Shows
2026-03-0900 min2026-03-0200 min
The CurrentBearing Witness In Minneapolis: Clergy, Courage, And Neighbor LoveSend a textWhat does it take to resist injustice without losing our souls? We invited three friends—Jen Manleaf, Rev. Mindy Smith, and Lynn Price—who answered a clergy call to Minneapolis to share how they prepared, what they saw, and what comes next. You’ll hear the anatomy of a strategic sit-in at Target, why corporate pressure matters, and how hyper-local organizing—signal chats, mutual aid, and neighbor care—forms a resilient net when systems fail. We dig into movement chaplaincy, de-escalation, and the spiritual work of refusing to dehumanize anyone, including ICE agents, whi...
2026-02-041h 322026-02-0200 min2026-01-2600 min2026-01-1800 min2026-01-1100 min2026-01-0400 min2025-12-2800 min2025-12-2100 min2025-12-1500 min2025-12-0700 min2025-11-3000 min2025-11-2300 min2025-10-2300 min
The CurrentFrom segregation to solidarity: how young people unlearn hate with Stephen HughesSend a textThe gates still close at 7 p.m. along Belfast’s longest segregation wall, but inside a small youth center, something braver is opening: kids learning to cross lines their grandparents feared. We sit down with Stephen Hughes—42 years in youth work, 13 in Lower Falls—to unpack how a simple, radical method turns inherited prejudice into shared purpose.Stephen paints the full picture: two Christian communities divided by politics, bound by grief, and weighed down by poverty that grows heavier the closer families live to the wall. His team’s answer is disarmingly human. S...
2025-10-0759 min2025-09-2900 min
The CurrentBeyond Division: Building Peace in a Fractured World with Jer Swigart and Osheta MooreSend a textA conversation with peacemakers Jer Swigart and Osheta Moore reveals a profound alternative to our increasingly divided religious and political landscape. As founders of Global Immersion, they've dedicated their lives to training Christian leaders in the art of transformative peacemaking.Their journey began with a realization that the Christianity they inherited "promoted domination more than restoration." Through experiences in conflict zones and learning from marginalized communities, they discovered a Jesus who was "magnificently defiant against systems that dignified some while denigrating others" yet "indefatigably nonviolent."What makes their approach unique...
2025-09-1655 min2025-09-1500 min2025-09-0800 min2025-09-0100 min
The CurrentFeasting on Peace: Refugees, Food, and Community Building with Ross CarperSend a textWhat happens when refugees share their culinary heritage with a new community? The story of Feast World Kitchen reveals something extraordinary about the power of food to transform lives.Ross Carper didn't set out to launch a nonprofit restaurant. His journey began with a food truck side hustle and volunteer work helping refugee families navigate life in Spokane, Washington. When these worlds collided, he discovered how sharing meals created deep connections and support. That insight sparked a vision: a restaurant where refugee and immigrant chefs could earn income, build skills, and share...
2025-08-211h 002025-08-1100 minLiving Water Church of the Nazarene SermonsHosea 11:1-11 Sermon from August 3rd, 2025
We discuss prophetic speech and the unconditional love of God
2025-08-0700 min
The CurrentFather Greg Boyle's Radical Vision of Human Goodness with Rev Megan PardueSend a textFather Greg Boyle's decades long ministry in the gang-riddled neighborhoods of Los Angeles stands as one of the most powerful examples of faith in action today. As Pastor Chris and Pastor Megan unpack Boyle's latest book "Cherished Belonging," they explore how this Jesuit priest's radical vision has transformed thousands of lives through Homeboy Industries, now the world's largest gang rehabilitation program.The conversation delves into Boyle's two guiding principles: "We are all inherently good, no exceptions" and "We belong to each other, no exceptions." These aren't mere platitudes but the foundation of...
2025-08-0751 min2025-07-2800 min
The CurrentDave Creel - Forging Peace: The Guns to Gardens MovementSend a textThe sound of a hammer striking hot metal echoes across a church parking lot as something remarkable unfolds—a deadly weapon transforms into a tool for growing food. This is the Guns to Gardens movement, and in this powerful conversation with volunteer Dave Creel, we explore how unwanted firearms become symbols of peace and new life.Dave walks us through the practical mechanics of these community events, where safety officers dismantle guns according to ATF guidelines before blacksmiths and woodworkers transform the components into garden trowels, spades, and works of art. The sy...
2025-07-2240 min2025-07-2100 min2025-07-1400 min
The CurrentDerek Kubilus - What Would Wesley Do With ChatGPT?Send a textAs artificial intelligence weaves itself into the fabric of our lives, how should people of faith respond?This conversation between two pastors explores the spectrum of reactions to AI in ministry settings—from those who eagerly use it for sermon preparation to those who refuse to touch it. Rather than settling for simplistic answers, they dig into the nuanced ethical terrain of this emerging technology, drawing parallels to previous communication revolutions like the Gutenberg printing press and radio that similarly upended society.What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its fo...
2025-07-081h 15
The CurrentSook Kyoung Kwon and Jamie Rosen: Art, Trauma, and the Path to HealingSend a textWhat if the path to healing trauma lies not just in talking about it, but in experiencing it differently through creative expression? In this illuminating conversation, Pastor Chris Nafis sits down with expressive arts therapists Jamie Rosen and Sook Kyoung Kwon to explore the profound connection between creativity, trauma healing, and spiritual growth.Both therapists share their compelling journeys into expressive arts therapy—Sook Kyoung's transition from Korean theater artist to drama therapist working with refugees, and Jamie's path from trial attorney to finding healing through creative expression after personal loss. They ex...
2025-05-261h 12
The CurrentJamie Gates: The Lessons of South Africa: Apartheid, Justice, and ReconciliationSend a textDr. Jamie Gates offers a powerful, deeply personal exploration of growing up as a white American in apartheid South Africa, revealing striking parallels between South Africa's racial history and America's ongoing struggles with justice and reconciliation. As someone who straddled two worlds - attending all-white Afrikaner schools while his missionary parents ministered in Black communities - Gates provides unique insights into how segregation shapes society and how religious institutions either challenge or reinforce these divisions.The conversation takes us through the theological underpinnings of apartheid, where religious language was weaponized to justify...
2025-05-011h 09
The CurrentThe Art of Accompaniment with Dr. Rebecca LairdSend a textDr. Rebecca Laird takes us on a journey through spiritual formation, direction, and the enduring legacy of Henri Nouwen in this deeply personal conversation. Drawing from her years as Dean of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University, alongside decades in pastoral ministry and spiritual direction, Dr. Laird illuminates the pathways to a more meaningful spiritual life."Spirituality is usually about lived theology," she explains, distinguishing between abstract theological concepts and the concrete reality of how faith manifests in our daily existence. Through practices like the Prayer...
2025-04-1048 min
The CurrentBroken and Redeemed- Laura Davis Mansfield's JourneySend a textWhat does the journey from success to rock bottom and back again really look like? Laura Davis Mansfield's story defies simple narratives about homelessness and addiction.Growing up amid family dysfunction and trauma, Laura nonetheless excelled, becoming a star athlete and graduating from Lehigh University with dual degrees. Her move to California promised new beginnings, but as a single mother fighting anxiety and isolation, everything changed when doctors prescribed her highly addictive Klonopin. This began a devastating spiral that eventually led this former honor student to methamphetamine addiction and the streets of...
2025-04-031h 32
The CurrentKevin Nye - Grace Can Lead Us HomeSend a textGrace can lead us home—but first, we need to dismantle the myths many believe about what keeps people on the streets. Kevin Nye, author and homeless services provider, takes us on a journey to the heart of a crisis that's widely misunderstood, especially within faith communities.Nye begins by challenging what he calls "the central myth" of homelessness—that people somehow deserve their situation and are therefore less worthy of assistance. This perspective, often intertwined with Christian ministry approaches, creates barriers to effective solutions by focusing on personal transformation rather than addr...
2025-03-2454 min
The CurrentIsaac Villegas - Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant JusticeSend a textWhen a church gathers to wash feet at an immigration detention center, is it worship or protest? According to Isaac Villegas, it's both - and that's precisely the point. In this profound conversation, Villegas shares stories from his new book "Migrant God: A Christian Vision for Immigrant Justice," revealing how authentic Christian practices become revolutionary acts in contexts of injustice.Drawing from his experiences as a Mennonite pastor and the child of Latin American immigrants, Villegas takes us inside the remarkable two-year sanctuary his congregation provided for Rosa del Carmen Ortez Cruz...
2025-03-131h 06
The CurrentPreview - Season 2!Send a textThe Current is back for a second season! We hope you'll join us!
2025-03-1205 min
The Line Breakpoetry that breathes fortification into your body (feat. Melissa Ferrer Civil)The Line Break podcast: the place where Poet Laureates go. This month, Bob and Chris are thrilled to welcome Melissa Ferrer Civil, inaugural Poet Laureate of Kansas City, MO! Melissa reads Angel Nafis's "Ghazal For Becoming Your Own Country" as well as their own poem, "Alambrista," from the book 'Steno Pad.'
Find more Melissa: https://melissaferrerand.com/
Melissa Ferrer Civil (&), (she/they), formerly known as Missy T. Ferrari, is a poet, performer, organizer, and educator living on unceded Kaw, Kansa, Kickapoo, and Oceti Sakowin lands (KCMO). Rooted in the practical and the possible, their spoken word poems and songs...
2025-02-101h 05![Borak Borak Botak - SYOK Podcast [BM]](https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/d6cdd52c-e52d-11ef-b72d-c3221cc19b91/image/9be40f522b01dee748dd975ec4835639.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Borak Borak Botak - SYOK Podcast [BM]Marcus Rashford kekal di England! | Borak Borak Botak | Musim 2 | Ep25Selamat datang ke episod 25 musim ke-2 podcast Borak-Borak Botak! Minggu ini Nafis 'Abang Botak' bersama tetamu, Myra & Karami Kamel buka panggung dengan 'Winter Transfer Window' Aston Villa yang membawa beberapa pemain berkualiti dan yang paling mencuri tumpuan, Marcus Rashford. Adakah Unai Emery akan buktikan Ruben Amorim salah tentang Rashford? Joao Felix juga jadi tumpuan selepas disahkan dipinjam ke AC Milan dari Chelsea. Adakah zaman 'peak' Felix sudah pun berakhir? Tumpuan 'Player of the Week' minggu ni pula kepada penjaring hatrik Chris Wood dari Nottingham Forest. Dengan musim 24/25 ini melihat prestasi terbaik Wood di Liga Perdana Inggeris sepanjang kariernya, adakah...
2025-02-0848 min
The CurrentDr. Craig Keen - Acts, Nonviolence, and the Journey of FaithSend a textJoin us for an insightful conversation with theologian Dr. Craig Keen as he shares how the Book of Acts became a beacon of guidance in his life during the turbulent year of 1968, amidst the Vietnam War. Reflecting on his journey of faith within a conservative environment, Dr. Keen reveals the profound impact Acts had on his understanding of nonviolence and pacifism. We uncover his introspective exploration of scripture, which shaped his life decisions and spiritual commitments amidst societal challenges.Our dialogue extends beyond traditional notions of violence, exploring its subtleties in power...
2024-11-081h 02
The CurrentMelissa Florer-Bixler - How to Have an EnemySend a textHow do we navigate the challenging concept of enmity within the Christian faith while remaining committed to justice and peace? Join us for a profound conversation with Melissa Florer-Bixler, pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church, as she unpacks these complexities through her experiences and insights from her book, "How to Have an Enemy." We examine the nuances of defining true enemies, especially in the context of systemic power dynamics, and discuss how to address these conflicts with the grace and teachings of Jesus. Anger plays a pivotal role in social change, but how c...
2024-10-2950 min
The CurrentDr. Ellen Davis - Psalms, Sacred Places, and Hope in Faith CommunitiesSend a textDiscover the transformative power of the Psalms with our special guest, Dr. Ellen Davis from Duke University Divinity School. Through her profound insights, Dr. Davis illuminates how Psalm 145, an "alphabet of adoration," serves as a timeless bridge connecting spirituality and community across generations. As she opens up about personal experiences, particularly during times of mourning, you’ll find inspiration in the Psalms' ability to foster a candid and emotive dialogue with God, allowing for an authentic expression of praise and lament.Travel with us into the heart of sacred places and environmental th...
2024-10-1051 min
The CurrentChelsey Brunt - Coaching SoccerSend a textChelsey Brunt is the Director of Women's Soccer at Cumbre Alta, a soccer club in Quito, Ecuador and a ministry of IncaLink Ecuador. Chelsey played competitive soccer from a young age through college and eventually found her calling as a coach and a mentor. Cumbre Alta seeks not only to develop excellence on the pitch, but to provide love, care, and discipleship for athletes. Over the last ten years, Chelsey and Cumbre Alta have blazed a trail for women to play soccer in Quito, who have gone from almost no ability to play organized...
2024-10-0452 min
The CurrentActs 2:1-13 (Part 2)Send a textWe jump back into the story of Pentecost, talk about the significance of language, the beauty of the plurality of language in witnessing God, the images of the Spirit, and dig a little deeper into the meaning of the Pentecost theophany.
2024-09-2616 min
The CurrentActs 2:1-13 Part 1Send a textFlaming tongues, the tower of Babel, the internet and A.I... today we return to the book of Acts and look at the connection between the Pentecost narrative and emerging technology and human accomplishment. Join us to contemplate these issues as we prepare ourselves to receive the Holy Spirit.
2024-09-1321 min
The CurrentBishop Cornelius Bowser - West Coast Crip turned Pastor and PeacemakerSend a textBishop Cornelius Bowser was a drug dealer and gang member in one of San Diego's most notorious gangs, but since giving his life to Christ, he has committed his efforts to combating gun violence, intervening in gang conflicts, and creating avenues out of gang life for young men and women who are caught up in the lifestyle. Working with other credible witnesses with lived experience, Bishop Bowser and his organization use the respect and clout of their experience to provide wisdom and direction for young people who are facing many obstacles to find a...
2024-09-061h 14
The CurrentRev. Carrington Moore - Common CathedralSend a textRev. Carrington Moore is the Executive Director of Common Cathedral, a church seeking to overcome the barriers between housed and unhoused folks in Boston, which has gathered outdoors in Boston Common every Sunday for the last 29 years. He is also a Pastor at Bethel AME Church in Boston. Rev. Moore is a community leader, active in organizing and advocacy in the city and in the church. He has led his church through the Trauma Responsive Congregations Program through Boston University, which is what helped Living Water Church develop our Flow Groups program. He has...
2024-08-3050 minThe CurrentMonte Mansfield - Neighborhood Hope DealerSend a textMonte Mansfield is a former professional baseball player who found himself sliding into addiction and homelessness. When he finally realized that he needed to turn his life around, God was waiting through the Salvation Army. Monte shares his journey in sports, addiction, recovery, and now a call into ministry. He is full of joy and hope, an encourager at heart who loves Jesus and has given his life to his service. Husband of our beloved friend Laura Davis (to be featured on a future episode!), we hope that you'll find his testimony encouraging and...
2024-08-221h 02The CurrentDr. Brad Kelle - The Bible and Moral InjurySend a textDr. Brad Kelle is the Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Point Loma Nazarene University and an Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He is an accomplished scholar in his field who has specialized in the prophets. He has written a commentary an Ezekiel, is writing another one on Hosea, and in this episode's discussion, we talk about the topic of his book The Bible and Moral Injury: Reading Scripture Alongside War's Unseen Wounds. Brad was kind enough to share his insights around moral injury in our contemporary context, what we...
2024-08-1549 min