We also reflect on the importance of authenticity, humility, and staying grounded while showing up online. Finally, we introduce a new social media course from Jesus Collective, designed to help leaders share their message faithfully and effectively in today’s digital world.

Together, we unpack the power of community in cultivating true belonging, the courage it takes to live vulnerably, and the quiet strength of leading with humility. David also offers insight into his book Made to Belong and the growing movement of Practicing the Way, helping listeners discover tangible ways to integrate spiritual practices into everyday life.

Whether you’re a leader, a seeker, or someone longing for deeper connection, this episode will inspire you to prioritize what matters most and commit to a life of meaningful discipleship.

Through a dynamic, multi-voice dialogue, the panel unpacks how the resurrection is not just an add-on to the story of Good Friday, but essential to understanding the victory over death, the validation of Jesus’ teachings, and the hope of new life—both now and in the future. They explore themes like the defeat of death, the restoration of creation, the embodied (not just spiritual) nature of faith, and the invitation to live a life shaped by both death and resurrection.

The conversation also challenges common tendencies in modern Christianity to reduce faith to a transaction or to over-spiritualize it, instead highlighting the resurrection as a transformative, world-renewing reality. With pastoral insight and theological depth, this episode invites listeners to rediscover the fullness of the Christian story—and to see how resurrection changes everything.

Prof. Moffitt’s research explores how the earliest Christians understood Jesus and their own identity in relation to Jewish scripture, practices, and beliefs—especially in the Epistle to the Hebrews. He investigates how the narrative of Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and ascension intersects with the high-priestly and sacrificial traditions of Yom Kippur to maintain fellowship between God and God’s people.

His books, including Atonement and the Logic of Resurrection in the Epistle to the Hebrews and Rethinking the Atonement, challenge us to see Jesus’s work as ongoing—not confined to the cross alone. From resurrection to ascension and priestly intercession, Dr. Moffitt invites us to rethink atonement and embrace a faith that is relational, dynamic, and deeply transformative.

Get ready to hear insights like: “Blood is life, not just death,” “Atonement is more than a single event,” and “Faith is relational and ongoing.” Whether you’re a student of theology or simply curious about the Gospel, this episode will deepen your understanding and invite you into a closer walk with Christ.

Let’s dive in.

The conversation dives deeply into the theological richness of the book of Hebrews, highlighting how it expands our understanding of atonement beyond simple substitutionary models and places the cross within the broader story of Christ’s resurrection and ascension. Dr. Peeler also discusses the often-overlooked role of women in the resurrection narrative and what their witness reveals about the life and leadership of the early church.

Along the way, the discussion explores the importance of art in worship, the ways maternal imagery for God can deepen our theological imagination, and how the church can embody hope in the midst of suffering. With practical insights for pastors and ministry leaders, this episode invites listeners to consider how scholarship, storytelling, and faithful vulnerability can shape preaching that truly connects with people and points them toward the hope of new life.

Together, they unpack how diverse metaphors of atonement shape our faith, ethics, and life in community, and why understanding the problem the cross addresses matters just as much as the answers we offer. With humility and hope, they invite listeners to see the cross as a revelation of God’s healing, self-giving love and a call to solidarity with those who suffer.

This episode offers a thoughtful, hopeful vision of church, community, and the gospel rooted in Jesus and open to renewal for today’s world.

Keith speaks candidly about growing up Black in America, navigating both the warmth of a tight-knit neighborhood and the realities of trauma and systemic challenges. He reflects on the importance of preserving family stories, not just as nostalgia, but as living history that anchors future generations. Through joy, hardship, laughter, and loss, Montford Street becomes more than a place. It becomes a symbol of belonging.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the role of faith in shaping identity and perspective, and how community can provide strength when the world feels uncertain. Keith beautifully illustrates how storytelling bridges generations, offering healing where there has been pain and connection where there has been division. His journey reminds us that our stories are sacred, and that telling them can be an act of courage, restoration, and hope.

https://jesuscollective.com/events/

In this episode, Adam and Cherish reflect on the stories, growth, and milestones that shaped the past year, from expanding partnerships and gatherings to finding greater clarity around Jesus Collective’s voice and calling. They explore why this moment matters so deeply for the church, unpacking the vision of a Jesus-centered, Spirit-empowered faith that can model unity in a polarized world.

Looking ahead to 2026, the conversation turns toward what it means to “turn up the volume” — expanding resources, creating more spaces for conversation, and equipping leaders and communities to navigate change with faith, courage, and hope.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, theology, and mission of Jesus Collective, and an open invitation to join the movement as we seek renewal, unity, and a more beautiful witness centered on the way of Jesus.

In this special episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, nine pastors, theologians, and practitioners from around the world gather around a shared table to explore Jesus-centered leadership in a time when the church is reckoning with burnout, abuse of power, and broken models of authority.

Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, the conversation moves through themes of humility, service, vulnerability, shared power, rest, discernment, and communal submission. From Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13, to the Lord’s Prayer, to reflections on failure, limits, and trusting God to build the church, each voice adds a vital piece to a richer picture of leadership in the way of Christ.

Featuring voices such as Adam Dyer, Co-Executive Director of Jesus Collective, Tanya Harris of God Conversations, Greg Boyd, David Fitch, and others, this episode offers honest stories, theological depth, and practical wisdom for anyone leading—or rethinking leadership—in the church today.

This is not a conversation about leadership techniques or success metrics. It’s an invitation to rediscover leadership as discipleship, shaped by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

From the influence of Jesus’ own approach to leadership, to the importance of communication, diversity, and servant-hearted collaboration, this conversation reframes process not as bureaucracy, but as the pathway to flourishing communities. Whether you're leading a church, a team, or an entire organization, Peter’s wisdom will challenge and equip you to lead with clarity, humility, and strategic purpose.

✨ Join us as we reflect, breathe, and rediscover God’s rhythm in our everyday lives.

Shane speaks candidly about standing with marginalized groups, addressing social issues through awareness and education, and leading with courage and love in the face of fear. He offers practical wisdom on nurturing resilience, creating spaces of support, and living out faith in everyday actions.

If you’re committed to leading with heart, empathy, and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to center love in your leadership and discover the strength found in true community.

Vision is the lifeblood of leadership but how do leaders sustain it amidst challenge and change? In this episode, Shawna Boren and Meghan Good sit down with pastor and author Tara Beth Leach to unpack the power of vision in ministry and beyond. Together, they explore how a clear, Jesus-centered vision can energize communities, shape direction, and renew purpose.

Tara shares candidly about navigating disagreements, staying rooted in humility, and keeping the mission alive when circumstances get tough. She offers practical wisdom on community engagement, accountability, and the rhythms that help leaders stay grounded and inspired.

If you’re passionate about leading with clarity, faith, and resilience, this conversation will refresh your perspective and remind you why vision matters more than ever.

Drawing on years of coaching thousands of creatives, Becca shares insights on self-leadership, spiritual formation, and the inner life that shapes healthy, effective leaders. Together they explore how leaders can stay grounded in identity, lead from their strengths, and remain resilient and humble in a results-driven world.

A practical and inspiring conversation on being formed by Jesus so we can lead like Jesus.

In this kickoff episode, Paul Walker sets the stage for our new Jesus Collective podcast series on leadership. Drawing from Dr. Paul Magnus’ model of holistic leadership, Paul unpacks a framework built around four key quadrants: the Person of the Leader, the People they lead, the Processes they ensure, and the Purpose they advance.

For many, the word “leadership” carries baggage—but Paul shares why he’s convinced that Jesus still calls us into leadership, reshaping it with his vision, his purpose, and his way. This episode offers both a challenge and an invitation: to reimagine leadership not as power over, but as life with, in the way of Jesus.

In this episode, Shawna and Paul talk with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw—pastors, authors, and co-founders of the Center for Embodied Faith—about their new book Landscapes of the Soul. Blending theology, neuroscience, and real-life stories, they reveal how attachment theory can transform our discipleship and spiritual formation.

Together they explore:

•The “landscapes” of the jungle of anxiety, desert of avoidance, war zone of chaos, and the pasture of joy and peace

•Why joy is the key to secure connection with God and others

•Practices that help us heal attachment wounds and grow resilient faith

Whether you find yourself in a jungle of anxiety, a desert of disconnection, or the pasture of peace, this conversation shows how Jesus meets us right where we are—and invites us into deeper courage, connection, and joy.

Burnout is hitting church leaders hard—nearly half of pastors have thought about walking away. This episode for that board member, elder, or congregant who is curious about navigating burnout with a pastor in their church, In this episode, Paul and leadership coach Jon Hand tackle the reality of burnout head-on, exploring the systemic causes, from overwork and unclear roles to unhealthy church dynamics. 

Jon shares hard-earned wisdom from coaching leaders, offering practical next steps: how to respond compassionately, why professional assessments matter, and what congregations can do when their pastor needs time away. Rather than despair, they point to the surprising redemptive power of burnout—the growth, wisdom, and deeper leadership it can unlock.

If you care about healthy churches and sustainable leadership, this conversation will leave you both challenged and hopeful.

[BURNOUT MAP]

This interactive discussion moves beyond personal stories into collective insight. The panel tackles audience questions, explores practical pathways for resilience, and wrestles with how churches can shift from burnout-prone cultures to communities of restoration and sustainable leadership.

Part 2 is both real and refreshing—a dialogue full of candor, grace, and hope for leaders who feel weary, and for communities ready to walk with them toward renewal.

In this special two-part summer series, we pitch our tent at the intersection of leadership, faith, and exhaustion. Paul Walker sits down with Jon Hand, cofounder of Lead from Transformation, to explore the deep realities of pastoral burnout—what causes it, how to recognize it, and why naming it can be the first step toward healing.

Jon shares his own powerful story of a life changing experience with burnout and the surprising grace that met him in his most vulnerable moments. Together, Paul and Jon unpack the psychological, spiritual, and systemic dimensions of burnout—along with practical tools like the Spire Assessment Model and the Burnout Map.

This honest, hopeful conversation is for any leader running on empty, and a vital listen for churches ready to build cultures that resist burnout instead of ignoring it.

Part 2 continues live on August 13 at 1 PM CST with a panel of ministry leaders.

- Access burnout tools and resources: lft-leadership.com

- Connect with Jon Hand via Facebook, LinkedIn, or the LFT website.

Together, they reflect on the personal and communal dynamics of pastoral burnout, what it means to lead with vulnerability, and how sabbatical rhythms can become catalysts for transformation, not just for the leader but for the entire church.

If you\'re discerning how to lead your community toward deeper spiritual health while also tending to your own soul, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Thanks for listening!

Framed by the question “Why can’t we be friends?”, the conversation draws from Holy Week themes to examine false peace, true reconciliation, and Jesus’ call to love beyond ideological lines. From the rise of fear-based politics to the fear-driven narratives shaping our world, the trio wrestles with how followers of Jesus can stay rooted in empathy, hope, and God’s original intent.

They share practical spiritual practices, the importance of seeing people, not just systems, and the power of friendship in a divided world. We pray you will be encouraged by this hopeful, challenging conversation for anyone longing to be a person of peace in a time of conflict.

Join host Paul Walker and guests Tania Harris (founder of the "God Conversations" ministry) and Meghan Good for a thought-provoking exploration of Christian authority in today's world. This episode dives into the complex interplay between Scripture, tradition, church community, and the Holy Spirit's ongoing guidance.

Our guests unpack the historical context of Sola Scriptura, examining how this Reformation principle sought to correct church abuses but may have inadvertently diminished our understanding of how the Spirit continues to speak today. Together, they tackle challenging questions: How do we avoid making Scripture the "fourth member of the Trinity" while still honouring its divine inspiration? What does it mean that biblical authority is mediated through Jesus Christ?

Whether wrestling with spiritual discernment, interpreting difficult passages, or seeking to balance tradition with fresh revelation, this episode provides thoughtful perspectives on maintaining Jesus as our foundation while embracing the Spirit's ongoing work in our communities. Don't miss this essential conversation about finding a faithful balance between the ancient text and the living Spirit in an age hungry for authentic spiritual authority.

Join us as we explore:

Drawing from his personal journey, Adam addresses the challenging question: Have we inadvertently reduced our mission to mere strategy and marketing, missing the vital partnership of the Holy Spirit? Whether you're a ministry leader feeling burned out from relying on human effort alone, or someone seeking to discover more input, this episode offers practical insights for cultivating genuine partnership with the Holy Spirit in mission.

From seeing mighty moves of the Spirit to everyday guidance, learn how to move beyond exhausting self-reliance into Spirit-led ministry that produces lasting kingdom impact. Don't miss this honest, inspiring conversation about rediscovering the Holy Spirit's essential role in fulfilling the church's mission in our post-Christian world.

Get ready for a conversation that promises to challenge theological assumptions, and re-center our understanding of God's dynamic, interconnected nature. Whether you're a pastor, theologian, or curious Christ-follower, this episode will transform how you see the Trinity.

For more information on ROOTED, a 9 week cohort based learning community specifically designed for leaders like you, visit www.lftleadership.com/rooted.  

Paul explains why this ancient Christian practice isn't just a holiday tradition but a powerful antidote to our fast-paced, consumer-driven world. He'll challenge how we typically experience the season and invite listeners into a deeper, more meaningful way of waiting and anticipation.

Tune in and discover why Advent might be exactly what you need right now in our weary age.

Thanks for listening!

www.jesuscollective.com

Our panel moves beyond reactive commentary to explore deeper questions: How do we maintain our prophetic witness as the Body of Christ when political identities threaten to overshadow our Kingdom calling? What does it mean to be the church in an increasingly polarized world? And how do we sustain hope and avoid weariness while leading through extended seasons of tension?

Drawing from their diverse ministry contexts across the United States, our guests offer practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders wrestling with these challenges. They share vulnerable stories of struggles and breakthrough moments while unpacking how their communities are learning to prioritize Kingdom values over partisan divisions.

Whether you're a church leader seeking guidance, a Christian struggling to navigate political tensions in your own community, or simply someone yearning for a more hope-filled way forward, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can remain rooted in Jesus while engaging thoughtfully with the political realities of our time.

In this timely discussion, we dive into how Christians can navigate political engagement while maintaining their primary allegiance to Jesus, especially during this unprecedented global election year. Anna offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to foster unity amid political division and shares insights on building communities of peace that stand as alternatives to our culture's polarized discourse.

From witnessing prisoners being set free to seeing communities forge paths to peace, Anna's experiences illuminate how faith-informed advocacy can help make the impossible possible. Whether you're a pastor, peace worker, or someone wrestling with faith's role in politics, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on embodying Jesus' way in our political engagement.

Referenced links from the podcast

Advocacy toolkit and resources: www.mcc.org/get-involved/advocacy/canada

Talk climate, practice peace: www.mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change/talk-climate-practice-peace

Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict: www.mcc.org/resources/peaceful-practices-guide-healthy-communication-conflict

Anna's website: www.annavogt.ca

Sign up for the Peace & Justice newsletter: www.mcc.org/impact/newsletters/peace-justice

In this episode, Justin shares his remarkable journey from an early podcast pioneer to a respected cultural commentator. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from his recent book "The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God" (2023), he explores the unexpected resurgence of religious interest among public intellectuals and what this means for the future of faith.

In this episode, we delve deep into:

The art of hosting difficult conversations across ideological divides

How twenty years of dialogue with skeptics has shaped his faith

The current "meaning crisis" and Christianity's unique response

The decline of New Atheism and the changing landscape of belief

Practical wisdom for church leaders engaging with a post-Christian culture

Justin brings a unique perspective on bridging the gap between intellectual discourse and everyday faith. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers valuable insights on navigating faith in an increasingly complex world.

Visit www.justinbrierley.com to learn more!

Thanks for listening!

Together, we discuss how parents and church leaders can walk alongside young people as they navigate questions of who they are and how they fit into God’s family. Christie emphasizes the importance of telling a more Jesus-centered, gospel-rooted story that invites kids into the conversation rather than leaving them out.

This episode offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking to love, guide, and understand the next generation as they learn who they are and who they are in Christ. Tune in for a thoughtful, heartfelt discussion on how we can better engage in these crucial conversations and help kids feel safe, seen, and valued within the family of God.



Thanks for listening!

www.jesuscollective.com

Drawing from his book and personal experiences, Dr. O'Shea discusses the challenges many face with traditional evangelical approaches to the Bible and faith. He explores what it means to "reimagine" our understanding of Scripture and how viewing God through the lens of Jesus can transform our approach to faith.

This episode delves into practical advice for Christians feeling lost in the "rubble of evangelicalism," offering insights on rebuilding a more authentic and Jesus-centered faith. Dr. O'Shea also addresses how church leaders can guide congregations through reimagining and rebuilding.

Thanks for listening!

Thank you for listening!

Visit the website for St. Stephen’s University at www.ssu.ca

Also, there's still time to register for Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Thank you for listening!

Don't forget to check out Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Don't forget to check out Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Check out Jenni Waldron's website, where you can also find her book! www.byjenwaldron.com

And don't forget to check out Unite! Details are here: www.jesuscollective.com/unite

www.jesuscollective.com/unite

Check out Dave's forthcoming book Reckoning with Power

The Jesus XP Website: www.thejesusxp.com

Jenni Waldron Instagram: www.instagram.com/jenniwaldron Email: jenni.waldron@newlife.tv

Preston Ulmer Email: preston@thedoubtersclub.com

Marlena Graves is a writer, activist, church leader, and Assistant Professor of Spiritual Formation at Northeastern Theological Seminary in Rochester, NY.

Meet Marlena: http://marlenagraves.com

http://marlenagraves.com/books/

Live podcasts are where we invite those tracking with Jesus Collective and the Jesus-centered conversation to deepen understanding and practice on aspects of theology, culture, and mission in our post-Christian landscape. Live podcasts feature engaging conversations with thought leaders and practitioners from a variety of contexts and across traditions. Participation includes live Q&A and breakout rooms to share insights with others across the Jesus-centered movement.

Here are some resources from us:

Two video reflections from Palestinian pastors: Reflection #1, Reflection #2.

MCC’s podcast: “Everyone is entitled to dignity and safety”.

MCC's "Call for an end to violence in Palestine and Isareal" for Canadians, and US citizens.

A prayer for Palestine and Israel

MCC's advocacy toolkit

Anna Vogt's blog

The Jesus Collective Core Leadership Team shares about our vision and future initiatives. Tip - there's opportunities you're going to want to be part of (included below)!

Listen to their chat about that and what's coming for the new year: fundraising for the mission, progress on leadership development, ways to engage, and a year end fiscal update.

Resources:

5 Shifts of a (possible) New Reformation

Upcoming Events:

Centred Set Church as Discipleship in a Judgemental World

Learning Labs - Coming February 2023

Jesus Collective exists to provide relationships and resources to amplify a Jesus-centred movement, and we seek to embody a more hopeful vision of following Jesus in our cultural moment. We hope you find this conversation meaningful and that it equips you in your journey!

Want more content from Tania? Check out her book “God Conversations” and her blog of the same name at https://www.godconversations.com/

Jesus Collective exists to provide relationships and resources to amplify a Jesus-centred movement, and we seek to embody a more hopeful vision of following Jesus in our cultural moment. We hope you find this conversation meaningful and that it equips you in your journey!.

Check out more resources from Dr. Baker and his series Centered-Set Church.

This talk shares how Secularism acts like a religion and how we can practically engage the longings and desires of our culture with the relevancy of a Jesus-centred approach.

Want more content from David? Check out his book “Seculosity.”

Today we’re joined by Meghan Larrisa Good who gives leadership to our Jesus Collective Theology Circle. Together, we discuss this concept of a new reformation and the movement that Jesus Collective exists to serve. Meghan lays out Five Markers for a Jesus-Centred Transformation that are true of Jesus Collective’s theology that we’ll explore more in-depth in the coming weeks.

The panel conversation speaks to the sobering failures of some church leaders and broken power structures in some prominent North American churches. Toward the end, Cheryl ushers in a spontaneous outpouring of the Holy Spirit expressed in prayers and repentance of sin among those gathered at UNITE ’22.

Is the Jesus you preach and teach the same Jesus who came to love and die for his enemies? Betty will challenge you to have a fuller picture of Jesus and practically equip you to live the implications in the here and now.

This talk will inspire you to make everything about Jesus. Colin challenges us to ensure that the living and knowable Jesus isn’t being displaced by a politically co-opted or religiously codified Jesus at the centre of the Gospel.

Together we explore the aspects of Jesus' missional life, death, and resurrection that get lost in the business of church, why the church in the west has become so domesticated by secular culture, new models and changes that are necessary for the church to engage secular people over the next 10 years, plus models and examples of Jesus-centred churches that are living out the radical mission of Jesus in their contexts today.

Michael Frost is a veteran missional practitioner, theologian, author, and equipper. He’s the founding Director of the Tinsley Institute, a mission study centre located at Morling College in Sydney, Australia.

More and more in North America and Europe, the Church and Christianity are seen as irrelevant, insular, and offering little to make life better for secular communities. The message of Jesus is always good news, but churches can struggle making that good news relevant in their communities. The Tabernacle Christian Church (The Tab) in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada is quietly being good news to their city.

We chat with Lead Pastor Frank Allen and Community Life Pastor Heidi Schaaf from the Tab about how the postures and practices they embody help them be good news for their secular community. We explore how they’re giving their building to their community, how they’re supporting drug-afflicted communities, at-risk youth, and Indigenous communities, stories of people becoming new Christians or rediscovering Jesus during COVID, and lots more.