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Discipleship Conversations

Discipleship Conversations

By Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Jeremy Hoover, Cheryl Russell

This is a podcast focusing on conversations with guests about following Jesus in various arenas and circumstances of life. Our team of hosts include Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Jeremy Hoover, and Cheryl Russell. We invite you to join us for these conversations, where we reflect on what it means to live as a follower of Jesus, where discipleship and the Kingdom of God call us into a new reality and give us a new script for life.
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Interview with Charles Kiser, Part 1

Discipleship ConversationsOct 27, 2021

00:00
39:58
Unveiling Vocational Formation - A Conversation with Dr. Chis Cobbler

Unveiling Vocational Formation - A Conversation with Dr. Chis Cobbler

Join us in this enlightening episode of Discipleship Conversations as we delve into the realm of vocational formation with Dr. Chris Cobbler, a seasoned missional theologian and the newly appointed executive director of the Center for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas online. Dr. Cobbler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table as he shares his vision for helping individuals recognize their vocations as integral parts of God's mission. Drawing from his extensive background in theology and practical ministry, Chris unveils the significance of vocational formation in today's rapidly evolving world. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to embrace your unique calling in God's grand narrative of redemption and restoration.

Dr. Christopher Cobbler was born in Windsor, Ontario Canada, and currently resides in Michigan with his wife and three children. He and his wife, Kahra, have been immersed in many faith traditions; he values the intersectional aspects of his journey and passionately desires to see communities in the church and academy become a sign, instrument and foretaste of the kingdom of God. Chris graduated from Alberta Bible College, Rochester University and most recently with a Doctoral Degree from Lipscomb University. He is the Dean of Vocational Formation and the Director of the Center for Vocational Formation at Abilene Christian University, Dallas. Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

Mar 27, 202448:43
Innovation, the Missional Call, and Reimagining Church - A Host Roundtable Discussion

Innovation, the Missional Call, and Reimagining Church - A Host Roundtable Discussion

Join hosts Tiffany Dahlman, Steven Carrizal, and Jeremy Hoover in the latest episode of "Discipleship Conversations," where they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the pressing issue of church decline and the innovative ways that some Christian faith communities are responding. The hosts engage with an article by Chris Flanders from Mission Alive's Reimagining Church series titled: “Kainos Koinonias: How Innovative Faith Communities Embody the Missio Dei.” In the article, Chris challenges conventional thinking, emphasizing the importance of discerning God's missional calling in ever-expanding cultural contexts. As churches grapple with rapid change, and also seek to partner with God in redemptive mission, this episode considers what questions churches are asking, and how they are adapting to try to meet the evolving needs of their communities. Join us as we contemplate the future landscape of church and faith, recognizing the diverse expressions emerging in response to the call of the Kingdom. In a world where the Kingdom comes near in various forms, the discussion prompts us to reimagine our understanding of church and embrace the innovative spirit driving the Missio Dei forward.

Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Alive Newsletter to read more from the Reimaging Church series and to receive new posts each time they are published.  

Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.

Feb 21, 202444:57
Diverging Traditions, Merging Faith - A Conversation With Greg Taylor and Jacob Taylor
Jan 26, 202445:25
More Than Just Lighting The Candles – A Conversation About Advent

More Than Just Lighting The Candles – A Conversation About Advent

It is the season of Advent! Check out our latest podcast episode as hosts Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Cheryl Russell, and Jeremy Hoover, discuss Advent and what it has meant to them personally and in their ministries. Whether you're a seasoned Advent enthusiast or new to the tradition, we invite you to listen to this "Discipleship Conversation" as we consider the meaning of Advent, share personal stories, and discuss the timeless themes of the season.


Advent isn't just about lighting candles or following traditions; it's about finding hope in Jesus, creating balance in the holiday chaos, and bringing warmth to your life and community. It is about discovering how a Christ-centered Advent propels us forward and invites us to partner with God in making the world a better place in the present. We hope that our candid discussion will resonate with you, especially if you are seeking a season of reflection, hope, and anticipation.


Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!


Thanks for listening. We invite you to subscribe and rate the podcast through your favorite podcast app. We’d love to hear from you. Send your comments and questions to media@missionalive.org. Learn more about the podcast and other Mission Alive media resources at www.missionalive.org/media. Intro and outro music is by audionautix.com. Mission Alive works to bring about the holistic transformation of marginalized communities through starting and renewing innovative churches that address the most challenging issues faced by their neighbors. Learn more about what we do and how to connect at www.missionalive.org.


Episode Photo by KaLisa Veer on Unsplash

Dec 13, 202334:18
Everyday Pilgrimage – A Conversation After Talking With Kevin & Shelly Huddleston

Everyday Pilgrimage – A Conversation After Talking With Kevin & Shelly Huddleston

Walking the Camino de Santiago, as Kevin & Shelly Huddleston did (see Season 5 Episode 10), is a big undertaking. But what if we could see pilgrimage and the lessons of pilgrimage in the everyday of our lives. In this episode, the hosts have a roundtable discussion about finding and implementing pilgrimage in our ministry contexts.

Nov 08, 202334:49
Learning Prayer, Community, and Presence on the Camino de Santiago – A Conversation with Kevin & Shelly Huddleston

Learning Prayer, Community, and Presence on the Camino de Santiago – A Conversation with Kevin & Shelly Huddleston

Each day between two and three thousand people arrive in Santiago, Spain as pilgrims. This past summer, Kevin and Shelly Huddleston were two among that number on July 13 as they along with a small group of friends completed a 14-day walk on the Camino de Santiago. In this episode, we talk the two of them about their pilgrimage experience—about how they were formed by daily prayer, an expanding understanding of community, and the expected and surprising presence of God.

Kevin & Shelly Huddleston have been in ministry together for over 35 years. They spent 30 years in congregational ministry and now Kevin is the Director of Ministries for Arms of Hope, a Christian care organization that cares for children and single moms with families. He has a Bachelors degree from Abilene Christian University, a Masters degree in Missional Leadership from Rochester University and a Doctorate in Spiritual Formation from Lipscomb University. His doctoral emphasis is on Sabbath and the Mission of God. Shelly is an assistant superintendent with the San Angelo Independent School District where she has worked for the past 28 years and holds a Bachelors in Communication from ACU and a Masters in Education from Angelo State. Both Kevin and Shelly are certified Spiritual Directors. Best of all, they have a few awesome pairs in their lives: 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 2 grandsons and 2 rescue schnauzers that rule the house. They are excited to share their passion for families and the love of Jesus.

You can reach them via Facebook or by email: kevinhuddleston@me.com and huddlestonshelly500@gmail.com.

Oct 11, 202351:20
We Are All Prodigals – A Conversation with Greg Ross Taylor

We Are All Prodigals – A Conversation with Greg Ross Taylor

Note: Towards the end of this podcast a mention is made of domestic violence.

“We are all prodigals.” With this statement, Greg Ross Taylor encourages us to take a new look at perhaps the greatest parable Jesus ever told. In this episode we talk to Greg about his new book Prodigals: Finding Home When We’ve Lost the Way (Leafwood Publishers). Rather than dividing the world into prodigals and nonprodigals, Greg invites us to find ourselves in the teaching of Jesus as either younger or elder siblings. In this way we discover a new meaning for prodigal—anyone who accepts they have a sinful human nature and turns toward the love of home, the place where we find a deeper relationship with God.

Greg Ross Taylor is a home builder in Northeastern Oklahoma and president of 1256Movement. Proceeds from Prodigals benefit this nonprofit dedicated to reparations of racial trauma in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greg is author of several books, including a coauthored work with Randy Harris titled Living Jesus. Greg is married to Jill Smiley Taylor, who is a professor of math at Tulsa Community College. They have three grown children and a grandchild named Samuel Ross.

Sep 06, 202345:13
Discovering The Holy Spirit At Work In Our Church’s Neighborhood – A Conversation with Wayne Beason
Jul 26, 202348:50
Connecting With Emerging Adults Through Green Spiritual Practices Of Simplicity – A Conversation with Falon Barton

Connecting With Emerging Adults Through Green Spiritual Practices Of Simplicity – A Conversation with Falon Barton

“To be a disciple of Jesus is to love what Jesus loves, and Jesus loves creation.”

Why is a large portion of one of the most spiritually rich generation of emerging adults leaving their faith? Falon Barton suggests that it is because their churches (and religion in general) are not addressing their strong value in justice. As one very connected to the season of emerging adults herself, one of Falon’s big questions has been about environmental justice. In this episode we talk with Falon about creation care, discipleship, and engaging today’s emerging adults in our church communities by valuing what they are concerned and listening to what they have to say.

 

Falon is the Campus Minister at the University Church of Christ Malibu at Pepperdine University, where she offers pastoral care to college students, and preaches and teaches regularly for the congregation. Falon has a Doctor of Ministry from Lipscomb University, as well as a Master’s degree in Theology and Bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Hispanic Studies from Pepperdine University. One of her primary interests in her academic research and her work with emerging adults is environmental justice, especially Christians’ responsibility to participate in God’s mission to all creation. She and her spouse, Nate, recently welcomed their first child, Soren. You can connect with Falon via email: falon.barton@pepperdine.edu. Be sure to check out her recent presentation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlHLDILr9_g&ab_channel=PepperdineChurchRelationshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlHLDILr9_g&ab_channel=PepperdineChurchRelations and her Doctor of Ministry project, “New Embodiments of Ancient Wisdom: How Green Spiritual Practices of Simplicity can Meaningfully Integrate Faith and Environmental Justice Among Emerging Adults.”

Jul 05, 202352:42
Finding God on a Yoga Mat – A Conversation with Steven Brice

Finding God on a Yoga Mat – A Conversation with Steven Brice

“It wasn’t until I stepped on my yoga mat where I was able to reconnect with God in a deeper, more authentic way.” Following an intense dark night of the soul that had him questioning life and faith, Steven Brice found renewal in his relationship with God through the practice of yoga and meditation. As CEO of Yoga 4 Philly, Steven has found a way to do incarnational ministry in the world. As an adjunct Bible/Ministry instructor with ACU, Steven brings an engaging perspective and style that captures the incarnational imaginations of his students. Yet, even with all this renewed joy, it has not been an easy journey disappointing all those who expected a more traditional ministry path from him. In this episode Steven tells his story of courage, hope, and purpose.

Steven Brice is the director of Yoga 4 Philly and a ministry adjunct instructor at ACU Dallas. He has a Masters of Christian Counseling and an MDiv from ACU. Most of all, Steven is an overall incarnational minister in the world wearing many hats. Connect with @StevenJBrice on Instagram or check out https://www.briceenterprise.com/.

Jun 14, 202343:01
The Egalitarian Priesthood of All Believers – A Conversation with Cheryl Russell
May 31, 202341:09
Learning a New Model for Christian Leadership and Evangelism – A Conversation with Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath

Learning a New Model for Christian Leadership and Evangelism – A Conversation with Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath

Note to listeners: This podcast contains a discussion about spiritual and church abuse. Charles Kiser and Elaine Heath help us gain a new understanding about what evangelism is and what it means to be a Christian leader in environments of spiritual abuse and trauma. What they share is perhaps a model for Christian leadership and evangelism in any environment. Listen in as they talk with our hosts about their new book Trauma-Informed Evangelism. In this episode you will hear how the book came to fruition as well as the impact of the process of the project on their own lives.

Charles Kiser is a pastor and theologian with Storyline Christian Community in Dallas, Texas, a network of missional communities he helped to form. He is passionate about creative expressions of Christian community, contemplative spirituality, and healing spiritual trauma. Kiser has a DMin in Contextual Theology from Northern Seminary and serves as a faculty member of Neighborhood Seminary. Connect with Charles and learn more his work on his webpage at www.charleskiser.com.

Elaine Heath’s vocational journey includes having served as Dean of the Divinity School at Duke University, and the McCreless Professor of Evangelism at Perkins School of Theology. She is a pioneer in new forms of theological education. In that capacity Heath was the founding president of Neighborhood Seminary. The author of twelve books, Heath is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and served in pastoral ministry prior to her academic ministry.  She lives with her husband at Spring Forest, an intentional Christian Community and farm in rural North Carolina where she serves as Abbess. Connect with Elaine and learn more about her work by visiting her websites: www.elaineaheath.org and www.springforest.org.

May 10, 202351:18
Formed by the Spirit along the Beautiful and Messy Journey toward Healing, Wholeness, and Home – A Conversation with Kelly Edmiston

Formed by the Spirit along the Beautiful and Messy Journey toward Healing, Wholeness, and Home – A Conversation with Kelly Edmiston

“A lot of my experiences with God were very supernatural, full of the Holy Spirit. I didn’t necessarily have a context for that growing up as a Church of Christ kid in Abilene, TX. So being able to express that and experience that now feels like coming home.” In this episode, Kelly Edmiston talks about pastoring theologically diverse people in a charismatic-liturgical church and being formed by the Spirit on a beautiful and messy journey toward healing, wholeness, and home.

Kelly is the Lead Pastor at the Vineyard Church in Sugar Land/Stafford. Kelly has spent 17 years in ministry in both domestic and international contexts. Her passion is to see the Church be the Church for the sake of the world. She holds a Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University and is completing her Doctorate of Ministry in Leadership and Spiritual Formation from Portland Seminary. Kelly also works as an Adjunct Bible Professor at both Abilene Christian University and Houston Christian University. You can reach out to Kelly on Facebook, Instagram (@kmedmiston), or email (kelly@thevineyard.church).

Apr 26, 202358:20
Shifting Focus from Property to Ministry: How to Be a Church before Building a Church – A Conversation with Chidube Nkiruka

Shifting Focus from Property to Ministry: How to Be a Church before Building a Church – A Conversation with Chidube Nkiruka

What does it mean to be a church before building a church? To focus on ministry rather than property? This has been the focus of Chidube Nkiruka’s recent work with his church, Charleston Metropolitan Church of Christ in Charleston, SC. In this episode, Chidube walks us through the way he led Charleston Metro on a discernment process that brought them to right ministries for their church family.

Chidube is the lead minister for Charleston Metropolitan Church of Christ in Charleston, SC and serves as an adjunct professor for Abilene Christian University. Chidube’s work focuses on urban and recovery ministry. Chidube is also a spoken word artist. You can catch him on Facebook and TikTok at Chidube the Griot.

Apr 12, 202355:01
Intro To A New Season – A Roundtable Conversation
Mar 29, 202325:04
If They Don’t Have a Building Can You Call It a Church? – A Conversation with Tod Vogt

If They Don’t Have a Building Can You Call It a Church? – A Conversation with Tod Vogt

Mission Alive has been in the church planting work for the better part of the past couple of decades. However, over the past 18 months they have been re-envisioning what it means to plant churches. What’s starting to emerge is a conversation about forming innovative faith communities (ICFs) in marginalized communities. What does this look like? In this episode Tod Vogt, Executive Director of Mission Alive, gives up a peek into a new vision taking shape with Mission Alive.

Does this sound interesting? Know someone who could be interested in participating in this new vision? You can reach out Tod at tod@missionalive.orgfor more information about how to join in by exploring what it means to form an innovative faith community or learning how to donate to the work of Mission Alive.

Mar 15, 202348:12
How to Stop Giving Advice and Telling Others What to Think – A Conversation with Steve Shaffer
Feb 08, 202349:58
Being a Safe Conversation Partner in the LGBTQ+ Community – A Conversation with Darryl Canty
Jan 25, 202342:58
From Practice to Habit to A New Way of Anticipating God Everywhere We Go – A Conversation with Chris Wiginton
Dec 28, 202246:15
Women in Ministry, Theology from Story, and Hearing Jesus Call Your Name – A Conversation with Cheryl Russell & Tiffany Dahlman
Dec 14, 202239:11
Small Churches, Shared Spaces, and the Powerful Work of the Holy Spirit – A Conversation with Cheryl Russell & Tiffany Dahlman
Nov 30, 202244:25
Experiencing Prayer as the Reality of God – A Conversation with Jacqueline King

Experiencing Prayer as the Reality of God – A Conversation with Jacqueline King

“My definition of prayer: prayer is the reality of God. That’s what makes God real. Like having conversation, conversation you can have with your best friend.” – Jacqueline King

What does it mean to call Jesus your friend? How does one begin to nurture such a relationship? In this episode, Jacqueline, Steven’s longtime friend and prayer mentor, shares what she has learned from a lifetime of experience, as well as more recent training in the practices of centering prayer and lectio divina.

Jacqueline recommends a couple of books to help: Sacred Breath: 40 Days of Centering Prayer by J. David Muyskens; Soul Feast: An Invitation to the Christian Spiritual Life by Marjorie Thompson.

Nov 16, 202246:09
An Invitation to Listen to God – A Conversation with Bob & Michelle Bentley

An Invitation to Listen to God – A Conversation with Bob & Michelle Bentley

Bob has become a better listener in marriage and ministry. Michelle is pursuing a spiritual direction certificate with The Caritas Center. The Singing Oaks Church family is learning to slow down and listen for the voice of God. In this episode the Bentleys talk with Jeremy and Steven about how Discipleship Cohorts gave them new practices that awakened a new passion to listen to God in their lives which, in turn, has had a great impact in their marriage, ministry, and church family.

Bob and Michele Bentley are both on staff with Singing Oaks Church of Christ. Bob is the “Go” minister (outreach) and Michelle is a spiritual mentor with the campus ministry. You can contact them at bentleys81@yahoo.com.

Nov 02, 202241:39
How Texas Professionals Become Tanzania Church Planters - A Conversation with Bob & Michele Bentley
Oct 19, 202240:39
Becoming a Church Radically Hospitable to the Word of God - A Conversation with Tiffany Dahlman
Oct 05, 202241:18
Making the Gospel Good News by Loving Your Neighbors Well – A Conversation with Charles Kiser
Sep 21, 202201:05:14
12 Bar Blues and Reading Scripture as Participants in the Mission of God – A Conversation with Rex Butts
Sep 07, 202201:01:57
The Layers of Change—A Conversation about Growing as a Disciple
Jul 20, 202222:46
Don't Invite People To Church – Part 2 of a Conversation with Seth Bouchelle
Jul 06, 202249:51
The Food Service Industry as Missionary Training – Part 1 of a Conversation with Seth Bouchelle
Jun 22, 202256:36
Church Can Be Hard On Church People - A Conversation With Tiffany Dahlman
Jun 08, 202248:38
How to Invite the Church Family to Share the Role of Preacher w/ Cheryl Russell

How to Invite the Church Family to Share the Role of Preacher w/ Cheryl Russell

“As the pastor I come to the whole process trusting in the wisdom of the community.” This is how Cheryl Russell (New Heritage Fellowship) approaches the shared pulpit. Listen in as Jeremy and Steven talk with Chery about how this practice plays a role in formation of the church family and amplifies the hospitality it has to offer guests.

Find us at www.discipleshipconversations.com or on your favorite podcast app. Review, rate, and share the podcast with your friends.

May 25, 202250:56
God's Kingdom Comes to the Neighborhood with Nathan Pickard
May 11, 202250:09
God Comes To The Neighborhood - with Nathan Pickard
Apr 27, 202254:42
Day to Day Discipleship with Jasmine Turner
Apr 13, 202251:16
Forming a Missional Community with Cheryl Russell
Mar 30, 202247:31
Discipleship Beginnings, Part 2
Mar 16, 202235:50
Discipleship Beginnings, Part 1
Mar 02, 202243:29
Season 3 Wrap-Up

Season 3 Wrap-Up

Season 3 was a great season for Discipleship Conversations. We shared many great stories of spiritual formation and missional engagement and innovation as we interviewed church planters with Mission Alive. In this episode, Steven and Jeremy conclude the season by sharing their top insights from these interviews, and by talking a little about what season 4 will look like.

***

We're putting out a call! If you, or anyone in your network, has an interest in volunteering to edit this podcast (and has a background in podcast editing or sound engineering), please reach out to us at jeremyhoover AT gmail DOT com. We'd love to hear from you.

Jan 19, 202243:31
Interview with Jeremy and Devon Hoover, Part 2
Jan 05, 202243:18
Interview with Jeremy and Devon Hoover, Part 1
Dec 22, 202139:12
Interview with Micah Lewis and Kyle Mott, Part 2
Dec 08, 202141:27
Interview with Micah Lewis and Kyle Mott, Part 1
Nov 24, 202149:56
Interview with Charles Kiser, Part 2
Nov 10, 202137:59
Interview with Charles Kiser, Part 1
Oct 27, 202139:58
Interview with Blake Burchfield, Part 2

Interview with Blake Burchfield, Part 2

Join us in this conversation as we talk with Blake Burchfield from Peace Initiative in South Dakota. Blake shares his journey of being led into disciple-making on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and how God continues to shape and form him as a disciple.

Blake Burchfield

Jeremy Hoover

Steven Carrizal

Oct 13, 202137:27
Interview with Blake Burchfield, Part 1

Interview with Blake Burchfield, Part 1

Join us in this conversation as we talk with Blake Burchfield from Peace Initiative in South Dakota. Blake shares his journey of being led into disciple-making on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and how God continues to shape and form him as a disciple. 

Blake Burchfield

Jeremy Hoover

Steven Carrizal

Sep 29, 202137:44
Interview with Kevin and Lisa Vance, Part 2
Sep 15, 202124:04
Interview with Kevin and Lisa Vance, Part 1
Sep 01, 202132:00
Interview with Andy and Roslyn Miller, Part 2
Aug 18, 202141:12