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Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.New episodes every other week! For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.
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In this insightful episode, we sit down with renowned psychologist and author Dr. Dan Allender to explore the complexities of anxiety—its roots, its impact, and the path to healing. Drawing on his vast experience and wisdom, Dr. Allender shares transformative insights on understanding anxiety, confronting its emotional and spiritual dimensions, and discovering ways to break free from its grip. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or simply seeking a deeper understanding, this conversation o...
In this moving interview, author and Bible teacher Kendra Dahl shares her testimony of abortion, repentance, and redemption. She opens up about the trauma, secrecy, and identity struggles that followed. Kendra also share about how the mercy of Jesus brought healing and restoration. Kendra now helps others walk toward freedom in Christ, reminding us that no sin is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Learn more about her story and ministry by visiting Kendra Dahl’s Website or checking out her book...
What does it mean to be human, and why does that question matter so deeply in today’s debates about abortion, bioethics, and personhood? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage one of the most urgent moral and theological issues of our time: the sanctity of human life. Rather than beginning with political arguments or cultural talking points, they ground the conversation in the biblical vision of humanity as created in the image of God and known by Him from the very beginning...
In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Coles, author, scholar, and speaker, to explore his deeply personal journey of faith, sexuality, and self-understanding. Gregory’s life story spans multiple cultures, academic disciplines, and spiritual landscapes — from growing up in Indonesia to earning a PhD in English and becoming a voice for nuanced conversations at the intersections of Christianity and sexual identity. Gregory discusses the challenges and insights that shaped his path: wrestling...
How does the biblical vision of human sexuality offer a more beautiful and life-giving path than the narratives of our modern world? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage with one of the most pressing and complex topics facing the church today: the theology and practice of human sexuality. Rather than simply reacting to cultural shifts, they seek to ground the conversation in the goodness of God’s creative intent, exploring how our bodies and desires point toward a deeper g...
As we prepare for a season in our church where we are tackling difficult conversations, we wanted to reshare one of our favorite episodes from Season 2! Dr. Gerry Breshears from Western Seminary came to our church to talk about Genesis. This episode highlights his conversation with our Lead Pastor Wyatt Martin regarding handling disagreements in the church. He gives us a model to decipher which topics are worth debating, dividing over, or dying for. To learn more about Dr. Gerry Bresh...
Are foreign missions outdated—or more vital than ever? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with theologian and missiologist Dr. Michael Goheen to talk about the heart of Christian mission and why the global call to make disciples remains central to the church’s identity. Drawing from his book The Core of the Christian Faith: Seeing the Big Picture of God’s Story, Dr. Goheen addresses common objections to foreign missions—such as cultural imperialism, globalization, and the ri...
What does it mean for men and women to flourish together in God’s design—not in spite of their differences, but because of them? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Dr. Gregg R. Allison, theologian and professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to explore his latest book, Complementarity: Dignity, Difference, and Interdependence. Allison offers a vision of complementarity that goes far deeper than the typical debates. Rather than reducing the ...
What if true evangelism begins with a warm welcome? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Danny Franks, pastor and expert on guest services, to talk about why hospitality is not just a program—but a reflection of the gospel itself. Danny unpacks how the early church made belonging a central part of its witness, and how modern churches can reclaim that same spirit of invitation. We’ll discuss the theology behind hospitality, the barriers that keep churches from being truly welcomi...
If God is good, why does He let us suffer? It’s a question every believer faces at some point. In this episode of Native Exiles, we dive deep into the mystery of suffering and God’s role in it. Is pain a punishment, a test, or something more redemptive? Throughout history, theologians have wrestled with this very question—debating whether suffering is part of God’s sovereign will, the result of human freedom, or a necessary path to spiritual growth. We’ll explore these perspectives and then t...
Welcome to Season 5 of Native Exiles! We wanted to start our Season by answering the question, "Does God Take Back His Promises?" Even when we are anxious about what is ahead, the promise of God is that he will be in it with us. The question really is, "What if all of those promises actually have an asterisk? What if there is hidden clause?" What if it is,"He will keep his promises if we obey him?" Then what, does he take back his promises? Let's talk about it! Native Exiles, a podcast ...
We are excited to share the audio from our Mental Health Seminar with Dr. Gregory Jantz. Dr. Jantz share practical resources to quantify anxiety and begin the journey towards healing. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or looking to help others who may be, Dr. Jantz has something to say for everyone involved in this conversation. Doctor Gregory Jantz is an acclaimed author, speaker, and researcher in the field of mental health. From eating disorders to depression, Dr. Jantz has written an...
In this heartfelt and reflective season finale, we wrap up our deep dive into mental health with a conversation that ties together key themes from throughout the series. We revisit powerful insights on anxiety, depression, and the challenges of emotional well-being, reflecting on how faith and community can provide real hope and healing. Looking back at the season we explore that we are integrated beings—mind, body, and spirit—and how understanding this unity is essential to mental and emotio...
In this profound and hope-filled conversation, award-winning theologian Dr. Kelly M. Kapic joins us to explore the intersection of mental health, anxiety, and theology. Drawing from his acclaimed book You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News, Kapic challenges the cultural narrative that treats human limitations as flaws to be fixed. Instead, he invites us to see our finitude as part of God’s good design—a truth that offers deep relief in the face of anx...
In this episode, we explore the deep and often challenging experience of grief through the lens of faith. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be in the world but not of it, and that includes how we respond to those in grief and how we navigate it ourselves. Our guest, grief counselor Cindi Sinnema, shares insights on how we can walk alongside others who are grieving, as well as practical guidance for those who are personally facing loss. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or struggling...
In this episode, we sit down with author and pastor Patrick Miller to explore his book, Joyful Outsider, through the lens of mental health. As our culture changes rapidly, many of us feel isolated, overwhelmed, and disconnected—but what if embracing our role as outsiders could lead to peace and joy? Patrick discusses how Jesus invites us to experience the “joy of missing out” (JOMO) instead of succumbing to the pressure of fitting in or chasing after approval. We dive into practical ways to n...
In this deeply personal episode, Steve Brooks, one of the regular hosts on Native Exiles, opens up about his struggle with religious OCD and the profound doubts he faced regarding his salvation, despite growing up in a strong Christian family. Steve takes us through his journey of wrestling with fear and uncertainty, which first surfaced while living internationally in Taiwan. He shares the emotional toll of trying to find peace through unhelpful solutions, and how God's intervention, through...
In this powerful conversation, Rachael Clinton Chen, a trauma care practitioner and co-host of The Allender Center Podcast, joins us to discuss the deep impact of spiritual abuse and the church’s responsibility in creating safe spaces for healing. With a heart devoted to addressing the harm of abuse, especially spiritual abuse, Rachael shares her insights on trauma, embodiment, and spiritual formation, and how the church can be a place of reclamation rather than harm. As a contemplative chari...
In this thought-provoking episode with Curtis Chang, we explore a radical shift in how we view anxiety—not as a problem to be solved or eliminated, but as an opportunity to draw nearer to Jesus. Curtis delves into how anxiety often marks the people who approach Jesus, and how it can serve as the catalyst for spiritual growth. We discuss the contrasting approaches of the church and the world to anxiety, with prayer as the church's method of elimination and prescription as the world's solution....
In this powerful re-release of one of our most impactful episodes, Steve and Wyatt sit down with Dr. Dan Allender, renowned psychologist and author, to unpack the complex role of shame in marriage and deep relationships. Dr. Allender brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on how shame silently shapes the dynamics of intimate partnerships, often leading to disconnection, resentment, and emotional isolation. Through this conversation, we explore how shame takes root, how it impacts c...
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