Media & Resources
Hope has a name
Hope has a name, and as followers of Jesus, we know it to be His. But in a recent deep dive into the book of Hebrews, I found that Hope is not only rightly named, it is so clearly defined that to miss it would be, well, hopeless.
Featured Posts
Podcasts
These are relational online learning and equipping hangouts for like-minded leaders to wrestle with what Jesus-centred living and leadership means while learning from and engaging interactively with thought and practice leaders from this growing Jesus-centred movement.
Check out our featured podcast as well as past episodes below.
Unite Series 01: How Can a Church Centered on Jesus Surrender Power in a World Obsessed With Control? With David Fitch
Welcome to Episode 1 in our Unite Series. We are exploring themes we will dive deeper into at our global Unite Gathering on April 24 – 26, 2024 in St. Paul, MN. In this episode, Paul Walker and Christie Penner Worden sit down with Northern Seminary Professor David Fitch to talk about his new book (January 30, 2024) called Reckoning with Power: Why the Church Fails When it’s On the Wrong Side of Power. Dave, Paul, and Christie have a practical and honest conversation about what happens when the church unknowingly bases its power assumption on a secular operating system. This conversation surfaces important mistakes the church is making in our time and what we can do to align ourselves with Jesus in how we lead and operate communities of Jesus in our cultural moment.
www.jesuscollective.com/unite
Check out Dave’s forthcoming book Reckoning with Power
Past Episodes
Leading in Politically Tense Times
In an era where political tensions seem to be reaching a fever pitch globally, how can church leaders guide their communities with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering focus on Jesus? Join us for this timely and thoughtful conversation with pastors Keith Smith, Jonny Morrison, and Cherish Hamilton as they share their experiences and insights on leading congregations through politically charged seasons.
Our panel moves beyond reactive commentary to explore deeper questions: How do we maintain our prophetic witness as the Body of Christ when political identities threaten to overshadow our Kingdom calling? What does it mean to be the church in an increasingly polarized world? And how do we sustain hope and avoid weariness while leading through extended seasons of tension?
Drawing from their diverse ministry contexts across the United States, our guests offer practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders wrestling with these challenges. They share vulnerable stories of struggles and breakthrough moments while unpacking how their communities are learning to prioritize Kingdom values over partisan divisions.
Whether you’re a church leader seeking guidance, a Christian struggling to navigate political tensions in your own community, or simply someone yearning for a more hope-filled way forward, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can remain rooted in Jesus while engaging thoughtfully with the political realities of our time.
A Jesus-Shaped Political Advocacy With Anna Vogt
Join us for a compelling conversation with Anna Vogt, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), as we explore what Jesus-shaped political advocacy looks like in today’s complex world. Drawing from over a decade of experience with MCC, including years of grassroots work in Colombia, Anna shares powerful stories of transformation, reconciliation, and the occasionally surprising journey of loving one’s enemies.
In this timely discussion, we dive into how Christians can navigate political engagement while maintaining their primary allegiance to Jesus, especially during this unprecedented global election year. Anna offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to foster unity amid political division and shares insights on building communities of peace that stand as alternatives to our culture’s polarized discourse.
From witnessing prisoners being set free to seeing communities forge paths to peace, Anna’s experiences illuminate how faith-informed advocacy can help make the impossible possible. Whether you’re a pastor, peace worker, or someone wrestling with faith’s role in politics, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on embodying Jesus’ way in our political engagement.
Referenced links from the podcast
Advocacy toolkit and resources: www.mcc.org/get-involved/advocacy/canada
Talk climate, practice peace: www.mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change/talk-climate-practice-peace
Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict: www.mcc.org/resources/peaceful-practices-guide-healthy-communication-conflict
Anna’s website: www.annavogt.ca
Sign up for the Peace & Justice newsletter: www.mcc.org/impact/newsletters/peace-justice
The Surprising Rebirth of Christianity in a Secular Age with Justin Brierley
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Justin Brierley, who has created spaces for meaningful conversations between believers and skeptics, earning respect from both communities for his thoughtful approach to faith, science, and culture.
In this episode, Justin shares his remarkable journey from an early podcast pioneer to a respected cultural commentator. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from his recent book “The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God” (2023), he explores the unexpected resurgence of religious interest among public intellectuals and what this means for the future of faith.
In this episode, we delve deep into:
The art of hosting difficult conversations across ideological divides
How twenty years of dialogue with skeptics has shaped his faith
The current “meaning crisis” and Christianity’s unique response
The decline of New Atheism and the changing landscape of belief
Practical wisdom for church leaders engaging with a post-Christian culture
Justin brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between intellectual discourse and everyday faith. Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers valuable insights on navigating faith in an increasingly complex world.
Visit www.justinbrierley.com to learn more!
Thanks for listening!
Videos
Check out some engaging content, highlights from recent events, and stories from within the Jesus Collective community.