Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

Emily Bain Murphy, bestselling novelist and author of Lightseekers, blends historical mystery craft with middle-grade fantasy. She talks about stories as invitations to choice and transformation. She describes layered truths, giving voice to the unseen, beauty’s formative power, and how her Renovaré experience shaped a trilogy about life after pivotal choices.

Keas Keasler, Associate Professor and author of Kingdom Apprenticeship, explores Dallas Willard’s formation-focused theology. He traces how Willard reshapes pastoral priorities, explains the VIM framework (Vision, Intention, Means), and reveals archival discoveries that illuminate Willard’s thought. Conversation also covers Willard’s eschatology, resisting distorted power, and relevance for forming good character.

Tiffany Clark, an associate priest and spiritual director with deep experience in South Asia, explores Sundar Singh’s God-soaked imagination. She discusses his conversion, life as a Christian sadhu, and conversational mysticism with God. Tiffany also highlights how Scripture and the natural world shaped his devotion and how incarnation can be expressed in local cultural forms.

Pete Greig, founder of 24-7 Prayer and author of How to Hear God, joins to explore how God communicates in everyday life. He shares insights from the Emmaus Road story, emphasizing recognition and humor in divine encounters. Discussing his recent sabbatical, Pete explains the power of silence and scripture in fostering attentiveness to God's voice. He encourages listeners to find God in simple moments, highlighting the importance of physical surroundings in deepening spiritual practice. Don't miss his heartfelt reflections on joy and the often-overlooked nuances of divine guidance.

Nathan and Vivianne Foster share a meditation for the New Year melding a famous quote by Francis de Sales with the words of Mary from Luke 1 in this bonus episode of Life With God.

Vivianne Foster, a long-term youth worker and Ignatian spiritual guide, joins Nathan to explore the themes of hospitality and consent in welcoming Christ, particularly during Advent. They discuss how family dynamics can create feelings of neglect versus true welcome, emphasizing the choice involved in hospitality. Vivianne shares their family's unique Christmas pie tradition as a way to simplify holiday stress and cultivate a welcoming environment. They also reflect on Mary's radical consent in welcoming Jesus, encouraging listeners to recognize Christ’s presence in unexpected forms.

In this conversation, artist and author Scott Erickson shares insights on using creative expression for spiritual growth. He discusses his journey from teaching to becoming a full-time artist, emphasizing the importance of listening in the creative process. Scott explores the role of minimalism in art, crafting simple yet meaningful visuals. He also highlights how art can serve as a form of prayer and a means to navigate life's dark seasons, urging listeners to engage actively with their creativity as a spiritual practice.

Brad East, a theologian and professor at Abilene Christian University, dives into the intersection of faith and technology. He discusses how digital use impacts prayer and attention, highlighting students' struggles with device addiction. Brad shares practical strategies for reducing screen time and emphasizes the importance of what we focus on for our spiritual health. He raises concerns about AI's effects on emotional connections and urges religious communities to lead in creating healthier digital habits. Ultimately, he calls for a Christ-centered approach to technology.

Grace Hamman, a medieval scholar and author of 'Ask of Old Paths', dives deep into the significance of medieval virtues and vices. She explains why the 14th-15th centuries captivate her and reframes virtues as paths to spiritual wholeness. Grace highlights the misunderstood virtue of meekness, emphasizing its power in the face of modern wrath. She shares an evocative story about how abstinence and temperance can shape spiritual time, encouraging listeners to see virtues as desires aligned with love rather than mere rules.

Andrew Ranucci, a spiritual director and founder of Soul Life Ministries, discusses his shift from pastoring a church to mentoring pastors. He highlights the need for pastors to cultivate spiritual health through relationships and joy. Ranucci also reflects on the challenges of pastoral life, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices. He outlines the Next Frontiers program, designed to support mid-career pastors with retreats and spiritual direction. His insights offer hope, encouraging a move towards deeper spiritual formation in the church.