Jesus Collective Podcast

In this deeply moving and thoughtful conversation, Keith Smith shares the heart behind his memoir The Magic of Montford Street, inviting us into a world shaped by family, faith, community, and resilience. What begins as a reflection on childhood memories unfolds into a powerful exploration of identity, legacy, and the stories that shape who we become.Keith speaks candidly about growing up Black in America, navigating both the warmth of a tight-knit neighborhood and the realities of trauma and systemic challenges. He reflects on the importance of preserving family stories, not just as nostalgia, but as living history that anchors future generations. Through joy, hardship, laughter, and loss, Montford Street becomes more than a place. It becomes a symbol of belonging.Throughout the conversation, we explore the role of faith in shaping identity and perspective, and how community can provide strength when the world feels uncertain. Keith beautifully illustrates how storytelling bridges generations, offering healing where there has been pain and connection where there has been division. His journey reminds us that our stories are sacred, and that telling them can be an act of courage, restoration, and hope.

What does it really mean to say that God looks like Jesus—and which Jesus are we talking about? In this episode, the Paul and Meghan unpack how culture, tradition, and personal experience shape our images of Jesus, and why clarifying those images matters for faith. They explore the cross as a central interpretive anchor, discuss practices for engaging Scripture faithfully, and reflect on the role of community and tradition in shaping belief. Along the way, they lean into the discomfort of Jesus’ teachings and why that tension can be spiritually formative. Meghan also shares her passion for a deeply Jesus-centered faith and introduces her new devotional series designed to help people see Jesus more clearly.

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Shawna and Jesus Collective welcome theologian Greg Boyd to discuss his latest book, 'God Looks Like Jesus.' The conversation explores the importance of understanding God's character through the lens of Jesus, the centrality of love in Christianity, and the challenges of confronting distorted images of God. Greg shares his personal journey of faith, emphasizing that refining our mental image of God is an ongoing process that shapes our relationship with Him and our actions towards others. In this conversation, Greg Boyd discusses the importance of reframing our understanding of God through the lens of Jesus, emphasizing the significance of God's character and love. He explores how our image of God influences our lives and the healing process, advocating for a cruciform hermeneutic that interprets scripture through the cross. Boyd encourages the cultivation of Jesus-looking communities that reflect self-sacrificial love, especially in a polarized culture. He highlights the need for hope in a troubled world and offers wisdom for leaders in the church to model Christ-like behavior and foster transformation within their congregations.https://jesuscollective.com/events/

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to what’s coming, Jesus Collective co-executive directors Adam Dyer and Cherish Hamilton sit down for an honest, hope-filled conversation about where Jesus Collective has been — and where it’s headed next.In this episode, Adam and Cherish reflect on the stories, growth, and milestones that shaped the past year, from expanding partnerships and gatherings to finding greater clarity around Jesus Collective’s voice and calling. They explore why this moment matters so deeply for the church, unpacking the vision of a Jesus-centered, Spirit-empowered faith that can model unity in a polarized world.Looking ahead to 2026, the conversation turns toward what it means to “turn up the volume” — expanding resources, creating more spaces for conversation, and equipping leaders and communities to navigate change with faith, courage, and hope.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, theology, and mission of Jesus Collective, and an open invitation to join the movement as we seek renewal, unity, and a more beautiful witness centered on the way of Jesus.

In this engaging conversation, the hosts and guest Megan Larissa Good explore the challenges and joys of engaging with the Bible. They share personal stories of how scripture has come alive for them, discuss the common struggles many face in reading the Bible, and emphasize the importance of continued engagement with scripture despite obstacles. Practical tips for reading the Bible are also provided, encouraging listeners to find transformative encounters through the text. In this conversation, Meghan and the Jesus Collective explore the nuances of engaging with scripture, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, historical context, and personal reflection. They discuss how to prepare one's heart for reading the Bible, the impact of greed and abundance on spiritual life, and the significance of community in understanding scripture. The dialogue encourages listeners to approach the Bible with an open heart and mind, seeking deeper connections with the text and its teachings.

What does leadership look like when it’s shaped by Jesus rather than power, control, or charisma?In this special episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, nine pastors, theologians, and practitioners from around the world gather around a shared table to explore Jesus-centered leadership in a time when the church is reckoning with burnout, abuse of power, and broken models of authority.Drawing from Scripture and lived experience, the conversation moves through themes of humility, service, vulnerability, shared power, rest, discernment, and communal submission. From Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13, to the Lord’s Prayer, to reflections on failure, limits, and trusting God to build the church, each voice adds a vital piece to a richer picture of leadership in the way of Christ.Featuring voices such as Adam Dyer, Co-Executive Director of Jesus Collective, Tanya Harris of God Conversations, Greg Boyd, David Fitch, and others, this episode offers honest stories, theological depth, and practical wisdom for anyone leading—or rethinking leadership—in the church today.This is not a conversation about leadership techniques or success metrics. It’s an invitation to rediscover leadership as discipleship, shaped by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

In this insightful episode, leadership expert Peter Mogan dives into the heart of what makes organizations thrive: intentional processes, Jesus-centered principles, and a commitment to clarity and accountability. Drawing from decades of experience, Peter shares how structured frameworks, when rooted in purpose, can unlock growth, strengthen culture, and prevent organizational dysfunction.From the influence of Jesus’ own approach to leadership, to the importance of communication, diversity, and servant-hearted collaboration, this conversation reframes process not as bureaucracy, but as the pathway to flourishing communities. Whether you're leading a church, a team, or an entire organization, Peter’s wisdom will challenge and equip you to lead with clarity, humility, and strategic purpose.

In this episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, host Paul Walker sits down with Jordan Pilgrim, a church planter, to explore the power of rhythm in both life and ministry. Together, they unpack the challenges of church planting, the beauty of the church calendar, and the importance of intentional spiritual formation. Jordan offers personal reflections on navigating busyness, finding hope, and building community rhythms that sustain faith. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt prayer for peace and direction as we enter the Advent season.✨ Join us as we reflect, breathe, and rediscover God’s rhythm in our everyday lives.

How can leaders build communities that thrive on love rather than fear? In this episode, Shane Claiborne joins the conversation to share his insights on leadership rooted in compassion, solidarity, and genuine human connection. Together, we explore the transformative power of listening, relationship-building, and intentional practices like shared meals and hospitality in fostering meaningful community.Shane speaks candidly about standing with marginalized groups, addressing social issues through awareness and education, and leading with courage and love in the face of fear. He offers practical wisdom on nurturing resilience, creating spaces of support, and living out faith in everyday actions.If you’re committed to leading with heart, empathy, and purpose, this conversation will inspire you to center love in your leadership and discover the strength found in true community.

Vision and Leadership with Tara Beth LeachVision is the lifeblood of leadership but how do leaders sustain it amidst challenge and change? In this episode, Shawna Boren and Meghan Good sit down with pastor and author Tara Beth Leach to unpack the power of vision in ministry and beyond. Together, they explore how a clear, Jesus-centered vision can energize communities, shape direction, and renew purpose.Tara shares candidly about navigating disagreements, staying rooted in humility, and keeping the mission alive when circumstances get tough. She offers practical wisdom on community engagement, accountability, and the rhythms that help leaders stay grounded and inspired.If you’re passionate about leading with clarity, faith, and resilience, this conversation will refresh your perspective and remind you why vision matters more than ever.

In this episode of Leading in the Way of Jesus, Paul Walker talks with Becca Syme — author, coach, and Gallup-Certified Strengths expert — about how true leadership begins with who we are, not what we do.Drawing on years of coaching thousands of creatives, Becca shares insights on self-leadership, spiritual formation, and the inner life that shapes healthy, effective leaders. Together they explore how leaders can stay grounded in identity, lead from their strengths, and remain resilient and humble in a results-driven world.A practical and inspiring conversation on being formed by Jesus so we can lead like Jesus.

Leading in the Way of Jesus: An IntroductionIn this kickoff episode, Paul Walker sets the stage for our new Jesus Collective podcast series on leadership. Drawing from Dr. Paul Magnus’ model of holistic leadership, Paul unpacks a framework built around four key quadrants: the Person of the Leader, the People they lead, the Processes they ensure, and the Purpose they advance.For many, the word “leadership” carries baggage—but Paul shares why he’s convinced that Jesus still calls us into leadership, reshaping it with his vision, his purpose, and his way. This episode offers both a challenge and an invitation: to reimagine leadership not as power over, but as life with, in the way of Jesus.

What if the way you relate to God is shaped by the same attachment patterns that shape your relationships with others?In this episode, Shawna and Paul talk with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw—pastors, authors, and co-founders of the Center for Embodied Faith—about their new book Landscapes of the Soul. Blending theology, neuroscience, and real-life stories, they reveal how attachment theory can transform our discipleship and spiritual formation.Together they explore:•The “landscapes” of the jungle of anxiety, desert of avoidance, war zone of chaos, and the pasture of joy and peace•Why joy is the key to secure connection with God and others•Practices that help us heal attachment wounds and grow resilient faithWhether you find yourself in a jungle of anxiety, a desert of disconnection, or the pasture of peace, this conversation shows how Jesus meets us right where we are—and invites us into deeper courage, connection, and joy.

Summer Burnout Camp Part 3 with Jon HandBurnout is hitting church leaders hard—nearly half of pastors have thought about walking away. This episode for that board member, elder, or congregant who is curious about navigating burnout with a pastor in their church, In this episode, Paul and leadership coach Jon Hand tackle the reality of burnout head-on, exploring the systemic causes, from overwork and unclear roles to unhealthy church dynamics. Jon shares hard-earned wisdom from coaching leaders, offering practical next steps: how to respond compassionately, why professional assessments matter, and what congregations can do when their pastor needs time away. Rather than despair, they point to the surprising redemptive power of burnout—the growth, wisdom, and deeper leadership it can unlock.If you care about healthy churches and sustainable leadership, this conversation will leave you both challenged and hopeful.[BURNOUT MAP]

Welcome to part two of our summer summer series, Paul Walker hosts an open panel conversation with Jon Hand, Cherish Hamilton, and Keith Miller. Together, they dive deeper into the realities of pastoral burnout—bringing diverse perspectives, hard-won wisdom, and honest questions to the table.This interactive discussion moves beyond personal stories into collective insight. The panel tackles audience questions, explores practical pathways for resilience, and wrestles with how churches can shift from burnout-prone cultures to communities of restoration and sustainable leadership.Part 2 is both real and refreshing—a dialogue full of candor, grace, and hope for leaders who feel weary, and for communities ready to walk with them toward renewal.

Part 1 of Summer Burnout Camp with Jon HandIn this special two-part summer series, we pitch our tent at the intersection of leadership, faith, and exhaustion. Paul Walker sits down with Jon Hand, cofounder of Lead from Transformation, to explore the deep realities of pastoral burnout—what causes it, how to recognize it, and why naming it can be the first step toward healing.Jon shares his own powerful story of a life changing experience with burnout and the surprising grace that met him in his most vulnerable moments. Together, Paul and Jon unpack the psychological, spiritual, and systemic dimensions of burnout—along with practical tools like the Spire Assessment Model and the Burnout Map.This honest, hopeful conversation is for any leader running on empty, and a vital listen for churches ready to build cultures that resist burnout instead of ignoring it.Part 2 continues live on August 13 at 1 PM CST with a panel of ministry leaders.- Access burnout tools and resources: lft-leadership.com- Connect with Jon Hand via Facebook, LinkedIn, or the LFT website.

In this episode, Paul speaks with Pastor and Professor Steve Bezner about his book, \"Your Jesus Is Too American,\" exploring how the Christian faith can become entangled with national identity. They discuss the need for a kingdom-centred imagination in the church, the influence of media and politics on theology, and the importance of love, service, and nuanced thinking in discipleship. From refugee care to sexuality and suffering, Steve shares stories and insights that challenge cultural assumptions and invite listeners to follow a Jesus who transcends borders—one whose kingdom vision is bigger than any nation.

In this episode, Shawna and Paul sit down with Keith Miller, founding pastor of Lifepath Church in Newark, Delaware, to explore the unexpected power of rest. Keith shares honestly about his ministry journey—from the early days of church planting to navigating leadership challenges and rediscovering renewal through a recent sabbatical.Together, they reflect on the personal and communal dynamics of pastoral burnout, what it means to lead with vulnerability, and how sabbatical rhythms can become catalysts for transformation, not just for the leader but for the entire church.If you\'re discerning how to lead your community toward deeper spiritual health while also tending to your own soul, this conversation will resonate deeply.Thanks for listening!

In this episode, Paul and Shawna sit down with Mark Glanville—jazz musician, Old Testament scholar, and Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership at the University of British Columbia—to explore his journey from Sydney’s jazz scene to missional leadership in post-Christian cultures. Broadcasting from his piano bench in Vancouver, Mark shares how his love for music shapes his preaching, how communal over individualistic frameworks can reframe sermon practice, and why holistic well-being is vital for sustaining pastoral life. He also discusses his recent book, Preaching In A New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities, which offers a fresh vision for preaching in a skeptical age. Listeners can learn more about Mark’s work at markglanville.org and tune into his podcast Blue Note Theology—“the only podcast in the world hosted from the grand piano!

In this timely episode, Paul sits down with Adam Dyer and Cherish Hamilton to explore how global political tensions—like trade wars, nationalism, and polarization—impact personal relationships and the unity of the Church.Framed by the question “Why can’t we be friends?”, the conversation draws from Holy Week themes to examine false peace, true reconciliation, and Jesus’ call to love beyond ideological lines. From the rise of fear-based politics to the fear-driven narratives shaping our world, the trio wrestles with how followers of Jesus can stay rooted in empathy, hope, and God’s original intent.They share practical spiritual practices, the importance of seeing people, not just systems, and the power of friendship in a divided world. We pray you will be encouraged by this hopeful, challenging conversation for anyone longing to be a person of peace in a time of conflict.