion weaves through the complexities of leadership, the importance of self-emptying as exemplified by Jesus, and the profound growth that comes from embracing uncertainty. Mandy encourages listeners to seek authentic faith experiences beyond societal definitions of success.

In this enlightening discussion, Ben Sternke and Matt Tebbe, Anglican priests and co-founders of Gravity Leadership, dive deep into the complexities of faith. They emphasize that faith isn't just about belief; it's about faithful action in daily life. The conversation touches on embracing uncertainty in spiritual journeys, navigating grief with compassion, and the importance of community in building faith. Listeners are encouraged to redefine their spiritual experiences, making them authentic and relevant, rather than bound by traditional expectations.

In a captivating discussion, Jonathan Puddle, an award-winning writer and author of 'You Are Enough,' shares his journey in creating a daily devotional for men. He explores redefining masculinity through empathy and selflessness, challenging old narratives. Jonathan also reflects on the surprising positive feedback he received, emphasizing the need for safety in spirituality. They dive into God's transformative love, inviting listeners to embrace a more hopeful view of faith and community engagement. It's a thought-provoking conversation that encourages personal growth and reimagined faith.

Kevin Makins, a writer, speaker, and pastor at Eucharist Church, dives into the pertinent question: Why would anyone go to church? He explores the decline in attendance and engagement, especially among younger generations, and discusses the church's need to evolve into a meaningful community hub. The conversation emphasizes fostering love and authenticity instead of conformity, rethinking church through real community engagement, and envisioning an inclusive future that prioritizes connection and service over division.

Becky Castle Miller, a speaker and Program Manager for Seminary Now, dives into the controversial debate over empathy in the Christian context. She explores how some leaders mislabel empathy as a sin and the implications of this thinking. The discussion highlights the crucial role of empathy in relationships, emotional healing, and understanding marginalized voices. Becky links these ideas to historical religious perspectives and advocates for genuine compassion as exemplified by Jesus, urging listeners to recognize and embrace empathy as essential to faith.

Rich Vellodas, lead pastor of New Life Fellowship and author of The Deeply Formed Life, discusses the disconnect in modern Christianity and the need for deeper spiritual formation. He highlights the pitfalls of shallow faith and calls for genuine self-reflection and transformative values. Vellodas also addresses racial biases and the church's role in promoting racial justice, emphasizing the importance of love and community. His insights urge listeners to examine their faith more critically and embody the teachings of Jesus in their everyday lives.

In this conversation with Dr. Bradley Jersak, an author and theology professor, the nature of deconstruction in Christianity takes center stage. He discusses how deconstruction isn’t just a trend but a crucial process for spiritual growth. Jersak emphasizes the importance of emotional health and thoughtful dismantling of harmful doctrines to foster genuine transformation. The metaphor of art restoration brings clarity to navigating complex faith journeys, advocating for a beautiful integration of truth, beauty, and personal meaning in spirituality.

In a candid discussion, Matt Tebbe, an Anglican priest and co-rector at The Table church, challenges the stigma around being wrong. He shares personal insights on how embracing mistakes can foster growth and humility, especially for those in positions of power. The conversation explores the healing power of vulnerability in leadership, advocating for a culture that encourages authenticity and inclusivity. Matt emphasizes that admitting wrongs can lead to deeper relationships and serve as a pathway to spiritual development.

K.J. Ramsey, a licensed professional counselor and author, dives deep into the often-ignored topic of suffering in the Christian faith. She challenges the notion that churches should sidestep pain, advocating for a community that embraces sorrow. Ramsey shares insights on redefining joy through shared struggles and emphasizes the importance of authentic connection in faith circles. She also discusses the sacredness of individual suffering and encourages listeners to honor their pain as part of their spiritual journey.

Explore the true essence of spiritual growth and challenge traditional views on what a spiritual person looks like. Misconceptions about purity and piety may be hindering deeper connections with the Divine. The discussion dives into the story of Jacob, illuminating how struggles and vulnerability can lead to transformative encounters with God. It's a call to reassess our beliefs about accountability and embrace a more authentic relationship with spirituality.