Episodes

More often than we’d probably like to admit, it’s an “outsider” who gets Jesus and his mission before we ... his disciples and followers ... we do. We’re the ones who are supposed to follow in his footsteps and do what he did, but too often we are more like his original disciples who kept getting tripped up by the “law” and miss the lesson behind it. Perhaps it’s time for us to spend less time worrying about who’s crossing our borders and thinking about what borders we need to cross in order to ...

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...

Just because the Community of Christ has a statement on non-violence doesn’t mean the world is listening. But they may be watching. Non-violence has to be more than a statement. It has to be a way of life, and what better way to make it part of our lives than to start with spiritual practices. Minister Tyler Marz takes us through a meditation on nonviolence in this repost of a previous Awaken to God’s Presence. As Community of Christ journeys together toward Jesus, the peaceful One. We hope you ...

If you can’t take it with you, how will you spend it? That goes for time as well as money. Today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke challenges our willingness to be radical in how we use our “wealth.” How often do we consider the needs and welfare of others when determining how to use what we have? The rich man in the parable found in today’s scripture not only takes it with him, but expects to continue to be served even after his death. The cost ... well, you’ll just have to listen in. If you wo...

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...

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 ...

Enough is enough! We can hesitate. We can procrastinate. We can make excuses. The reality is, like Jesus’ first disciples, we have what we need to get the job done. You know... the one we committed to when we became disciples ourselves. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke. See if you look at the scripture from a more pastoral perspective or from a more, dare we say, realistic perspective. Could it be that sometimes Jesus just wants to knoc...

Balancing family life and church responsibilities can be difficult anytime. Add in a a faith crisis and, well, you can imagine how difficult that might be. Blake is back with Jeff Toone for part two of his story, and things only get worse before they get better. Jeff's faith crisis intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant shift in his beliefs. He and his family found a new community in the Community of Christ, appreciating its inclusivity and support. Hear about Jeff’s ...

The journey is different for everyone. In this episode of Fair Trade, guest Jeff Tune shares his faith journey, starting from his upbringing in the LDS church in Utah. He describes his teenage rebellion, his decision to join the Coast Guard instead of going on a mission, and his experiences in nature that have changed his understanding of the importance of the environment. Jeff recounts his reconnection with his faith, his ordination as an elder, and his marriage to Jennifer. One thing is for su...

How do we use our skills and resources for "Kingdom purposes?" This week on "Coffee to Go," we're talking about money, blessing, and the political implications of the Gospel with two challenging parables from the book of Luke. The discussion centers on the themes of financial stewardship, social justice, and radical discipleship. Blake and Karin question the notion that financial success is a divine blessing, instead suggesting that true blessings lie in using one's skills and resources for "...

A life of trauma experienced in one’s faith journey is not easy to overcome. It takes a loving community that is willing to walk along with the individual ... allowing time and space for healing to take place and trust to be rebuilt. Patience and unconditional love are essential. Fortunately, that’s what Jennifer and her family have found in Community of Christ. Join host Blake Smith for part two of his conversation with Jennifer. Find out how the story has played out, and gain insight into how ...

Sometimes things don’t work out the way you’ve been told they’re supposed to ... or how they seem to be turning out for others. No matter how well you follow the rules. No matter how faithful you are, sometimes life just happens, and you have to figure out how to make sense of it all. In this Fair Trade episode (Part 1 of 2), Jennifer Toone shares her faith journey, starting from her childhood in California, where she encountered ostracism at church, and in school and leading into adulthood wher...

Celebrating is always fun, but it’s even better when shared with family and friends. In today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus intervenes amidst criticism from religious leaders for dining with sinners and tax collectors, whom society considered traitors. Through parables of a shepherd finding his lost sheep and a woman recovering a lost coin, Jesus illustrates the joy in Heaven over one sinner who repents compared to 99 righteous individuals. And, in both stories, a crowd is invited to ...

Graceland is back in session, and Coffee in the Swarm is now broadcasting from KBUZ. Join campus minister, Mike Hoffman, and his new co-host, Maddie Byrne, for a sit down with this year’s Council of House Chaplain’s president, Caitlyn Grover to hear her thoughts on growing up in the church, and life at Graceland, as well as her hopes for the Community of Christ and her plans for her own future. Other episodes of Coffee in the Swarm Download the Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltere...

Carrie may not survive a Zombie Apocalypse, but there is so much that she can do and loves to do. Join Say What hosts, Kassie and Mary Anne, for a behind the scenes look at the life of newly ordained apostle, Carrie Welch. Find out what brings Carrie joy and what she’s been learning about herself and her new colleagues as she lives into her new role. From music to books to travel, Carrie shares a more personal side in this candid and casual interview. Listen to the Nice to Matcha episode with C...

It’s not uncommon to sing songs or participate in activities in which we talk about laying down our burdens. And yet, Jesus says, “take up your cross and follow me.” What’s it going to be... or is it a little of both? Well, in this week’s Gospel passage from the 14th chapter of the Gospel of Luke, it seems that the cross wins. No one ever said being a disciple was going to be easy, but Jesus did say we wouldn’t have to do it alone. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they consider what it ...

The phrase “inclusive and genuine faith community” ought to be synonymous with church. It ought to be a given. However, as MaryAnn Scott shares with host, Robin Linkhart, in this Fair Trade episode, that is not always the case. Here, MaryAnn shares her faith transition story, detailing her upbringing in a large LDS family, her struggles with balancing faith and personal identity, and her eventual departure from the LDS Church. Driven by a desire for a supportive faith environment, she describes ...

Take a couple of minutes out of your day to breathe, rest, and reflect. Focus on the positive things around you and the hope that lies before you. God’s spirit is always with us, but sometimes hard to sense until we take the time to slow down and listen with intention. Awaken to God’s Presence provides you that opportunity through guided reflections and spiritual practices allow you to be still. So, find a quiet spot or a place that just makes you feel safe and spend some time with yourself and ...

The “H” words of the day and not honor or homage, but rather, humility and hospitality. Of such is the upside-down Kingdom of God. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation on the passage from Luke 14 that challenges social norms by inviting diverse individuals to meals and encourages us to consider our personal social obligations. Grab a seat ... just be careful which one you choose ... and a cup of coffee and get ready to be honest with yourself. Don’t get too comfortable, you ...

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 ...

Laws have their place, but when it comes to following a law ... especially “God’s law” ... at the expense of someone’s dignity, we may need to look deeper into the intent of the law. In today’s text from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus pushes the religious leaders to think carefully about the true meaning of Sabbath, and to consider how a legalistic view can actually cause harm which is never God’s intent. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation about Sabbath as Jesus suggests it is ...

Faith transitions are often not a singular event. Rather, they are an ongoing journey. In this Fair Trade episode, host Robin Linkhart circles back to sit down with Michelle Phillips, to hear how her journey has continued – what she’s learned, what advice she has for others, and where she finds herself in ministry now and the days ahead. In Michelle’s continuing story, you’ll hear a deep sense of connection and an even deeper sense of hope for what lies ahead for the church if we’re willing to r...

The journey continues ... Matt Robertson’s journey, that is! In this episode of the Project Zion podcast, host Robin Linkhart continues her conversation with Matt Robertson about his journey from atheism to finding a new faith in Community of Christ. Matt shares his transition from a business career to teaching, influenced by his wife Heather. He describes his experiences with various religious communities and his disillusionment with the political climate in the USA today. Ultimately, Matt's se...