Deeper Still

Suanne interviews Dan Meyer, Lead Pastor of Christ Church, about the complexities of following Jesus in a changing world, the importance of turning down the noise so we can hear God's voice, the joys and challenges of being a pastor, and how pain in the midst of our journeys point us towards the hope found in Jesus Christ.

Suanne talks with Jenni Wong Clayville, Weekend Experience Pastor at National Community Church in Washington D.C., about how she stepped into church leadership when she thought women could only be pastor's wives, how empowering others is the best leadership move we can make, what it's like to work alongside Mark Batterson, why hospitality matters and how being clear about who we serve in today's polarized culture makes all the difference. Follow Jenni on Instagram @jclayville

Suanne interviews Tammy Melchien, teaching pastor at Community Christian Church. Tammy is a writer, teacher and speaker who loves helping people take their next steps with Jesus. Listen in as Tammy talks about her journey as a female leader, how finding your unique gifting makes all the difference, what it's like to lead a teaching team at a mega-church and why she believes the book of Revelation has something to say to the Church today. Learn more about Tammy at tammymelchien.com

Suanne interviews best-selling author, pastor and speaker John Ortberg about why who we become is the most important thing God gets out of our lives, how pain seems to be the thing that most often changes people, why confession and transparency are so good for community, how political frameworks fail us, and how God is calling him to go deeper still right now.

Suanne interviews Jeff Crosby, the President & CEO of the Evangelical Christian Publishing Association, and author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of our Hearts. Listen in as Suanne & Jeff talk about what it means to be created as a person who longs, how those longings manifest themselves in our own hearts, how they affect the world around us, and what happens if and when we fail to pay attention to them.

Suanne interviews Ines Franklin, author of Unchartered: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. Ines shares open and honestly about the twists and turns in her own faith journey, from being raised by a single mom in Puerto Rico to getting divorced to having an affair -- and then having everything change when God crashed into her life at age 40 and redeemed it all. Ines reminds us that we shouldn't be surprised when we fail or obstacles come our way. It's all part of our unique faith journey, and God's grace is always big enough. Ines is a teaching pastor at Mariners Church in Seattle. Follow her @inesfanklin

Suanne talks to Terra Vincent, Director of Strategic Partnership at World Relief, about the worldwide refugee crisis. Terra breaks down misconceptions many Americans hold about refugees, gives us a window into what they wish we knew about them, and shares stories of how World Relief is making a difference. Learn more about World Relief and how you can make a difference at worldrelief.org

Suanne interviews Dr. Nijay Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, about his new book Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught and Ministered in the Early Church. Visit Nijay's blog cruxsolablog.com and follow him on Insta @nijay.gupta and Twitter NijayKGupta

This week Suanne interviews bi-vocational pastors of the Light Church, Terrance & Keisha Campbell. Terrance & Keisha share how The Light Church grew out of their daughter's heart to serve the homeless, how their unique calling as bi-vocational pastors has given them a different perspective on what it means to steward their influence, and how taking the next faithful step is often the best and only thing we can do as followers of Christ. The Light Church is located in Oak Park, IL.

Suanne interviews writer, speaker and marriage coach Dorothy Little Greco, author of Marriage in the Middle: Embracing Midlife Surprises, Challenges and Joys, about navigating the unique challenges couples face during midlife including deciphering disappointment and unmet expectations, learning how to say what you need, caring for aging parents and extending lots of grace. While the conversation tips towards midlife marriage, Dorothy's wisdom and encouragement transcends relationships no matter where couples find themselves on the journey. 

Suanne interviews Liz Heinzel-Nelson, the Executive Director of Villages in Partnership (VIP), and her husband, Stephen, as they share the story of how VIP came to be and the good work God is doing as they seek to eradicate extreme poverty in Malawi, Africa. Villages in Partnership is a development organization that works in the rural villages of Sakata, Malawi, partnering with 29 villages and impacting over 21,000 lives. VIP has been in existence for over a decade and has supporters throughout the 50 states and the United Kingdom. Learn more at https://villagesinpartnership.org 

Ever wonder where Ash Wednesday comes from? The traditions and biblical framework surrounding Lent? Wonder why some churches practice Lent while others don't? Need some motivation and practical tips on how to practice Lent this year? Listen in as Pastor of Spiritual Formation Eric Haskins quizzes Suanne on all things Ash Wednesday & Lent, and provides some inspiring and practical guidance along the way. Eric will be preaching at the Christ Church Ash Wednesday service Wed, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. on the Oak Brook campus.

Suanne interviews Mindy Caliguire, Founder and President of Soul Care, an organization dedicated to aligning the spiritual reality of caring for our souls with how we actually live. Everything in life emerges from the soul: work, relationships, service, art, leadership, health, and beyond. Caring for it as a way to experience the abiding presence of Jesus is not a luxury; it's essential to our life with God. Listen in as Mindy shares her own journey of soul neglect to soul health, explains the biblical framework for the soul and some practical tips (a page, a person, a plan!) for caring for the soul in the midst of your everyday, hectic and ordinary life. Learn more about Soul Care at www.soulcare.com

Note: We apologize in advance for some audio challenges in this episode.

Suanne talks to Christ Church pastors Tara Beth Leach and Charlie Browning about what it looks like this Advent season to be a people who cling to hope in the midst of a broken world and learn to rejoice in the midst of all things.

Suanne interviews author, speaker and podcast host Elisa Morgan about her new book Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World. This conversation is a powerful reminder that God enters our stories, just like he did for Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Anna and so many others in the Christmas story---and meets our deepest needs.

Suanne welcomes her friend Karen Wilkinson to the Deeper Still studio. In the summer of 2021, Karen's husband, David, contracted Covid.  When Karen dropped him off at the hospital 3 days later, she had no idea that he would remain there for 140 days. David's condition become so severe that Karen called in family to say goodbye. But God had other plans. After witnessing miracle after miracle, David would go on to become the recipient of a double lung transplant. Listen in as Karen shares their story of God's goodness and grace. Karen's book On Borrowed Breath will release in 2023.

Suanne interviews Angie Weszely, Founder & President of Pro-Grace, about how believers can reframe thought patterns and conversations around unplanned pregnancy and abortion in a way that brings hope and healing to both women and children. "Imagine if we framed our response apart from either political position and instead rooted it in how Jesus interacted with all people: with compassion, empathy, and grace." -prograce.org

Listen in as Suanne and Andrea Coli, Executive Director of Lead Bold, talk about the leadership, influence, comparison and the power of naming someone's gifts. Andrea also shares details about the upcoming Lead Bold Conference being held in the Chicago Suburbs on Nov 3-4.  Lead Bold is an organization committed to empowering and equipping women to live into their potential in ministry leadership. Learn more and register at leadingbold.org.

Suanne teams up with two faithful ministry partners to take a deeper dive into Christ Church's recent sermon series on the Book of Kings. Listen in as Suanne, Aaron and Kris process a little about what they've been learning and how Jesus is calling them to go Deeper Still through the ancient story of Elijah.

Kicking off Season Four with author, pastor and teacher Sharon Hodde Miller as she talks about her new book The Cost of the Control: Why We Crave It, The Anxiety It Gives Us, and the Real Power God Promises. Sharon is the co-founder of Bright City Church in Durham, NC. Learn more about Sharon, her ministry and her books at sheworships.com 

Suanne & Kris wrap up the book of Ephesians by discussing Paul's famous words that are now more commonly known as the Armor of God. What a fantastic way to finish this incredible book!

Suanne talks with Cathy Lapinski and Lisa Garvin about some of the misconceptions surrounding submission, especially when it comes twisting  the famous words of Ephesians 5:22 "Wives submit to your husbands..."  Learn more about what Paul was really getting at as he uses the example of marriage to turn the Roman idea of submission on its head.

Suanne sits down with the senior pastor of Christ Church, Rev. Dr. Daniel Meyer, as he shares personally and profoundly some reflections on his own lenten journey, Holy Week and why the hope of the resurrection is still the brightest light for renewal in lives today.

Suanne & Cathy Lapinski take a dive into Ephesians 5:1-21 and talk about what it looks like to imitate the way of Jesus and walk in the way of love.

Suanne & Christ Church Butterfield Campus Pastor Charlie Browning discuss what it means to live a life worthy of the calling we have received as they take a deep dive into Ephesians 4. So often we think of calling as something we do -- a vocation -- but Paul reminds us here that we are first and foremost called to clothe ourselves with the very character of Christ. 

Suanne & Kris continue the conversation on Ephesians by taking a deep dive into Paul's reason for writing the letter, what it means for the church and why he gets on his knees to pray for God's power to strengthen the church.

Suanne and Lisa Garvin talk about one of the most familiar passages in Ephesians:"For it is by grace you have been saved .... " (Eph 2:8) as they focus in on the first ten verses of the chapter. This conversation is also a beautiful reminder that two of the most powerful words in Scripture are "But God." No person, situation or circumstance is beyond God's grace.

Suanne and Kris begin a journey into the book of Ephesians. This conversation provides a brief overview of the book of Ephesians and then focuses on some highlights in Chapter One about what it means for us to be included in the body of Christ.

Season Three kicks off with a conversation with Eric Camfield, President & Founder of Altar Fly Fishing. Eric, a transformational life coach, shares his journey from pastor to non-profit president and how developing spiritual habits and rhythms can change our lives.

Altar Fly Fishing's mission is to help you live a greater life with God, yourself and your most valued relationships through life-shaping fly fishing retreats and outdoor adventures. Visit AltarFlyFishing.org 

Suanne interviews Rebecca Wells, Founder of Ian's Place, as she shares the story of losing her nineteen-year-old son Ian in a tragic work accident in August 2019. Rebecca shares her journey through grief, how she learned to find joy again and how Ian's Place is bringing hope to other bereaved parents. 

Ian’s Place exists to help bereaved parents find a place for comfort and healing in a Christian environment. Their mission is to support newly bereaved parents as well as those who have grieved the loss of a child for years. They exist to pray, listen, talk and cry with grieving parents for as long as it takes to find healing through hope for the future.

Suanne & author, pastor and influencer Tara Beth Leach discuss Tara Beth's new book, Radiant Church. Learn why Tara Beth calls the church to lament and repent, and to be the kind of people who reflect the goodness and grace of God in a polarized world. We also discuss how rooting ourselves in the wrong story can tarnish our witness, what some of those false storylines are and how we can root ourselves more deeply in the story of Christ.

Suanne chats with her colleague and Pastor of Spiritual Formation, Eric Haskins, who lays a great biblical foundation for why the Enneagram is a  powerful tool for transformation as well as gives an overview of each number. Whether you are new to the Enneagram or have been using it for years, this conversation provides some great insights, unique perspectives and lots of fun!

Suanne and author, pastor, retreat speaker and spiritual director Adele Calhoun discuss what it looks like to stand in solidarity with Jesus, participate in his story and do our best to mirror his life on this earth. They also discuss Spiritual Rhythms for the Enneagram: A Handbook for Harmony and Transformation. Learn more about Adele, her books and her ministry at www.calhounministries.org

Suanne and award-winning author Jen Pollock Michel discuss why habits matter and how they lead us to cultivate a deeper life of faith. Jen's new book A Habit Called Faith: 40 Days to Find and Follow Jesus guides their conversation.

Suanne interviews award-winning author, pastor and podcast host Aubrey Sampson to talk about how the practice of lament can lead to a place of hope—not because lamenting does anything magical, but because God sings a louder song than suffering ever could, a song of renewal and restoration.

Suanne interviews Cassandra Ma, the Founder & Executive Director of Reclaim 13. Reclaim 13 is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to end the cycle of sexual exploitation through prevention, healing and community engagement. Reclaim 13's vision is to create a world where all children can grow up feeling safe and loved. Learn more about Reclaim 13 at www.reclaim13.org.

Support Reclaim 13 today by provide tangible support for some of their most needed items. Visit their Amazon Wish List today!

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Parenting through this pandemic has brought highs and lows, challenges, celebrations and poignant reflections. It's been a mixed bag of grief, loss and celebrating quality time we can never get back. Through it all, moms have been guiding their children, aching over if they are doing the right things, balancing the tension of academics, relationships, activities and more. Now, a new conflict has arisen. Moms are embracing their calendars at the same time they're lamenting the frenetic pace that will inevitably come again.

Suanne and her friend Amy, mom of four ranging in ages from 12-17,  have been journeying through motherhood together for more than fifteen years. While they don't claim to be experts or have THE answers, they carve out some space to have an honest conversation about what it's been like to parent through the pandemic, particularly reflecting on how to hold onto some of the unexpected good as they move into the next season ahead.

Suanne and Kris Stevenson close out the book of James by discussing why James calls us to pray in all situations, how confessing our sins is good for our soul and how we should never lose hope when we get off track. Also, a few extra minutes on why studying James has been so impactful this year.

Deeper Still takes a one-week break from the book of James as Suanne and Northern Seminary President Bill Shiell dive into the beautiful story of a woman who anoints Jesus on the dawn of Passover. As told in the book of Mark, the reclining disciples rebuke the woman, but Jesus defends her, telling them to "leaver her alone" because she did a beautiful thing, in fact "she did what she could." Not only is this story a powerful reminder of how we can and should approach Jesus during Holy Week, but also gives us the freedom to be okay with doing what we can with what we have.  

Suanne and ministry leader Lisa Garvin discuss James' harshest words yet. This conversation takes a deep dive into considering how God calls us to view the resources he has given us (hint: they are his to own and ours to steward), how God provides hope for those who are marginalized and why letting our "yes be yes" and our "no be no" is so important. 

Suanne and pastor, author and speaker Tracey Bianchi take a deep dive into these verses where James challenges his listeners to hold their plans loosely. Listen in as Suanne & Tracey talk about what it means to wrestle with God as he invites us to continually let go of our expectations and hopes, and to submit to his eternal perspective over our own agendas.

Suanne and Kris Stevenson dig into James 4:1-12 and discuss friendship with the world, the context around the term "adulterer", humility, confession, slander (yikes!) and more! The good news is found in v.6 though, "But God always gives us more grace." Listen in!

Suanne and ministry leader Sally Couture talk about the two sources of wisdom introduced by James, how we discern godly from worldly wisdom and why it matters. Sally shares her own story of adoption, parenting and how trying to put forth the perfect image led her to seek God's wisdom when life didn't go as planned.

Suanne talks to mentor and spiritual director Carla Peer about how we take a step back from the WHAT and HOW in our lives and instead focus on WHO we are as God's children. We discuss what it means to have a God-given identity, why it matters and how we live that out in our everyday lives.

Suanne talks to author and pastor Tara Beth Leach about her challenges as a female pastor, her passion to embolden women to use their gifts, the unexpected circumstances that led her back to Chicago and her hope for the future of the church. Be sure to check out Tara Beth's book Emboldened: A Vision for Women in Ministry and pre-order her new book Radiant Church (IVP, Feb. 2021). 

Suanne and guest Kris Stevenson talk about the power of our words, the choice we have to bless or to curse others and how, at the end of the day, what comes out of our mouths is really a reflection of what's in our hearts. God is the originator and redeemer of our words!

Suanne and former Zondervan CEO Moe Girkins discuss some of James most challenging verses yet. Take a listen as they walk through the theology of faith v. works and why, once again, James points out the importance of serving the marginalized.

Suanne and student ministry intern Heath DeBoer talk about how favoritism played out in the early church, how it plays out in our culture today and how understanding God's mercy will set us free from valuing some more than others.

Suanne and youth pastor Aaron Foster discuss the importance of being quick to listen, putting our faith into action and why the next generation needs to see the church caring for the least of these.

Suanne and special guest Lisa Garvin talk about the warning against trusting in material things, the value God places on us no matter what we do and why temptation is such a slippery slope.