Percolating On Faith Episodes
Percolating on Faith is where curiosity, theology, and spiritual growth brew together.
Beloved Community of Christ theologians Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith guide us through big questions, lingering doubts, and deep truths — all with honesty, humor, and heart.
This series doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer meaningful conversation: candidly authentic, rooted in tradition, and refreshingly relevant for today’s faith journey.
Because thinking about God and growing in faith is a lifelong adventure — and oh, the places we’ll go!
BONUS: Keep an ear out for God Shots — a series within the series offering quick, spirit-filled reflections you won’t want to miss.
Beloved Community of Christ theologians Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith guide us through big questions, lingering doubts, and deep truths — all with honesty, humor, and heart.
This series doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer meaningful conversation: candidly authentic, rooted in tradition, and refreshingly relevant for today’s faith journey.
Because thinking about God and growing in faith is a lifelong adventure — and oh, the places we’ll go!
BONUS: Keep an ear out for God Shots — a series within the series offering quick, spirit-filled reflections you won’t want to miss.
Sept. 24, 2026
95 | Percolating on Faith | Spirituality and Theology | RE-POST
Are spirituality and theology dependent on one another? Although there are many in today’s world who would say they are “spiritual but not religious,” it would seem that spirituality would at least be closely connected with theology. In this episode of Percolating on Faith, taken from the old Project Zion Podcast archives, Carla Long sits down with Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith to talk about spirituality and theology, where they intersect, and why they are, in fact, dependent on each other. L...
July 2, 2026
REPOST | 241 | God Shots | Percolating on Faith | The Church
What is the Christian Church? Why is it important for Christians to meet together in fellowship and worship? In a social climate where division and marginalization of others seem to be trending in the wrong direction, it’s important for us to remember the place and purpose of the Church. Join host Carla Long and guests Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith for this discussion on various models the church can be and its theological purpose as they explore the term "ecclesiology," which originally aired...
Nov. 20, 2025
19 | Percolating on Faith | Faith, Activism, and Courage (RE-POST)
In a time where people of color in the United States face new and escalating marginalization, we at Faith Unfiltered thought it timely to re-post this timeless conversation about faith and courage. Join Katie Langston as she interviews Vivian Jenkins-Nelsen, a social worker, scholar, and anti-racism activist from Minneapolis who was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Barack Obama. Vivian shares her remarkable faith journey: growing up as the daughter of the only Black Lutheran...
Nov. 6, 2025
912 | Percolating on Faith | Ministry for Dummies Cross-Post | Social Justice
Social justice is a deep topic, and this cross-post episode from Ministry for Dummies, Humberto and Jacob dive into social justice, and share their definitions ... what it is and what it isn’t. They define it as fair and equitable treatment for all, regardless of race, gender, or economic status, and they emphasize the importance of love, curiosity, and dialogue in social justice advocacy. They even highlight practical examples from their work and personal experiences. Whether you agree or disag...
Oct. 9, 2025
902 | Percolating on Faith | Faith and Doubt | Pt 2
You are seen and you are known in all the good ways ... and, you are part of us. These are the “take away” words of Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith in this second part of their conversation with host, Blake Smith. If you find yourself – in the past, now, or in the future – in what you consider a time of crisis or doubt with regards to your faith journey, you are likely to find this conversation uplifting and encouraging ... not to change, but to recognize that there is a safe space for you in Co...
Oct. 2, 2025
900 | Percolating on Faith | Faith and Doubt | Pt 1
Not everyone experiences faith in the same way. As a matter of fact, some find themselves in a crisis of faith, while others have decided to discard faith altogether... often because of a disconnect between what they were taught and what they have come to know. But what if doubt and questioning were a good thing? Is that even possible? Well, according to guests Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith, not only is it possible, it is often healthy and helpful as we navigate our spiritual journey. Grab a c...
Sept. 29, 2025
(Repost) 539 | Percolating on Faith | Liberation Theodicy
How does one find hope in the midst of the suffering and evil that are present in our world? Why do we blame God when there are things we can do to make a difference? Join Carla, Tony and Charmaine as they discuss Liberation Theodicies’ answer to these questions and more ... and how their focus on Jesus’ understanding of systemic injustice calls us to move from theory to action. Recommended by Tony and Charmaine for further study: Why is There Suffering: Pick Your Own Theological Expedition by ...
536
Jan. 10, 2025
794 | Percolating on Faith | Epiphany (Episode 536 Repost)
In January of 2023, our Percolating on Faith crew took a look at Epiphany, and we thought it was worth bringing back! This is an important day in the Christian community and marks the end of the Christmas season. Hear more about the history and its significance in today’s world from our spunkiest guests, Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith, and arguably our spunkiest (former) host, Carla Long. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro...
Feb. 3, 2023
544 | Percolating on Faith | Catherine of Genoa with Michael Wright
What is a beguine? How could the life and work of a 15th-century mystic possibly relate to your desire to be in relationship with God? In this special subset episode of Percolating on Faith, Michael Wright returns to share his answers to these questions and more. Grab your coffee and listen in as Michael shares helpful insights that he gleaned from his in-depth study of St. Catherine of Genoa. Beware! Some of what you’ll hear is not for those with a weak stomach! Host: Carla Long Guest: Michael...
July 6, 2018
Episode 120: Percolating on Faith - The Sacraments Part 2
Join Carla as she interviews Tony and Charmaine in Part 2 about the different sacraments of Community of Christ, as well as some FAQs. Also included: why we no longer use the word “Ordinances” in the place of “Sacraments.” 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 ...
May 8, 2018
Episode 112: Percolating on Faith - The Sacraments Part 1
Join Carla as she interviews Tony and Charmaine in Part 1 about the different sacraments of Community of Christ, as well as some FAQs. Also included: why we no longer use the word "Ordinances" in the place of "Sacraments." 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 ...
Jan. 2, 2018
Episode 99: Book of Revelation - Percolating on Faith
Join Carla of the Percolating on Faith series as she talks to Tony and Charmaine about the Book of Revelation. 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, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 6...
Dec. 15, 2017
Episode 95: Percolating on Faith - Spirituality and Theology
Join Carla as she interviews Tony and Charmaine in talking about spirituality and theology, where they intersect, and why they are dependent on each other. 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, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees...
Nov. 6, 2017
Episode 86: Percolating on Faith - A Watered Down, Liberal, Protestant What?
Join Carla as she interviews Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith, answering a comment that was made in a presentation at Salt Lake City Sunstone about who Community of Christ is and what we stand for. Download Transcript 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 A...
Aug. 24, 2017
Episode 84: Percolating on Faith - Why Jesus
Join Carla as she speaks with Tony and Charmaine about why Jesus continues to play the central role in our faith and the importance of understanding who he was and who he continues to be. Sharing in Community of Christ Community of Christ Christology Statement Download Transcript 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. Gen...
June 13, 2017
Episode 79: One True Church - Percolating on Faith
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, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for th...
April 26, 2017
Episode 72: Percolating on Faith - The Three Eras
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, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for th...
March 20, 2017
Episode 65: Percolating on Faith - Paul
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, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for th...
Nov. 28, 2016
Episode 53: Percolating on Faith - Faith and Doubt
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, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for th...