Chai Can’t Even Episodes

Most guests on Chai Can’t Even who come to tell the stories of why they stay in Community of Christ are young adults, but imagine how many stories someone who has been in the church for over 80 years has to share. Well, this is part two, and if we had let him, Eldred Spain could have filled many more episodes. Join host Blake Smith in listening to more of Eldred’s stories of faith, family, and friendship in Community of Christ and everywhere else he encountered people. Allow yourself to be inspi...

From the time he was two years old, Eldred Spain knew he wanted to be one of “them” ... a minister who helped people. 89 years later, Eldred is still learning and still finding ways to minister to people. In this special episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Eldred, a lifelong member of the Community of Christ and former employee of the church, to hear his stories. We bet you’re going to be surprised when you hear what Eldred thinks are some of the biggest “changes” in the ...

Chai Can’t Even usually focuses on young adults and why they stay in the church, but this time, host Blake Smith is sitting down with Tore Nilsen, whose grandfather was one of the first converts in Norway, and who is himself in his 80s. As a matter of fact, he was a young adult when his grandfather thought he was old enough to be baptized. Since then, he’s spent his years serving in various leadership roles in the church while the church changed… in a good way … around him. Listen in and be insp...

Although the church ought to always be a place of healing and renewal, we are all human, and pain and struggle sometimes manifest themselves in our lives as a result of the church. In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, we hear from Bren Williams, a lifelong church member and certified hypnosis professional, who shares her transformative journey in the Community of Christ with host, Blake Smith. Bren’s story is one of heartbreak and healing. It’s also a story of continual transformation, not unlike...

There is nothing better than hearing someone say that one of the reasons they have stayed in the church is because they’ve been “loved to death.” And, that seems to be a recurring theme here at Chai Can’t Even. Kudos to the congregations who keep the love and welcome flowing. Join host, Blake Smith, for a sit down with Wes Hodgson, former pastor and current member of the Lamoni Heartland Mission Center leadership team, who shares his story of growing up and staying in the church. Be inspired by ...

It’s encouraging to hear stories of people finding deep welcome and connection in the church ... no matter which congregation they step into. That is the case in the personal stories shared by Mike Sherman of Pensacola, FL with host, Blake Smith. Join Mike and Blake for this episode of Chai Can’t Even, and you’re sure to find yourself reconnecting with some your own memories, stories, and experiences of finding “home” in Community of Christ. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Un...

“Yay, we’re at the party. We’re going to a church party!’ Wouldn’t it be great if a few more people felt that way about church ... and not just two-and-a-half-year-olds? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Blake Smith sits down with Kara Sherman of the North Pensacola (FL) congregation to hear her story and what it is that has kept her coming to Community of Christ. Hear her hopes and dreams for the church, and gain some inspiration to be a part of something special. Download Transcript T...

You know you’ve done something right when a child/adolescent goes to church... not because they have to, but because they want to. An ordained teacher at 18 and a high school band teacher at 21, Ethan Mitchell, was one of those children, and the credit goes to a loving congregation who created a loving, nurturing environment where kids could thrive and grow... physically and spiritually. Join host, Blake Smith, as he sits down to hear Ethan’s story, and to find out why Ethan has found a forever ...

All roads lead to Lamoni, Iowa — at least for Chad and Katie. Their relationship began when they were both students at Graceland, and it all came full circle when they found themselves back in Lamoni, bringing their vision for a chemical-free produce and cut-flower farm to life. In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Chad and Katie Hensley to hear the story of how they met, the Big Creek Farms origin story, and also the Hensley’s thoughts on how the church can be...

Have you ever questioned your own worth because you were caught between the role expectations and gender stereotypes you were taught and what you were actually feeling and experiencing in life? Have you ever been torn between your love for those who raised, nurtured and loved you into adulthood, and the disconnect that occurred somewhere along your journey that helped you to see things in a new light? In this episode of Chai Can’t Even, host Brittany Mangelson sits down with Kinsey Horringa to h...

Relationships, meaningful connections, mentors, encouragers... all incredibly important elements in the journey of faith. Everyone needs to hear and know that they are good enough and capable enough to live the life for which God has created them. Join host, Brittany Mangelson, for an inspiring conversation with life-long Community of Christ member and Central Mission Youth Minister, Tyler Horringa. Listen in as Tyler shares his story of the things and the people that filled those important role...

High Priest Erica Blevins Nye shares about growing up in Independence, working with young adults, and her hopes for the future of Community of Christ. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Erica Blevins Nye Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta,...

What keeps millennials engaged in religious communities when so many choose to leave the pews? Alisha Bowen shares her experiences growing up in Community of Christ and what gives her hope for the future. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Alisha Bowen Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries...

From camps to leading worship as a teen, to marrying her wife in the church, Cheyenne Koerth of Austin, Texas shares what it was like growing up in Community of Christ. With a deep love of the Enduring Principles, Cheyenne remains hopeful for the future of this faith community. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Cheynne Koerth Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Si...

Molly Bagley, a millennial in Community of Christ, shares about growing up in the church, her evolving and sometimes complicated relationship with the Restoration, but why she remains an enthusiastic participant with Community of Christ. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Molly Bagley Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. G...

Dan Gregory has served Community of Christ in a variety of roles. As a gay man who was employed by the church before the USA National Conference, he has faced difficult decisions surrounding ministry and life. Today on the podcast, Dan shares how his drive for justice and Christ's mission of peace keeps him engaged and excited about his community of faith. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Dan Gregory Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and O...

Today on Project Zion podcast, we welcome Meghan and Jayson Gray to share what it was like growing up in Community of Christ. Having grown up in the Independence area and now raising their own child in "the shadow of the Temple" Meghan and Jason share their perspective on what keeps them engaged with Community of Christ and their hopes for the future. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guests: Meghan and Jayson Gray Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intr...

Growing up in Oklahoma, Ashley Sebree's childhood included camps, home visits, and being mentored as a disciple in Community of Christ. Ashley is currently enrolled in seminary, and serves in leadership positions in both her mission center and at the online ministry, Community Space. Today, Ashley shares about her experiences in her experiences in the church and her hopes for our future. Host: Brittany Mangelson Guest: Ashley Sebree Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow ...

Nathan Mack of Independence, Missouri joins us for our Chai Can't Even series where we talk to young adults in Community of Christ. Nate shares about growing up in the church, his time at Graceland as both a student and an employee with Campus Ministries, as well as what keeps him engaged with Community of Christ today. Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Chri...

In this episode of our Chai Can't Even series, we're hearing from Emma and Ryan Pitt! Emma is a designer at The Knot and Ryan is the Mission Center President of the Mid-Atlantic Mission Center. Both Emma and Ryan grew up in Community of Christ and they share stories of their childhood and how the church has shaped and formed them into who they are today. Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “Fo...

We've got Caitlin d'Esterre back on the podcast! This time she'll be talking about being a millennial in Community of Christ as part of our Chai Can't Even series. Join us as Caitlin talks about growing up in the church, how meaningful the camping programs were to her, and her hopes and advice for other young adults in the church. Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Commun...

Zac Harmon McLaughlin, the director of Community of Christ Seminary, shares his experience growing up in Community of Christ in Independence Missouri. Zac discusses how he was mentored, challenged, and supported through his teenage years, and gives insights into how he views faith and church life today. As part of our Chai Can't Even series, Zac gives a perspective that is edgy and filled with hope. Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Ou...

Pour yourself a cup of chai and have a listen to today's episode of Chai Can't Even. Brittany sits down with Laura Bolton and they talk about what it was like for Laura growing up in the church in Independence as well as what it's like to be back there as a young adult. They talk about mission, challenges and hopes for the church, and everything in between. Enjoy! Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permiss...

In this episode of our Chai Can't Even series, Andy Larkins shares what it was like growing up in Community of Christ in Colorado. He shares how he was mentored and shaped as a disciple and how he has used those skills in every day life. Thanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/...