Tough conversations

Steve's List for Summer 2023: Nature and the Care of the Soul with Belden Lane, Part 2

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SHOW NOTES

FROM STEVE: I consider Belden Lane to Be among the most important voices in the 21st century. For the next two weeks listen deeply to his wisdom and insight. I relish in his books and find him to be among the most authentic voices I've ever heard!

Special Guest Belden C. Lane

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden C. Lane is a Presbyterian theologian who teaches on a Jesuit faculty at Saint Louis University. His interests include the relationship between geography and faith, wilderness backpacking in the Ozarks, the magic of storytelling, desert spirituality, exposing students to urban poverty through the Catholic Worker community, and the poetry of Rumi. He also works with men, helping to lead initiation rites through Richard Rohr's program for Men as Learners and Elders in Albuquerque.

He lives with his wife Patricia, a spiritual director and retired school teacher, in Saint Louis. Drawn to sacred places around the world, his travels have involved camping in Egypt, Ireland and the Virgin Islands; hiking in Greece, Hawaii, and Australia; and study in England, Israel and Mexico. For six years I served in the pastorate, from a village parish in western New York State to the historic First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Some time ago he found himself delightfully introduced as a Presbyterian minister teaching at a Roman Catholic university telling Jewish stories at the Vedanta Society.

Belden’s Books:

Mentioned in podcast

 

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Steve's List for Summer 2023: Nature and the Care of the Soul with Belden Lane, Part 1

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SHOW NOTES

FROM STEVE: I consider Belden Lane to Be among the most important voices in the 21st century. For the next two weeks listen deeply to his wisdom and insight. I relish in his books and find him to be among the most authentic voices I've ever heard!

Special Guest Belden C. Lane

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden C. Lane is a Presbyterian theologian who teaches on a Jesuit faculty at Saint Louis University. His interests include the relationship between geography and faith, wilderness backpacking in the Ozarks, the magic of storytelling, desert spirituality, exposing students to urban poverty through the Catholic Worker community, and the poetry of Rumi. He also works with men, helping to lead initiation rites through Richard Rohr's program for Men as Learners and Elders in Albuquerque.

He lives with his wife Patricia, a spiritual director and retired school teacher, in Saint Louis. Drawn to sacred places around the world, his travels have involved camping in Egypt, Ireland and the Virgin Islands; hiking in Greece, Hawaii, and Australia; and study in England, Israel and Mexico. For six years I served in the pastorate, from a village parish in western New York State to the historic First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Some time ago he found himself delightfully introduced as a Presbyterian minister teaching at a Roman Catholic university telling Jewish stories at the Vedanta Society.

More about Belden

Belden’s Books:

Mentioned in podcast

 

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 100 - Perplexity/Complexity to Harmony with Brian McLaren - Part 2

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“ I can either pretend and say things I don't really believe so that I'll fit in or I will be honest, even knowing that that's going to create some difficulties for me.” - Brian McLaren

SHOW NOTES

We're in the midst of a conversation with Steve and Brian McLaren, talking about the four beautiful heart stages and phases that all of us go through in life.

This episode is our 100th! And to celebrate we will have a giveaway of Steve’s NEW book “30 Days with the Potter.” Head on over to our Potter’s Inn Facebook page and look for a post celebrating our 100th episode - it will be up later today!

You are the reason we do this podcast, and we are so grateful you have been here, with us, for this soul care journey.

Special Guest Brian McLaren

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Faith After Doubt, and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now.

Brian is married to Grace, and they have four adult children and five grandchildren. His personal interests include wildlife and ecology, fly fishing and kayaking, music and songwriting, and literature.

Brian McLaren’s Website

Mentioned in podcast

  • Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren

  • Moment to BreatheAn Approach to God: Losing my Religion by Rev. Dr. Doug Gay

  • The Four Stages of Faith Development that Brian described:

    1. Simplicity (Stage of Dualism) — You’re either for us or against us.  It’s all or nothing.

    2. Complexity — There’s more than one way to do things. Learning to think for yourself.

    3. Perplexity — Everyone has an opinion.  Who knows who is right?

    4. Harmony/Humility — Seek first God’s Kingdom; love God, love neighbors; unity.

MUSIC USED IN PODCAST

  • First Music Break at 15:41 - Artist: Christian Andersen | Title: Big Passion | courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

  • Second Music Break at 35:05 – Artist: Johannes Bornlof | Title: Godsend | courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.


CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com


INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 99 - Faith After Doubt with Brian McLaren - Part 1

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And so a big part of my life has been helping people find a way to stay Christian when the forms of Christianity they grew up with feel like a really badly fitting suit of clothes. -Brian McLaren

SHOW NOTES

Steve had an incredible conversation with author, pastor, theologian, and activist Brian McLaren and today is Part 1! Brian’s story resonates with so many of us who feel lost, confused, and in tension about all that is happening in the world and in our hearts.

This podcast will help you feel not so alone - we found Brian incredibly humble, honest, and wise. There's so much truth here - dive in and please, talk to us below in the comments. We would love to hear what you thought about today’s conversation.

Brian McLaren

Special Guest Brian McLaren

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Faith After Doubt, and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now.

Brian is married to Grace, and they have four adult children and five grandchildren. His personal interests include wildlife and ecology, fly fishing and kayaking, music and songwriting, and literature.

Brian McLaren’s Website

Mentioned in podcast

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.


CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com


INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 98 - Eugene Peterson: Humble Servant - Part 2 with Winn Collier

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SHOW NOTES

Today is Part 2 of Steve’s conversation with Winn Collier. They talk about The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, The Message, how Peterson navigated criticism, and more. You will want to pass this one along to your friends and family!

 
 

Special Guest Winn Collier

In addition to A Burning in My Bones, Winn Collier has authored four books (Restless Faith, Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of François Fénelon, Holy Curiosity, and Love Big, Be Well) and contributed to numerous other volumes. He has written for multiple periodicals including Christianity Today, Christian Century, Relevant, and the Washington Post.

A pastor for twenty-five years, Winn was the founding pastor of All Souls Charlottesville in Virginia. He now directs the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary in Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Virginia, where he focused on the intersection of religion and literary fiction. Winn and his wife, Miska, a spiritual director, live in Holland, Michigan, with their two sons.

Winn’s Website

Winn’s books:

Mentioned in podcast

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 97 - A Burning in my Bones with Winn Collier, Part 1

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If you want to cut to the core of who I am, I’d say this: I’m husband to the beautiful and graceful Miska Tolleson Collier. Miska is a spiritual director and yoga teacher, a poet-mystic and the person I most respect in this world. I’m dad to Wyatt and Seth, the two who’ve pulled strands of love out of me that I didn’t know existed. I’m friend to a few misty-eyed men and a few courageous women. I prefer what’s slow over what’s efficient. I’m suspicious of anyone who’s cock-sure. I’m weary of all the bullhorns. I’m partial to things that are worn and a bit ragged. I think truth is best told slant. I believe in hope. — Winn Collier

SHOW NOTES

Winn Collier is a pastor & author whose most recent book is “A Burning in my Bones,” an authorized biography of Eugene Peterson. While Winn does delve into Eugene’s life and the book, this podcast is really about Winn Collier: who he is, where he came from, how he got to this point in his life, and the difficult times we are living in.

Listen in and hear the heart of this man of faith.

Winn & Eugene Peterson

Winn & Eugene Peterson

Special Guest Winn Collier

In addition to A Burning in My Bones, Winn Collier has authored four books (Restless Faith, Let God: The Transforming Wisdom of François Fénelon, Holy Curiosity, and Love Big, Be Well) and contributed to numerous other volumes. He has written for multiple periodicals including Christianity Today, Christian Century, Relevant, and the Washington Post.

A pastor for twenty-five years, Winn was the founding pastor of All Souls Charlottesville in Virginia. He now directs the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary in Michigan. He holds a PhD from the University of Virginia, where he focused on the intersection of religion and literary fiction. Winn and his wife, Miska, a spiritual director, live in Holland, Michigan, with their two sons.

Winn’s Website

Winn’s books mentioned:

Mentioned in podcast

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 96 - Nature and the Care of the Soul with Belden Lane, Part 2

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This season is all about Complex Conversations and how these conversations can help us buffet the fierce winds that are blowing in our lives.

 

SHOW NOTES

We are continuing the conversation with Steve and Belden Lane today.

Belden and Steve discuss why lament is absolutely necessary for each of us, and how lament is the way out of our national meltdown, our constant state of living on the edge in a frazzled world.

It is stunning, sobering, and powerfully hope filled - don’t miss this conversation!

Special Guest Belden C. Lane

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden C. Lane is a Presbyterian theologian who teaches on a Jesuit faculty at Saint Louis University. His interests include the relationship between geography and faith, wilderness backpacking in the Ozarks, the magic of storytelling, desert spirituality, exposing students to urban poverty through the Catholic Worker community, and the poetry of Rumi. He also works with men, helping to lead initiation rites through Richard Rohr's program for Men as Learners and Elders in Albuquerque.

He lives with his wife Patricia, a spiritual director and retired school teacher, in Saint Louis. Drawn to sacred places around the world, his travels have involved camping in Egypt, Ireland and the Virgin Islands; hiking in Greece, Hawaii, and Australia; and study in England, Israel and Mexico. For six years I served in the pastorate, from a village parish in western New York State to the historic First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Some time ago he found himself delightfully introduced as a Presbyterian minister teaching at a Roman Catholic university telling Jewish stories at the Vedanta Society.

More about Belden

Belden’s Books:

Mentioned in podcast

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 95 - Nature and the Care of the Soul with Belden Lane, Part 1

Subscribe to the Podcast and receive email notification when new episodes are released

Or subscribe on your favorite podcast player:

 

This season is all about Complex Conversations and how these conversations can help us buffet the fierce winds that are blowing in our lives.

 

SHOW NOTES

Warning: this podcast is not for the faint of heart!

It is not for those who attend church and equate that with the pilgrimage of the 4th century, when those who did not want to be swallowed by culture fled to the desert to not survive, but thrive!

It might undo you as it has undone me.

I talk with Belden Lane about the difference in being a spiritual pilgrim and a spiritual tourist. A tourist is one who sees enough to take a photo proving that they had been there. A pilgrim is one who pays the price of entering the wilderness, only to find themselves and God.

We speak of the dangers of social media where soul care is watered down by selling things, being merely consumers of the spiritual life rather than embracing wilderness. Emptying our self to live empty, broken, and void of ego. We spoke of “the greening of our faith.” Honoring nature as a portal to God the Creator.

It was like sitting with a prophet who was speaking out about the church, who has lost its soul.

Join us in today's conversation!

Special Guest Belden C. Lane

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden and his dog Joey

Belden C. Lane is a Presbyterian theologian who teaches on a Jesuit faculty at Saint Louis University. His interests include the relationship between geography and faith, wilderness backpacking in the Ozarks, the magic of storytelling, desert spirituality, exposing students to urban poverty through the Catholic Worker community, and the poetry of Rumi. He also works with men, helping to lead initiation rites through Richard Rohr's program for Men as Learners and Elders in Albuquerque.

He lives with his wife Patricia, a spiritual director and retired school teacher, in Saint Louis. Drawn to sacred places around the world, his travels have involved camping in Egypt, Ireland and the Virgin Islands; hiking in Greece, Hawaii, and Australia; and study in England, Israel and Mexico. For six years I served in the pastorate, from a village parish in western New York State to the historic First Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia. Some time ago he found himself delightfully introduced as a Presbyterian minister teaching at a Roman Catholic university telling Jewish stories at the Vedanta Society.

More about Belden

Belden’s Books:

Mentioned in podcast

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 94 - The Evangelical Diaspora: Getting out of our Boxes! Part 2

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This season is all about Complex Conversations and how these conversations can help us buffet the fierce winds that are blowing in our lives.

 

SHOW NOTES

We have Part 2 of The Evangelical Diaspora: Getting Out of our Boxes for you today. And honestly, it’s even deeper than Part 1.

NOTE: We highly recommend you listen to Part 1 first (FIND IT HERE) and then come back to hear the rest of the story in Part 2.

Part 2 continues with Greg and Steve, where Greg shares his story of change and breaking out of boxes that don't fit and beliefs that simply did not work for him any more.

Can you identify? 

This conversation just might become a road map for you to take some steps to deconstruct some boxes--which may be different from Greg's boxes or Steve's boxes but will help you to find the language and love to join in the process of deconstructing boxes you may be finding.

The pandemic, politics, racial stress, and economic challenge have all required new ways of thinking for all of us. No one gets a pass on not feeling like "something is not right...something is not working any more."  We hope this particular podcast will give you something to think about, something to argue with, and some much needed HOPE… plus some courage to take some steps that await you for a new beginning.

Special Guest Greg Farrand

Greg Farrand is the Executive Director at Second Breath Center, a Servant leadership school that focuses on moving beyond mere intellectual understanding of God, faith, and love to actually experiencing them with mind, heart, and body.

Greg attended Reformed Theological Seminary and worked in several unique ministry settings, including as a missionary in Uganda, and in campus ministry. Greg also served as founder and lead pastor of Spring Garden Community Church and as co-director of Selah Spiritual Formation, a nonprofit committed to facilitating spiritual direction and retreats.

Greg spent most of his early life living in Japan and Taiwan. He now lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Beth, who works as a spiritual director. They have three grown sons. In his free time, Greg enjoys hiking and being in nature.

Mentioned in podcast

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 93 - The Evangelical Diaspora: Getting out of our Boxes! Part 1

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This season is all about Complex Conversations  and how these conversations can help us buffet the fierce winds that are blowing in our lives.

This season is all about Complex Conversations and how these conversations can help us buffet the fierce winds that are blowing in our lives.

 

SHOW NOTES

The Evangelical Diaspora: Getting Out of our Boxes is a raw, honest, and lively discussion between Steve and Greg Ferrand. It is a conversation where Greg shares his story of change and breaking out of boxes that don't fit and beliefs that simply did not work for him any more.

Can you identify?

There are few show notes. But listen well and listen often as this conversation just might become a road map for you to take some steps to deconstruct some boxes--which may be different from Greg's boxes or Steve's boxes but will help you to find the language and love to join in the process of deconstructing boxes you may be finding.

The Pandemic, politics, racial stress, and economic challenge have all required new ways of thinking for all of us. No one gets a pass on not feeling like "something is not right...something is not working any more."  We hope this particular podcast will give you something to think about, something to argue with, and some courage to take some steps that await you for a new beginning.

Special Guest Greg Farrand

Greg-Headshot_cropped.png

Greg Farrand is the Executive Director at Second Breath Center, a Servant leadership school that focuses on moving beyond mere intellectual understanding of God, faith, and love to actually experiencing them with mind, heart, and body.

Greg attended Reformed Theological Seminary and worked in several unique ministry settings, including as a missionary in Uganda, and in campus ministry. Greg also served as founder and lead pastor of Spring Garden Community Church and as co-director of Selah Spiritual Formation, a nonprofit committed to facilitating spiritual direction and retreats.

Greg spent most of his early life living in Japan and Taiwan. He now lives in Greensboro, NC with his wife Beth, who works as a spiritual director. They have three grown sons. In his free time, Greg enjoys hiking and being in nature.

Mentioned in podcast

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!

Episode 92 - Where Soul Meets World

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Complex COnversations.jpg
 

SHOW NOTES

Welcome to our sixth season of the Soul Care Conversations Podcast! Steve is anchoring the season with a thoughtful discussion on our theme of Complex Conversations – and how these conversations can help us buffet the fierce winds that are blowing in our lives. It’s all in learning to live with our soul and mind, while trying to find, with each other, foundational places where we can anchor ourselves. It’s a great discussion and introduction to what this season will be about.

Also included is a reading from our new devotional, 365 Days with the Potter, which will be launching this fall with our new Potter’s Inn App!

Mentioned in podcast

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.

CONTACT US

podcast@pottersinn.com

INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES?

Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION HERE!