From the Vault: After Doubt | A.J. Swoboda - Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation

Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation

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From the Vault: After Doubt | A.J. Swoboda

May 30, 2022

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For this return of From the Vault (highlighting talks at Upper House), we're listening to a March 2022 event featuring theologian A.J. Swoboda. Swaboda argues that doubt and questioning, rather than signs of faithlessness, present us with an an opportunity to deconstruct and reconstruct our ideas and beliefs—to deepen in understanding about who we are and what we believe about God. For the video of this event, check it out here.

A.J Swoboda is an assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University, which is in Eugene, Oregon. He also leads a Doctor of Ministry program on leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. Swoboda is the author of several books, including After Doubt: How to Question Your Faith without Losing It (Brazos Press, 2021), the award-winning Subversive Sabbath: The Surprising Power of Rest in a Nonstop World (Brazos Press, 2018), and The Dusty Ones: Why Wandering Deepens Your Faith (Baker Press, 2016).

As always we invite you to leave us a rating on your favorite podcast app or send us a comment at podcast@slbrownfoundation.org.

Credits: music by Micah Behr, audio engineering by Andy Johnson, graphic design by Madeline Ramsey.

Redefining Entrepreneurship Through a Faith Lens | Rachel Mickelson

December 9, 2024 • Rachel Mickelson

In this conversation, Rachel Mickelson, Co-Founder and President of Generous Jalopy, discusses the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of integrating faith into work and community service. Host John Terrill and guest Rachel Mickelson introduce the nonprofit Generous Jalopy, which addresses transportation needs for individuals facing economic challenges. The discussion explores the differences between exploitative, ethical, and redemptive frameworks in business, highlighting the significance of motives and community collaboration. Rachel shares personal experiences and insights on approaching nonprofit leadership and the value of listening to community needs. The conversation concludes with an invitation to join a cohort focused on redemptive entrepreneurship. Rachel Mickelson (guest) loves to see people, organizations, and communities thrive. Rachel is the Co-Founder and President of Generous Jalopy, a Madison-based nonprofit that brokers transportation solutions for people working with their nonprofit partners to stabilize employment, housing, and livelihood. Rachel is also an Enterprise Program Manager with the Strategic Development group at Insperity, where she drives innovation to help businesses succeed so communities prosper. For 19 years, Rachel has partnered with nonprofits, churches, and businesses to navigate change, foster innovation, and build effective leadership, strategy, and operational models. Rachel holds an M.A. in organizational leadership from Crown College and serves as the Redemptive Entrepreneurship Labs lead for the Madison, WI ecosystem. John Terrill (host) is the Executive Director of the Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation, managing Upper House, Dottie’s Ranch, and various initiatives. Previously, he directed the Center for Faithful Business at Seattle Pacific University and worked with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA. John's early career includes consulting with the Hay Group and lending at Bank of America. He holds degrees from Indiana University, the Kellogg School of Management, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Seattle Pacific University. John chairs the boards of Religion News Service and Science for the Church.

Advent Reading and Book Suggestions | Byron Borger

November 25, 2024 • Byron Borger

This conversation delves into the significance of Advent, emphasizing its historical context and spiritual preparation for Christmas. Byron Borger shares insights on the liturgical calendar, the importance of repentance, and the tension of living in the 'already and not yet' of Christ's coming. The discussion includes a variety of book recommendations that explore these themes, highlighting the role of literature, poetry, and community in enriching the Advent experience. In this conversation, the speaker discusses various books about Advent and Christmas, highlighting their significance in spiritual formation and family traditions. The discussion includes a range of literature, from poetry to children's books, emphasizing the importance of community and liturgical practices in contemporary faith expressions. The speaker also touches on these works' relevance in understanding the Christmas story's historical and cultural contexts. ---- Be sure to order your Advent readings through Hearts and Minds bookstore: https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/http://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com ---- 🎄List of books in the order they appear: 📙 Advent by Fleming Rutledge (Eerdmans, 2018) 📙 Advent: The Season of Hope by Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2023) 📙 Christmas by Emily Hunter McGowan (InterVarsity Press, 2023) 📙 Epiphany: The Season of Glory by Fleming Rutledge (InterVarsity Press, 2023) 📙 The Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2016) 📙 Prayer in the Night by Tish Harrison Warren (InterVarsity Press, 2021) 📙 The Advent of Justice by Brian Walsh, Sylvia Keesmaat, Mark Vander Vennen, and Richard Middleton (Wipf and Stock, 1996) 📙 Rejoice! Advent in All the Scriptures by Christopher Wright and John Stott (InterVarsity Press, 2019) 📙 Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas by various authors (Plough Publishing House, 2001) 📙 Waiting on the Word: A Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany by Malcolm Guite (Canterbury Press, 2015) 📙 A Radiant Birth: Advent Readings for a Bright Season edited by Leslie Leyland Fields and Paul Willis (InterVarsity Press, 2023) 📙 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel: A Liturgy for Daily Worship from Advent to Epiphany by Jonathan Gibson (Crossway, 2023) 📙 The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha (Broadleaf Books, 2020) 📙 All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings by Gayle Boss (Paraclete Press, 2016) 📙 Glad and Golden Hours: A Companion for Easter and Christmastime by Lanier Ivester and Jennifer Trafton (Rabbit Room Press, 2023) 📙 The Christmas Promise by Alison Mitchell (The Good Book Company, 2014) 📙 Birth of the Chosen One: A First Nations Retelling of the Christmas Story by Terry Wildman (InterVarsity Press, 2021) 📙 The King of Christmas by Todd Haynes (Lexham Press, 2022) 📙 Lullaby for the King by Nikki Grimes (Beaming Books, 2023)

Embracing Failure and Growth: Insights on Creative Leadership | Justin McRoberts

November 11, 2024 • Justin McRoberts

In today's episode, our host, Daniel Johnson, talks with Justin McRoberts, a musician turned writer who offers profound insights into the creative process and personal development. Justin emphasizes focusing on desires over pre-determined talents and the significance of self-discovery along the journey. For creatives feeling stuck, he suggests reflecting on the root cause and considering a break to reignite joy and willpower. He delves into the importance of dreaming without the immediate weight of responsibility, suggesting practices like Sabbath-keeping to foster this space. Throughout the conversation, they explore how failure can be vital to growth, challenging the efficiency-driven industrial systems in favor of personal development. ---- 🔗 Links to Justin McRoberts' work: https://www.justinmcroberts.com/http://www.justinmcroberts.comhttps://www.justinmcroberts.com/