Shows
Outsiders PodcastAll Things In the Light: Our Talk with Amy Smith About Abuse Inside the ChurchAbuse Brought Out Into the Light
This is probably one of the most important and yet difficult shows we have done in the past year. We first learned about Amy and her ministry about six months ago through Twitter and through our conversation with earlier guests. One of the great things about doing a podcast like this is that we get introduced to many different branches of evangelical and progressive Christianity. Personally, I would have never guessed that starting a podcast would be akin to taking a masters' course in religious culture, but that's exactly what it has turned out to...2015-09-161h 20
Outsiders PodcastAll Things In the Light: Our Talk with Amy Smith About Abuse Inside the ChurchAbuse Brought Out Into the Light
This is probably one of the most important and yet difficult shows we have done in the past year. We first learned about Amy and her ministry about six months ago through Twitter and through our conversation with earlier guests. One of the great things about doing a podcast like this is that we get introduced to many different branches of evangelical and progressive Christianity. Personally, I would have never guessed that starting a podcast would be akin to taking a masters' course in religious culture, but that's exactly what it has turned out to...2015-09-161h 20
MediaScorch NetworkInnovations - Outsiders Podcast Extended InterviewHear the whole extended interview with Brad Gross and Scott Matkovich. This is a fascinating conversation about the state of Christianity. Parts of this interview were included in the "Talking About Jesus Outside the Church" episode.2015-09-1141 minMediaScorch NetworkWhere Are We Going? 3 - Talking About Jesus Without the ChurchWhat does it mean to talk about Jesus with the structure of the institutional church? On this episode Jason Wiedel talks with Scott and Brad from the Outsiders Podcast, Jay McNeal, and Tony Kriz about the changing culture, new forms of church and what happens when we don't go to Sunday morning services.
Scott Matkovich & Brad Gross - Outsiders PodcastJay McNeal - Clergy for HireTony Kriz2015-09-0734 minOutsiders PodcastThe Bible Tells Me SoEnergetic and witty, Dr. Peter Enns is not your stereotypical Bible scholar. He has a gifted way of relating heady topics like inerrancy, hermeneutics, and the nature of God in a way that everyone can grasp. Contrary to many scholars who become specialists in specific doctrines and then spend their time trying to convince others that they are right, Enns takes a much more humble approach. For him, discovering God isn't primarily an intellectual endeavor. We discover God as we live a life in pursuit of Him. In this way, Enns' holistic view of Scripture requires that it is lived out, an...2015-09-051h 05Outsiders PodcastThe Bible Tells Me SoEnergetic and witty, Dr. Peter Enns is not your stereotypical Bible scholar. He has a gifted way of relating heady topics like inerrancy, hermeneutics, and the nature of God in a way that everyone can grasp. Contrary to many scholars who become specialists in specific doctrines and then spend their time trying to convince others that they are right, Enns takes a much more humble approach. For him, discovering God isn't primarily an intellectual endeavor. We discover God as we live a life in pursuit of Him. In this way, Enns' holistic view of Scripture requires that it is lived out, an...2015-09-051h 05Outsiders PodcastThe Naked Pastor Part 2: Why Questions are the AnswerIt was a joy to have David Hayward back on our show! In our first interview with David, we spent time talking about his life, ministry, and cartoons. This time, we decided to dive a bit deeper. Having spent a good deal of his life serving as a pastor, we really wanted to explore issues like spiritual abuse, the role of authority, freedom and healing with him. He also gave us a glimpse into what his new book, Questions Are the Answer: Nakedpastor and the Search for Understanding, and why it's already stirring up controversy in the U.K.
Find out m...2015-08-291h 08Outsiders PodcastThe Naked Pastor Part 2: Why Questions are the AnswerIt was a joy to have David Hayward back on our show! In our first interview with David, we spent time talking about his life, ministry, and cartoons. This time, we decided to dive a bit deeper. Having spent a good deal of his life serving as a pastor, we really wanted to explore issues like spiritual abuse, the role of authority, freedom and healing with him. He also gave us a glimpse into what his new book, Questions Are the Answer: Nakedpastor and the Search for Understanding, and why it's already stirring up controversy in the U.K.
Find out m...2015-08-291h 08Outsiders PodcastFinding Freedom: Confronting the Epidemic of Spiritual AbuseSpiritual Abuse
Dale Fincher, our guest on this show, makes a compelling case that some of the largest, most powerful denominations and church organizations have deeply accepted patterns of spiritual abuse - and they may not even be aware of it. This is a serious charge, but after talking with Dale, it would be difficult to find someone with better credentials to give this diagnosis. After ten minutes into our interview, I realized just how poorly educated I was on this topic and why I now feel that we need qualified people, like Dale and his wife Jonalyn, leading the charg...2015-07-231h 11Outsiders PodcastFinding Freedom: Confronting the Epidemic of Spiritual AbuseSpiritual Abuse
Dale Fincher, our guest on this show, makes a compelling case that some of the largest, most powerful denominations and church organizations have deeply accepted patterns of spiritual abuse - and they may not even be aware of it. This is a serious charge, but after talking with Dale, it would be difficult to find someone with better credentials to give this diagnosis. After ten minutes into our interview, I realized just how poorly educated I was on this topic and why I now feel that we need qualified people, like Dale and his wife Jonalyn, leading the charg...2015-07-231h 11Outsiders PodcastWhat Christians Need to Hear about Identity, Sexuality, and Caitlyn JennerWhy A Podcast About Caitlyn Jenner?
When the story about Caitlyn Jenner broke, we knew we had to address the issue on our show for a couple of reasons.  First, it's our belief that Christians should have the most compassionate and caring voice - for all people - no matter their sexuality or their gender.  People in the LGBTQ community are God's children as much as anyone else and they deserve the compassion of anyone who follows Jesus.  Sadly, the vision of God's people indiscriminately loving others doesn't happen as much as it should.
On the other hand, as Christians, it's easy...2015-06-2847 minOutsiders PodcastWhat Christians Need to Hear about Identity, Sexuality, and Caitlyn JennerWhy A Podcast About Caitlyn Jenner?
When the story about Caitlyn Jenner broke, we knew we had to address the issue on our show for a couple of reasons.  First, it's our belief that Christians should have the most compassionate and caring voice - for all people - no matter their sexuality or their gender.  People in the LGBTQ community are God's children as much as anyone else and they deserve the compassion of anyone who follows Jesus.  Sadly, the vision of God's people indiscriminately loving others doesn't happen as much as it should.
On the other hand, as Christians, it's easy...2015-06-2847 minOutsiders PodcastHow To Do DiscipleshipGoing Deeper: A Vision for Discipleship
In this episode we pick up where we left on in Part 1, answering the question "How do we naturally do what is good?" Â With our guest, Shane Kuester, we talk about the differences between the way that discipleship is taught in many churches versus the way discipleship is taught by Jesus. Â Specifically we talk through questions like:
* How can we view obedience as a way of life instead of a restrictive list of rules?
* Why our lives should be focused around training with Jesus rather than trying really hard to "be good".
* How taking time...2015-05-3035 minOutsiders PodcastHow To Do DiscipleshipGoing Deeper: A Vision for Discipleship
In this episode we pick up where we left on in Part 1, answering the question "How do we naturally do what is good?" Â With our guest, Shane Kuester, we talk about the differences between the way that discipleship is taught in many churches versus the way discipleship is taught by Jesus. Â Specifically we talk through questions like:
* How can we view obedience as a way of life instead of a restrictive list of rules?
* Why our lives should be focused around training with Jesus rather than trying really hard to "be good".
* How taking time...2015-05-3035 minOutsiders PodcastUndiluted ChristianityUndiluted Faith
Since the time I became a Christian, I've always been fascinated by the Church's effect on culture and vice versa. Â For as many mistakes as the Church has made, it is one of the few institutions that have truly stood the test of time. ...2015-05-201h 06Outsiders PodcastUndiluted ChristianityUndiluted Faith
Since the time I became a Christian, I've always been fascinated by the Church's effect on culture and vice versa.  For as many mistakes as the Church has made, it is one of the few institutions that have truly stood the test of time. ...2015-05-201h 06Outsiders PodcastA Vision for Discipleship, Part 1Addressing the Elephant in the Church
On this podcast, we talk at length with Shane Kuester about discipleship and spiritual formation within the church.  I have been pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of "Spiritual Formation" programs being instituted in, what are commonly understood to be, seeker sensitive churches.  Let's be honest, large churches have taken a beating lately for surface level messages, an emphasis in form over substance, and defining growth in terms of campuses and not discipleship.  In response, churches look to be starting programs aimed around spiritual formation.  In my opinion, it's a good move, but misses the bullseye in a...2015-05-0548 minOutsiders PodcastA Vision for Discipleship, Part 1Addressing the Elephant in the Church
On this podcast, we talk at length with Shane Kuester about discipleship and spiritual formation within the church.  I have been pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of "Spiritual Formation" programs being instituted in, what are commonly understood to be, seeker sensitive churches.  Let's be honest, large churches have taken a beating lately for surface level messages, an emphasis in form over substance, and defining growth in terms of campuses and not discipleship.  In response, churches look to be starting programs aimed around spiritual formation.  In my opinion, it's a good move, but misses the bullseye in a...2015-05-0548 minOutsiders PodcastThe Evangelical Nomad – Brandan RobertsonWithin ten minutes of our conversation, I knew Brandan Robertson was a tour de force. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, published author, and a rising voice in the evangelical world, Brandan possesses an encyclopedic mind and a servant's heart. Prior to recording the show we were chatting with Brandan about some of the topics we were going to discuss, with the caveat:
"Brandan, we're not here to trap you into a corner with questions but we do have a couple tough ones for you." I said.
"Honestly, you can ask me anything you want - I don't have anything to h...2015-04-041h 05Outsiders PodcastThe Evangelical Nomad – Brandan RobertsonWithin ten minutes of our conversation, I knew Brandan Robertson was a tour de force. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, published author, and a rising voice in the evangelical world, Brandan possesses an encyclopedic mind and a servant's heart. Prior to recording the show we were chatting with Brandan about some of the topics we were going to discuss, with the caveat:
"Brandan, we're not here to trap you into a corner with questions but we do have a couple tough ones for you." I said.
"Honestly, you can ask me anything you want - I don't have anything to h...2015-04-041h 05Outsiders PodcastPersecution ComplexThe Persecution Complex
In his book, Persecution Complex, Jason Wiedel challenges the idea that Christians are the victims of a non-religious culture that seeks to snuff out our Christian heritage and replace it with secular ideals.  Playing the victim is a dangerous game, Jason says, because it puts the offending party into moral debt to us.  If "they" have done something wrong to us, we are victims of their power, and we now have the justification to retaliate.
In this podcast, we comb through the heavy issues with Jason and search for solutions on how to recreate a narrative where we sto...2015-03-2552 minOutsiders PodcastPersecution ComplexThe Persecution Complex
In his book, Persecution Complex, Jason Wiedel challenges the idea that Christians are the victims of a non-religious culture that seeks to snuff out our Christian heritage and replace it with secular ideals.  Playing the victim is a dangerous game, Jason says, because it puts the offending party into moral debt to us.  If "they" have done something wrong to us, we are victims of their power, and we now have the justification to retaliate.
In this podcast, we comb through the heavy issues with Jason and search for solutions on how to recreate a narrative where we sto...2015-03-2552 minOutsiders PodcastChurch Culture ExplainedJayson D. Bradley on Church Culture
Jayson Bradley has a way of talking about topics that many Christians might assume are out-of-bounds.  On his blog (http://jaysondbradley.com/), discussions range from Christian Cleavage (http://jaysondbradley.com/2015/01/25/christian-cleavage-probably-isnt-problem/#sthash.ZxCr8WHd.dpbs) to Eternal Damnation (http://jaysondbradley.com/2014/10/27/5-philosophical-arguments-eternal-hell/#sthash.2modpj49.dpbs) and everything in between.  Jayson's writings sit on the verge of provocative and hilarious, with a healthy dose of humility.  When we asked Jayson to summarize the central theme of his writings, here's what he had to say:
I would say that it's okay to be honest. Â It's okay to have doubts...2015-02-2755 minOutsiders PodcastThe Naked Pastor - Outsiders PodcastDavid Hayward - The Naked Pastor
You may better know David Hayward as the Naked Pastor. Â By producing daily cartoons that hit at the heart of the Christian sub-culture, David is a leading voice for a new generation of Christians who love Jesus outside of the church. Â From running his blog at www.nakedpastor.com (http://www.nakedpastor.com) to hosting an online community (www.thelastingsupper.com (http://www.thelastingsupper.com)), David continues to push the Christian community in the direction of truth, openness, and most importantly, freedom. Â For him, being naked, with nothing to hide, is a way of life t...2015-02-131h 08Outsiders PodcastWhy the Church Gets Leadership WrongLeadership vs. Discipleship
As church attendance continues to fall, the number of pastors seeking out the latest and greatest leadership techniques is at an all time high.  My first taste of this was a few months after I was hired on at a church and the entire staff attended the Willow Creek Leadership Summit.  The whole idea was new to me - measuring church attendance and activity, programs aimed at retention, the latest epiphanies from high level executives and political figures.  It was all very polished and very well done, and I was sold.  I wanted to be a church leader!  ...2015-01-2557 minOutsiders PodcastWhy Millennials Are Leaving The Church, Part 2"Oh, You Don't Go to Church?"
I've been a Christian for almost 20 years. Â For 15 of those years, I went to church. Â Around year 15, I began to ask a lot of questions about why Christians, in general, go to church. Â I didn't realize it at the time, but a lot of people my age were asking those kinds of questions.
In my experience, people are still going to church, they just aren’t staying. The reasons are vast and after personally reviewing hundreds of reasons (http://christianity.about.com/u/ua/churchandcommunity/gotochurch.01.htm), I found this writer’s response to be most typical of...2015-01-1542 minOutsiders PodcastWhy Millennials Are Leaving the Church Part 1"The Missing Generation"
A few years ago, when I was working at a church, I began to notice something about the demographics of our church - nothing terribly scientific, but more as an observer. When I went to church on Sundays, taught in Sunday school, went to the main service, I noticed that people my age weren’t there.  We went to a large church that had 6 weekend services, so I figured that people my age were probably just attending a different service; maybe a "hipper" service that had younger speakers, louder music, and didn't care about tattoos.  Standing in the middle...2015-01-1042 minOutsiders PodcastChristian Harry PotterThanks everyone for stopping by and listening to our episode on the Christian Harry Potter. If you're not sure what this is, the Christian Harry Potter is a re-write that a mother did of the Harry Potter stories so that her kids would have a less "witchy" or "satanic" version of the famed fiction.
The post Christian Harry Potter appeared first on Outsiders Podcast.2015-01-0522 minOutsiders PodcastBrad’s Dating Experiment, Part 3: Wrapping It All UpI learned a lot from this experiment and a lot of it was good. Some of it was bad, a decent amount of it was funny, but a lot of it was good. First, the bad. The worst part of online dating as a culture, is that is commoditizes dating. By that, I mean, online dating sites have created an Amazon.com dating culture. You log in, check off all the things you like, and then go "shopping". You look at tons of pictures and make a choice based on that.
The post Brad’s Dating Experiment, Part...2014-12-2059 minOutsiders PodcastWhat Ferguson Reveals About the Human HeartIf I had to guess which event will define the social landscape of 2014, it would be the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. When I first heard of the riots, my first inclination was to chalk it up to another typical gloom and doom news story that would go away in a day or two.
The post What Ferguson Reveals About the Human Heart appeared first on Outsiders Podcast.2014-12-1359 minOutsiders PodcastThe Rise and Fall of Mark DriscollWith preaching as prolific as it is provocative, no one in recent evangelical culture has been (arguably) more divisive as Mark Driscoll has become.
The post The Rise and Fall of Mark Driscoll appeared first on Outsiders Podcast.2014-12-0259 min