To love broken people in the world, one of the most powerful things a Christian can do is be consistently, vulnerably present.

In this episode of The Disrupters, returning guest Amy Williams joins Caleb Campbell in calling out the injustice of invisible punishments, the systems that trap communities in cycles of incarceration, and the fears that keep us at a distance from the people we're called to love.

Through decades of gang intervention and mentoring justice-involved youth, Miss Amy “The Hope Dealer” has watched the justice system punish kids not only with time, but with lasting consequences: locked doors, denied job applications, voting restrictions, and constant reminders that their worst mistakes define them forever. Even more painful, she argues, is when churches echo that message, inviting incarcerated people to “come as they are” while subtly signaling that they're never truly free and never fully forgiven.

Amy Williams urges us to reject easy narratives and embrace the slow, relational work of knowing people as they are. She challenges listeners to stop doing ministry to people and start living with them. She invites us to risk proximity, admit our own brokenness, and listen before we lead as we rethink what it actually means to love our neighbors.

Tune in now to learn why, even through doubt, loss, suffering, and injustice, “Miss Amy ain't goin nowhere.”

This episode highlights the following themes:

• Why “serving your time” never ends for many in America
• The power of “consistency of presence”
• What real restorative justice and community support should look like
• Why “ministry with” is stronger than “ministry to”

Links from the episode:

• Learn more about Amy Williams
• Read Amy Williams’ book, Worth Seeing
• Learn more about The Hope Dealer
• Watch the 13th Film and check out the 13th Film Discussion Guide
• Learn more about The Disrupters
• Learn more about Caleb Campbell
• Read Caleb Campbell's book, Disarming Leviathan
• Read the transcript here

Credits:

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Sneakerhead" by Ghost Beatz

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Today is the day after the U.S. election. As the results are being announced, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about our calling to love God and love people in the neighborhoods, towns, and cities in which we live.

In these three bonus episodes, re-released from the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2026 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the election. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.

In this episode, releasing the day after Election Day 2026, Miranda offers a reflection on the unchanged calling of all Christians—to seek shalom where we live. She emphasizes that as Christians, we must join with Jesus Christ in loving and serving our neighbors and promoting the wellbeing of our towns and cities. This episode also features a reading of Jeremiah 29:4-14 from The First Testament, read by IVP authors Jay Kim, Carmen Imes, Dorena Williamson, and Robert Chao Romero.

Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2026 together.

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Miranda Zapor Cruz
• Check out Miranda’s book, Faithful Politics
• Check out The First Testament by John Goldingay

Links and Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece

✅ Social Media Managers: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi Goldstein

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Today is the day of the U.S. election. While we wait for the results to be counted, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about our ultimate hope in the return of our eternal king, Jesus Christ.

In these three bonus episodes, re-released from the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2026 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the election. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.

In this episode, releasing Election Day 2026, Miranda offers a reflection on the eternal hope that we have in Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that as Christians, we are citizens of God’s kingdom and waiting for the U.S. election results must pale in comparison to waiting for the return of our savior, Jesus Christ. This episode also features a reading of Philippians 3:20-4:1 from The Second Testament, read by IVP authors Scot McKnight, Lynn Cohick, Terence Lester, and Prasanta Verma.

Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2026 together.

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Miranda Zapor Cruz
• Check out Miranda’s book, Faithful Politics
• Check out The Second Testament by Scot McKnight

Links and Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece

✅ Social Media Managers: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi Goldstein

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Today is the day before the U.S. election. Before we vote, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about who we are and whose we are in Jesus Christ.

In these three bonus episodes, re-released from the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2026 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the election. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.

In this episode, releasing the day before Election Day 2026, Miranda offers a reflection on the importance of Christian identity in the context of the United States election. She emphasizes that Christian identity is built upon Jesus Christ—the chief cornerstone and “living lodgepole” —rather than political parties or ideologies. This episode also features a reading of 1 Peter 2:4-12 from the First Nations Version, read by IVP authors Terry Wildman, Chloe Sun, Amy Williams, and Michael Bird.

Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2026 together.

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Miranda Zapor Cruz
• Check out Miranda’s book, Faithful Politics
• Check out the First Nations Version, edited by Terry M. Wildman

Links and Credits

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece

✅ Social Media Managers: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi Goldstein

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

What if the problem in some churches isn’t a lack of gifted leaders, but our failure to recognize them?

In this episode of The Disrupters, psychologist, author, and retired professor Susan Harris Howell joins Caleb Campbell for a conversation about power, gender, and the assumptions that quietly shape life in the Church. Drawing from her book Buried Talents, Susan explores how culture influences the ways we think about leadership, calling, authority, and whose voices are heard.

Together, they examine why Jesus consistently made space for women's participation, and how churches can unknowingly reinforce the patterns of the world by burying God-given gifts beneath assumptions about gender. Susan argues that gifts and callings don't come in "pink and blue," explores the link between power and abuse, and challenges listeners to consider what the Church loses when some voices are consistently overlooked. At the same time, she offers a hopeful vision of churches where women and men are empowered to steward all that God has entrusted to them.

If you've ever wondered how culture shapes the church, wrestled with questions of leadership and belonging, or longed to see healthier uses of power in Christian community, this conversation will challenge you to notice what you've stopped seeing and imagine what the Church might become.

Ready to disrupt for the good of the Church? Tune in now.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• Why abuse thrives when power is hoarded by a few
• How churches unintentionally copy harmful cultural patterns
• The difference between wanting power over others and claiming agency for oneself
• Practical advice for people who feel silenced in their own congregations

Links from the episode:

• Learn more about Susan Harris Howell
• Read Susan Harris Howell’s book, Buried Talents
• Check out Susan Harris Howell’s Substack
• Join Christians for Biblical Equality (CBE)
• Learn more about The Disrupters
• Learn more about Caleb Campbell
• Read Caleb Campbell's book, Disarming Leviathan
• Read the transcript here

Credits:

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Sneakerhead" by Ghost Beatz

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

American exceptionalism isn’t a patriotic value; it’s a theological problem.

In this episode of The Disrupters, Jonathan Walton, executive director of the Center for Beauty and Resistance, joins Caleb Campbell for a challenging conversation about stewarding power, nationalism, and the idols hiding in plain sight.

Together, they explore why American exceptionalism remains so compelling, how the American Dream can become a counterfeit version of “life to the full,” and why Christians are often tempted to pursue power through dominance, control, and self-preservation rather than sacrificial love.

Drawing from Scripture, history, and years of walking alongside people learning to steward the power God has entrusted to them, Walton argues that the way of Jesus stands in stark contrast to the logic of empire. He invites listeners to reexamine assumptions about nation, identity, success, and faithfulness, asking what happens when allegiance to God's kingdom comes into conflict with the stories our culture tells us about greatness.

The American Dream offers a counterfeit kingdom. Jesus offers the real thing. The difference changes everything about how we understand power.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The power, privilege, and stewardship of a Christian life
• The dangers and illusions of American exceptionalism
• Jesus’s disruptive approach to power and empire
• How confession, humility, and justice reshape the way we use power

Links from the episode:

• Learn more about Jonathan Walton
• Support the work of A Rocha USA and the Center for Beauty and Resistance here
• Check out Jonathan Walton’s Substack
• Read Beauty and Resistance and Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive by Jonathan Walton
• Get more information on the NYU Faith, Innovation and Social Impact Course. Applications are due on November 15. NYU, the Christian Community Development Association, Innofaith and the Center for Beauty and Resistance are collaborating for this unique opportunity!
• Read The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper
• Learn more about The Disrupters
• Learn more about Caleb Campbell
• Read Caleb Campbell's book, Disarming Leviathan
• Read the transcript here

Credits:

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Sneakerhead" by Ghost Beatz

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above.

When American Christians pray for revival, is our narrow imagination blinding us to how God is answering those prayers?

In this episode of The Disrupters, Caleb Campbell sits down with Rev. Dr. Gabriel Salguero, pastor, author, and president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, to disrupt how we define revival, church health, and spiritual renewal.

Drawing from a variety of passages across the Old and New Testaments, as well as evidence from the global church, Gabriel argues that revival is about more than attendance, influence, or numerical growth. True spiritual awakening is holistic: it welcomes the stranger, uplifts the vulnerable, strengthens communities, and reflects the multicultural kingdom of God. From Pentecost and immigration to church growth and community flourishing, Gabriel paints a bigger, more complete vision of revival than many American Christians have been taught to expect.

If we measure revival only by what happens inside our churches, we may miss what God is doing all around us. Tune in now to discover why the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger are the most important witnesses to whether revival is truly taking place.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• Revival as a holistic, community-centered movement
• The dangers of the cult of personality and American celebrity church culture
• How biblical revival always includes the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger
• Immigration, ethnicity, and the Spirit’s radically inclusive work

Links from the episode:

• Learn more about Gabriel Salguero
• Learn more about the National Latino Evangelical Coalition
• Learn more about The Disrupters
• Learn more about Caleb Campbell
• Read Caleb Campbell's book, Disarming Leviathan
• Read the transcript here

Credits:

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Jack Reece, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton

✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "Sneakerhead" by Ghost Beatz

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Sensitivity Warning: This episode includes discussion of war, violence, genocide, and human suffering. Some of these topics are explored in personal and vivid detail and may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.

As we mark three years since October 7, 2023, it is more important than ever for Christians to remember that following Jesus means mourning with those who mourn and paying the high price for peace.

In this episode of The Disrupters, Caleb Campbell sits down with the executive director of Churches for Middle East Peace, Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, to grapple with Christian complicity in global violence, the privilege of looking away, and the high cost of following the Prince of Peace.

Together, Caleb and Mae challenge the binary thinking that reduces complex conflicts to heroes and villains, which dehumanizes people made in the image of God. Mae shares heart-wrenching stories about the daily reality of families living in fear of the next missile strike. She challenges listeners to consider how their money, politics, and silence contribute to cycles of destruction, and what a gospel of good news actually looks like for those in the rubble.

Mae offers practical guidance in this episode: how to faithfully witness suffering, how to pray through feeling overwhelmed, how to engage with peacemaking long-term, and how to radically love your enemies.

Join Mae, Caleb, and The Disrupters in refusing to look away from suffering.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• American complicity and Christian responsibility in global injustice
• The privilege of looking away and the biblical mandate not to
• The intersection of power, justice, fear, and the way of Jesus
• Stories of courage, peacemaking, and paying the high cost for peace

Links from the episode:

• Learn more about Mae Elise Cannon
• Read Mae Cannon’s book, Beyond Hashtag Activism
• Learn more about Churches for Middle East Peace
• Check out Mae Elise Cannon’s Substack for her latest writings
• Learn more about The Disrupters
• Learn more about Caleb Campbell
• Read Caleb Campbell's book, Disarming Leviathan
• Read the transcript here

Credits:

✅Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPDISRUPT40 for 40% off and free US shipping on any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅Producers: Jack Reece, Helen Lee, and Travis Albritton

✅Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo

✅Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅Social Media Manager: Makayla Payne

✅Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅Theme Song: "Sneakerhead" by Ghost Beatz

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.