Faith Backstage: Recent Episodes
Joey James
Sarah joins Sammie and I to reflect on her spiritual journey, from encountering Jesus in a legalistic church to discovering the true love of God after leaving. She shares her experience with the leadership and values of that church, and we discuss what actually makes a church legalistic. We also explore how churches today can be a place of healing for those coming from these kinds of backgrounds.
Tim and Kate join me to discuss Jonathan Haidt's new book The Anxious Generation! This book is about how social media and smart phones have been causing a wave of anxiety and depression among Gen Z since the early 2010s.
Buy the book here!
The Anxious Generation
Trent joins me to talk about whether or not Christians should regularly read the Old Testament, and how understanding the Covenants can be a helpful tool for following the narrative happening across its pages.
Sammie and I just celebrated our three-year anniversary AND we're moving into a new house! We talk about the joys and pains of moving and each share three things we've learned over the last three years of married life.
Roni is BACK to discuss one of her favorite topics! Beauty is a deceptively simple word that we use all the time for a lot of different things. On this episode we start by defining beauty, how beauty is different from attractiveness, where beauty standards come from, and why modesty isn't just about personal comfort or expression.
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/joeyandfriends
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant
Tim and Kate join me to discuss the entertainment and media we consume as Christians. We start by discussing entertainment in general, and how Christians should decide whether or not to engage with books, movies, music and video games. Then we specifically discuss Taylor Swift, her perceived associations with demonic imagery and witchcraft, and how Christians should thoughtfully engage with her music.
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/joeyandfriends
Roni Shasamni joins me for a conversation about how open non-Christians are to Jesus, the Bible, spirituality, and even things like Christian music, mega-churches, and celebrity pastors. We also talk about how non-Christians perceive Christians themselves, and whether or not it matters.
Barna Article
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/joeyandfriends
As I start a new season of the podcast, I'm excited to have my wife with me to share her story of being part of an unhealthy church, getting pushed out of that church, and how she overcame the shame and loneliness that followed. This is the first episode in what will be an ongoing series where we openly discuss church-related struggles, shedding light on why they happen, and how God can bring redemption in their wake.
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/joeyandfriends
Brian joins the podcast, along with my wife Sam, to discuss Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert's book When Helping Hurts. We talk about how to determine the kind of help a person really needs, community development in other social contexts, and how to find a trustworthy partner in a third-world country.
For the final episode of this series, I had a conversation with Taylor reflecting on everything I've learned from the previous interviews, and hearing why she decided to get confirmed as a Catholic. We also continue our discussion of Catholic beliefs about the Sacraments, salvation, and the Saints.
Father Francis shares about the history and practices of The Benedictine Order, the purpose of the sacraments and how they lead a Christian along the path of holiness, and what kind of authority the Church carries in the lives of believers.
Macklen shares his journey to ordination as a Catholic, and what he found compelling about their doctrines and teachings. We discuss the true Catholic beliefs about the sacraments, veneration of the saints, confession, and penance, and the role the church plays in the life of a practicing Catholic.
Support on patreon: patreon.com/faithbackstage
The first conversation in our 4-part series exploring Catholic doctrine with Luis Lopez, who was raised nominally Catholic, found a relationship with God through Protestantism, and eventually returned to his Catholic roots after exploring the true claims of their doctrine.
Leif joins Faith Backstage to discuss various transitions between churches throughout his life, why he and his wife decided to move from San Diego to Los Angeles with the pastor she worked for, how to establish a healthy life groups culture, and the challenges of creating a safe space for worship.
Dennis Onen, a pastor and filmmaker from Kampala, Uganda joins me for the 50th episode of the podcast, recorded in front of a live audience at the AFRU Media Summit. Dennis and I discuss the emerging filmmaking industry in Uganda, why he's passionate about storytelling, and how he lead his parents to faith in Jesus.
Support on patreon: patreon.com/faithbackstage
Join me and co-host Roni Shasamni as we speak with Lesley Sears (LMFT) about the relationship between faith and mental health. We explore why it’s easy to get stuck in a state of victimhood, and how pastors and leaders can differentiate between a person experiencing strong (but healthy) emotions, and someone suffering from a true mental disorder.
Support on Patreon: patreon.com/faithbackstage
Timecodes:
4:15 – Background and Testimony
18:30 – Journey to becoming a Marriage & Family Therapist and Life Coach
20:30 – Examining our personal biases and presuppositions about therapy
26:00 – Is there a difference between “faith-based” therapy and “secular therapy”?
32:15 – How do we discern the difference between true mental disorders and disorders as slang for experiencing strong emotions?
49:30 – Tools for pastors and leaders helping students who are struggling with strong emotions, or a potential mental health challenge
1:00:45 – Why it’s easy to get stuck in a state of victimhood, and how to lead people out
Bill joins Faith Backstage to discuss his role as Minister of Music and Worship, from the process of song selection to pastoring a congregation through worship. We also talk about how a song's authorship effects whether or not it will be used at Grace, the dangers of experiential worship, and how Grace balances relevance and tradition in their style and approach.
Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/faithbackstage
J.W. Buck is a church planter, filmmaker, teacher, and faith-based entrepreneur. With undergraduate degrees in biblical studies and ministry, J.W. has his PhD in intercultural studies, with a focus on the problem of racial violence. He is a cofounder of Pax, a Christian organization designed to inspire and equip the next generation through slow, beautiful, Jesus-centered content created by people of color. On this episode, we discuss his latest book, Everyday Activism, where he unpacks seven radical practices from the life of Jesus—mobilizing ordinary people to do God’s work of justice in the world.
Purchase Everyday Activism
Support the Faith Backstage on Patreon
Tony joins Faith Backstage to talk about different metrics for measuring a church's success, why people choose to attend a particular church, what keeps them coming back, and how to determine the unique vision that God is calling your church to pursue at the executive leadership level.
Cindy Fahy is an international journalist who has interviewed women and government leaders in 12 countries on six continents for 19 years. She is the author of Living Without Limits: 10 Keys to Unlocking the Champion in You, former features editor of World Christian Magazine and the founding teaching director of an interdenominational Bible study serving women from over 40 churches in the Los Angeles area. On this episode, you'll hear her heart for women in ministry, and how she learned the beauty of submission, both in marriage and in the church.
Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/faithbackstage
The Other Side: Women in Ministry continues in this conversation with Sarah Czerwinski! When Sarah was approached with the opportunity to pastor a new young adults ministry at her church, it led her down a path of examining the Scriptures and pursuing God's intention for women in the church. Could she go to seminary? Could she teach men over 18, or accept the title of pastor? In this episode, you'll get to hear her story and her answers to these difficult questions.
Support the podcast on Patreon: patreon.com/faithbackstage
Can women hold the title of pastor? What level of authority can they have in the church? What was God's intent for gender roles in preaching the Gospel? Do these questions even matter, and can we be unified with people who answer them differently? Taylor Pircey joins me on this three-part installment of The Other Side!
Trent joins Faith Backstage to discuss the role he played in reviving a former mega church with dwindling attendance, and how he and the team used a relational ministry model to bring life and growth back to the church. We also discuss leadership development models, determining a church's unique vision and distinctives, and why he's grateful his sin was brought into the light when he was 19.
Chris joins Faith Backstage to talk about his time as an on-location news reporter, why he bought a one-way ticket to L.A. without a job or place to live, and why he's passionate about telling the stories of others.
Pastor Dave Hurtado stops by Faith Backstage to talk about his years in youth ministry, how he tries to blend attractional ministry and discipleship ministry, and how he leverages his primary gifting of teaching as a lead pastor.
Roniyah Shasanmi joins the show to discuss the recently concluded Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial and why it's important to believe and defend victims while also seeking the truth.
The Di Pumas are starting their ministry journey to the city of Paris, France! During our conversation we talked about France's culture, why Parisians have a resistance to organized religion, and what the Gospel could mean for the people who call Paris home. They also shared why a two-year delay caused by the pandemic might have been exactly what they needed, and some of the challenges they expect to have over the coming years.
Support Brandon and Marianne financially: https://ppay.co/1foNwTie3s4
Get updates: https://the-dipuma-family.epistle.today/
Support Faith Backstage: https://www.patreon.com/faithbackstage
There’s been a lot of conversation over the past decade about the beliefs and practices of Bethel Church, mostly because of how successful and prominent their worship ministry has been in the Christian culture. Many critics have weighed in on their theology, going as far as calling them heretical and dangerous. On this episode of The Other Side, we’re diving in to find out whether Bethel is truly unbiblical in their teaching… or maybe just a little bit weird.
First, Joey discusses Bethel’s beliefs and practices with Pastor Andy Otis (3:18), talks about his experience attending a conference at Bethel with Kelly Bumb (58:57), and finally is joined by one of Bethel’s worship leaders, John Fajuke (1:26:54).
Support the show! patreon.com/faithbackstage
Todd Nighswonger is currently serving as the lead pastor at Cornerstone Church, which was founded by Francis Chan. When Francis left Cornerstone in 2010, Todd was facing an impossible challenge... continue to carry out the great commission when the majority of the congregation was just there to hear Francis preach. During our conversation, we talked about what that transition looked like, and some of the things he's learned along the way.
One of our foundational beliefs as Christians is that God created the universe... but what did that process actually look like? What does our belief about the age of the earth mean for our faith? And most importantly... can we be united with believers who would answer those questions differently?
Producers: Joey James & Kelly Bumb
Guests: Christian Fernandez, Ryan Pauly and Paul Dulaney
Technical Producer: Sarah Rapp
Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/faithbackstage
We're kicking off a brand new series on the Faith Backstage feed! Pastor Tim Schoen joins me for a discussion about Christian unity and why it's one of the most important ingredients for a healthy church body.
Show notes: https://5dc8cad0-db01-4071-b0b3-70ae0ba18909.usrfiles.com/ugd/5dc8ca_5564a8d6a7df4bba84b6ed5e1f577e2e.pdf
Aaron Kajumba pastors a network of over 50 churches in Uganda and is currently serving as the High School Pastor at Calvary Community Church! During our conversation we talked about how American church culture differs from Ugandan church culture, how value should be determined in the church, why church creatives are some of the most important people on the team, and how those creatives can be both deeply theological and super gifted at the same time.
Genein Letford is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author and corporate trainer on creative thinking and Intercultural Creativity™. She is the founder of CAFFE Strategies, and has inspired and led many to reconnect to their creative abilities in order to produce innovative ideas for an inclusive workspace. During our conversation, we talked about the definition of creativity, the role creativity has to play in the church, and how everyone can unlock their creative potential.
Ariel and Trey Fernald, co-founders of Easter Sky Theater Company, join Faith Backstage to discuss their new book about how performing arts can be used for ministry, and what goes into creating a show that effectively illustrates the heart of God. They also share some stories and testimonies from the over 100 shows they have produced together.
Kristen joins Faith Backstage to talk about the importance of empathy in parenting, how families can stay connected to the church even when they aren't physically present, why it's critical that we have conversations about social justice in the church, the unique heart and character of Gen Z, and so much more.
Michael is the lead pastor of The Church at Rocky Peak in southern California, and with over four decades of ministry experience at two different mega churches, he has a lot of wisdom to share. We talked about why leading a spiritually and emotionally healthy church is so important to him, how the church has been starting to think like the world, and why our nation and culture is approaching a breaking point.
Jason is the Director of Church Ministry Initiatives with Christian Alliance for Orphans, and the author of several books on foster care including Reframing Foster Care and Everyone Can Do Something. During our conversation we talked about the role churches have to play in equipping their families for foster care, what keeps families and churches from pursuing foster care, and how Jason leads his own family of fostered, adopted, and biological children.
Dusty is the youth and young adults pastor at Shepherd Church, where he has been on staff since 2005. He joins Faith Backstage to talk about leadership, discipleship, youth ministry and the biggest challenges facing the students of today.
Netflix made a Christian version of Camp Rock recycling radio hits from the 90s, and we couldn't stay away. Kelly Bumb joins me to talk about the good and the not-so-good of this bizarre piece of Christian pop culture.
Elisha is the Art Director at Fresh Life Church in Montana! During our conversation we talked about what collaboration looks like in a team of creatives, how her church uses social media in a way that genuinely ministers to people, and whether or not it's important for a church to have a specific style and brand.
Matt has a huge range of ministry experience including urban outreach in South L.A., eldership at Cornerstone Church, and teaching at Eternity Bible College. He is currently the lead pastor of Hope Sacramento, and during our conversation we talked about the importance of discipleship, the challenges of church planting, and the lack of diversity in the Church in America.
Brad is the lead pastor of Restored LA, and we sat down to talk about being called to plant a church, the joys and challenges of shepherding a congregation, and his heart for the Church in America.
It's a new season of Faith Backstage! Tim is currently the high school pastor at The Church at Rocky Peak, and on this episode we talk about growing up in the church, the pressures facing students today, and how to trust God in the waiting.
Kim joined me on this episode to talk about her ministry in physical therapy and some of the best ways to battle COVID-19 that we aren't talking enough about.
Jesse Bailey joins me on the morning of Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 presidential election to talk about discerning truth in a post-truth society.
Taylor Pircey returns to the show to chat with me about the upcoming election, the current state of our country, and the faith and politics should have. We also discuss some significant propositions California will be voting on in this election.
On this episode I am joined by three incredible women (Mariana Castro, Taylor Pircey, and Madison Hernandez) to discuss how the church has handled conversations about both fashion and modesty.
It's the first edition of the Faith Backstage After-show with John and Frankie! We spent another 45 minutes discussing 30 films that have told the stories of Black men and women in honest ways.
John and Frankie join Faith Backstage for an in-depth conversation about the current state of our country, their experiences after the death of victims like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, and how they model the love of Christ in all every aspect of their lives.
Matt joins Faith Backstage to talk about discipleship, hospitality, raising a family passionate about their relationship with God, and the power of a house church in the community.
Would you move from California to Tennessee if God told you to, even if you had no guarantee that you would be able to find a home, a job, or a life? Well Ashley certainly did, and she joins Faith Backstage to share her story and how she has learned to put her trust wholly in Jesus.
Have you ever taken a hard look at your faith? Why do you believe the things that you believe? Is there sufficient evidence for the existence of God and the resurrection of Jesus? On this episode, I am joined by two theologians-in-training for an in-depth conversation about the book I Don't Have Enough Faith To Be An Atheist.
Young Adults Pastor Kelly McCoy and Joey's fiancee Samantha Marie join the podcast to continue the conversation about racial reconciliation.
Ariel joins Faith Backstage to continue the conversation about the Justice System, conflict mediation programs she has been a part of, and how we can effect changes in our own areas of influence. She also responds to listener questions about the Black Lives Matter movement and what the effects of defunding the police would be.
In this live edition of Faith Backstage, Mariana Castro sits down with a panel to discuss social justice in our country... what's working, and what needs to be fixed. What would it look like to defund the police? What is critical race theory? And what can we do to make a difference in our world?
Kristen joins Faith Backstage to discuss her time as an elementary school teacher, and how she navigated the incredibly unexpected need to teach and nurture students in the virtual, digital space.
Kate and Aiden, a high school senior and college senior in 2020, join Faith Backstage to talk about senior year and graduating in the middle of a global pandemic.
Freddy joins Faith Backstage to talk about being raised by his hospital chaplain, the inspiration and conception of Children's Hunger Fund's Poverty Encounter, and his trip to Haiti after the earthquake in 2010. But first, Joey and Madison discuss all there is to miss about being at church and how to experience and encounter God during quarantine.
Jon works in the healthcare field overseeing a team of physicians and is on the elder board at Cornerstone church in Southern California. He joins Faith Backstage to talk about is experience over the past several months dealing with COVID-19 and how we should be responding as Christ-followers.
Brian and Lesley join Faith Backstage to talk about their incredibly unique story of how they met and got married, how they make decisions in their marriage, and how they point their kids towards truth. But first, Madison and Joey discuss advertising and consumerism in the context of COVID-19.
On this first edition of "The Faith Backstage Book Club," Joey and Madison discuss Max Lucado's recent book Anxious for Nothing, talking about anxiety in the context of the world we're living in as well as our current crisis.
Lauren joins Faith Backstage to talk about her life as a teacher of both film and Bible over the course of her life, and how she teaches students to think critically about the world around them. She also shares some of her favorite movies, and what makes them so special to her.
Christa joins Faith Backstage to talk about her time at the Community Pregnancy Clinic, why advocates for the pro-life and pro-choice movements have more in common than they think, and how she navigated online dating as a Christian. But first, Joey and Madison discuss what the permanent effects of COVID-19 could be, and recommend 10 Instagram accounts to get you through quarantine.
In this inaugural episode, Joey and Madison discuss all there is to say about COVID-19 and how it's affecting both the world and the church. Then, Joey sits down with Dave Cox, COO of ZOE International to talk about his life of ministry, spiritual warfare, and discernment.