Christianity Now: Recent Episodes
Christianity Now Podcast
A podcast about life, belief, ministry, and more as we move together towards the heart of the 21st century.
Hosted by Dr. Joshua Ziefle, it is a joint effort of the Northwest University College of Ministry and Center for Calling and Theological Formation.
Christianity Now features a variety of guests discussing their lives, faith, interests, and areas of study, and what all this means for the Christian faith in our time.
In our twentieth episode, we welcome Dr. Beth Backes (The Table Church), Dr. Brandon Beals (Venture Church), and Dr. Alan Ehler (Bellevue Neighborhood Church). Each of them will be teaching students in the College of Ministry this Fall. Join with us as we discuss "Pastors in the Classroom," a new initiative at Northwest University.For more on Pastor Beth: @bethbackes1 (Instagram) and https://thetablechurch.live/For more on Pastor Brandon: @fightpastor (Instagram), https://www.ourventure.church/, and the Pastors Unfiltered podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pastors-unfiltered/id1710046554).For more on Pastor Alan: https://bnc.org/ and his book "How to Make Big Decisions Wisely" (https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Big-Decisions-Wisely/dp/0310106508).
In our nineteenth episode (right in time for the 4th of July!), I talk with Pastor Michael Cumming, founder and leader of the Venture Vets ministry. Mike is a 22 veteran of the United States Armed Services--four years in the Marines, and 18 years in the Army. He retired from the Army at the rank of Sergeant First Class.The mission of Venture Vets, according to their church website, is "to reestablish community, hope, and purpose among local veterans through the foundation of faith."For more information on the Venture Vets: https://www.ourventure.church/more-mi...Mike can be reached at: vets@ourventure.church
In our seventeenth episode, Peter Hartwig and I discuss the Northwest University Summer Journey, a theological and vocational exploration program for high school students that we work together on.
For more information about the Summer Journey (and to sign up for Summer 2024, see the following: https://www.northwestu.edu/center-calling-theological-formation/summer-journey).
Peter is Director of Spiritual Life at Christ School in Arden, NC. He has a BA from the University of Virginia, an MPhil from John's College (Cambridge University), and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Peter's Christ School page: https://www.christschool.org/node/195506
Peter's email address: phartwig@christschool.org
In our sixteenth episode, I talk with Dr. J.P. O'Connor about divine judgment, related to his upcoming book The Last Will Be First: Divine Judgment in the Gospel of Mark.
Dr. O'Connor is Associate Professor of Bible (New Testament) at Northwest University. His PhD is from Princeton Theological Seminary, and his first book was entitled The Moral Life According to Mark.For more on JP: https://eagle.northwestu.edu/faculty/jp-oconnor/
In our fifteenth episode, Rev. Dr.Jenn Graffius talks with me about themes connected to her work on transformational mentoring. Dr. Graffius is Executive Director for the Center for Vocational Ministry at Azusa Pacific University. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from the Divinity School at Duke University.For more on Jenn: https://www.apu.edu/theology/faculty/jgraffius/The book she mentions is "The Mentor's Guide" by Lois Zachary and Lisa Fain: https://rb.gy/kmvsfd
In our fourteenth episode, Dr. Leah Payne's discusses her new book "God Gave Rock and Roll to You: A History of Contemporary Christian Music." Dr. Payne is Associate Professor of American Religious History at George Fox University and Portland Seminary, and co-hosts the podcasts "Weird Religion" and "Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music."Hang on until the end for a "bonus track" from "To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love," who I got to serve as "sound man."Her website: https://www.drleahpayne.com/Purchase her new book on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/fNRLpf4
In our lucky thirteenth episode, I talk with the Rev. Dr. Brent Colby, who teaches at Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium!For more Brent: https://www.colbycommission.org/ & https://www.brentcolby.com/
In our twelfth episode, we feature a panel discussion of a recent Northwest University travel experience in Turkey focusing on the journeys of St. Paul. What did we experience? What insights might be gained? Join us, and we hope you'll benefit from the conversation.Featuring College of Ministry undergraduates Tobi Guisinger and Hillarie Markfort, graduate student Brian Lane, and one of our Northwest University campus pastors, Jamie Shores
In our eleventh episode, we feature the second part of our "Ask Craig Keener Anything" event held on the Northwest University campus in Spring 2023. New Testament scholar and Asbury Seminary professor Dr. Craig Keener is joined by moderators Dr. Debbie Lamm Bray and Dr. J. P. O'Connor, as well as a live audience. NOTE: Audio quality is not up to our goal here. Apologies.
In our tenth episode after a LONG hiatus, we feature part one of our "Ask Craig Keener Anything" event held on the Northwest University campus in Spring 2023. New Testament scholar and Asbury Seminary professor Dr. Craig Keener is joined by moderators Dr. Debbie Lamm Bray and Dr. J. P. O'Connor, as well as a live audience. NOTE: Audio quality is not up to our normal standard here. Apologies.
In our ninth episode, I talk with Max Mooney, proprietor of Narrative Coffee in Everett, Washington. Max is a graduate of Northwest University, served in youth ministry, and currently oversees a terrific shop in the city just north of where I live. Join us for a conversation that explores faith...over the proverbial cup of coffee. :)
In our eighth episode, I talk with the Rev. Dr. Beth Backes, Pastoral Care and Credentials Director at the Northwest Ministry Network. At present, Beth is in the process of laying the groundwork for a new church plant in the diverse South Sound area of Seattle. Join us for our conversation as we reflect on this specific effort together with related questions about diversity and the Church.
The goal of the "Christianity Now" podcast is to discuss faith, life, culture, ministry, and more as as we move towards the heart of the 21st century. Each installment features a conversation with guest(s) related to their expertise, training, experience, and/or a relevant theme. My hope is that this joint project of Northwest University's College of Ministry and Center for Calling and Theological Formation ends up being a unique opportunity for learning and spurring conversation.
In our sixth episode, I talk with the Rev. Dr. A. J. Swoboda, assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University. He is also the former pastor of Theophilus Church in Portland, Oregon. This month he released his new book, After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith Without Losing It.
Join us for our conversation about his important theme
In our sixth episode, I talk with the Rev. Brooke Perry, Lead Youth Pastor at National Community Church in Washington, DC. Brooke is a Pacific Northwest native who has served at NCC since 2016. She completed her Master of Divinity degree from Western Seminary in 2017. Recently she was a featured guest at Northwest University's Youth Forum event.
Join us for our conversation as we reflect on youth ministry and the rising generation.
In our fifth episode, I talk with the Rev. Dr. Jason Deuman, Lead Pastor of Creekside Church in Lynnwood, Washington. Jason recently completed his Doctor of Ministry degree in Semiotics and Future Studies at Portland Seminary of George Fox University. His dissertation was entitled: "Using Comedy to Build Community in Local Churches: How Laughing Together Can Bring People Together." Join us for our conversation as we discuss comedy, story, and preaching.
In our fourth episode, I talk with Rev. Emilie Baca, Women's Pastor of the Renton campus of New Life Church and First Impressions Director. Emilie is a double graduate of Northwest University, with a BA in Intercultural Studies and Pastoral Ministries and an MA in Ministry Leadership. Join us for our conversation as we discuss contemporary women's ministry.
In our third episode, I talk with Dr. Bill Oliverio, Associate Professor of Theology at Northwest University. Dr. Oliverio is new to our faculty this semester, and has an unique set of teaching duties. Join us for our conversation as we discuss the idea of "public theology" and more!
In our second episode, I talk with Professor Lisa Russi, Assistant Professor of Intercultural Studies at Northwest University. Our conversation relates to her work in the missions field in Asia and Europe amongst women in the sex trade.
In our inaugural episode, I talk with Dr. Andrew Kaufmann, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwest University. Our conversation touches on some relevant topics and ideas about religion and politics in advance of the upcoming election.