It is hard to make sense of the continuous onslaught of bad news filling our media feeds. Escalating violence, political assassinations, genocidal conflicts, and religious and political extremism are inescapable parts of our daily news. Within this chaos, it isn't easy to gain perspective and make sense of what is happening around us. In this conversation, Future of Faith’s Greg Arthur speaks with Dr. Ray Kim, from the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy, about the rise of political and religious violence, the ways we construct and shape truth, the power of dialogue, and what it looks like to foster communities of inclusion that counter extremism.

Ray Kim Bio - As the Director of US Programs & Partnerships at the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD), Ray Kim leads efforts to counteract toxic polarization and rebuild social cohesion by working with faith leaders and communities across the United States. Ray brings extensive expertise in conflict transformation, mediation, and depolarization, designing and facilitating workshops, trainings, and resources that empower communities to prevent violent extremism and promote inclusive dialogue. Ray earned his Ph.D. in Theology and Religious Studies from Georgetown University, specializing in the sociology of religion. His academic and professional pursuits have included research on Islamophobia in Korea, religious soft-power influences in global contexts, and the experiences of religious minorities in the Levant.

Links: www.futureoffaith.org

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In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi to explore the evolving landscape of congregational life and pastoral leadership. They discuss the impact of COVID-19, the importance of listening in ministry, and the challenges of navigating political polarization and diversity within the church. Dr. Lizardy-Hajbi shares insights from her research and personal experiences, emphasizing the need for churches to adapt to change while remaining rooted in community and trust. The conversation also touches on the unique context of Puerto Rico and the potential for churches to embrace a more inclusive and imaginative future.

Kristina’s Bio: Rev. Dr. Kristina Lizardy-Hajbi is the Associate Professor of Leadership and Formation and Director of the Vocational Formation Office at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. In addition, she coordinates the Certificate in Latinx Studies for the Iliff/University of Denver Joint PhD in Religion. Kristina’s teaching and research interests include organizational leadership, liberative and decolonial approaches to ministry, intersectional and contextual pedagogical practices, and applied research methods.

Kristina is the author of Unraveling Religious Leadership: Power, Authority, and Decoloniality and co-editor of Explore: Vocational Discovery in Ministry. In addition, she is the author of numerous articles and reports, including Latino Congregations: Trends from the Faith Communities Today (FACT) and Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations (EPIC) Studies.

An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, her ministry has included denominational leadership and research, intercultural and interreligious student affairs in undergraduate higher education, hospital chaplaincy, and Christian education and faith formation.

Kristina’s most recent book is a reprint of a Special Issue of the Religions journal, an open-access international journal, for which she served as the guest editor. The book is entitled Emerging Trends in Congregational Engagement and Leadership and is available free online for download through MDPI Books. The reprint contains eleven articles from a variety of scholars on the latest trends related to congregational life.

Links: www.futureoffaith.org

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In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur interviews co-founder Josh Packard about his new book, 'Faithful Futures.' They discuss the importance of listening in ministry, the challenges of understanding generational differences, and how listening can enhance faith formation. Josh shares insights from his research on youth and emphasizes the need for relational ministry in today's diverse world. The conversation highlights the value of being present and listening to young people's experiences as a way to affirm their identity and foster deeper connections.

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Josh Packard Bio:

Josh Packard, Ph.D., is one of the foremost experts in the spiritual lives of modern American youth and an accomplished researcher in the sociology of religion and new forms of religious expression. He has authored numerous books and articles in both popular and academic outlets. His most recent publication is "Faithful Futures: Sacred Tools for Engaging Younger Generations" and can be found www.faithfulfuturesbook.com.

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Links:

www.futureoffaith.org

www.faithfulfuturesbook.com

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In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with guests Sue Park-Hur and Katerina Gea to explore the sacredness of listening within the context of faith and community. They discuss the importance of listening as a relational practice, its role in reconciliation and peacemaking, and share personal stories and communal practices that enhance the art of listening. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional listening in a world filled with distractions and divisions, highlighting resources and practices that can help individuals and communities cultivate deeper listening skills.

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Bios:

Sue Park-Hur Bio:

Sue is a Korean American born in Seoul, but raised in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley in southern California since she was eight. A former church-planter and local pastor with her spouse, Sue has continued to believe churches can be agents of reconciliation in their communities. She currently serves as the director of racial/ethnic engagement for Mennonite Church USA and co-directs a peace center, ReconciliAsian. Her specialization includes intercultural competency, anti- racism, trauma and resilience, restorative justice, conflict transformation, mentorship, and women in leadership.

Katerina Gea Bio:

Katerina Gea (pronounced “Hey-ya”) is the lead pastor of Pasadena Mennonite Church and lives in Pasadena, CA. She is a gardener, aspiring poet, and a new mom to a 7 month old who keeps her on her toes! Before pastoring, she worked alongside incarcerated people to grow healing gardens behind bars and planted “Wild Church, Fresno,” a church that gathers outdoors to reconnect with God and creation. Katerina serves as an adjunct professor with Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, where she received her M.Div. in Theology and Peace Studies. She is part of the Mennonite Church USA’s Women in Leadership team along with Sue Park-Hur.

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Links: https://pasadenamennonite.org/

https://www.reconciliasian.org/

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In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Mako Nagasawa, exploring themes of faith, community, and restorative justice. Mako shares his journey from a background in technology and ministry to founding the Anastasis Center, which focuses on teaching restorative justice and healing through a Christian lens. The conversation delves into the importance of listening to God and others, the role of emotions in understanding God's love, and the upcoming Constant Connection conference aimed at fostering a deeper relationship with God. Mako emphasizes the need for community practices that embody the gospel and invites listeners to explore resources on early Christian theology to enrich their faith journey.

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Mako Nagasawa Bio

Mako Nagasawa is the founder and executive director of The Anástasis Center, a center for Christian Education and Ministry, committed to proclaiming the restorative justice of God, the healing atonement of Jesus. Mako lives with his family in Dorchester, MA, as part of an intentional community house. Before launching The Anastasis Center, Mako served with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship for 13 years and has degrees from Stanford University and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Seminary.

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Links: https://www.anastasiscenter.org/

www.futureoffaith.org

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In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Nick Benoit, the creative director of Wonder Hunt, a nonprofit dedicated to storytelling in faith. They explore Nick's journey from a creative child to a professional in ministry, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, listening, and creativity in faith practices. The conversation delves into how stories can foster empathy, understanding, and a deeper connection to God, while also discussing the role of music and cultural engagement in shaping one's faith journey. Nick shares insights on how Wonder Hunt aims to resource churches with creative storytelling tools, ultimately inviting individuals to experience God through narrative.

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Nick’s Bio - Nick Benoit is the Creative Director for Wonderhunt, a nonprofit that tells great stories, and gives them away to serve the church. They create incredible videos that provoke people to pause, get curious, & start looking for the things that help us live lives of beauty, richness, and meaning.

As a performer, writer, and director, Nick has spearheaded artistic projects and teams for more than 15 years, creating art that blends filmmaking, live performance, and storytelling, work that’s been seen by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Most recently, Nick was the creative director of Willow Creek where he spent 6 years imagining and producing unique artistic expressions to inspire, move, and mobilize diverse audiences toward action and introspection.

Nick lives near Chicago with his wife, Karen, and their three kids.

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Links:

https://www.wonderhunt.co/

www.futureoffaith.org

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In this episode of the Future of Faith podcast, host Greg Arthur engages with Dr. Vincent Bacote, Professor of Theology at Wheaton College, to explore the complex themes surrounding empathy, particularly in the context of the church and society. They discuss the rise of the 'war on empathy' narrative, the implications of empathy in political and social discourse, and the diverse voices within the Black Evangelical community. The conversation highlights the importance of listening, understanding, and engaging with diverse perspectives to foster growth and transformation within faith and community.

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Vince Bio -

Dr. Vincent Bacote is a Professor of Theology and the Director of the Center for Applied Christian Ethics at Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL.

He is the author of Reckoning with Race and Performing the Good News: In Search of a Better Evangelical Theology (2020), The Political Disciple: A Theology of Public Life (2015), The Spirit in Public Theology: Appropriating the Legacy of Abraham Kuyper (2005), and has contributed to books including On Kuyper (2013), Aliens in the Promised Land (2013), Keep Your Head Up (2012) and Prophetic Evangelicals(2012).

He is a regular columnist for Comment Magazine and contributes to other magazines, including Books and Culture, Christianity Today, Think Christian and re:generation quarterly, and journals such as Christian Scholars Review, Urban Mission and the Journal for Christian Theological Research.

He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Society of Christian Ethics.

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Links:

Documentary - https://pages.christianitytoday.com/black-evangelicals-documentary-lp

www.futureoffaith.org

#futureoffaith #listeningissacred #church #ministry #listening #pastors #clergy #religion #spirituality #congregations #faith #God