Jesus Collective Podcast

In this episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, Caleb Campbell joins us to explore the complex landscape of Christian nationalism in America, its roots, and the ways political identity can shape our understanding of faith. Together, we unpack the influence of tribalism, cultural narratives, and political power, examining how scripture can be misused and how the pursuit of power can become a form of idolatry.But how do we engage with those we disagree with? Caleb challenges us to approach difficult conversations with humility, recognising that we are not above the very things we see in others. Through the example of Jesus, we explore practical ways to navigate ideological divisions, ask better questions, and engage Christian nationalists with love rather than hostility.This conversation invites us to reflect on our own spiritual formation and discover what it means to faithfully embody the way of Jesus in a deeply divided world.

What does it mean to follow Jesus when life has been shattered by loss?In this episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, Paul Walker sits down with pastor and author Leanne Friesen to explore the themes of her forthcoming book, After the Terrible: Seeking Solace When the Worst Things Happen. Together they have an honest conversation about grief, finding solace without easy answers, and the sacred work of leading others while carrying your own sorrow.
Rather than offering formulas for healing, this conversation invites us into the way of Jesus—a path marked by presence, lament, compassion, and resilient hope. Whether you're grieving, walking alongside someone who is, or serving as a leader in a hurting community, this episode offers wisdom for the road after the terrible.

What if we've misunderstood the very nature of God's power? What if the clearest revelation of God is not found in force or domination, but in the self-giving love of Jesus?In this episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, Kenneth Tanner joins us to discuss his compelling new book, Vulnerable God. Together we explore the surprising claim that vulnerability is not a weakness in God—it is the deepest expression of divine love. From the incarnation and the cross to the way we imagine leadership, justice, and the Church, this conversation invites us to rethink some of our most deeply held assumptions about who God is.Whether you're wrestling with suffering, deconstructing harmful images of God, or simply longing for a more beautiful vision of Jesus, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and a fresh theological imagination.

What happens when following Jesus changes the way we understand violence, enemies, and peace?In this episode, Paul Walker sits down with pastor and author Jon Sherwood to explore what it means to take Jesus’ teachings on nonviolence seriously. Jon shares his journey from a violent past to discovering a Jesus who calls his followers into a radically different way of life—and how that conviction eventually led him to help his own congregation move from an implicit just-war perspective toward an explicit commitment to nonviolence.Together, Paul and Jon explore the Sermon on the Mount, enemy love, the resurrection, the fear of death, and what it means to trust Jesus when his teachings challenge deeply held assumptions. They also discuss how these convictions play out in everyday life, from parenting and relationships to questions of self-defense, the military, guns, and the role of violence in Christian culture.This is a conversation about more than a particular ethical position. It’s an invitation to keep asking: What does it actually look like to follow Jesus into a life of peace?Jon Sherwood is the author of The Unarmed Truth: Following the Prince of Peace in a World of Violence.

What if one of the most powerful ways to participate in the mission of Jesus is simply to make room for people at the table? In this episode of the Jesus Collective Podcast, Paul Walker sits down with Forrest Jenan, creator of the video series Dining with Jesus, to explore how hospitality can become a doorway to genuine, Jesus-centered mission. Rather than treating mission as a program or event, Forrest shares how his local church in California is learning to embody the way of Jesus through shared meals, meaningful relationships, and deep engagement with their neighbourhood. Their conversation moves from the broad vision of hospitality to the concrete practices that have helped cultivate a growing and remarkably diverse church community. They discuss why meals mattered so much in the ministry of Jesus, how hospitality breaks down social and cultural barriers, and what it looks like for ordinary Christians to live with a missionary posture in everyday life. Whether you’re a church leader, a host, or someone longing to love your neighbours more intentionally, this episode offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for becoming a more welcoming and mission-shaped presence in your community.