Episodes
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In this episode of the Faith Revisited podcast, host Ben interviews Reverend Dr. Sarah Thomas Baldwin, the Vice President of Student Life at Asbury University. They delve into Sarah's new book, Generation Awaken, which chronicles the extraordinary outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Asbury University in February 2023.
Sarah shares her firsthand experiences of the event, recounting how a typical chapel service turned into a weeks-long revival that drew thousands of people. She discusses the profound impact on the students, the community, and her own spiritual journey. The conversation also explores broader themes of faith, authenticity, and the limitless power of saying 'yes' to God's presence in our lives.
Join us as we reflect on how this remarkable event continues to inspire and challenge our understanding of faith and community in the 21st century.
Rev. Dr. Sarah Baldwin Thomas's Website
Order your copy of Generation Awakened HERE.
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Welcome to this week's episode of the Faith Revisited podcast with Ben and Molly! As we check in midway through the summer, we discuss the scorching heat, personal updates, and what's happening in our church community.
Ben dives into the recent changes within the United Methodist Church, particularly focusing on jurisdictional conferences and the election of new bishops. We explore how these changes affect our local conference in Georgia and the exciting appointment of a new bishop (to us)!
On a more personal note, Ben shares his thrilling news about his upcoming book publication. He provides insights into the book's themes, which revolve around broader notions of recovery and practical advice for living a balanced life.
As the summer winds down and we prepare for the new school year, we reflect on the importance of centering ourselves amidst the chaos. Ben concludes the episode with a beautiful poem by Howard Thurman, reminding us to find peace and purpose in the still moments of our lives.
Links:Ben's Substack
Molly's Substack
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Episodes manquant?
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In this week's episode of the Faith Revisited podcast, Ben conducts an interview with Paloma Holub and Mekhna George, recent graduates from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). They discuss Paloma's senior thesis documentary, God's Love Split, which delves into the timely and sensitive topic of the split within the United Methodist Church.
Paloma and Mekhna share their personal journeys and the inspiration behind the documentary. They explore how their experiences with faith and community have shaped their perspectives, offering a unique and heartfelt contribution to the ongoing conversation within the church. As the United Methodist Church approaches its General Conference (at the time of the interview), this episode provides a thoughtful and hopeful look at the future of faith and inclusivity.
Don't miss this discussion that touches on church leadership, the importance of community, and the evolving landscape of religion today.
Watch God's Love Split on Youtube, linked here.
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In this episode of Faith Revisited, we shed light on the recent metamorphosis of the United Methodist Church. Ben narrates the chronicle of General Conference and the profound shifts in the institution's perspective and approach towards acceptance, inclusion, and equality.
Our discussion delves into the compelling challenges and abundant opportunities that our denomination grapples with as it continually evolves in today's society. We ponder on significant changes in the discipline, including the elimination of discriminatory language against LGBTQ+ individuals and reverting to the pre-1972 Methodist ethos of acceptance and love for all.
Join us on this inspiring episode to understand how faith acts as a powerful unifying force that aligns us with God and each other, regardless of who we are or whom we love.
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Small groups are a cornerstone of many faith communities, but is your group feeling a little stale? Are you looking for fresh ideas to foster deeper connections and growth?
In this episode, we chat with Adam Erlichman, author of the new book “Group Leader Training Course Workbook“. He challenges the status quo and offer practical strategies for reinvigorating your small group ministry. We discuss:
The changing landscape of small groups and how to adapt.Creative formats and activities to engage a wider audience.Building authentic relationships within the group to help grow disciplesAnd much more!Whether you're a seasoned small group leader or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the tools to build a thriving and impactful ministry. Tune in and get ready to ignite your small group!
HERE is where you can get your copy of Group Leader Training: A Biblical Manual for Small Group Leaders and Teachers in the Local Church by Adam Erlichman.
More Info on Adam's Organization - Build Groups
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Ben and Molly discuss their personal experiences and emotions throughout the period of Lent. Keeping the discussion candid and relatable, they share the importance of garnering more quiet and reflective moments for spiritual introspection.
The hosts also delve into the topic of prayer life. They share their personal experiences and methods of praying, emphasizing the role that prayer plays in believers' lives. From conversational prayers to prayer journals, they discuss various ways to incorporate prayer into daily living.
The episode continues with the hosts sharing their thoughts on discernment in decision making. They unpack the advice given by a friend about discernment, emphasizing the concept of free will. They discuss how sometimes, God's answer could simply be allowing us to make our own choices, and assuring us of his unwavering support and love regardless of the decision made.
In the end, Ben and Molly remind their listeners to simplify their lives this Lenten season and just sit in their belovedness with God. They invite listeners to foster a more prayerful spirit, providing tips to enhance and strengthen their relationship with God in this spiritual season.
Tune in to this insightful discussion and embrace the opportunity for spiritual growth this Lent.
Important Links::
Ben's Coaching
Ben Substack
Molly Substack
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Ben and Molly have a conversation around how we can grow in healthy and sustainable ways. Recognizing what's important and where to spend valuable time. We also reflect on how we have grown from when we first launched this podcast and was very much interested in the "hustle" and a "high achieving" life is almost opposite of where we are now. We hope you enjoy this episode!
Important Links::
Ben's Coaching
Ben Substack
Molly Substack
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Join Ben and Molly this week as we talk about the new year and reflect on topics including goal setting, intentions, and how we have shifted on our views surrounding these once beloved topics.
Books mentioned in the podcast are:Mastery by George Leonard, Falling Upwards by Richard Rohr and Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman.
Thank you all for listening and we look forward to bringing you more Faith Revisited episodes in 2024!
Ben's Substack
Molly's Substack
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Nothing like trying to pull yourself together then hitting record on a podcast episode... This podcast episode is a little different, Molly had an experience on a trip that she needed to talk through and gain some insight from Ben on how it was handled, what to say in the moment and also reflections afterwards. This conversation is unedited, off the cuff, talking through tears at times, holding it together at other times. We hope you enjoy a peek into a real conversation between friends.
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In this episode, we’re getting real about grief—a thing we all face but don’t talk about enough. “Embracing the Shadow” is all about the rollercoaster of feelings that come with loss, and why it’s super important to let ourselves feel all of it. We’ll share some personal stories and chat about how we can be there for ourselves and others who are going through tough times. Whether you’re dealing with grief yourself or helping someone else through it, this episode is about finding light in the darkest times and the healing that comes when we face our pain.
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Venture into the heart of Savannah, GA, as Ben and Molly explore the distinctive challenges and rewards of operating a church in a downtown urban setting. From logistical hurdles like parking to forging deep community ties, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the day-to-day realities of a downtown church, specifically Trinity United Methodist. We share captivating stories of resilience, adaptation, and the innovative ways in which the church has embraced its neighbors and unconventional neighborhood. For anyone curious about the intersection of faith, community, and city life, this episode illuminates the dance of spiritual work amidst urban rhythm.
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Dive deep into the evolving world of Christian publishing in this episode featuring Len Wilson, Executive Director of Invite Resources and Publisher of Invite Press. We discuss the current state of the industry, weighing the pros and cons of authors self-publishing versus collaborating with traditional publishers. Discover what today's publishers are truly seeking and gather invaluable advice for unpublished authors striving to make their mark. Our returning special guest, Len Wilson, brings unique insights from his journey in the world of Christian literature and shares about this innovative publishing venture, Invite Resources. Whether you're an aspiring author or an avid reader, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the heart of Christian literary endeavors.
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Ben interviews Urban Ministries Inc. CEO, Jeffrey Wright and Matthew Daniels, Author of Share The Dream in honor of the 60th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's I Have A Dream Speech. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Faith Revisited Podcast!
Share the Dream™ is a six-session video Bible study based on the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You will look at six biblical principles that shaped Dr. King’s life and motivated him to speak on behalf of African Americans in the Civil Rights Movement: love, conscience, freedom, justice, perseverance, and hope.
Video Promotion for Share The Dream can be found here.
Learn more about Share The Dream here.
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Tune in as Molly and Ben embark on a journey from the inside out, discussing the evolution of self, the spiritual odyssey of adulthood, and the trials and triumphs of the work world. They share personal anecdotes, shedding light on the moments they've grown the most, the challenges they've faced in maintaining a spiritual center, and the balance of pursuing purpose in their careers. It's an introspective dive into understanding the core of adulthood in their terms—being at peace with oneself, finding spiritual grounding, and carving out a meaningful professional path.
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In this episode, Molly and Ben delve deep into the intricacies of the relationships that define our lives: family, marriage, and friendships. From moments they felt like bona fide "adults" to the unexpected lessons that these relationships bring, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the bonds that challenge, sustain, and grow us. Join these two millennial church leaders as they candidly share stories, reflections, and insights on navigating life's most complex and valuable relationships and how faith influences those journeys.
Stay tuned next episode for Adulting Part 2: Self, Spiritual, and Work.
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As Christians, we believe prayer is an important practice in our spiritual lives. But knowing how to pray is a skill we must learn. Dr. Brian Russell is a professor of theology and spiritual coach and he's written a book about the practice of centering prayer as a pathway to grow deeper in our prayer lives. In this episode, Ben and Brian talk about the role of prayer, how to pray in different, more contemplative ways, and how this practice can shape us in deep ways as people of faith.
Brian Russell (Ph.D.) is a professor of biblical studies and a transformational coach for pastors and spiritually-minded professionals. His personal mission is to seek out, study, and embody the deepest truths about God so that he can share them compellingly, lovingly, and transformationally with others. He is passionate about helping people just like you to grow in your love for God and neighbor.
He is the author of Invitation: A Bible Study to Begin With (Seedbed 2014), (re)Aligning with God: Reading Scripture for Church and World (Cascade 2015); and his latest Centering Prayer: Sitting Quietly in God's Presence Can Change Your Life (Paraclete Press, 2021). He is also host of the Deep Dive Spirituality Conversations podcast. Contact: [email protected]: @briandrussellInstagram: @yourprofessorforlifeSign up for updates about centering prayer and invitations to Virtual Centering prayer gatherings co-hosted by Brian: www.centeringprayerbook.com
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Bestselling Author, speaker and pastor Greg Atkinson joins Ben to discuss his new book and the important lessons of The Secret Power of Kindness. Each chapter of The Secret Power of Kindness is dedicated to different key of kindness to unlock. Beginning with forgiveness and followed by generosity, composure, acceptance, rest, wisdom,empathy, patience, love, and unity.
"Kindness unlocks kindness and kindness is contagious."
We hope you enjoy Ben and Greg's discussion on the importance of kindness and hope for the future.
Greg has a free Kindness devotional on the YouVersion App - Linked Here.
Learn more about Greg Atkinson on his website - Linked Here.
Buy The Secret Power of Kindness Here!
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Ben interviews Nancy Malcom and AJ Ramierez, two UMC lay people and academic researchers who are studying why people are staying in the UMC in spite of the struggles to include LGBT+ persons. They have spent the last year interviewing LGBT+ persons and allys trying to flesh out why people want to remain in the UMC despite our impending denominational split. They give voice to voices who have been largely left out of most UMC discussions about denominational divisions. You will definitely want to hear more about their work and their passion for making the UMC a more inclusive space for all people.
Head to www.faithrevistedpodcast.com for links to all of their research articles.
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Join us as we discuss how Greg Munck overcame a hard dealt hand and turned it into a life of service and honor for God. Greg and Molly talk about his new book being released this week, The Guide: Survival, Warfighting and Peacemaking. From an unstable childhood, to his military service and lasting effects after coming home from War, his relationship with God prevails and gives him purpose.
Greg Munck is the Lead Pastor at Crossline Community Church, a Life Coach, Public Speaker, and Founder of The Guide Soldier Foundation. Greg is a USMC combat-promoted veteran (Desert Storm-Kuwait) and has seen the horrors of war firsthand and suffers from PTSD. Writing his new book, The Guide: Surviving, War-fighting, Peacemaking (May 9, 2023), and creating The Guide Video Series for Every Man ignited a passion in Greg to serve the warrior community and help combat the suicide epidemic among active duty military and veterans. Connect with him on LinkedIn or Instagram. Order his book, The Guide here.
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In this episode, the Ben interviews Chad Brooks (Writing and Podcasts Linked Here) about the growing myth of church size and the struggles that many churches face in finding their identity in a post-COVID world.
Chad, a pastor and church consultant, shares his insights and experiences on how churches can overcome these challenges and find new ways to do ministry in a rapidly changing world.
Chad challenges the common assumption that bigger is always better when it comes to churches. He suggests that church size can be a myth that distracts churches from focusing on their core mission and identity. Instead, he encourages churches to embrace their unique strengths and identities, whether they are large or small.
Ben and Chad also discuss Chad's ongoing research on how churches are changing in size, scope of ministry, and how they function as a whole. He highlights the importance of churches staying true to their core values and mission while also being open to new ideas and approaches.
Finally, the Chad offers some practical suggestions for how churches can do ministry in new and innovative ways and how annual conferences can accommodate these new approaches.
Overall, this episode offers a thought-provoking discussion on the challenges and opportunities that churches face in today's world. It provides valuable insights and practical advice for churches seeking to find their identity and make a positive impact in their communities.
Chad's Twitter Here: RevChadBrooks
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