Claim OwnershipJust Neighbors
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Just Neighbors is a podcast for every believer who has been transformed by the Gospel and desires to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God and their neighbors in need. Join hosts Jami Kaeb and Ryan MacDonald as they talk with leaders, pastors, and practitioners about how to live a life of biblical justice and compassion.
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*This is a reshare of the most recent episode of our other show, The Forgotten Podcast. In this very special episode, our usual host, Jami Kaeb, is taking a turn in the guest seat. Stepping in to act as the host is our dear friend (and repeat guest) Jamie Finn! The Forgotten Podcast is celebrating 10 years of creating content that serves, equips, and encourages those in the foster care community, as well as exalts the name of Jesus. To help commemorate this milestone, Jami will be the one answering questions and filling us in on some of the most impactful moments from the last 10 years as we look ahead to what's coming next. In this episode, Jami shares key lessons she's learned through hosting the podcast, a little bit about how The Forgotten Initiative began, why it matters to hold both the darkness and the light in our stories, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jamie-finn-s3e9/
We are wrapping up season three of Just Neighbors! Can you believe that it's already the final episode? This season, we've had the pleasure of welcoming a wide variety of insightful guests to help us challenge how we think about and serve our neighbors—whether that be across the world or right across our street. Our hope is that through these conversations, you have gained some practical ideas that will guide you as you strive to live a life of biblical justice and compassion. While we may be closing out season three, we can't wait to get a new line-up of guests ready for season four! That's where you come in. If you have a particular topic, question, or guest you would love to see on the show, please let us know by contacting us! In this episode, we are reviewing some of our favorite moments from season three, reflecting on the lessons we found most impactful, reminding you of each episode's core takeaway, and more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/finale-s3e8/
When searching for a home, you likely did lots of research on the local schools, crime statistics, location, and more. But for many of us, we let one key task slip through the cracks—taking the time to learn about the people who live in the homes next to us. According to a study by Pew Research, only 26% of U.S. adults say they know all or most of their neighbors, and 12% say they don't know any at all. However, knowing our neighbors' names is one of the most important steps we can take to start living out the Gospel and loving our (literal) neighbor. Our guest for this conversation understands how to follow the way of Jesus in our neighborhoods. Dave Runyon is the Executive Director of CityUnite, an organization that exists to help faith, government, and business leaders unite around common causes in the Denver Metro area. He started a neighboring movement in 2010 and is the co-author of The Art of Neighboring. In this episode, Dave shares practical steps to become more connected to your neighbors, what it means to be a good neighbor, why genuine relationships involve both giving and receiving service, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/dave-runyon-s3e7/
Each year, about 20,000 children age out of foster care. Many of these young adults lack essential resources that many of us take for granted—like the skills and community support needed to obtain housing, jobs, and basic medical care. Some do not even have access to their birth certificate or know how to obtain their paperwork. Today, we have the absolute privilege of talking with someone who has a passion for providing meaningful support to these vulnerable individuals. Lynn Johnson is the President of ALL IN Empowering Futures. This nonprofit agency focuses on driving national initiatives to combat the crisis of children aging out of the foster care system. Prior to her work with ALL IN, she served as the Assistant Secretary for the Administration for Children and Families in the US Department of Health and Human Services. In this episode, Lynn shares why it's important that everyone feels a responsibility to care for youth who are aging out of the foster care system, some of the challenges these young adults often face alone, ways we can help meet their most pressing needs, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/lynn-johnson-s3e6/
It can be challenging as a pastor to navigate the line between being a spiritual leader within the community and having the need to confess yourself. But you don't have to be a pastor to know how intimidating the idea of confession can feel. How can church leaders and congregation members work together to create a culture of confession, forgiveness, and grace? Today, author Jamin Goggin is joining us to talk about his new book, Pastoral Confessions, as he helps us understand the importance of encouraging honesty, humility, and growth within the church. In addition to being an author, Jamin is an Associate Professor at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University and the Director of the Health Pastor Initiative with Finishing the Task. (And if you listened to Season 2 of Just Neighbors, you'll also remember that he served as our co-host!) In this episode, Jamin explains how confession gives us the gift of experiencing God's grace firsthand, the danger of using terms other than "sin", responses to the most common objections to confession, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jamin-goggin-s3e5/
Poverty alleviation efforts can often feel like putting a Band-Aid on a broken arm. In spite of our best intentions, many of our efforts do little to bring about real, lasting change. Poverty is much more than simply a lack of material resources, and it takes more than donations and handouts to solve it. Today, we're talking with a guest who is deeply familiar with the topic of poverty, as he wrote one of the most popular books on it. Dr. Brian Fikkert is the co-author of When Helping Hurts, the co-founder of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development, and Professor of Economics and Community Development at Covenant College. Brian's book reshaped how many approach poverty alleviation—emphasizing a mindset of humility and empowerment. In this episode, Brian shares why certain charity efforts can unintentionally create pride in the giver and shame in the receiver, how our best intentions may actually be harming those in need, how we can go about ministry in a way that restores dignity and personhood, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/brian-fikkert-s3e4/
Have you or someone you love been affected by abortion? Have you, as a leader, pastor, or faithful neighbor, wanted to help people heal and find wholeness after the experience of having an abortion—but you find it difficult to broach this sensitive subject? Our guest for this conversation is here to offer some much-needed clarity and direction for Christians who want to respond with both truth and grace. Her work with post-abortion healing ministries gives us powerful insights on how to walk with people in a Gospel-centric way in order to see them come to redemption and healing. Karen Ellison is the Founder and President of Deeper Still, a ministry devoted to helping men and women heal from the emotional wounds of an abortion. Karen has had an abortion herself and knows what the healing journey entails. In this episode, Karen shares her personal story of hurt and healing, a more complete understanding of atonement within the context of our sin, how to create a culture of healing in our churches, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/karen-ellison-s3e3/
Do you recall the first time someone shared the gospel with you? If you grew up in the church, it was likely during a kids' program or a camp hosted by your church. Once you've received the good news, it's only natural that your heart feels called to pass it on to others. But if you've ever struggled to know how and where and when to evangelize, you aren't alone. Nobody wants to feel like they're forcing God's word into the faces of their friends, family, or even strangers in passing. So the question is, how do we go about sharing the gospel in a way that feels loving and Spirit-led? Our guest for this conversation has made it his mission to equip Christians to have normal but powerful conversations that lead to sharing the love of Jesus. Jerry McCorkle is the Founder and Executive Director of Spread Truth, a global ministry helping Christians share the gospel with clarity and confidence through practical resources, gospel training, and hands-on missions opportunities. In this episode, Jerry shares practical ways we can share Jesus with others, the importance of assessing the Lord's leading before taking a conversation straight to the gospel, how to overcome our hesitation to share the gospel, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jerry-mccorkle-s3e2/
We are back with the third season of Just Neighbors, where we are learning to practice biblical justice and compassion together. If this is your first time, welcome, and if you are a long-time listener, welcome back to our little neighborhood. Ryan MacDonald, our co-host from season one, is back to share the mic with Jami. Here to help us kick off this brand new season is our first guest, Brett McCracken. Brett is an author and journalist based in Southern California. He serves as a senior editor at The Gospel Coalition (TGC), where he writes on the intersection of faith and culture. Today, we're thrilled to share our conversation with Brett about a topic that is weighing heavy on all our hearts. You don't have to look far to be overwhelmed by the injustice of our world. Our social media feeds are filled to the brim with events that overburden our souls while failing to lead us towards practical actions that bring about justice. The digital landscape is having an impact on how we engage with the culture, our neighborhood, and our fellow humans. In this episode, Brett leads us to ponder the implications of being engrossed in the digital space, how we may be missing out on developing empathy and compassion for our neighbors, why we should hone our focus on local issues, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/brett-mccracken-s3e1/
We're so excited to be back! In a divided and distracted world, pastors are called to help their people see others with the eyes of Christ—clearly, compassionately, and through the lens of the gospel. This season of Just Neighbors explores what it means to notice, understand, and love our neighbors with biblical justice and compassion. Through conversations with pastors, theologians, and ministry leaders, we'll engage topics that press on real tensions in ministry and offer gospel-rooted encouragement for the journey. This season, we'll explore: Forming our vision – Brett McCracken on how what we feed our souls shapes the way we see others, and Jamin Goggin on leading with humility in a culture obsessed with power. Healing and restoration – Karen Ellison on walking with post-abortive women toward gospel-centered redemption, and Tami Taunton on long-term, trauma-informed care for survivors of trafficking. Family and belonging – Lynn Johnson on creating belonging for youth aging out of foster care. Justice and mercy in practice – Brian Fikkert on poverty alleviation that avoids harm and offers hope, and Jerry McCorkle on evangelism as mercy ministry, proclaiming truth through compassion and presence. & more! Stay tuned for new episodes next week, or catch up on last season right here: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/just-neighbors-podcast/
We aren't done quite yet! We may have said that the previous episode was the finale of the second season of Just Neighbors, but we were so inspired by today's conversation that we decided to bring you a special bonus episode before we take a break. We're grateful to have a renowned guest joining us to explore how we can build and maintain healthy relationships—both with the people closest to us and with the vulnerable neighbors we are called to serve. Psychiatrist Curt Thompson is here to share practical insights that will help us fully realize our deepest longing—to be known. Drawing from his expertise in interpersonal neurobiology and a Christian view of what it means to be human, Curt uses his understanding of the brain to help people foster healthy and vibrant lives—empowering them to get unstuck and move toward the next beautiful thing they are called to make. In this episode, you'll discover how the family dynamics we experience growing up shape how we serve others, what Christians can do to overcome burnout on our paths to obeying God's call to care for others, how God is actively working to bring healing and connection into our lives, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/curt-thompson-s2e11/
It's a bittersweet moment—we've officially reached the finale of Season 2! Over the past few months, we've had the privilege of learning from 9 incredible guests here on Just Neighbors, and we couldn't have picked a better guest to close out this season. In this episode, we are talking about how we can continue to be Just Neighbors even when we're discouraged by challenging ourselves to view disillusionment as a gift. The truth is, many philanthropic endeavors begin with idealism. We envision bold action, steady progress, and real change, sailing swiftly toward our mission. This passion is a beautiful thing—it plants the seeds for countless ministries and initiatives. However, what many of us don't realize until we're deep in the work is that bumps in the road are inevitable. When disillusionment strikes, we're faced with a choice: quit, rely on our own strength, or look upward to Christ to sustain us. Peter Greer joins us to guide this important discussion. Peter is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. As an advocate for the Church's role in missions and alleviating extreme poverty, Peter has co-authored 15 books, including two we will discuss in this conversation: The Gift of Disillusionment and Lead with Prayer. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/peter-greer-s2e10/
With an estimated 153 million orphans worldwide and the costs of adoption on the rise, fulfilling the call of James 1:27 to care for orphans and widows can feel increasingly challenging. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of adopting a child in the U.S. is between $20,000-$45,000. In comparison, an international adoption can cost up to $50,000, depending on the country and the number of trips you'll need to make. How can we answer this call to be a Just Neighbor when financial barriers seem so daunting? What practical steps can we take to care for the vulnerable in our communities? Joining us for this discussion is JT Olson, a man who has figured out a way to support two causes at once. His personal experience of being orphaned as a child alongside his four siblings gave him a deep understanding of how crucial it is to provide loving homes for vulnerable children. Today, JT is the Founder and President of Both Hands, a faith-based nonprofit that serves both orphans and widows. In this episode, you'll hear the story of how JT's community rallied around him and his siblings after their parents passed away, why real stories can be more impactful than statistics when it comes to inspiring outreach, why taking the time to help one of your neighbors is key even if you can't help all of them, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jt-olson-s2e9/
When we consider difficult political topics, it can be easy to focus solely on change at a large scale. But while positive action on a macro level is vital, every ripple of transformation begins with something small. After all, today's parents are shaping the future leaders of tomorrow, and today's pastors are equipping their congregations to go forward and live out biblical principles in the world. We may think we're small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but every Christian has the opportunity to plant the seeds of change through their everyday words and actions. All this responsibility can feel overwhelming, but as our guest Trillia Newbell reminds us, we don't have to come up with solutions on our own—God has already provided the answers we need in Scripture. Trillia is an author and speaker who spent seven years serving as the Director of Community Outreach for the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission within the Southern Baptist Convention. Today, she works as the Acquisitions Director at Moody Publishers. In this episode, we're learning from Trillia about how we can see all our neighbors as being made in the image of God, when and how we should talk with our children about loving our neighbors who may be different from us, some of the ways small actions can have a long-lasting impact, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/trillia-newbell-s2e8/
On this show, we've talked about many ways you can be a Just Neighbor. But in this episode, we have the honor of hearing from Gabrielle Alzate about what it means to be a community of neighbors walking with one another: a Just Neighborhood! Research shows that the average American will move 11-12 times in their lifetime! When we relocate so frequently, it can become difficult to invest deeply in our neighbors, community, and local government. Gabrielle is here to share with us a different approach to living in community; she challenges to recognize the great value of stability and sustained community engagement. Gabrielle is the Executive Director of Because Justice Matters, a nonprofit dedicated to building pathways to brighter futures for women and girls in urban communities. Quickly after joining this team in 2010, she launched their youth ministry serving girls in San Francisco's Tenderloin District and piloted their Leadership Development Intensive. In this episode, Gabrielle shares why investing in your local community matters more than chasing the "perfect" place to live, what it truly means to be "salt" and "light" in the world, how living in proximity to people from different walks of life can foster mutually enriching relationships, and so much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/gabrielle-alzate-s2e7/
Abortion is not an easy topic to talk about. It can cause divisiveness among not just individuals, but entire churches as well. With all the strong emotions that are tied to this discussion, we often forget that while abortion is a hot-button political issue, it's also a deeply personal issue. In this episode, Portia Collins explains how we can be a just neighbor to those who have experienced an abortion by leading with compassion when we encounter women who are facing difficult situations. Portia is the founder of She Shall Be Called, a nonprofit women's ministry dedicated to promoting Bible literacy. She also serves as the Partner Development Specialist with Revive Our Hearts. Portia is passionate about helping women become biblically literate, viewing God's Word as the foundation for all aspects of womanhood and identity. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/portia-collins-s2e6/
We all have a heart for children in hard situations, but how often do we consider the circumstances that cause families to enter crises in the first place? In some cases, there are steps we can take to decrease the chance that children will be removed from their biological families, but before we can take these steps, we must start from a place of compassion. Joining us to explore this crucial conversation is Charlee Tchividjian. Charlee is the founder and CEO of Every Mother's Advocate (EMA). She has over 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit sectors of foster care, maternal health, marginalized women, and crisis pregnancy centers both globally and domestically. Charlee is committed to seeing the effects of poverty on family separation eradicated in her lifetime by mobilizing others to act. In this episode, Charlee challenges us to give our marginalized neighbors more grace, shift our mindset to prioritize not only saving children but strengthening entire families, remember that a person's dignity and value do not change due to their life circumstances, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/charlee-tchividjian-s2e5/
If you've listened to our other podcast, The Forgotten Podcast, you know our heart for children, families, and workers in foster care. Today, we get to learn from one of our TFI Advocates, Dorothy Mendoza, about how we can extend compassion and be a Just Neighbor to our neighbors in the foster care community. Dorothy is a foster, adoptive, and special needs mom. She also serves with us at The Forgotten Initiative as a TFI Advocate in the Bangor, Maine area. Having gone through a turbulent childhood herself, Dorothy knows firsthand what a blessing it is to have a stable, healthy home life—and she's committed to giving back to others using the gifts God has given her. In this episode, you'll hear about ways that we can serve our vulnerable neighbors instead of keeping them at a distance, why it's crucial to support overwhelmed caseworkers so they can better serve children, how we can encourage churches to get engaged with foster care by making the outreach personal, and more. If Dorothy's stories of hands-on advocacy resonate with you, consider applying to become a TFI Advocate. Applications are open until the end of November! Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/dorothy-mendoza-s2e4/
Our country is in a season of intense political discourse as the upcoming election rapidly approaches. In this tumultuous time, many Christians are starting to wonder: "How do we come together as the world is coming apart?" Our guest, Joshua Butler, is here to bring us clarity on this question by exploring how we can be Just Neighbors through faithful political engagement. Joshua is a pastor and author of several books, including his most recent, The Party Crasher. He's passionate about shifting paradigms to help people wrestle with tough topics of the Christian faith and encounter Christ in a fresh way. In this episode, you'll hear Joshua's perspective on the different quadrants of political leaning, the dangers of building churches on the foundation of political ideologies, how we can follow the example of Jesus to love our neighbors despite differences of opinion, and so much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/joshua-butler-s2e3/
2.3 million people in the U.S. are affected by incarceration each year, and less than 15% of inmates are serving life sentences (God Behind Bars). This means the majority of people in prison will be released back into society at some point. Yet, these individuals are some of the most unlikely to see and hear the love of Jesus. The truth is, people who live behind bars are often out of sight and out of mind in the day-to-day lives of Christians. Here to change that reality is today's guest—Jake Bodine, the founder and CEO of God Behind Bars. Jake is a passionate entrepreneur with a huge heart for seeing those who are lost find Jesus and know Him personally. He is also dedicated to using his gifts and talents to get the Church excited about prison ministry so we can uplift the forgotten society behind prison walls. In this episode, you'll hear about our biblical call to serve the "least of these," why it is important to bring the Gospel to people who are imprisoned, how serving others deepens your own spiritual journey, and so much more. Find resources mentioned and our takeaways in the show notes: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/jake-bodine-s2e2/
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