Journey NOW

A listener asks our roundtable panel: How can we know the Bible is true and complete? Then, it’s date night with the Linds, as Suzie and Steve talk with their good friends, Dave and Victory Ludwig about the connection that grew from a weekly “date night” swap in which they took turns watching each other's kids. After years, the result has been stronger relationships and deep friendships. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

News has never before had such an informal relationship with the truth. How can Jesus followers engage online responsibly, and what obligations do we have to dig deeper on the facts before we retweet, repost, like or love? The Journey NOW roundtable gang takes on gossip in a Facebook age. Then, Matt and Sarah Hammitt join Suzie Lind to talk about working through grief and conflict in the face of suffering. Their third child, Bowen, was born more than 10 years ago with hypo plastic left heart syndrome, a condition in which half of the heart is severely underdeveloped. Read more at the Hammitt’s blog, bowensheart.com, where you can also learn more about the Hammitt’s foundation, their recent documentary feature and a recent appearance on Good Morning America. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

What is hell, and why would a loving God want you, your loved ones—or even those who never encountered Him in their lives on Earth—to be banished there? Host Mike Erre and the Journey roundtable panel look at competing views of the afterlife and try to reconcile them with their own understanding of Jesus. In our interview segment, Fran Maynard of Tennessee Alliance for Kids shares a difficult upbringing that led to amazing experiences as an adoptive and foster parent—and to her current non-profit work. Tennessee Alliance for Kids works with government agencies and community members to support foster families, as well as those trying to stay intact or work towards reunification. Learn more about volunteering or making donations to Tennessee Alliance for Kids at their website’s Get Involved page. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

Should Christians take up arms in the culture wars? Kevin Dixon returns to the roundtable this week to discuss this week’s hot topic with Mike Erre and Alyssa McNally. In the episode’s second half, Suzie Lind introduces her husband, Steve Lind, who shares his faith journey. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

Christian recording artist Matthew West recently removed his satire song of advice to his daughter, “Modest Is Hottest,” after a fierce online backlash. Mike Erre, Suzie Lind and Alyssa McNally unwrap the burden and hurt inside overzealous modesty culture. Then, Suzie Lind interviews Jake Smith, president of the spiritual retreats company and counseling company, Plumline. Learn more about Jake and Plumline at the group’s website and Jake’s Instagram (@goplumline). Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

This week’s roundtable panel deconstructs the idea of religious deconstruction. More than just a buzzword, it’s a practice that encourages followers to question the cultural influences, biases and personal context that they bring to their belief. Mike Erre, Suzie Lind and Daniel Jones lead the conversation. Then, Suzie Lind talks with psychologist Dr. Eboni Webb about how family experiences and faith inform her professional practice  together at The Village of Kairos.  Learn more about Dr. Eboni Webb and her practice at The Village of Kairos.  Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

If healthy things grow, why wouldn’t we use megachurches as models for Journey? One-time mega staffer Mike Erre joins Suzie Lind and Alyssa McNally to examine whether size matters and how Journey hopes to keep its focus on following Jesus. Later, Suzie talks with Journey Care Pastor Sam Barnhart about his experiences as a musician and pastor—and how he’s combining those pursuits for the first-ever JourneyFest music festival on July 17. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

As Journey volunteers prepare to participate in local Juneteenth events, the Journey NOW roundtable panel examines how we can separate political division from standing in unity with all people. In the second half of this episode, NOW regular Alyssa McNally talks with Suzie Lind about growing up as a pastor’s kid and the working out of an inclusive, loving faith from her religious roots. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

It's the Gospel According to Marketing: Mike Erre and his roundtable panel react to a new, special-edition “God Bless The USA Bible,” set to be released on the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Later in the episode, newlyweds Toria Seetaram and Patrick Drury talk with Suzie Lind about how they’re forging a faith together from different religious backgrounds and family histories.Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.

Can a church get too big? And what happens when celebrity, money and scrutiny grow along with attendance? Mike Erre and his Journey NOW roundtable group react to a recent TV interview with Hillsong Church founder Brian Houston. Then, in the NOW interview segment, Suzie Lind talks with worship leader Ethan Hulse about his struggles with anxiety. Got comments or questions? Text us at (615) 861-9503 and join the conversation.