In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Joy Qualls explores the complex relationship between faith, authority, gender, and the church. Together, we examine how patriarchal structures have influenced biblical interpretation, why women's voices have often been sidelined, and what happens when we intentionally listen to perspectives from marginalized communities.

Drawing from her own journey, Joy reflects on the importance of reclaiming a Jesus-centered faith marked by mutuality, humility, and compassion. She challenges listeners to consider how empathy, global perspectives, and diverse voices can deepen our understanding of God and expand the boundaries of who we believe God can speak through.

From questions of spiritual authority to the healing power of community, this conversation invites us to discern truth with wisdom, embrace unexpected teachers, and rediscover the voice of Jesus beyond the limits of tradition and power.

In this conversation,Preston and David Gushee exploree the growing tension between defending Christianity and actually following the teachings of Jesus. Together, they unpack how culture wars, institutional priorities, and shifting values have shaped the modern church — and what it means to rediscover the radical, justice-centered way of Christ. From forgiveness and community to protecting the vulnerable and confronting injustice, this episode is a powerful call back to the heart of Jesus’ teachings and the kind of faith that transforms both people and culture.

In this episode of Losing the Way, Preston Ulmer is joined by spiritual formation director Jake Smith for a conversation about the hidden metrics that have shaped modern Christianity. Together they explore how churches and leaders have slowly become formed by attendance, influence, growth, and success, and ask what happens when the numbers we celebrate begin discipling us more than Jesus himself.

Drawing from years of ministry experience, Jake reflects on life both inside and outside traditional church leadership, while Preston wrestles with the pressures pastors and ministry leaders face in a culture obsessed with performance and measurable impact. This honest and thoughtful conversation invites listeners to reconsider what faithfulness really looks like and challenges us to return to the simple question: what if we started with Jesus and stayed there?

Whether you’re leading in ministry, recovering from church hurt, or simply trying to rediscover the heart of your faith, this episode offers a hopeful and deeply formative conversation about losing the way in order to find it again.