Jason Steffenhagen - Podcast Details

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Peace | The PodcastA Spoken Word Good FridayGood Friday @ Peace This episode features three spoken word reflections that were given on Good Friday. The Cross is Personal The Cross is Communal The Cross is a Stumbling Block and Foolish The final reflection takes its reference from 1 Corinthians where Paul presents the cross as this subversive moment in human history that confounded people in the moment. And it still does today! Each of these reflections are original pieces, written by Jason Steffenhagen, performed by Jason Steffenhagen and Andrew Hansen. _____ This pod...2025-04-2110 min

Peace | The PodcastBirthing | In the Fullness of Time | Advent 2024In the Fullness of Time... The birth of Jesus came 'in the fullness of time'...in other words...when the time was pregnant. The world was ready for a disruption and a new way. So what does it mean to be in a season of preparation and expectation, as we are invited to bring Christ into the world? We will explore these ideas by looking at the themes of Growing, Waiting, Expecting, Preparing, and Birthing. The Sunday Sermon Schedule (Podcasts drop on the following Tuesday): Dec...2025-01-0728 min

Peace | The PodcastPreparing | In the Fullness of Time | Advent 2024In the Fullness of Time... The birth of Jesus came 'in the fullness of time'...in other words...when the time was pregnant. The world was ready for a disruption and a new way. So what does it mean to be in a season of preparation and expectation, as we are invited to bring Christ into the world? We will explore these ideas by looking at the themes of Growing, Waiting, Expecting, and Birthing. The Sunday Sermon Schedule (Podcasts drop on the following Tuesday): December 1st...2025-01-0725 min

Peace | The PodcastExpecting | In the Fullness of Time | Advent 2024In the Fullness of Time... The birth of Jesus came 'in the fullness of time'...in other words...when the time was pregnant. The world was ready for a disruption and a new way. So what does it mean to be in a season of preparation and expectation, as we are invited to bring Christ into the world? We will explore these ideas by looking at the themes of Growing, Waiting, Expecting, Preparing, and Birthing. The Sunday Sermon Schedule (Podcasts drop on the following Tuesday): Dec...2025-01-0623 min

Peace | The PodcastWaiting | In the Fullness of Time | Advent 2024In the Fullness of Time... The birth of Jesus came 'in the fullness of time'...in other words...when the time was pregnant. The world was ready for a disruption and a new way. So what does it mean to be in a season of preparation and expectation, as we are invited to bring Christ into the world? We will explore these ideas by looking at the themes of Growing, Waiting, Expecting, and Birthing. The Sunday Sermon Schedule (Podcasts drop on the following Tuesday): December 1st...2024-12-0920 min

Peace | The PodcastGrowing | In the Fullness of Time | Advent 2024In the Fullness of Time... The birth of Jesus came 'in the fullness of time'...in other words...when the time was pregnant. The world was ready for a disruption and a new way. So what does it mean to be in a season of preparation and expectation, as we are invited to bring Christ into the world? We will explore these ideas by looking at the themes of Growing, Waiting, Expecting, and Birthing. The Sunday Sermon Schedule (Podcasts drop on the following Tuesday): December 1st...2024-12-0334 min

Peace | The PodcastIf It Wasn't For The Women...Tamar | Lisa Adams"If it wasn't for the women..." This phrase was uttered at the end of a long discussion about the grieving mother Rizpah. A group of pastors had discussed the tragic story of Rizpah's great loss and her courage to model love and justice in the face of great political and personal turmoil. And at the end, a hush came over the group as we sat in the midst of her story, thinking about the reality...'if it wasn't for the women..." Too often the stories of women in the Bible are side-notes, supporting characters in...2024-11-2631 min

Peace | The PodcastIf It Wasn't For The Women...Rebekah | Pastor Jason Steffenhagen"If it wasn't for the women..." This phrase was uttered at the end of a long discussion about the grieving mother Rizpah. A group of pastors had discussed the tragic story of Rizpah's great loss and her courage to model love and justice in the face of great political and personal turmoil. And at the end, a hush came over the group as we sat in the midst of her story, thinking about the reality...'if it wasn't for the women..." Too often the stories of women in the Bible are side-notes, supporting characters in...2024-11-1828 min

Peace | The PodcastIf It Wasn't For The Women...Ruth | Rev Linda Koelman"If it wasn't for the women..." This phrase was uttered at the end of a long discussion about the grieving mother Rizpah. A group of pastors had discussed the tragic story of Rizpah's great loss and her courage to model love and justice in the face of great political and personal turmoil. And at the end, a hush came over the group as we sat in the midst of her story, thinking about the reality...'if it wasn't for the women..." Too often the stories of women in the Bible are side-notes, supporting characters in...2024-11-0623 min

Peace | The PodcastIf It Wasn't For The Women...Vashti & Esther | Rev Joretta Marshall"If it wasn't for the women..." This phrase was uttered at the end of a long discussion about the grieving mother Rizpah. A group of pastors had discussed the tragic story of Rizpah's great loss and her courage to model love and justice in the face of great political and personal turmoil. And at the end, a hush came over the group as we sat in the midst of her story, thinking about the reality...'if it wasn't for the women..." Too often the stories of women in the Bible are side-notes, supporting characters in...2024-11-0524 min

Searching the Sacred’Why have you forsaken me?’ | Holy Week Bonus Episode | Mark 15Bonus Episode! Happy Holy Week Everyone As the Lenten journey comes to its fruition this week, we turn to Mark 15. Jesus is on the cross and cries out to God - 'My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?' Is this a cry of abandonment? Is this meant to be something utterly the opposite? What can this passage teach us about suffering and transformation? This is a long one...but take notes! It's a good one. __ This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and ...2023-04-041h 14

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 12 | BlessingSeason 5 | Ruth Pt 12 | Blessing Not only has it been an absolute blessing to learn from Naomi and Ruth, but in this episode we ask the question, what is a blessing? What is the significance for Naomi? What might this teach us about God? How might that impact who we are and how we understand what we might be called to? At the end of the episode, we each take a moment to share a takeaway from our time studying this dynamic book. _ Each week, not only will we have a...2023-03-0831 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 11 | Finding FlourishingSeason 5 | Ruth Pt 11 | Finding Flourishing As we continue the conversation in chapter 4 of Ruth, we hear the people respond to the redeeming of Naomi and Ruth. We also hear the women of the city naming the child of Boaz and Ruth - calling him Obed. What is the significance of how the people talk about Naomi and Ruth? And what is the significance of the name Obed? _ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a...2023-03-0133 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 10 | Mr. So And SoSeason 5 | Ruth Pt 10 | Mr. So And So Part 10 launches us into chapter 4. We are nearing the end of our conversation on Ruth, but the focus shifts to Boaz and his work to become the Kinsman Redeemer. And in this episode we meet the mysterious 'so and so' who is actually next in line to marry Ruth. How does Boaz handle this? What does this story teach us about the patriarchy? Is it subversively feminist or overtly patriarchal? _ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; b...2023-02-2345 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 9 | BoazSeason 5 | Ruth Pt 9 | Boaz Part 9 is a deeper dive into Boaz. We know he practices gleaning. We know he respects Ruth. And we know he responds positively when woken up on the threshing floor. But who is Boaz? What does his name mean? And what can we learn from Boaz? _ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a discussion guide that allows you to join the conversation. __ This podcast is a...2023-02-1544 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 8 | Uncovering the ”Feet”Season 5 | Ruth Pt 8 | Uncovering the ”Feet” Part 8 of our dive into the book of Ruth is the episode about the 'FEET'. Ruth lies down next to Boaz, uncovers his feet, and seemingly requests for him to provide for her. What is this all about? Is this a sexual thing? Is this a power thing and provision thing? Is it maybe both? Could it be that Ruth is actually reminding Boaz of how the system is supposed to work? _ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; b...2023-02-0842 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 7 | Naomi KnowsSeason 5 | Ruth Pt 7 | Naomi Knows Welcome to Season 5 of Searching the Sacred. Season 4 was a deep dive into the first two chapters of Ruth. In this season, we will finish our study of Ruth by looking at chapters three and four. In this first episode, we look at Naomi's encouragement of Ruth to glean in the field of Boaz. What does it mean to provide help? Why is helping easier than receiving help? How does Naomi see this moment? _ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to l...2023-01-3146 min

Searching the SacredAdvent Pt 2: Are We Willing To See | Matthew 2Advent Pt 2: Are We Willing To See | Matthew 2 Advent is a season of waiting and preparing. We are in the midst of the deepest dark or the year, the cold is settling into our bones, and Christmas is still coming. As we prepare for the Christ to be born (both in the telling of an ancient story and spiritually in us again), what does the story of the Magi teach us about what it means to see? This is part 2 of 2 as we explore Matthew chapter 2 and the story of the Magi coming t...2022-12-1650 min

Searching the SacredAdvent Pt 1: Fear in the City of Peace | Matthew 2Bonus | Advent Pt 1: Fear in the City of Peace | Matthew 2 Advent is a season of waiting and preparing. We are in the midst of the deepest dark or the year, the cold is settling into our bones, and Christmas is still coming. As we prepare for the Christ to be born (both in the telling of an ancient story and spiritually in us again), what does the story of the Magi teach us about what it means to see? This is part 1 of 2 as we explore Matthew chapter 2 and the story of the M...2022-12-0746 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 6 | Boaz Sees RuthSeason 4 | Ruth Pt 6 | Boaz Sees Ruth Welcome to episode 6 of our season on the first two chapters of Ruth. In this series we are slowly making our way through this dynamic book. Episode 6 is reaching the end of chapter 2 and the closing of this season. Boaz, as a landowner, goes to the field and sees Ruth. Who is this guy? How does he engage people as a landowner? Why is his posture and approach important? And before this story becomes about Boaz, what is Ruth doing? How is her persistence and effort a testament to...2022-11-0938 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 5 | GleaningSeason 4 | Ruth Pt 5 | Gleaning Welcome to episode 5 of our series on Ruth. What does it mean to 'glean'? What can we compare it to in our culture today? And when is the story about God's sudden goodness and when is the story about persistence and effort? __ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a discussion guide that allows you to join the conversation. __ This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith...2022-11-0341 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 4 | Valor and MightSeason 4 | Ruth Pt 4 | Valor and Might Welcome to episode 4 of our series on Ruth. In this next installment we discuss what it means for Ruth and Boaz to have these specific names - such as mighty and valorous. What does it mean for us to hold power and wield it with care for others? __ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a discussion guide that allows you to join the conversation. __ This po...2022-10-2637 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 3 | Returning to IsraelSeason 4 | Ruth Pt 3 | Returning to Israel Welcome to Episode 3 of our series on Ruth. In this episode we talk about Naomi and Ruth returning to Israel. __ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a discussion guide that allows you to join the conversation. __ This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith… 40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midr...2022-10-1940 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 2 | ChesedSeason 4 | Ruth Pt 2 | Chesed Welcome to Episode 2 of our series on Ruth. In this episode we talk extensively about the special relationship between Naomi and her daughters-in-law - Ruth and Orpah. Part of that discussion involves the Hebrew word 'Chesed', which is often translated as 'kindness'. But it's so much more than that. __ Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a discussion guide that allows you to join the conversation. __ This...2022-10-1254 min

Searching the SacredRuth Pt 1 | Into MoabSeason 4 | Ruth Pt 1 | Into Moab Welcome back to Searching the Sacred. This season we won't be bouncing from passage to passage, but methodically moving our way through the book of Ruth. Each week, not only will we have an episode for you to listen to; but for those who support us on Patreon, we have a discussion guide that allows you to join the conversation. In this first episode we barely make it into verse 2! Famine drives this family into Moab, death leaves a widowed mother-in-law with no sons or a husband, and ye...2022-10-0456 min

Searching the SacredLearning to Pray Pt. 3: A Flourishing Humanity | Matthew 6Season 3 | Learning to Pray Pt. 3: A Flourishing Humanity | Matthew 6 The conclusion to our series on prayer and Season 3! What is the significance of daily bread, forgiveness of debts, and not being tempted and delivered from evil? How do these go together and what do they teach us about what it means to be human? And stick around for a re-imagining of The Lord's Prayer based on the totality of our conversation. __ We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Clic...2022-06-2139 min

Searching the SacredLearning to Pray Pt. 2: Welcome To The Household | Matthew 6Season 3 | Learning to Pray Pt. 2: Welcome To The Household | Matthew 6 We are rounding out season 3 with a special three-part conversation on prayer. In Matthew 6, Jesus is in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount and he talks about how and where and what to pray. Part 2 of our conversation focuses on the first half of the Lord's Prayer. What does it mean that this prayer is communal? Why the gendered name for God? What does it mean to keep God's name holy? And why does Jesus use the word 'Kingdom'? So many g...2022-06-1540 min

Searching the SacredLearning to Pray Pt 1: Hypocrites and Heathens | Matthew 6Season 3 | Learning to Pray Pt 1: Hypocrites and Heathens | Matthew 6 We are rounding out season 3 with a special three-part conversation on prayer. In Matthew 6, Jesus is in the midst of the Sermon on the Mount and he talks about how and where and what to pray. Part 1 of our conversation focuses on verses 5-8, which lead up to the Lord's Prayer. Jesus tells his followers not to pray like the hypocrites who are attempting to draw attention to themselves, or like the heathens who use many words trying to get their god to listen and respond. ...2022-06-0743 min

Searching the SacredWhy A Test? | Genesis 22Season 3 | Why A Test? | Genesis 22 Why does God test Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac? This story is troubling on multiple levels...and has left many wondering what it could mean. We don't solve it, but we do enjoy asking some good questions. __ We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron. __ This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith… 40 Orchards, with Steph...2022-06-031h 16

Searching the SacredWrestling with Salvation | Joshua 1Season 3 | Wrestling with Salvation | Joshua 1 What would it look like to reimagine Jesus by looking at two people who carried his name - Joshua and Isaiah? The courage and strength expected of Joshua might be different from the battle-ready context that we often have assumed. And what does it mean to call people towards salvation when they have gone so far astray? __ We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support this podcast. Click HERE to find our site and become a patron. __2022-05-251h 11

Searching the SacredThe Grandmothering of Jesus | John 21Season 3 | The Grandmothering of Jesus | John 21 In John 21, the disciples - led by Simon Peter - are going fishing. Why? They've just witnessed the death and resurrection of Jesus, he's appeared to them at least two different times, and they decide to go fishing. It's easy in these moments to judge the disciples behavior. Maybe we would like to think we would have done something more purposeful or spiritually minded. But do we really know how potentially confusing and challenging these days after Jesus returns would be? And so we find the disciples fi...2022-05-171h 06

Searching the SacredRunning For Your Soul | 1 Kings 19Season 3 | Running For Your Soul | 1 Kings 19 Welcome to Season 3 of Searching the Sacred. To get this season started, we have a special guest joining us...Sarah Nichols, a teacher with 40 Orchards. In this episode we explore 2 Kings 19 and the story of Elijah, who is running away from Ahab and Jezebel. What is our relationship with power? How far would we be willing to run to find our souls? What might be needed for this journey? __ We have started a Patreon site for those who would like to financially support th...2022-05-101h 10

Searching the SacredJesus Playing Jazz: The significance of the Passover in framing the Eucharist | Mark 14Bonus | Jesus Playing Jazz: The significance of the Passover in framing the Eucharist | Mark 14 Did you know that the Bible actually has the instruction to 'kill the passover'? Not the 'passover lamb', but just the 'passover'. And this phrase is in the text multiple times...even in the New Testament. What could this possibly mean? And what could the significance be for Jesus' invitation in the Upper Room? This special bonus episode is coming just prior to Holy Week 2022. We are joined by scholar and friend of the podcast, Nathan Fisher...our first...2022-04-041h 07

Deconstructing the BibleInstant Mashed Potatoes, Tattoos, and Economic Justice | Reimagining Manna From HeavenIn this episode, Jason is joined by Pastor Steph to discuss Exodus 16 and the story of God providing manna (and quail) from heaven while the people are traveling in the wilderness. This conversation touches on sooooo many good topics... Economic Justice (and injustice) Scarcity vs. Abundance Sabbath Rest and Renewal Jesus' Feeding the 5,000 The Lord's Table ...and more! Pastor Stephanie Williams O'Brien is pastor of Mill City Church in Minneapolis. She is an author. She is a podcaster. And she's a dynamic leader with a passion to see God's...2022-03-1436 min

Deconstructing the BibleStairway to Earth | Reimagining Jacob’s LadderIn this episode we look at the story of Jacob's Ladder (or the Stairway to Heaven) found in Genesis 28. Oftentimes, this passage could be used to show that heaven is above and earth is below and the goal is to get from the earth below to heaven above. But what if we look closely at what happens in this story? What does Jacob name as the 'House of God'? In which direction are the angels going? What implications does this have for the places and spaces in which we operate and exist? The p...2022-03-0819 min

Deconstructing the BibleRipple Effects In Creation | Reimagining Noah’s ArkThe story of Noah and the Ark is a classic children's story from the Bible. We love the animals and the bravery of Noah and his family. We love the dove being sent out from the ark and coming back with an olive branch. And the story ends with a rainbow! Who doesn't love a rainbow?! But what happens when we also notice that there is an incredible loss of human life? What happens when all of creation - plants and animals - are also destroyed because of the darkness within humanity. What does this...2022-03-0728 min

Deconstructing the BibleIt’s Crouching At Your Door | Reimagining Cain and AbelThe story of Cain and Abel is one of the oldest stories in the Bible. What happens if we dive into the names of each character...how can their names teach us about what it means to be human? Let's move towards becoming more like Abel, while also holding some empathy for Cain. In this episode I'm joined by Tyler Sit, pastor of New City Church in Minneapolis. You can find Tyler and his work at the following spaces... Instagram: @tylersit Website: tylersit.com Book: Staying Awake: The Gospel for Changemakers (h...2022-03-0729 min

Deconstructing the BibleMore Than A Rib | Reimagining Eve’s StoryWelcome to a new season of Deconstructing the Bible! In this season we are reconstructing children's stories. You know...those popular Bible stories about Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and more. So often our earliest conceptions of these stories have impacted what we know about God and how we understand the Bible. But maybe these stories need a reimagining. Maybe these stories could be deconstructed and then reconstructed in a way that helps us see God in a dynamic way and learn more about what it means to be human. ...2022-03-0735 min

Deconstructing the BibleA Prayer for Ukraine on Ash WednesdayWe take a moment of pause from our current series to offer a time of prayer and reflection for the people of Ukraine. As it is Ash Wednesday, where we receive the ashes...reminding us of our mortality, we recognize the pain of death and loss in the midst of war. Ash Wednesday moves us into a season of Lent where fasting, prayer, and action are called upon. How can those endeavors lead us to intercede for those impacted by injustice? Here are some resources for those looking to help the people of Ukraine... 2022-03-0209 min

Deconstructing the BibleDeconstructing the Armor of GodIn this bonus episode, we hear a sermon preached at The Well on Sunday, November 21st that wrapped up a series on the book of Ephesians. In this message, we unpack the Armor of God... the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness or justice, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. What if this passage isn't just about spiritual warfare, but about fighting the systems of our world that often go unchallenged, un-critiqued, and often silence those on the margins? How do we bring God's Ki...2022-03-0227 min

Deconstructing the BibleAdvent Peace | Not going back to the gardenPeace might not be as simple as you think. How might our lives change if peace was a more dynamic and complicated idea? If we explore how and when it is used in the Bible...and the context of some of the passages in which it is used...we might see that it has an amazing amount to teach us about God and about what it means to be human. In this episode, we read from Dear White Peacemakers by Osheta Moore: https://osheta.com/dear-white-peacemakers/ Enjoy the episode. Dec...2022-03-0216 min

Deconstructing the BibleAdvent Joy | Joy is more than what you think it isWe all know that JOY is more than an emotion. It's not happiness. But it's also more than a choice. Where does joy originate? Why is joy usually embraced or seen in the midst of challenges? How can I anchor myself in joy? 2022-03-0224 min

Deconstructing the BibleAdvent Faith | This might get boringWhat does it mean to have faith when life is more mundane and slow? How can we learn from Mary's story...a story of deep faith...through a long and mostly lonely journey towards the birth of Jesus? 2022-03-0217 min

Deconstructing the BibleAdvent Hope | What we can learn in the darkThe first Sunday of Advent is the week of HOPE. And instead of starting in the gospels, we often are called back to the prophets. Why? What can the prophets teach us about Hope. Advent also starts in the dark. We don't have all the bells and carols and ornaments just yet. First we slow down and move into darkness. Why? What do we learn when we embrace the darkness? In this episode we hear some quotes from Walter Brueggemann's book The Prophetic Imagination. You can find this book here: https://www.amazon.com/Prophetic-Imagination-2nd...2022-03-0219 min

Deconstructing the BiblePersistence is Frustrating! | The Parable of the Persistent WidowWelcome to the final episode of season 2. We are looking at the parable of The Persistent Widow from Luke 18. There are lessons to learn...but there is also some frustration about the slowness of justice. Why doesn't it happen immediately? Why isn't it more sweeping? How does hope factor in? Thanks for joining us on this season. Next week will start our first week of Advent! Stay tuned for more. 2022-03-0216 min

Deconstructing the BibleHow Can We Talk About Wealth | The Parable of the Rich FoolIn Episode 8 of Season 2, we unpack the parable of The Rich Fool from Luke 12. It seems fairly straight-forward. But is it? How do we unpack how we deal with wealth and power in a society that seems to put a premium on those things? What does it mean to have a rich relationship with God? 2022-03-0224 min

Deconstructing the BibleThe Unpardonable Sin | The Parable of the Divided KingdomWhat does it mean to blaspheme the Holy Spirit? This verse has haunted me forever. But what is Jesus saying in Mark 3? In Episode 7 of Season 2, we explore this challenging text with the help of scholar Bob Stein, who's commentary on Mark was not only influential in understanding this text, but he personally helped model what Jesus was all about. What does it mean to hold space for someone? How do we build a world where love and forgiveness and grace are more prevalent than vengeance and threats and systems of oppression? 2022-03-0116 min

Deconstructing the BibleGaining Flexibility, Compassion, and Grace | The Parable of New WineskinsThe Old vs. The New. It's always been presented as a competition...but is it? What if Jesus isn't telling people to throw out the old patterns and the old practices, but instead is inviting the old to respect and recognize that God's Spirit is still up to something? What if Jesus isn't telling the people who are enraptured by the new move of God's Spirit to disregard and throw out the traditions, but to see the beauty and the hope and the important form that those have taken for the betterment of the world?2022-03-0133 min

Deconstructing the BibleThis One Is Complicated | The Parable of the Workers in the FieldThe Parable of the Workers in the Field from Matthew 20:1-16 is the focus of Episode 5 of Season 2 of Deconstructing the Bible. It could be a parable about God's grace...this always present gift of hope and love and belonging. No matter when we turn to it, no matter when we return to the good, it's there. It could be a parable about scarcity and abundance...how some people operate like there might not be enough in the world to go around, but really God is about abundance and plenty. It could be...2022-03-0123 min

Deconstructing the BibleJesus Isn’t Messing Around - Are you all talk and no action? | The Parable of the Two SonsIn Episode 4 of Season 2, we explore the parable of the Two Sons. Jesus is challenging the authority of the political and religious leaders. They have missed the announcement and the invitation to participate in God's Kingdom. Instead, they are actively dismissing those who have been transformed and sustaining a broken system that continually marginalizes those who need grace and love the most. Where are we all talk and no action? Where are we sustaining and propping up broken systems? Where are we unable to see what new is being birthed in the world?2022-03-0127 min

Deconstructing the BibleThe Battle Is Not Against Flesh And Blood | The Parable of the Good SamaritanIn episode 3 of season 2, Jason dives into the parable of the Good Samaritan. To set it up, we explore a passage of the Apostle Paul about how our battle is not against flesh and blood, other people, but against the principalities and the powers. What could this mean? We also dive into Ephesians 2, how Christ removes the wall of hostility and invites us to the reconciling work of the Spirit. It's a Scripture heavy week...but an encouraging week. 2022-03-0129 min

Deconstructing the BibleWhat If You Get What You Want | The Parable of the Rich Man and LazarusWelcome to Episode 2 of Season 2. In this season we are looking at the Parables of Jesus...breaking them down to see how they disrupt the status quo and point us towards the upside-down Kingdom of God. In this episode we look at the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke 16. 2022-03-0123 min

Deconstructing the BibleMustard Seeds And Leaven | The Parables of Jesus are Subverting the Status QuoWelcome back to Deconstructing the Bible. This is episode 1 of season 2! In this season we are exploring the parables of Jesus from the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In this episode we set the stage by talking about what IS a parable and HOW that impacts what we can learn from it. We then dive into two short parables from Matthew 13: 31-33...the parables of the Mustard Seed and the Leaven in Bread. 2022-03-0130 min

Searching the SacredLet’s All Be Weirdos | Genesis 14Season 2 | Let’s All Be Weirdos | Genesis 14 Pop Quiz... Where is the first use of the title priest, the first use of the word shalom, and the first place where bread and wine are offered together? If you guessed Genesis 14 and the story of Melchizedek...then you've been studying with 40 Orchards! In Hebrews 5, the Christ is named as being in the line of Melchizedek. But who is this seemingly important, but rarely mentioned character? The story of Melchizedek can help us explore the story of Abram. The story of Melchizedek can hel...2022-02-2359 min

Searching the SacredWelcome to Midian | Exodus 2Season 2 | Welcome to Midian | Exodus 2 How does Moses become MOSES? In Exodus chapter 2, we see Moses - son of Israelite slaves, raised in Pharaoh's palace - walk out the gate and see the burden of slavery on his people. And he reacts. This moment starts a chain reaction that launches Moses into the wilderness, to the land of Midian. And it's in Midian that God will prepare him to lead the people. What does it mean to see? How do we wake up to the world around us that is unjust? What does i...2022-02-151h 05

Searching the SacredWhen The Donkey Starts To Talk | Numbers 22Season 2 | When The Donkey Starts To Talk | Numbers 22 Some stories are just so odd that it's just easier to ignore them and move on...why try to make sense of something or try to understand a spiritual truth about something that can't possibly be real?! In Numbers 22, the people of Israel are on the verge of entering the Promised Land after 40 years in the wilderness. A neighboring king gets nervous as they approach so he hires a guy named Balaam, who is able to see visions and give prophecies, to go scare Israel away. God t...2022-02-0847 min

Deconstructing the Bible70 x 7 | What if forgiveness is about power?It's so easy to be resentful and bitter, to want payback. People give us reasons to be this way almost every day. And it's enticing to enjoy the power and the position that being unforgiving holds. But Jesus expects something different. What does it look like for forgiveness to be a way of life...to be a flow? What if forgiveness not only releases someone from the debt they owe us, but releases us as well? 2022-02-0128 min

Deconstructing the BibleThe Scapegoat | How Jesus upends the scapegoat mechanism, moving us towards a ’we’In Leviticus 16, the people of Israel are taught to use a scapegoat as a symbolic act of relinquishing their sins and receiving forgiveness. As beautiful as this mechanism was, it was only a step towards true spiritual maturity of loving one's enemies and being transformed by the power of God's Spirit. Jesus becomes the scapegoat to end all scapegoats. But too often humanity has created in-groups and out-groups, us vs. them, which require scapegoats...because we want to be perceived as innocent and unburdened by our sins and inadequacies. How can we move past the...2022-02-0123 min

Deconstructing the BiblePolarization and Proximity | What would it look like if we moved towards one another with empathy?It's obvious that the political climate is polarized. It's cliche to even mention it or use that word. But how do we move towards wholeness? The story of Israel can help us recognize how we have more in common with one another than we think. And when we can see ourselves in one another we develop empathy. And empathy is the road to wholeness. BUT - the only way towards empathy is to get proximate to one another. We must learn to get close, embrace relationship. Is that what Jesus did on the cro...2022-02-0124 min

Deconstructing the BibleIt’s All Sacred | What if Genesis 3 is the final act of creation?It goes without saying that the past 18 months have been hard. Whether you are a parent, someone who lost a job or a loved one, or someone who experienced an immense amount of loneliness in 2020, this has been a tough season. A racial reckoning and call for reconciliation and justice has been at the forefront of our lives. And politics has seemingly never been more polarized and tense. How does a season of such hardship impact how we read the Bible...especially when many of us have been taught that perfection, holiness, purity (a Genesis 1 and 2) world a...2022-02-0121 min

Deconstructing the BibleKnowledge vs. ParticipationWhat does it mean to believe? What would it look like if we saw belief and salvation a little differently? In this episode we talk about how the acquisition of knowledge is important, but can sometimes be a crutch for a transformed spirituality. BUT, when done well, knowledge can propel our faith forward because we combine our best thinking with our active participation. 2022-02-0127 min

Deconstructing the BibleHalakah, Hata, T’Shuva (Law, Sin, Repent) | Seeing important words as trajectoriesHalakah, Hata, T'Shuva (Law, Sin, Repent) are Hebrew words found throughout the Bible that shape how we believe and the way in which we believe. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into how these terms could be translated and how that translation can impact how we navigate relationship with God, others, ourselves, and all of creation. As a bonus, we also talk about two Greek words for sin and repent as well! In this episode, we reference the work of Bryan Stevenson. The work of Brene Brown is not specifically mentioned, but her...2022-02-0116 min

Deconstructing the BibleIdentity Development | Understanding how the combination of crisis and commitment impacts who we are becomingIn Episode 9, Jason walks us through James Marcia's Identity Development Model to better understand who we are and how our faith is shaped in different seasons of our life. This model is predicated on levels of commitment and levels of crisis or curiosity. 2022-02-0122 min

Deconstructing the BibleFaith Development Theory | How we develop impacts how we read the BibleIn this episode, Jason explores James Fowler's faith development theory from the book Stages of Faith (book link below). At each stage of our development we engage the Bible differently. As faith becomes our own (stage 4), we sometimes need to read the Bible with different lenses as we explore what we believe and how it shapes who we are becoming. Stages of Faith (by James Fowler) 2022-02-0117 min

Deconstructing the BibleStephanie Spencer Invites Us To Wrestle (part 3)Assoc. Minister Jason sits down with Stephanie Spencer, founder and director of 40 Orchards, a non-profit that invites people to explore the Scriptures in community through the practice of midrash. She is a kind friend and an incredibly smart and gifted Bible teacher. This episode is part 3 (the final part) of the conversation. In part 3, Stephanie and Jason talk about the journey of faith that Abraham encountered in contrast to the way that Solomon handled the power and authority he was given as king. Are we the type of people who are discovering ourselves and our...2022-02-0122 min

Deconstructing the BibleStephanie Spencer Invites Us To Wrestle (part 2)Assoc. Minister Jason sits down with Stephanie Spencer, founder and director of 40 Orchards, a non-profit that invites people to explore the Scriptures in community through the practice of midrash. She is a kind friend and an incredibly smart and gifted Bible teacher. This episode is part 2 of the conversation. In part 2, Stephanie and Jason dive into the story of Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel. How can this story transform how we understand our relationship with God? They also talk about Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Mark 12, and what it means to love God with the entirety...2022-02-0129 min

Deconstructing the BibleStephanie Spencer Invites Us To Wrestle (part 1)"AHHH! This is the episode that I've been waiting for!!" Assoc. Minister Jason sits down with Stephanie Spencer, founder and director of 40 Orchards, a non-profit that invites people to explore the Scriptures in community through the practice of midrash. She is a kind friend and an incredibly smart and gifted Bible teacher. This episode is only part 1 of the conversation, and they barely scratch the surface. In part 1, Stephanie and Jason get a little background on Stephanie and how she was invited to explore the Bible in the tradition of the Jewish Rabbi's. They t...2022-02-0120 min

Deconstructing the BibleThe Hebrew Scriptures | How we look at historyIn Episode 4 of Deconstructing the Bible, we look at the Old Testament (or the Hebrew Scriptures) and how it has traditionally been constructed and taught. When observed as simply Israelite history (as most Christian traditions have done), we vastly limit what the text can teach us. But, when observed as part of the Prophetic section (as most Jewish traditions have done...and as Jesus would likely have done), the narrative of God's people can become transformative for us and how we learn what it means to be human. 2022-02-0115 min

Deconstructing the BibleThe Beginning and the EndIn Episode 3 we ask two questions.... What is the beginning? What is the end? Knowing where the story began and where the story is headed can help us navigate the middle...where we all find ourselves. It can also help us hold onto hope when Justice and Love seem so far from our reality. 2022-02-0117 min

Deconstructing the BibleMidrash | How we read, interpret, and find meaning in the BibleIn Episode 2, Associate Minister Jason Steffenhagen explores different ways of reading, interpreting, and finding meaning in the Bible. Often, we've been told to read what the Bible says, to understand a singular meaning, and to apply the teaching in a singular way. But what if there are other ways to read the Bible? What if we learned from Jewish Rabbi's, who have been engaging the Scriptures for 1,000's of years? References for this episode: * Midrash: Reading the Bible with Question Marks (Sandy Eisenberg Sasso) * Daily Meditations - January 7, 2019: Jesus and the Bible (Richard Rohr)2022-02-0117 min

Searching the SacredSometimes Talking About The Prophets Makes You Say Things | Jeremiah 1Season 2 | Sometimes Talking About The Prophets Makes You Say Things | Jeremiah 1 Jeremiah is called to be a prophet. But he's called to be a prophet of doom and gloom in the midst of one of the greatest reclamation moments of Israel's fraught history. The timing seems off. But what if the timing isn't off, what if Jeremiah is preparing the people for the unthinkable - exile. And in preparing them for exile, he's showing them that God is present, that God is still with them. This conversation struck a few chords with how some may b...2022-02-0156 min

Deconstructing the Bible’Deconstructing’ the ’Bible’Welcome to Deconstructing the Bible! In this opening episode, Associate Minister Jason Steffenhagen explores what is meant by 'deconstruction' and 'Bible'. This foundation will help us understand the direction for this podcast. 2022-02-0114 min

Searching the SacredSo Let’s Talk About Cain | Genesis 4Season 2 | So Let’s Talk About Cain | Genesis 4 Cain and Abel is one of those stories most of us have heard from childhood. And it's easy to see it as a classic tale of Good vs. Evil. But what if the story is meant so that we identify with Cain? What if the story of Cain is actually our story, my story, or the human story? In this episode we dive deep into Genesis 4. Enjoy! ____ This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith… 40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, i...2022-01-251h 12

Searching the SacredPoetry Isn’t Easy | Dealing with Psalm 1Season 2 | Poetry Isn’t Easy | Dealing with Psalm 1 Welcome back to Searching the Sacred. We are excited to launch into our second season by exploring Psalm 1! I'll be honest. As we get Season 2 off to a start, this first episode took a minute to find it's footing. But all the groundwork that was laid in the beginning made for a wonderful reflection and meditation on what seemed to be a simplistic poem. And this is the nature of poetry, sometimes it's a slow burn and takes a few attempts. "Delight in the...2022-01-181h 03

Searching the SacredBeginnings! (a special New Year’s bonus episode) | Genesis 1Bonus | Beginnings! | Genesis 1 Happy 2022!! Let's dive deep into Genesis chapter 1 to discover what God could be teaching us about how things begin and how we are invited to co-create with God. As we start the new year, let's reflect on what God may be inviting us into...maybe a space to reflect and hold where we have been, maybe a space to start birthing something new, or maybe a space to get to work doing the thing that God has been calling us towards for some time. A couple books that wer...2022-01-011h 07

Searching the SacredSing Mary Sing! | More Luke 1Season 1 | Sing Mary Sing! | More Luke 1 Continuing our Advent theme from the previous episode, we dive into the poetic words of Mary from Luke 1. Oftentimes called the Magnificat, we explore the profound and prophetic nature of Mary's words and how they resonate with us today. We also look at Hannah's story and the prayer she utters as her long-awaited son, Samuel is chosen to be raised in the temple. How do their words impact our world? Who can really sing these words? What does it mean for us to be close e...2021-12-231h 02

Searching the SacredAn Odd Place To Start | Luke 1Season 1 | An Odd Place To Start | Luke 1 Luke starts his gospel, not with the story of Mary and Joseph, but with the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. We wrestle with what it means for Zachariah and Elizabeth to be named 'righteous' and the miraculous encounter that Zachariah has while in the temple. How can their story help prepare us for Advent and the coming Christ? This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith… 40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using t...2021-12-1758 min

Searching the SacredIce Cream Bowls of Hope | Genesis 1Season 1 | Ice Cream Bowls of Hope | Genesis 1 In this episode we talk about the third day of creation from Genesis 1...the waters are held back and dirt appears. What does it mean for God to see that this as good? Before plants spring forth, before humans are formed from the dust...how is this too good? And who likes the anticipation of ice cream?! It seems like Lisa and Jason do!!!!! This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith… 40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites people...2021-12-0953 min

Searching the SacredAltars of Dirt and Nakedness | Exodus 20Season 1 | Altars of Dirt and Nakedness | Exodus 20 Exodus 20 is known for being the chapter about the 10 Commandments. But what about a few key verses that come after this important list? There's talk about an altar of dirt, not exposing your nakedness when you ascend the steps...what is all this about? In this episode, Steph, Lisa, and Jason jump from Exodus 20 to passages in Exodus 19, Genesis 2, and Genesis 9...just to name a few. This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith… 40 Orchards, with Steph and Lisa, invites peopl...2021-11-291h 02

Searching the SacredSeeking Shalom | Jeremiah 29Season 1 | Seeking Shalom | Jeremiah 29 In Episode 2 of this inaugural season, we explore Jeremiah 29. The people of Israel are in exile in the land of Babylon, and through the prophet, God instructs the people to seek the peace of the city. Questions abound... what would it feel like to be in exile, what does it mean to plant new gardens in a foreign land, what is Shalom, and what does it mean to Seek the peace ...we wrestle with these and many more. This podcast is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing F...2021-11-201h 04

Searching the SacredSearching the Sacred | Exodus 33Season 1 | Searching the Sacred | Exodus 33 Welcome to Episode 1 of Searching the Sacred. This podcast is for the curious, the doubters, and the hope-seekers. In this inaugural episode, Steph, Lisa, and Jason explore Exodus 33 as a reference point for why searching is normal and why the sacred can be found. Searching the Sacred is a partnership between 40 Orchards and Processing Faith. 40 Orchards invites people to wrestle through Biblical texts using the ancient Jewish concepts of midrash. In a 40 Orchards study, every question is safe, everyone is welcome, and eve...2021-11-1250 min