Shows
A World In TensionS3 Pause: The Gift & Challenge of ReflectionCo-hosts Neil Placer and Rob McGarvey briefly reflect on their unscripted and unpredictable Season 3 journey.They explain why they are taking a pause, why they believe Season 3 has been a gift, and encourage and challenge the listener to join them for their own season of reflection.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/aworldintension?igsh=dW5rcWFkbnVwOXU0&utm_source=qraworldintension@gmail.com2024-10-0112 minA World In TensionS3E15: Francis Chan's 'We are Church' Model - TN styleSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, the road trip transitions from virtual to reality! A World in Tension host, Neil Placer and his family, go visit a home church in Gallatin, TN. They go to explore the 'We are Church' model, pioneered by the innovative Francis Chan in 2014. The model is based on the original chu...2024-09-1144 minA World In TensionS3E14: Kingdom or Rage w/ Elizabeth NeumannSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
The lines between religion, politics, and nationalism have become increasingly blurred in the American public square. A sea of misinformation engulfs us, filled with messages of fear, division, and conspiracy theories. We are fed information within individually curated echo chambers which foster isolation, division, and mistrust. These distorted views can quickly...2024-08-2850 minA World In TensionS3E13: Learning to Disagree w/ John InazuSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
Do you have trouble seeing other people's perspective? Are you able to talk in a civil and respectful manner with someone you vehemently disagree with? Do you have the capability to listen to dissenting opinions, consider them thoughtfully, and potentially even be shaped by them?
In a world that...2024-08-1440 minA World In TensionS3E12: The Wisdom Pyramid w/ Brett McCrackenSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this leg of the journey we explore how to navigate a life of wisdom in the midst of an instant gratification, digital age that is constantly seeking to capture our undivided attention. We are joined by Brett McCracken, author of 'The Wisdom Pyramid', to hear insights on his innovative, yet...2024-07-3153 minA World In TensionS3E11: Finding Hope in our Scars w/ Aimee ByrdSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we explore a first-hand account of church hurt. Aimee Byrd, author of "The Hope in our Scars", vulnerably recounts her personal experiences of being wrongfully mistreated by church leadership and the governing bodies of her denomination.
Aimee unknowingly stumbled into a tripwire of adversity as she sought to explore...2024-07-1745 minA World In TensionS3E10: Pivoting on Church Culture w/ Scot McKnight & Laura BarringerSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we explore how to pursue a "Tov" church culture. "Tov" is a Hebrew word used throughout the Bible that means good. We are joined by father/daughter duo Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer to discuss their book 'Pivot', which follows the successful release of their first book , 'A Church Called Tov'. ...2024-07-0340 minA World In TensionS3E9: Identity & Listening Prayer w/ Chris HantlaSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we explore how to more effectively live out our true identity in Christ. We explore how we can apply the techniques of listening prayer, both individually and corporately, and how this form of prayer draws us closer to hear God's sanctifying voice.
We have a great conversation with Chris...2024-06-1937 minA World In TensionS3E8: A Praying Church w/ Paul E. MillerSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of corporate prayer. We explore how prayer is minimized in church gatherings and what our prayer practices indicate about the genuineness our faith.
We have an enjoyable and enlightening conversation with best-selling author Paul E. Miller about his latest book 'The...2024-06-0543 minA World In TensionS3E7: Brain Science w/ Michel HendricksSeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we explore how brain science enhances our understanding to build more meaningful Christian community, foster a healthy environment for spiritual maturity, and avoid the delusions of narcissism.
We have an engaging conversation with author Michel Hendricks about his book 'The Other Half of Church'. We explore how the brain...2024-05-2259 minA World In TensionS3E6: 2 Pastors, 2 Denominations, 2 Parts of the Same CitySeason 3 Theme - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, told as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Season 3 Focus - To answer one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we exercise our mental dissonance muscles as we engage in conversation with 2 pastors, from 2 denominations, ministering to 2 parts of the same city. We welcome Anglican Reverend Matt Busby from the 'Mission Chattanooga' and Presbyterian (PCA) Pastor Benjie Slaton from 'Grace+Peace' Church.
Come join us for a thought provoking...2024-05-0844 minA World In TensionS3E5: The Great Dechurching w/ Michael GrahamSeason 3 - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Throughout Season 3, we are focused on answering one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, we seek to explore the state of the church in America. Why is church attendance decreasing? Who is leaving and why? Will they ever return and what will it take?
To address these questions with thoughtfulness, candor, and a ton of analytical research, we consult author Michael Graham about...2024-04-2448 minA World In TensionS3E4: Amongst FriendsSeason 3 - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Throughout Season 3, we are focused on answering one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
When we hear a new or interesting perspective in the public square (i.e., Episode 2 - street interviews) what is our thought process? What do we do with these newly introduced ideas? Maybe we choose to consider and reflect on what we heard at a deeper level (i.e., Episode 3). If the ideas stick...2024-04-1038 minA World In TensionS3E3: The Art of Listening (Street Interview Reflections)Season 3 - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Throughout Season 3, we are focused on answering one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
In this episode, our virtual road trip discussion continues as we drive away from the city streets of Chattanooga. We take some time to reflect on our incredible street interview experience (Episode 2).
We leave the interviews both exhilarated and moved. We can't help but feel struck by the amazing things that can...2024-03-2736 minA World In TensionS3E2: The Magic of Street InterviewsSeason 3 - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Throughout Season 3, we are focused on answering one primary question, "How do we effectively live as a collective church body in today's world in tension?"
We start our journey by first listening to public opinion. In today’s digital culture, we are increasingly shaped by the multiple voices and polarizing perspectives we consume on a daily basis. The public voices we listen to seed the thoughts and questions we formulate in our minds. Instead of scouring over multiple social me...2024-03-1333 minA World In TensionS3E1: Introduction to Season 3Season 3 - One Virtual Road Trip, to Answer One Big Question, as One Continuous Narrative Arc
Throughout Season 3, we are focused on answering one primary question. The listener is invited to join us on our virtual road trip as it gradually unfolds as one continuous and connected story. Come join us as we unpack our thought process in seeking answers to the big questions of life.
Season 3 will involve street interviews, reflections with friends and pastors, and discussing the views and opinions of various authors and topical experts. We have some amazing guests lined up...2024-02-2827 minA World In TensionSeason 3 TeaserThis is a quick teaser episode about the Season 3 release of ‘A World in Tension’. This season we are focused on answering one big question and doing so in a very unique way. Come check out the details.2024-02-2105 minA World In TensionS2 Bonus - The Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim Challenge w/ Jason BlairCome join us for an exciting bonus episode about our recent trip to Arizona to tackle the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim (R3) Challenge. Joining us on this episode is our special guest and good friend Jason Blair.
The challenge was to go from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to the North Rim and then all the way back in less than 24 hours. In this episode we recount the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual struggles we encountered during this epic quest. We break down the trip into pre-, mid-, and post-hike tensions and then provide some final...2023-10-2843 minA World In TensionSeason 2 RecapCome join us for a fantastic recap of Season 2 of ‘A World in Tension’. This season we explored Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions.
Whether you have heard every minute or none at all, you won't want to miss this episode.
We provide our insights and reflections about all 9 episodes and talk about what lies ahead for Season 3. We also share the details about one final bonus episode to officially close out a great season.2023-09-0839 minA World In TensionS2E9: The Tension of Jesus' Humanity w/ Robert RowWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions.
Over the course of history, many have studied the unique life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. He is like no other, fully God and fully man, a true enigma. In our quest to understand Jesus more deeply, the details of His humanity are often neglected and overlooked.
On today's episode we speak with Robert Row, Student Ministries Coordinator for seeJesus Ministry. Robert shares his perspective after spending several years of focused study on the most...2023-08-0839 minA World In TensionS2E8: The Tension of Aging w/ Dr. Robert BeldingWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions.
No matter how hard we try to avoid it, or how we may try to circumvent it, none of us can escape the simple fact that we are all getting older. In this episode, we speak with Dr. Robert Belding to examine the tension of aging.
Although many of us want to steer clear of this uncomfortable topic, at some point we all must come to grips with our own mortality. Come join us as we consider...2023-07-2536 minA World In TensionS2E7: A Missionary's Story of Surrender w/ Josh RoseWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions.
How do we let go of our finances, our family, and our familiarity to live a life of true surrender? In this episode, we speak with missionary Josh Rose to hear his story of wrestling with life's core tension, the tension between personal control and surrender to God.
Consistently surrendering to God is not an easy task. We must regularly examine our motives and let go of areas of life that we are seeking to control. Josh...2023-07-1136 minA World In TensionS2E6: The Tension of Time w/ Kevin RoigWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions.
In this episode, we investigate the tension of time with our special guest Kevin Roig.
Our lives are passing by minute by minute, exposing us to the reality that time really is our most precious commodity. Unfortunately, this sobering truth can leave many of us feeling a tremendous amount of restlessness and despair. At some point in our journey, we all wonder if we are living life to its maximum potential...2023-06-2735 minA World In TensionS2E5: Loving Neighbor vs. Loving Self w/ Rainer BantauWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions
In this episode, we investigate the tension of loving neighbor vs. loving self with our special guest Rainer Bantau. Rainer shares how he wrestles with this tension on a daily basis as the Senior Operations Manager for a ministry called OurCalling (https://www.ourcalling.org/). Our Calling (OC) is addressing the challenges of providing a community of integrity for the chronically homeless living on the streets of Dallas and ensuring they do so with excellence. We...2023-06-1335 minA World In TensionS2E4: Fear of God vs. Fear of Man w/ Drew WhiteWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions
In this episode, we investigate the tension of the fear of God vs. the fear of man with our special guest Drew White. Drew recounts his constant pursuit to keep up public appearances and how he wasn't able to satisfy the never ending expectations of others. We probe down into the layers of tension to uncover how God used some very difficult experiences to draw Drew closer to Christ and how he found true freedom in Him alone. We...2023-06-0436 minA World In TensionS2E3: Worldy vs. Godly Success w/ Dan LaRockWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions
In this episode, we investigate the tension of worldly vs. Godly success with our special guest Dan LaRock. Dan shares his personals stories of how he pursued and acquired a life of wealth and success, only to find it to be hollow and empty. We explore Dan's journey of discovery from worldly success to a world of faith and how his catalyst for change came from the insightful words of his deceased grandfather. We also discuss how Dan's growing...2023-05-1636 minA World In TensionS2E2: God's Plans vs. Our Plans - Our ConfessionsWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions
In this episode, we investigate the tension of God's plans vs. our own. Before we get too far down the guest list in Season 2, we thought it would be appropriate for us to share some of our own struggles and confessions. We talk honestly and openly about our difficulties in discerning if our plans are from God or our own creation and how we respond when God seems silent. Come join us as we unpack some key lessons from...2023-05-0233 minA World In TensionS2E1: Community vs. Solitude w/ Rebecca DragooWelcome to Season 2! Come join us as we explore Stories of Tension: Real People, Real Stories, Real Solutions
In this episode, we investigate the tension of community vs. solitude with our special guest Rebecca Dragoo. Rebecca recounts her personal struggles of being broken by solitude as an extraverted extravert. We probe down into her personal layers of tension to uncover what Rebecca learned about herself, others, and her relationship with God. We also discuss practical solutions to effectively move between periods of earnest reflection in solitude to meaningful engagement with others in community.2023-04-1934 minA World In TensionS1Bonus: Season 1 Recap - Feedback, Freeform, and Future DirectionThis is a no-frills bonus episode recapping our first season of ‘A World in Tension’.
Come join us as we share an uncut, inside look at the podcast. We get into listener feedback, share our key reflections about Season 1, and lay out a future plans and direction for Season 2.2023-01-0623 minA World In TensionS1E9: Applied Surrender - The 3 Essential Ingredients of SurrenderThroughout this podcast we talk a lot about tension and surrender. We often say that our fundamental tension is between our desire for control and our need to surrender. In other words, surrender to God is the ultimate remedy to the tensions of life we all experience. That sounds great in theory, but how do we apply this truth in a practical sense? How can we become more effective at practicing surrender in our every day lives? Are there specific tactics we can use or identified steps we can take? Come join us as we unpack the three essential...2022-11-1533 minA World In TensionS1E8: Parenting – My Approach Is the Truth, the Way, and The LifeParenting is filled with tension. On a daily basis we wrestle with questions related to schooling, sports, social media, and how much space to grant our children. As we seek out the “right” way to parent our children, we often find guiding principles rather than prescriptive answers. We explore key parenting struggles and unpack practical approaches to address them.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3036 minA World In TensionS1E7: King Solomon - The Wisest & Greatest Hedonist of All TimeKing Solomon’s life embodies the concept of tension. The magnitude of his wisdom, wealth, and extravagant lifestyle are hard to top. Solomon’s profound reflections of life are captured for us in the book of Ecclesiastes. We explore helpful insights that can be gleaned from a man that stretched the tension between right and wrong to its utter limits.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3033 minA World In TensionS1E6: Politics in the Church - Activism vs. AvoidanceShould political issues be so contentious, especially amongst those who share a common faith? When it comes to politics, it is easy to find ourselves polarized between activism and apathetic avoidance. We explore practical ways to pursue unity within a local church body and how a small shift in perspective can have profound impact.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3035 minA World In TensionS1E5: King David - An Adulterous Murderer After God’s Own HeartAs we learn more about the life of King David, we encounter a confounding paradox. God declares David as a man after God’s own heart, yet the Bible recounts several less than honorable stories about David. What are we to make of these glaring contradictions, especially as it pertains to such a prominent Biblical figure? We examine David’s complicated and contradictory life and challenge ourselves to walk a mile in his shoes.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3035 minA World In TensionS1E4: A Classic Christian Tension – Disarming Faith vs. WorksOne of the classic Christian tensions is the struggle between faith and works. Beyond the theological differences, finding a proper balance between faith and works in our daily lives can be challenging. As we seek to find the perfect balance, we are often left feeling anxious and restless. We seek to disarm the faith vs. works debate by digging below the surface of this timeless Christian tension.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3035 minA World In TensionS1E3: Three Layers of Tension – Clarity Through CategoriesWhenever we are seeking to think more critically about a topic, categorization can be a very helpful tool. Categories provide us with the needed structure to explore topics in a more focused and systematic way. Come join us as we uncover the three primary layers of tension.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3034 minA World In TensionS1E2: The Origin of Tension – Insights from GenesisThe book of Genesis is a foundational location for discovering the origins of many topics, and tension is no exception. By examining how tension began, we can make a clearer connection to its work in our lives today. We ask provocative questions and seek to uncover key insights as we explore the beginning of the tension story.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3029 min
A World In TensionS1E1: Introducing Tension – What it is and Why it MattersIn this inaugural episode we will introduce the topic of tension. Tension involves the confusing and frustrating struggles of life which we all experience. Tension is messy and painful and often leaves us wondering why so much of life is filled with it. We explore why we believe tension exists and what we can do to practically address it in a productive manner.
Credits
· Hosts – Neil Placer & Rob McGarvey
· Intro Voice – Michael Ake
· Intro Music – ‘Energy of Rock’ by Lesfm
· Outro Music – ‘The Tension’ by Temitope2022-09-3033 minA World In TensionA World In Tension (Trailer)2022-09-2900 minA World In TensionS1E0 Host Intros - Who are your podcast hosts?Neil and Rob provide a few additional details about who they are and why they are doing this podcast.2022-09-2809 min