The Gospel and Justice

John Ashmen is the president of the City Gate Network. The City Gate Network is a network of rescue missions throughout North America. In this conversation, we talk about the complexity of trying to help people who have found themselves homeless. John talks about a number of factors that lead to homelessness, the governments response, and how churches and believers can become a part of the solution. Invisible Neighbors John Ashman City Gate NetworkQuestions / Comments? info@thegospelandjustice.com

George Yancey is a Professor of Sociology and also a part of the Institute of Religious Studies at Baylor University. He is the author of multiple books, including, Beyond Racial Division; A Unifying Alternative to Colorblindness and Antiracism. He also studies and writes about anti-christian attitudes in America. In this conversation, we talk about his book, Beyond Racial Division, and how a Christian world view can bring racial reconciliation. George Yancey's BooksGeorge Yancey's Curriculum for Diversity Training for Churches Questions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.com

Brent Colby is a missionary to Brussels, Belgium. Previously, he was the Northwest Ministry Network's Kid's Ministry director. He was also on staff at Evergreen Christian Community in Olympia, Washington. He also holds a Doctorate in Christian Education.Brent is currently a professor in at a university in Brussels. He trains and equips pastors to plant churches in post Christian contexts. In this conversation, we talk about what it's like to be a missionary in Europe and the challenges that come with it. We also talk about what evangelism looks like in this context. To learn more and support the Colby'swww.colbycommission.orgQuestions / Comments? info@thegospelandjustice.com

Andrew Dawson is the founder of Operation For Freedom. After serving in different pastoral ministry roles, he felt called to fight human trafficking. His organization helps prevent some of the root causes that are connected to trafficking as well as helping people find hope and transition out of it. In this episode we talk about common misconceptions about trafficking. We also talk about the complexity of the issue and how people can get involved in combatting this issue. To connect with Andrew and his team, you can email them at Info@operationforfreedom.orghttps://www.operationforfreedom.orgQuestions / Comments:info@thegospelandjustice.com

Ken Rice runs Samayra Coffee Co. with his wife Jalee. They started Samayra two years  ago in Olympia, Washington. Prior to running Samayra, Ken was a pastor for over 20 years. He's held a number of roles including executive pastor of ministries as well as planting a church.In this episode, we talk about running a business as a mission. Through a coffee shop, they have been able to create a safe place for people in the community to find healing. They view themselves as a front door to the church. We also talk about transitioning from pastoral ministry to seeing business as ministry and all the challenges that come along with it. Questions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.comsamayracoffee.com

Zach Claussen is a pastor in the Minneapolis area. He is a part of a church that has five campuses as well as an online campus. He has his Bachelors Degree in Evangelism and Church Planting and his Masters Degree in Leadership Studies. In this episode we talk about pastoring through political campaigns and elections. How do you pastor a diverse group of people who are being pulled at by political affiliations?Questions / Comments info@thegospelandjustice.com

Joe Epley is the Network Youth Director for the Assemblies of God in Montana. He oversees leadership for Kids and Youth ministries in the network. Previously, he was on staff as a Youth Pastor as well as an Associate Pastor for the last 10 years. He also holds a Masters Degree in Ministry Leadership from Trinity Bible College. In this episode we talk about what role justice has in discipleship. In our usual discipleship settings, are we neglecting the Biblical concept of engaging in restorative justice. Tyler Staton - Justice Summit: Session 1Questions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.com

Simon Wilce is the Executive Director of Christians Against Poverty America. CAP started in England by John Kirkby and spread across the country as churches began helping people get out of poverty. Simon eventually moved to America and started the American branch.In this episode we talk about the history of their organization and helping people find their way out of poverty. We talk about the different factors that lead to poverty in America and England. CAP partners with local churches and empowers them to reach their communities. To learn more check out their website capamerica.orgQuestions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.com

David Reyes is a worship leader at Evergreen Christian Community in Olympia, Washington. He has written and recorded music as well as lead worship in all kinds of different contexts.In this episode we talk about how to lead multicultural worship experiences. We talk about the challenges and blindspots that many of us have that hold us back from building multicultural communities. Questions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.com

Stephanie Smith is a licensed counselor in Olympia, Washington. She has been in the mental heath field for around the last twenty years. She is also involved in marriage ministry in the local church. In this conversation we talk about the lasting impact of covid on mental health in America. The impacts of covid and isolation did not stop after quarantine stopped. As believers, we have an opportunity to bring hope and peace to the world around us. Churches have the opportunity to be the front door for people seeking emotional health. Questions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.com

Joe Perry went to Wheaton College and interned with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Joe spent months in the UK interviewing 70 church leaders about evangelism and what ministry is like in the UK. In this conversation we talk about ministry and evangelism in a post Christian context. We also talk about how churches in the UK engaged in social issues and how it did, or did not, influence evangelism. Questions / Comments?info@thegospelandjustice.com

Logan Joyce is the founder of Gray Matter Growth. After graduating from North Central University he joined the staff of a growing church in the Minneapolis area. He later transitioned into leadership consulting and helps organizations and individuals lead from a healthy place. After graduating from North Central he also received a Master's degrees in Global Leadership and Organizational Development. In this conversation, we talk about leadership trends and how to build healthy leadership teams. Questions / Comments info@thegospelandjustice.com

Sam Heath is the manager of Equal Justice USA the Evangelical Network. Sam joined the Equal justice team in 2021. They advocate against the death penalty and help people rethink what justice can look like. In this episode, we talk about how our view of punishment and justice is affecting the criminal justice system. As believers, how can we shift our focus to restoration?Questions / Comments? info@thegospelandjustice.comLearn more about Equal Justice USA the Evangelical Networkevangelical.ejusa.org

Kyle Stutzman has had various ministry positions including Youth, Young Adult, and Online pastor. We were on staff together in Olympia Washington. Kyle has a bachelor's degree from Northwest University in Pastoral Ministry.Research says that Generation Z cares about and wants to engage in justice. In this episode we talk about how churches can connect with Gen Z and help listen and shape the conversation in a Biblical way. Questions / Comments? info@thegospelandjustice.comArticle"Gen Z is Turning Away From Religion in Order to Live Out Their Values"

James Manley is a retired District Court Judge in Montana and also... my father! As a new judge, he quickly realized how addiction and drugs were impacting how many people were getting incarcerated.He did all he could to understand addiction and the path to rehabilitation. Out of this, he and several community members formed a drug court that was aimed at long term success after addiction. In this episode we talk about the different components of addiction and what it looks like to help people overcome it. What does true restoration look like and are our current models of incarceration making the problem worse?Questions / Commentsinfo@thegospelandjustice.com

Eric Basye is the Executive Director at Community Leadership & Development Inc. CLDI is a nonprofit organization based in the Southside of Billings, Montana. They take a holistic approach to meeting the needs of the community. In this episode Eric talks about what CLDI is doing and how he ended up becoming the director and moving to the Southside. We talk about how the Gospel can not only meet the spiritual needs but also the physical, social, and economic needs. If you are interested in reaching out to Eric, and are thinking about a similar path, you can email him at ebasye@thefocusgroup.comQuestions / Comments - info@thegospelandjustice.com

Riley Sampson is a high school Social Studies and Government teacher.  In this episode we talk about Critical Race Theory and how it's become controversial. There's growing pressure on teachers and what they teach while certain topics become politicized. We talk about what CRT is and isn't.A growing number of teachers and leaders have come under pressure regarding CRT -so how do we, as believers, think critically and advocate well?Contactinfo@thegospelandjustice.comArticlesNBC ArticleEducation Week Article

We’ve got some great people coming on in the next few weeks but this is a solo episode. What is Biblical Justice and how do we talk about it well? As believers, scripture continually talks about justice and our role in it… But talking about justice is hard in many evangelical circles. How do we reconcile what Scripture teaches and the cultural pressures we face?John Stott and Billy Graham article

Joe Epley returns.Joe Epley is a pastor in Baker Montana. He ended up helping start and now leads a non-profit that raises the awareness of mental health in their county. We eventually talk about the importance of building emotionally healthy cultures within leadership and churches. 

Brandon Stiver is the Senior Director of Global Programs and Partnerships at 1MILLIONHOME. 1MILLIONHOME works to reunify families and bring kids home from orphanages. In this episode, we talk about the orphanage system throughout the world and issues that they create. This also leads us to talk about some of the issues with many short term missions trips. To learn more about 1MILLIONHOME and the work Brandon and the team are doing check out 1millionhome.com