Episodes

Sometimes the Gospel writers don’t catch Jesus at his most pastoral moments. Sometimes Jesus just needs to get straight to the point. This week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke is one of those not so “happy Jesus” passages. Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore the context of Jesus' teachings amidst poverty and oppression, emphasizing the need for discipleship and standing against unjust systems. They remind us of the importance of interpreting cultural signs and the challenges of following...

Community of Christ Doctrine and Covenants 161:3d reminds us that “the road to transformation travels both inward and outward.” In this episode of Fair Trade, Robin Linkhart sits down with Matt Robertson for part one of a two-part interview in which Matt describes his chaotic childhood home life, his deep religious commitment, and his eventual deconstruction of faith. He also shares how his fear of disrupting his family caused him to internalize much of the early struggles of his journey. In the...

Settle in for another captivating story of faith transition as host Robin Linkhart sits down with Miranda Giles in this latest episode of Fair Trade. Raised in a strong Mormon family, Miranda felt a special calling but struggled with the church's conservative views, particularly on gender roles and LGBTQ+ issues. Listen in as Miranda shares the struggles and the newfound joys of her faith journey from a devout LDS background to joining Community of Christ. Listen to more captivating Fair Trade ...

It’s important to remember that we are always being sent as empowered disciples to live Jesus' ministry and message. The focus of this week’s Coffee to Go episode is Luke 12:32-40, which urges believers to prepare for God's Kingdom by focusing on the present and always being ready for God's purposes. Jesus' audience in the midst of a kingdom, and so do we ... though we don’t call it a kingdom. We need to be vigilant and ready, engaging in intentional quiet time to discern God's presence and r...

Our faith journeys can be filled with ups and downs as well as drastic turns and re-turns. Host Robin Linkhart sits down with Jason Smith, a 48-year-old IT professional from Duncan, Oklahoma, who shares his faith journey from Southern Baptist to Community of Christ. Having become fascinated with Mormonism at 15, Jason tells of his engagement in anti-Mormon evangelism out of a love for the people rather than a hatred. Over time, he deconstructed his Baptist faith, and joined Community of Christ, ...

Susan Oxley and Dr. Corinne Unger are back again to discuss the implementation of the three climate resolutions passed at the 2025 Community of Christ World Conference. Dr. Unger, an expert in earth science and associated risk management strategies, highlights the importance of local environmental actions and the need for global coordination. She suggests a collaborative approach, involving bi-annual meetings, to align efforts and address vulnerabilities, and emphasizes the need for practical, m...

Greed and the accumulation of material possessions are encouraged in our North American context, but they’re not something we like to talk a lot about. Could it be that’s because it sometimes touches a little close to home? Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith reflect on a parable where a rich man builds larger barns, only to be reminded of his mortality. The conversation touches on the cultural shift from a "just wants and needs" setup to modern consumerism, emphasizing the challenge of defining "...

In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley speaks with Dr. Corrine Unger, an earth scientist and research fellow at the University of Queensland, about the critical and often overlooked issue of mine closures. Dr. Unger, with extensive experience in the mining industry and government, sheds light on the evolving approach to mine rehabilitation and the significant challenges Australia faces with over 50,000 abandoned mines. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered!...

The environmental issues we face stretch beyond the climate crisis and raise issues regarding things that the Community of Christ holds dear. For instance, how we respond to environmental issues has a direct effect on the worth of persons... and often it’s the indigenous peoples of the land in question. In this episode of Climate Brewing, Susan Oxley hosts Dr. Karin Unger, a research fellow at the University of Queensland, to discuss the impact of mine closures on indigenous communities. With ov...

This week on Coffee to Go, Karin Peter and Blake Smith explore "the other Lord's Prayer" from Luke 11:1-13. They delve into the practical, concise nature of Luke's version compared to Matthew's , discussing what it means to ask for "daily bread" and the profound implications of "forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us". Join us as we reflect on persistence in prayer and consider writing your own personal prayer. Download Transcript Thanks for listening ...

At the heart of the Community of Christ is a growing movement towards peace and justice. Once an annual event sponsored by the denomination in Independence, MO, peace colloquies are now popping up in other places. Join host Blake Smith for a conversation with Emily Rose, Sierra Pacific Mission Center Peace and Justice Minister, about the 3rd Annual Redwoods Peace Colloquy being hosted this year in Portland, OR. Get caught up by Emily’s infectious passion for connecting people and resources for t...

Join host Robin Linkhart as she speaks with Glenn Johnson, Peace and Justice Minister, about the 2025 Community of Christ World Conference. Glenn shares insights on the historic ordination of Stassi Cramm as President-Prophet and other historic leadership changes that led to increased diversity in church roles. He also discusses his personal journey, including advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion within the church, and shares details about his current peace and justice ministries, such as his "100 ...

We all make judgements about how people act or respond in certain situations or to certain circumstances ... ultimately deciding which is the “better” response or action. We can’t help ourselves. In today’s gospel passage from the Gospel of Luke, we find ourselves watching as two sisters respond differently to Jesus’ presence, and one of them tries to get Jesus to choose sides. In reality, we all respond to things in different ways, and one is not necessarily better than others... at least not a...

Not everyone agrees there is a climate emergency, but agree or not, we are seeing the results of global climate change, and those most affected are “the least of these.” At Community of Christ’s 2025 World Conference, there was strong support for resolutions that seek to address climate issues, and three resolutions passed with significant support. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with previous guest and climate enthusiast Paul Bethel to get his response to the acti...

Making the switch to renewable energy sources takes creativity, and there is still work to be done, but it is possible. Join host Susan Oxley for a continuation of her conversation with Andrew Fellows about ways to respond to the climate crisis we are facing. It’s not only the right thing to do, but it can actually save you money. This is coming from Andrew, who was the first in his community to step up, and who now has over a decade of proof showing how renewable energy can save money and move ...

“It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.” At least once the Good Samaritan comes along. This week’s episode has Karin and Blake journeying with Jesus in the 10th chapter of Luke, and talking about what it takes to be “like a good neighbor...” Karin encourages us to emphasize hospitality as a counter to hostility, and rate ourselves on a five-point scale for compassion. Where would you rank yourself ... hostile or hospitable? Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follo...

World Conference Resolution 1325, adopted by Community of Christ in April 2023, opened the door ... and some eyes ... to more attention being given to the climate emergency. And, thanks to the North American Climate Justice Team, the work didn’t stop there. Join host, Susan Oxley, as she sits down with fellow team member, Andrew Fellows, to reflect on all that took place at the most recent, and very historic, Community of Christ World Conference. Get a sense of the joy shared by many who attende...

Community of Christ’s 2025 World Conference passed the G-10 resolution, entitled “Earth Stewardship Affirmation.” While some question the need for such a resolution, there is no doubt that the call for accountability was heard and supported. The question remains whether or not the “support” will manifest itself in necessary action. Join host, Susan Oxley, as she sits down with Rick Bunch, chair of Community of Christ’s World Church Earth Stewardship Team and lifelong contributor to natural resou...

It’s one thing to say, “Don’t worry, God will take care of you,” but it’s quite another to live it out. As a matter of fact, some would argue that God gives us brains so we can think about what we need and plan accordingly. But... in this week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his disciples to go out and witness ... and take nothing with you. WHAT!? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a conversation on living in the hospitality that is the kingdom of God. Download Transcript...

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...

United, free, and independent ... all words associated with Independence Day in the United States of America. But what do they mean in a diverse global community seeking to engage the mission of Jesus Christ? Join host Robin Linkhart for a spiritual practice created to help reflect what these words mean individually and corporately as people of faith. Consider how these words affect and influence your engagement in life and the world. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltere...

When it comes to invitation, there’s a fine line between allowing time and space for others to join in or simply moving on to someone else. The cost of discipleship is high, and everyone can’t make snap decisions on matters of consequence. In this week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, Jesus seems to be in the “move on” mode. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they journey with Jesus. Determine for yourself how you can walk that line between relationship and discipleship. When does the i...

Imagine being torn between households where one taught that there is no God, and the other taught of a God whose followers were scared into submission. Then, imagine finding a place of respite and radical love in a family that offered an understanding of God that inspires that radical, inclusive love. This is the journey of faith that Emily Allen Nilsen experienced as a child. Journey with Emily and host, Blake Smith, as she shares her story of faith, love, and belonging in Community of Christ. ...

The Divine presence is not limited to our spatial confines. At the recent Community of Christ World Conference, technology provided opportunity for the community to experience that first-hand as we gathered in places around the globe to share in worship, fellowship and legislative sessions. In all the places we gathered, the Spirit was present in abundance. Listen in to hear Presidents of Seventy, Karin Peter and Larry McGuire reflect on the experiences of sacred community and Divine presence in...