the spacemakers: Recent Episodes
spacemakers podcast
join us as we make space for intergenerational and hard conversations about controversial topics, faith deconstruction, church culture and beyond.🚀✨ [start at episode zero] : after listening to episode zero feel free to skip around and listen to the episodes regarding topics you’re interested in!! we cannot WAIT to build this space with you!!
ahhh the long-awaited series finale ! we've been sitting on this one for a while and have finally got around to dropping our last episode ever!! this was recorded back in July 2023 and we cover topics such as : where we are at now, what our relationships with god are like, what we've learned, what we may have done differently, how we've found community, our healing journies, our thoughts on moving forward after church, and more!
from the bottom of our hearts we are so grateful for these past few years and are so excited for all that is to come. we love you all and are wishing you all peace, healing, community, and comfort!
keep making space and oh! #freepalestine
Join the Spacemakers for the final episode of our LGBTQIA+ series as we get personal and share about our own lives and thought processes regarding this topic!!
We'll be adding more resources this week!
As always, thank you for listening and making space!
In our third episode of our LGBTQIA+ series, Janai and Devon discuss why the Spacemakers wanted to talk about this subject, and Meigan and Rachel talk about what they’ve learned about affirming theology.
RESOURCES (just a few to get you started) :
Podcasts: To Be Gay Affirming #10: You Have Permission The Bible and Intersex Believers : The Bible for Normal People The Bible and The Gay Christian : The Bible for Normal People LGBTQIA+ : The Liturgists
Academia References: Sexing the Body-- Anne Fausto Sterling, 2000
Books: "Changing our Mind", David P. Gushee "God and the Gay Christian: The Biblical Case in Support of Same-Sex Marriages", Matthew Vines "Unclobber", Colby Martin "Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians", Austen Hartke “Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church’s Debate in Same-Sex Relationships”, James V. Brownson
Misc. "Pray Away" documentary on Netflix "1946" Documentary Romans 1, Dr. James Brownson
Instagram: @theReformationProject : Bible-based approach to LGBTQ inclusion
Thanks for joining us for the LGBTQIA+ series of the Spacemakers podcast! In this series we're going to be exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people, different interpretations of the Bible that affirm LGBTQIA+ Christians and individuals, questions submitted by all of you (the listeners), and concluding discussion with all of the Spacemakers. We're so excited to be addressing and exploring this topic with all of you, we hope it catalyzes healing for those negatively affected by harmful theology and praxis, in addition to providing inspiration for allies and current members of the ICOC.
Welcome to the second episode in our LGBTQIA+ series-- Sebastian's Story!! This one gets SPICY y'all🔥
Trigger Warning This episode does contain mentions of sxual asault, b*llying, and mental health issues.
If you haven't already, please listen to episode one of our series and prepare for next week as we will discuss different Biblical interpretations surrounding sexuality with spacemakers Rachel Gonzalez, MPH, and Meigan Whitcomb.
SERIES SCHEDULE --
June 3rd : queer stories in the ICOC
June 10th : sebastian's story
June 17th : "Gay and Christian?"
June 23rd : discussion and Q & R
Thanks for joining us for the LGBTQIA+ series of the Spacemakers podcast! In this series we're going to be exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people, different interpretations of the Bible that affirm LGBTQIA+ Christians and individuals, questions submitted by all of you (the listeners), and concluding discussion with all of the Spacemakers. We're so excited to be addressing and exploring this topic with all of you, we hope it catalyzes healing for those negatively affected by harmful theology and praxis, in addition to providing inspiration for allies and current members of the ICOC.
This episode is one of the most important episodes we've ever made.
*Trigger Warning : this episode contains conversations around conversion therapy, sicide ideation, mental health struggles and more.
This episode is truly our "why" and why it is important that we make space for experiences and opinions that might be different than our own. We hope you can listen with compassion and empathy and truly take these stories to heart.
From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank the contributors of this episode who entrusted us with their stories. We see you, support you, and affirm you.
SERIES SCHEDULE --
June 3rd : queer stories in the ICOC
June 10th : sebastian's story
June 17th : "Gay and Christian?"
June 23rd : discussion and Q & R
ACADEMIC RESOURCES--
definitions and "sexuality 101" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqt-_ILgv5c (scientific articles/research sourced are in the video description)
psychology of sex & sexuality (brief history, definitions and some research conclusions): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qymp_VaFo9M
[More to be added soon]
Buckle Up for the major drop we have in store for you all today!! We’re talking about racial justice with Kevin Holland and James Sulewski. We cover topics like: Generational Differences Friendship Brief Church History regarding Racial Dynamics Church Structure and in what ways the Church needs to adjust And more!At the end, Izzy makes a brief statement regarding the pending lawsuits against the ICOC, HOPEww, etc around the 1:48:45 mark.Rolling Stones Article Linked HereFor more information regarding how to pursue racial justice in churches, please check out- Christians Seeking Justice group on Facebook and their website They have a seminar coming up February 18th @ 10am over ZOOM for those who want to learn more CSJ Seminar CSJ Website Resources - Disciples Working to Abolish the New Jim Crow group on Facebook- List of Books Recommended by James and Lisa Sulewski “Rediscipling the White Church” David Swanson “I’m still here, Black dignity in a world made for whiteness” Austin Channing Brown “Faithful Anti-racism” Christina Barland Edmundson & Chad Brennan “Unsettling Truths” Mark Charles & Soong-Chan Rah “Stamped from the Beginning” Ibram Kendi “Between the world and Me” Ta-Nehisi Coates “Be the Bridge” Latasha Morrison “When they call you a Terrorist” Patrice Kahn-Cullors & Asha BandelaAs always, thank you so much for listening and keep making space!
Spacemakers Sebastian and Isabel discuss politics, news, and how to navigate them as Christians. Sebastian studied political science and international law, has worked for the United Nations and is currently a professional consultant for governments. Isabel studied Journalism and Media and worked as a reporter for many newsrooms and news outlets. They tackle questions like, should Christians "be political?" Should we pay attention to the news? What do we do when politics seem so divisive? and more!
A panel episode about Women and Church, touching on gender roles, feminism in Christianity and more. You’ll hear from Spacemakers Isabel Gates and Meigan Whitcomb, and our friends Lisa Johnson and Celine Abello.
This is a 2-part drop with our Toxic Masculinity episode, which discusses patriarchy, masculinity, etc. But don’t go thinking that the Toxic Masculinity episode is just for men and the Women and Church episode is just for women! Both episodes touch on both topics & are conversations we think everyone should hear!
Resources are linked in our website!
OUR WEBSITE: www.spacemakerspodcast.com
Updated with Portland Disclaimer: October 25, 2022
A panel episode about toxic masculinity, touching on patriarchy and more. You’ll hear from Spacemakers Devon Gates and Alex Cameron, and our friends Noah Mata and Mario Zamora.
This is a 2-part drop with our Women and Church episode, which discusses gender roles, feminism in Christianity, and more. But don’t go thinking that the Toxic Masculinity episode is just for men and the Women and Church episode is just for women! Both episodes touch on both topics & are conversations we think everyone should hear!
Resources are linked in our website!
OUR WEBSITE: www.spacemakerspodcast.com
For this episode, our main host Isabel Gates interviews two youth movements within church spaces “lifeline. la” and “Wound of My People”. They talk about their experiences speaking up in church, how they started, hardships, boundaries and more!
Resources:
Check out lifeline. la’s work on instagram @lifeline.la and Wound of My people’s work on instagram and facebook at @woundofmypeople
TRANSCRIPT LINK: coming soon!!
For this episode, our main host Isabel Gates has a candid conversation with one of our returning guests, Marty Solomon about Church, power and Empire.
Resources Mentioned :
Brené Brown-- Braving the Wilderness
Check out more of Marty’s work at https://www.bemadiscipleship.com or Marty and his team’s podcast BEMA Discipleship on Apple podcasts.
TRANSCRIPT LINK: coming soon!!
For this first episode, we'll be re-introducing ourselves and setting the tone for season 2 by telling you guys why we wanted to come back and what will be different this time around. This episode will be the intro episode we'll direct all new listeners to, and for our current listeners it will give you guys a good idea of what changes and new topics to expect moving forward. Season 2, we're coming back braver and bolder.
TRANSCRIPT LINK: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A4f1PbaKiLjcO5BAlZO-IezZ3GnVempI/view?usp=drivesdk
OUR WEBSITE: www.spacemakerspodcast.com
For the last episode of the season, the Spacemakers get together to talk about what they’ve learned through the process of making this podcast, how this year has changed their relationships with God and their churches, and discuss plans for the future of the podcast.
RESOURCES:
SPACEMAKERS BOOK LIST: https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=NzY0YjFjMTYtYmQ4Zi00YjZjLWJiNzYtZGZhYzY3NDc1MDVk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup
Podcasts: ⁃ Bema Discipleship ⁃ The Deconstructionists ⁃ The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill ⁃ Reclaiming My Theology ⁃ the Bible for Normal People with Peter Enns ⁃ The Space Between ⁃ The RobCast ⁃ The Protagonistas
Books/Authors: ⁃ Rachel Held Evans (start with “Searching for Sunday”!) ⁃ Richard Rohr ⁃ Rob Bell ⁃ Sarah Bessey ⁃ Peter Enns
More from the Spacemakers: ⁃ lifeline.la on Instagram
We've finally landed at the last guest in our deconstruction series!! In this episode, part 2 of Deconstructing the Bible, the Spacemakers discuss with Marty Solomon about a variety of topics.
Don't forget to check out the BEMA podcast on apple podcasts to get more insight on Marty and the whole team's work!
RESOURCES:
SPACEMAKERS BOOK LIST: https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=NzY0YjFjMTYtYmQ4Zi00YjZjLWJiNzYtZGZhYzY3NDc1MDVk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup
———
FIND US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast
Email: spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
We've finally landed at the last guest in our deconstruction series!! In this episode, Isabel asks Marty Solomon, co-host of the BEMA podcast, a variety of questions regarding his personal religious background and his journey through deconstruction. They discuss questions about biblical literalism, proof texting, and much much more!!
Don't forget to check out the BEMA podcast on apple podcasts to get more insight on Marty and the whole team's work!
RESOURCES:
SPACEMAKERS BOOK LIST: https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=NzY0YjFjMTYtYmQ4Zi00YjZjLWJiNzYtZGZhYzY3NDc1MDVk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup
———
FIND US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast
Email: spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
The Spacemakers talk with Matt Anjilivelil about the process of conversion, specifically about ICOC’s Bible study series and how we should use it.
RESOURCES:
SPACEMAKERS BOOK LIST: https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=NzY0YjFjMTYtYmQ4Zi00YjZjLWJiNzYtZGZhYzY3NDc1MDVk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup
———
FIND US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast
Email: Spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
An interview with Matt Anjilivelil about the process of conversion, specifically about ICOC’s Bible study series and how we should use it.
RESOURCES:
SPACEMAKERS BOOK LIST: https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=NzY0YjFjMTYtYmQ4Zi00YjZjLWJiNzYtZGZhYzY3NDc1MDVk&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup
———
FIND US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast
Email: Spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
Part 2 with Jack Meisinger and the Spacemakers Team brainstorming ideas about what church could look like.
RESOURCES:
Books mentioned by Jack:
Paga Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
House Church And Mission: The Importance Of Household Structures In Early Christianity
BOOKS:
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving and Finding Church by Rachel Held Evans
Life in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks
Repenting of Religion by Gregory A. Boyd
OUR GOODREADS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680
FIND US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast
Email: Spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
Part 1 of the interview with Jack Meisinger, brainstorming ideas about what church could look like.
RESOURCES:
Books mentioned by Jack:
Paga Christianity?: Exploring the Roots of Our Church Practices
House Church And Mission: The Importance Of Household Structures In Early Christianity
BOOKS:
Searching for Sunday: Loving, Leaving and Finding Church by Rachel Held Evans
Life in Community by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks
Repenting of Religion by Gregory A. Boyd
OUR GOODREADS BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680
FIND US:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast
Email: Spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
Part 2 of our conversation with Nick Zola, Pepperdine professor of religion and Vice President of Common Grounds Unity. The Spacemakers join to discuss relationships between Christians in different churches and denominations, and touch on the “one true church” mentality.
RESOURCES:
More on Common Grounds: Website (https://www.commongroundsunity.org) Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0nQaFChZOysuuIP8UVwn7i?si=IOU49ZveR3KCdGlnbbMJug&dl_branch=1) Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/249001165687212)
Our recommended books list (https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=YWQyYWE2YzUtODU4OS00Yjg0LTkwYzctZGU0ZDJmMjE3NWMy&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup )
Book referenced by Isabel: Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans (https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sunday-Loving-Leaving-Finding/dp/0718022122/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RNV0UJI7EY9C&dchild=1&keywords=searching+for+sunday&qid=1632265484&sprefix=searching+for%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1 )
Part 1 of our conversation with Nick Zola, Pepperdine professor of religion and Vice President of Common Grounds Unity. He and Isabel discuss relationships between Christians in different churches and denominations, and touch on the “one true church” mentality.
RESOURCES:
More on Common Grounds: Website (https://www.commongroundsunity.org) Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0nQaFChZOysuuIP8UVwn7i?si=IOU49ZveR3KCdGlnbbMJug&dl_branch=1) Facebook Group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/249001165687212)
Our recommended books list (https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=YWQyYWE2YzUtODU4OS00Yjg0LTkwYzctZGU0ZDJmMjE3NWMy&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup )
Book referenced by Isabel: Searching for Sunday by Rachel Held Evans (https://www.amazon.com/Searching-Sunday-Loving-Leaving-Finding/dp/0718022122/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RNV0UJI7EY9C&dchild=1&keywords=searching+for+sunday&qid=1632265484&sprefix=searching+for%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-1 )
Part 2 of the second episode of our “Deconstruction Series,” featuring Douglas Jacoby. Part 2 is an interview between the Spacemakers Alex and Douglas, discussing the term and concept of deconstruction, as well as what it means to question.
RESOURCES:
More on Douglas Jacoby:
Website (https://www.douglasjacoby.com)
Submit a question (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/category/q-and-a/)
Books (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/books/)
The "Inside Out" Mental Health Conference (https://www.insideoutccc.com)
Podcasts:
The BEMA Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bema-podcast/id1148115183)
The Deconstructionists (https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ds1MOzs0z4o4prkkMQ6on?si=TEQ-FNxxSO-7yR4wRljhlw&dl_branch=1)
Reclaiming My Theology (https://open.spotify.com/show/5j3HkxtshOHt5wKxysTuAY?si=NMI5jzNHTk6kvocrLoU4Sw&dl_branch=1)
The Bible Project (https://open.spotify.com/show/6f2oD3RtQY1rOeyfF2OeOa?si=agVqslRHSEiYoQLO5YYMUw&dl_branch=1)
The Bible for Normal People with Pete Enns (https://open.spotify.com/show/2991KOQDSOZK59jopj5jjv?si=LBAz_76qTE2zzBwd9l8FxQ&dl_branch=1)
The Protagonistas (https://open.spotify.com/show/68uGQEy5dWrNqlXjo6tdoO?si=KWH8gWd0QCmyMIkJ5LPU5Q&dl_branch=1)
The Messy Middle Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0RMi7iJFtx1xJCWn5AnntU?si=MpyAJrvCStuJ--QS9cCMDg&dl_branch=1)
Our recommended books list (https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=YWQyYWE2YzUtODU4OS00Yjg0LTkwYzctZGU0ZDJmMjE3NWMy&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup )
The second episode of our “Deconstruction Series,” featuring Douglas Jacoby. Part 1 is an interview between Spacemaker Alex and Douglas, discussing the term and concept of deconstruction, as well as what it means to question. Make sure to check out part 2, the panel!
RESOURCES:
More on Douglas Jacoby:
Website (https://www.douglasjacoby.com)
Submit a question (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/category/q-and-a/)
Books (https://www.douglasjacoby.com/books/)
The "Inside Out" Mental Health Conference (https://www.insideoutccc.com)
Podcasts:
The BEMA Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bema-podcast/id1148115183)
The Deconstructionists (https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ds1MOzs0z4o4prkkMQ6on?si=TEQ-FNxxSO-7yR4wRljhlw&dl_branch=1)
Reclaiming My Theology (https://open.spotify.com/show/5j3HkxtshOHt5wKxysTuAY?si=NMI5jzNHTk6kvocrLoU4Sw&dl_branch=1)
The Bible Project (https://open.spotify.com/show/6f2oD3RtQY1rOeyfF2OeOa?si=agVqslRHSEiYoQLO5YYMUw&dl_branch=1)
The Bible for Normal People with Pete Enns (https://open.spotify.com/show/2991KOQDSOZK59jopj5jjv?si=LBAz_76qTE2zzBwd9l8FxQ&dl_branch=1)
The Protagonistas (https://open.spotify.com/show/68uGQEy5dWrNqlXjo6tdoO?si=KWH8gWd0QCmyMIkJ5LPU5Q&dl_branch=1)
The Messy Middle Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0RMi7iJFtx1xJCWn5AnntU?si=MpyAJrvCStuJ--QS9cCMDg&dl_branch=1)
Our recommended books list (https://www.goodreads.com/group/invite/1170983-spacemakers-book-list-x1f680?invite_token=YWQyYWE2YzUtODU4OS00Yjg0LTkwYzctZGU0ZDJmMjE3NWMy&utm_medium=email&utm_source=copypastegroup )
An intro to our “Deconstruction” Series. The Spacemakers explain what it is to us, how churches should react to it, and how to do it in a healthy way.
RESOURCES: *Reminder that you can read/listen to things and disagree! So don’t be surprised if you read something you don’t agree with or haven’t thought of before!
Resources mentioned: The Bema Podcast | Episode 231 “Introducing the Team- Deconstruction w/ Reed Dent” (mentioned by Isabel) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bema-podcast/id1148115183?i=1000531061758 The Bema Podcast | Episode 233 “Striking the Rock w/ Josh Bossé” (mentioned by Rachel) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/233-introducing-the-team-striking-the-rock-w-josh-boss%C3%A9/id1236337189?i=1000532467034
Books/Authors: Rachel Held Evans Rob Bell Richard Rohr Walter Brueggeman CS Lewis Tim Mackie (the Bible Project) “Out of Sorts” by Sarah Bessey “After Doubt” by AJ Swoboda “Pure” by Linda Kay Klein
Podcasts: The BEMA Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bema-podcast/id1148115183) The Deconstructionists (https://open.spotify.com/show/6Ds1MOzs0z4o4prkkMQ6on?si=TEQ-FNxxSO-7yR4wRljhlw&dl_branch=1) Reclaiming My Theology (https://open.spotify.com/show/5j3HkxtshOHt5wKxysTuAY?si=NMI5jzNHTk6kvocrLoU4Sw&dl_branch=1) The Bible Project (https://open.spotify.com/show/6f2oD3RtQY1rOeyfF2OeOa?si=agVqslRHSEiYoQLO5YYMUw&dl_branch=1) The Bible for Normal People with Pete Enns (https://open.spotify.com/show/2991KOQDSOZK59jopj5jjv?si=LBAz_76qTE2zzBwd9l8FxQ&dl_branch=1) The Protagonistas (https://open.spotify.com/show/68uGQEy5dWrNqlXjo6tdoO?si=KWH8gWd0QCmyMIkJ5LPU5Q&dl_branch=1) The Messy Middle Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0RMi7iJFtx1xJCWn5AnntU?si=MpyAJrvCStuJ--QS9cCMDg&dl_branch=1)
Yay for the third and last part of the “Kingdom Kid” experience series!🚀Join us for an interview featuring none other than one of the OG “Kingdom Kids” J. Brian Craig 🔥 The writer of songs like “Praises Heard Around the World,” “Be With Me Lord,” and more, JBC talked with us about his experience growing up in church, raising kids in church, lots about the generational gap, and of course, MUSIC! RESOURCES:
GKDI Worship “Be With Me Lord” Cover https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylTaRLw-YJs
Ties To the Light Music
https://linktr.ee/tttl
We invited a couple of our parents, Ben and Marie Arcellana (parents of Isabel) and Cindi Whitcomb (mom of Meigan) on the podcast for a conversation with their kids about the “Kingdom Kid” experience as well as how to approach conversations in the home about faith deconstruction, church culture, and more. Ben and Marie have 11 years of international ministry experience, and Cindi works as the HR Manager for the Los Angeles International Church of Christ and HOPE worldwide Ltd. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Spacemakers Episode 1 “The Generation Gap with Gordon Ferguson” Part 1: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5o9pA7bmsEwINnKoxS9QNK?si=f3e3f0956b1a4f98 Part 2: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KRa7h0KShnTMUehhhLX8s?si=c6fa293e615a4af9 Wound of My People: https://www.facebook.com/woundofmypeople/ Lifeline.LA: https://www.instagram.com/lifeline.la/ ——— FIND US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacemakers.podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spacemakerspodcast Email: Spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
Part 2 of the Kingdom Kid Experience episode, a conversation between the Spacemakers about our varied experiences growing up in church.
Kicking off our Kingdom Kid Experience series, we invited a few of our friends who, generally, had a really good experience growing up in our group of churches to have a conversation about our varied experiences. We have Mari Sawamura (Boston), Mark Llorens (North Virginia), Nick Ragan (Dallas/Denver) and Alisa Krater (Germany). This first part is a discussion about what we all loved about our childhoods in church, as well as starting to dive in to what we didn’t love. Listen to Part 2 to hear the Spacemakers describe their experiences, diving deeper into what makes being a “Kingdom Kid” easy or hard.
A conversation among the Spacemakers discussing the importance of taking racial diversity further into true inclusion and what that looks like. Is there a difference between diversity and inclusion?
Discussion questions:
⁃ Does my immediate circle look and think just like me?
⁃ Who do the people I respect and follow look like?
⁃ Does my church or community reflect the demographics of my area in race, economic status, or age? Why or why not?
⁃ Is there a demographic that I actively avoid? Why?
⁃ Do different types of people feel comfortable talking to me? Why or why not?
Resources:
Books:
“Stamped from the Beginning” by Ibram X Kendi
“Crossing the Line: Race, Culture and Kingdom” by Michael Burns
Podcasts:
The Messy Middle Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0RMi7iJFtx1xJCWn5AnntU?si=MpyAJrvCStuJ--QS9cCMDg&dl_branch=1)
All Things to All People Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/0h2lIQXvbeQjKF5dkTGVRi?si=HkwRjA0qQ86JELDldZsumA&dl_branch=1)
Blog:
Black Tax and White Benefits by Gordon Ferguson (http://blacktaxandwhitebenefits.com)
Before we release any other topical episodes, the Spacemakers wanted to have a talk with our listeners about what kind of foundation we want our podcast to have moving forward. We are going to be highlighting a lot of different experiences, so we want to talk about listening, empathy and validation before we can even move on to talk about the many topics we have coming up.
Resources mentioned:
Ted Talk by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: "The Danger of a Single Story"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg&t=573s
Find us on Instagram @spacemakers.podcast, or email us at spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
A discussion between the Spacemakers and our friends at Hope Worldwide about service and how we can do it in a more humble, respectful and beneficial way.
Make sure you listen to part 1 first!
RESOURCES ---
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOPE WORLDWIDE:
https://www.hopeww.org
VOLUNTEER WITH HOPE WORLDWIDE: https://www.hopeww.org/volunteer
START A PROGRAM AT YOUR UNIVERSITY: https://www.hopeww.org/campusclubs
DONATE TO HOPE WORLDWIDE: https://hopeww.kindful.com
BOOKS:
Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
The Broken Ladder by Keith Payne
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
Reciprocal Missions by DJ Schuetze and Phil Steiner
Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Slow Kingdom Coming by Kent Annan
Walking with the Poor by Bryant Meyers
Jesus and the Poor by Steve Kinnard
Scandalous Obligation: Rethinking Christian Responsibility by Eric R. Severson
Charity Detox by Robert D Lupton
WEBSITES/ONLINE RESOURCES:
"Helping, Fixing, or Serving?" Article: https://movementum.co.uk/journal/2019/12/6/helping-fixing-or-serving
Center for Servant Leadership: https://www.greenleaf.org
US Volunteer Training Event: What To Do When Someone Asks You for Money: https://www.hopeww.org/lazarusmyneighbor
From development to dignity: a profound challenge for international cooperation: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/transformation/development-dignity-profound-challenge-international-cooperation/
An interview about service and how we can learn to serve better with Dave Malutinok (the President of HOPE Worldwide), Naomi Stephen (US Programs Coordinator at HOPE Worldwide) and Lola Oke (member of the National Youth Advisory Council). Talking the ethics of volunteering, mutual respect, and the importance of service as a Christian.
Stay tuned for part 2, the panel discussion with the Spacemakers!
RESOURCES---
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOPE WORLDWIDE:
https://www.hopeww.org
VOLUNTEER WITH HOPE WORLDWIDE: https://www.hopeww.org/volunteer
START A PROGRAM AT YOUR UNIVERSITY: https://www.hopeww.org/campusclubs
DONATE TO HOPE WORLDWIDE: https://hopeww.kindful.com
BOOKS:
Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton
When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
The Broken Ladder by Keith Payne
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns
Reciprocal Missions by DJ Schuetze and Phil Steiner
Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne
Slow Kingdom Coming by Kent Annan
Walking with the Poor by Bryant Meyers
Jesus and the Poor by Steve Kinnard
Scandalous Obligation: Rethinking Christian Responsibility by Eric R. Severson
Charity Detox by Robert D Lupton
WEBSITES/ONLINE RESOURCES:
"Helping, Fixing, or Serving?" Article: https://movementum.co.uk/journal/2019/12/6/helping-fixing-or-serving
Center for Servant Leadership: https://www.greenleaf.org
US Volunteer Training Event: What To Do When Someone Asks You for Money: https://www.hopeww.org/lazarusmyneighbor
From development to dignity: a profound challenge for international cooperation: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/transformation/development-dignity-profound-challenge-international-cooperation/
Part 2 of our discussion with Gordon Ferguson, this time with the Spacemakers Team: Alex, Janai, Meigan, Sebastian, Rachel, and Devon. We discuss our dreams for bridging the gap between ages, generations and cultures in pursuit of love and mutual respect.
Resources mentioned :
“My Hope is In Our Youth” article by Gordon Ferguson (http://gordonferguson.org/articles/my-hope-is-in-our-youth/)
Gordon Ferguson Blog : http://gordonferguson.org
Gordon Ferguson’s Blog on Racial Issues : http://blacktaxandwhitebenefits.com
“All Things To All People” Michael Burns Book : https://www.amazon.com/Things-People-Power-Cultural-Humility/dp/1948450542
“E30: The Culture Gap Between Generations” Michael Burns Podcast Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/2uFfR9JPixCOLXISzUNtC8?si=4b0b6a7da84745a8
“E31: Why Our Younger Generations Are Leaving the Church” Michael Burns Podcast Episode https://open.spotify.com/episode/1WhLVpuQSVMeJCyn0EJGhJ?si=fa3b35ac6d1a45de
Find us on Instagram @spacemakers.podcast, or email us at mailto:spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
Is there a gap between older and younger generations in our church? If so, why is it important and what does it look like?
Author, Bible teacher, respected leader, and friend Gordon Ferguson talks to kids averaged 56 years younger than him about what both the youth and the older generations can do to communicate and make church a better place for everyone.
Part 1 is an interview between Gordon and our host, Isabel. Make sure to tune into Part 2, a conversation with Gordon and the Spacemakers! Out now!
Resources mentioned :
“My Hope is In Our Youth” article by Gordon Ferguson (http://gordonferguson.org/articles/my-hope-is-in-our-youth/)
Find us on Instagram @spacemakers.podcast, or email us at mailto:spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com
Welcome to the spacemakers podcast!! Here we make space for hard conversations surrounding controversial topics, faith deconstruction, church culture, and beyond. This is our introduction episode where you find out WHO we are, and WHAT we're trying to do. We can't wait to build this space with all of you! Please feel free to DM us on instagram @spacemakers.podcast or email us at spacemakers.podcast@gmail.com🙌⚡️