What if true evangelism begins with a warm welcome? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Danny Franks, pastor and expert on guest services, to talk about why hospitality is not just a program—but a reflection of the gospel itself.

Danny unpacks how the early church made belonging a central part of its witness, and how modern churches can reclaim that same spirit of invitation. We’ll discuss the theology behind hospitality, the barriers that keep churches from being truly welcoming, and practical ways to create spaces where strangers feel seen, known, and loved.

Danny Franks is the Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, where he helps churches create cultures of genuine hospitality that reflect the heart of the gospel. He’s the author of People Are the Mission: How Churches Can Welcome Guests Without Compromising the Gospel and shares insights on ministry and life through his blog, Connective Tissue—a mix of practical wisdom, humor, and honest reflection.

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

Welcome to Season 5 of Native Exiles!

We wanted to start our Season by answering the question, "Does God Take Back His Promises?" Even when we are anxious about what is ahead, the promise of God is that he will be in it with us. The question really is, "What if all of those promises actually have an asterisk? What if there is hidden clause?" What if it is,"He will keep his promises if we obey him?" Then what, does he take back his promises? Let's talk about it!

Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

We are excited to share the audio from our Mental Health Seminar with Dr. Gregory Jantz. Dr. Jantz share practical resources to quantify anxiety and begin the journey towards healing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or looking to help others who may be, Dr. Jantz has something to say for everyone involved in this conversation.

Doctor Gregory Jantz is an acclaimed author, speaker, and researcher in the field of mental health. From eating disorders to depression, Dr. Jantz has written and conducted research on a wide range of mental health topic. Out of his work, Dr. Jantz started A Place of Hope, to put into practice a holistic approach to addressing mental health concerns. As a follower of Jesus, Dr. Jantz continue to model a balanced view on mental health that finds its basis in scripture.

In this heartfelt and reflective season finale, we wrap up our deep dive into mental health with a conversation that ties together key themes from throughout the series. We revisit powerful insights on anxiety, depression, and the challenges of emotional well-being, reflecting on how faith and community can provide real hope and healing.

Looking back at the season we explore that we are integrated beings—mind, body, and spirit—and how understanding this unity is essential to mental and emotional well-being. God’s grace is essential steps toward true wholeness. We also reflect on the importance of rest, spiritual resilience, and the ways the church can continue to grow as a place of support and understanding.

Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just tuning in, this episode offers an encouraging and grace-filled reminder that none of us are alone in the struggle for mental and emotional health. Join us as we celebrate the journey so far and look ahead with hope.

In this profound and hope-filled conversation, award-winning theologian Dr. Kelly M. Kapic joins us to explore the intersection of mental health, anxiety, and theology. Drawing from his acclaimed book You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News, Kapic challenges the cultural narrative that treats human limitations as flaws to be fixed. Instead, he invites us to see our finitude as part of God’s good design—a truth that offers deep relief in the face of anxiety, burnout, and unrealistic expectations.

We also touch on insights from his other works, including Embodied Hope and Becoming Whole, as we discuss how accepting our God-given limits can lead to greater spiritual health, emotional honesty, and a more grounded life. If you're wrestling with perfectionism, exhaustion, or a pressure to "do it all," this episode is for you.

We talk about why our limits are not sins, the theological roots of anxiety and performance culture, how embracing finitude opens the door to real community and grace, and what it means to be fully human in a fast-paced, success-driven world. Join us for a refreshing and compassionate take on what it means to be whole in a world that prizes productivity over presence.

Check out Kelly’s book: You’re Only Human

Also, see his new 40 day devotional: You Were Never Meant to Do It All

In this episode, we explore the deep and often challenging experience of grief through the lens of faith. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be in the world but not of it, and that includes how we respond to those in grief and how we navigate it ourselves. Our guest, grief counselor Cindi Sinnema, shares insights on how we can walk alongside others who are grieving, as well as practical guidance for those who are personally facing loss. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or struggling with grief yourself, this conversation offers compassion, wisdom, and hope.

Cindi Sinnema is the Director of The Grief Companioning Project and has spent over 25 years working in the field of traumatic response and community support. Her expertise spans from working with Separation and Loss Services at Virginia Mason to providing chaplaincy services both locally and nationwide. Cindi has supported individuals, families, and communities affected by disasters—both natural and man-made—and trained volunteers to help in the aftermath of trauma. She has also worked with the Behind the Badge Foundation to support first responders across the country. Through her work, Cindi has gained deep insight into the challenges of grief and loss and the healing that comes from walking through it with others.

To learn more about Cindy and her work here.

In this episode, we sit down with author and pastor Patrick Miller to explore his book, Joyful Outsider, through the lens of mental health. As our culture changes rapidly, many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, and disconnected—but what if embracing our role as outsiders could lead to peace and joy? Patrick discusses how Jesus invites us to experience the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) instead of succumbing to the pressure of fitting in or chasing after approval. We dive into practical ways to navigate stress, anxiety, and fear in today’s world by finding our identity in Christ, not in external validation. Whether you identify as an artist, protestor, builder, advisor, ambassador, or trainer, Patrick provides actionable insights on how to cultivate mental well-being and emotional resilience through faith. Tune in for a hopeful conversation on healing, finding purpose, and embracing the peace of being a joyful outsider.

Patrick Miller is a pastor and cultural commentator who writes about politics, culture, and technology, contributing articles to Christianity Today, Newsweek, The Gospel Coalition, and other publications. His podcast, Truth Over Tribe, is one of Apple's top news commentary podcasts, featuring interviews with leading Christian thinkers, writers, and scholars. He’s the co-author of Truth Over Tribe: Pledging Allegiance to the Lamb, Not the Donkey or the Elephant. Patrick holds a Master of Divinity from Covenant Theological Seminary and pastors a politically diverse church, The Crossing. He and his wife, Emily, have two children.

Learn more about Patrick and his podcast here:
https://truthovertribe.com/about
Check out his book Joyful Outsiders

http://amazon.com/Joyful-Outsiders-Jesus-Disorienting-Culture/dp/031036874X/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XNt-GCZXHnB4r9JAGzbj9smVyKsKGcKgaPyfoAQBft3GjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.9PUx1HX4RZJydrf1YwR2E6BFb0PO5Xb1GnipEICq3rE&dib_tag=se&hvadid=719674314865&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9024568&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6943957188159859892&hvtargid=kwd-2372010398786&hydadcr=22535_13493342&keywords=joyful+outsiders&mcid=8db605a268293975a1d7539a99ad6a72&qid=1742848166&sr=8-1

In this deeply personal episode, Steve Brooks, one of the regular hosts on Native Exiles, opens up about his struggle with religious OCD and the profound doubts he faced regarding his salvation, despite growing up in a strong Christian family. Steve takes us through his journey of wrestling with fear and uncertainty, which first surfaced while living internationally in Taiwan. He shares the emotional toll of trying to find peace through unhelpful solutions, and how God's intervention, through both books and a reimagining of his faith, eventually reframed his understanding of assurance. This raw and honest conversation offers insight into the complexities of faith, mental health, and the grace that brings clarity amidst confusion.

Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church. In it, we discuss following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that seems to be moving in the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.

For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.