Discipleship Conversations

“[Grief] is going to stay there whether we want it to orrecognize it or not. Grief finds its way into our bones and if we don’t address it, if we don’t hold it, if we don’t find ways to metabolize it, it’ll remain and more times than not it comes out sideways.”

Grief is a part of life, but too often, we don’t make space for it—especially in the church. In this episode, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell talk with Ben Ries, a hospital chaplain, about the importance of grief and lament. Why does grief matter in our faith? What happens when we ignore it? And how can churches create spaces where people can grieve honestly and find hope? Join us for this meaningful conversation on walking through sorrow with faith and community.

There comes a time in every seeker’s life when the well runs dry, when prayer feels hollow, scripture feels distant, and the certainty that once steadied our steps begins to shift like sand beneath our feet. In those moments, we do not need more noise, more answers, or more tasks to complete. Weneed a companion; a wise and patient listener who can help us hear the voice of God again.

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman welcome Dr. Mallory Wyckoff, a writer, speaker, spiritual director, and peacemaker who has spent her life holding space for others to encounter the sacred. As the founder of The Healing Collective Center for Spiritual Formation and associate director of philanthropy communications for Search for Common Ground, Mallory has witnessed firsthand the quiet, transformative power of spiritual direction, especially helpful for those who lead and serve.

Together, they explore the deep well of spiritual direction,how it differs from pastoral counseling, how it helps weary souls rediscover their footing, and why it matters for pastors and leaders. Mallory also shares how trauma shapes the way we see God and what it means to bring our whole selves, wounded and wondering, into the presence of the divine.

If you have ever longed for a way to tend your soul withcuriosity and courage, this conversation is for you. 

In this episode, hosts Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman dive into a critical and timely topic as they interview Collin Packer to explore a challenging topic that is on many of our minds in this season: Christian nationalism. We are just scratching the surface in this conversation as we discuss how Christian nationalism distorts the gospel, damages the church's witness, and poses significant challenges for pastors today. We also explore practical steps for navigating these difficult waters in the hopes of a communal remembering of the plot of our story, a story which centers on a crucified Lord. We are glad you are here to consider this with us. Collin Packer is the Scholar-in-Residence for the Siburt Institute for Church Ministry at Abilene Christian University. Following 13 years as a Lead Minister for congregations in Colorado and Texas, Collin served as the Director of Faith-Based Partnerships for CitySquare, the most comprehensive and effective poverty-fighting organization in Dallas, and the Communications Director for Texas State Representative Carl Sherman Sr. during Texas’s 88th Legislative Session. His work in congregational life and in the public square has given him a unique perspective on how the Christian faith can make a difference in public life.

In the latest episode of Discipleship Conversations, Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman, sit down with Dr. Sara Barton to delve into the spiritual lives of emerging adults. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister, Sara shares her insights into the unique challenges and rewards of walking alongside college students.

We explore key characteristics of emerging adults, their thoughts about identity and faith, and the impact of cultural shifts on their spiritual practices. Sara also discusses the vital role of community in faith development and reflects on how her work with this age group has influenced her own faith journey. Sara offers valuable perspectives on supporting current and future generations of believers.

Sara recently celebrated 30 years in ministry, with over 20 years in higher education as a university chaplain and campus minister. She also served churches and rural communities in Uganda. She recently started a new job in acquisitions with HarperCollins Publishers, where she will specialize in Bible Studies, spiritual growth, and congregational resources. Sara is on the preaching team at the Camarillo Church of Christ.

How does one become a missionary without ever leaving the country or even leaving town? Brandon Bell might be wondering the same thing as he finds himself back in the town where he went to college to become a coach and teacher. In this conversation we talk about Brandon’s journey of discipleship, how he got into ministry, his take on campus ministry as an opportunity to be a missionary, his passion for training students and young adults for mission, and his new book.

In this episode of Discipleship Conversations, hosts Steven Carrizal and Cheryl Russell are joined by Dr. Shawna Songer Gaines, lead pastor at Trevecca Christian Community and author of "Pastor as Midwife." Dr. Songer Gaines shares her unique perspective on how midwifery, one of the oldest vocations, provides a timeless and powerful metaphor for leadership that centers on service, empowerment, and following the lead of others. Reflecting on her research and experiences, Shawna discusses how midwives’ practices of supporting and empowering mothers can transform pastoral leadership, moving away from a centralized, leader-focused model to one that is collaborative and Spirit-led.

Listen in to gain an understanding of how pastors can adopt a de-centered leadership approach, emphasizing the importance of following the congregation's needs, encouraging active participation, and cultivating a supportive community. Shawna's reflections challenge the conventional leadership culture, offering a fresh, theologically grounded perspective that redefines success in ministry. Join us for an enriching conversation that delves into the themes of new creation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the practical steps pastors can take to embrace a midwifery model of leadership in their churches.

Shawna Songer Gaines is a follower of Jesus, lover of books, runner of mediocre ability (at best), fan of gluten-free bakeries, wife of a hilarious pastor/theologian, mother of marvelously dramatic children, pastor of a uniquely diverse and intergenerational congregation, author of some books and Bible studies, and neighbor in the curiously creative city of Nashville. She currently serves as the lead pastor at Trevecca Community Church of the Nazarene, a congregation in the heart of Nashville, on the University campus. Shawna and her husband, Tim, have a passion for learning from and pouring into the next generation of leaders in the church. She earned her B.A. from Point Loma Nazarene University, M.Div. from Nazarene Theological Seminary, and D.Min. from Lipscomb University.

Join us in this enlightening episode of Discipleship Conversations as we delve into the realm of vocational formation with Dr. Chris Cobbler, a seasoned missional theologian and the newly appointed executive director of the Center for Vocational Formation at ACU Dallas online. Dr. Cobbler brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table as he shares his vision for helping individuals recognize their vocations as integral parts of God's mission. Drawing from his extensive background in theology and practical ministry, Chris unveils the significance of vocational formation in today's rapidly evolving world. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped to embrace your unique calling in God's grand narrative of redemption and restoration.

Are you a Christian parent with an emerging adult child that is choosing a different faith than you expected? Are you an emerging adult discovering spiritual renewal as you find a path to faith and spirituality apart from the tradition of your youth? Many Christian families are experiencing a change in their family faith dynamic as emerging adults discover their own path to faith and spirituality. On this episode of Discipleship Conversations, we talk with guests Greg Taylor and Jacob Taylor, a father and son navigating a shift in familial faith. Listen in as they share their experience about how they are navigating these changes, finding common ground, and moving closer to one another in the process.

It is the season of Advent! Check out our latest podcast episode as hosts Steven Carrizal, Tiffany Dahlman, Cheryl Russell, and Jeremy Hoover, discuss Advent and what it has meant to them personally and in their ministries. Whether you're a seasoned Advent enthusiast or new to the tradition, we invite you to listen to this "Discipleship Conversation" as we consider the meaning of Advent, share personal stories, and discuss the timeless themes of the season.

Advent isn't just about lighting candles or following traditions; it's about finding hope in Jesus, creating balance in the holiday chaos, and bringing warmth to your life and community. It is about discovering how a Christ-centered Advent propels us forward and invites us to partner with God in making the world a better place in the present. We hope that our candid discussion will resonate with you, especially if you are seeking a season of reflection, hope, and anticipation.

Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!

Each day between two and three thousand people arrive in Santiago, Spain as pilgrims. This past summer, Kevin and Shelly Huddleston were two among that number on July 13 as they along with a small group of friends completed a 14-day walk on the Camino de Santiago. In this episode, we talk the two of them about their pilgrimage experience—about how they were formed by daily prayer, an expanding understanding of community, and the expected and surprising presence of God.

Note: Towards the end of this podcast a mention is made of domestic violence.

“When we say that God is up to something in our neighborhood, that’s no just abstract or theoretical. That’s a broad way of describing very specific stories that are just waiting to be heard.” Wondering what those stories could be, Wayne Beason decided to ask. What he stumbled on something surprising. While many churches see themselves as God’s way of working in the neighborhood, Wayne discovered that God was already at work in their neighborhood sending neighbors to bring his church something they were missing out on. In this episode we talk with Wayne about listening to the stories of the people in the Dearborn Heights neighborhood and how his church is finding their future in those conversation.

“To be a disciple of Jesus is to love what Jesus loves, and Jesus loves creation.”

Why is a large portion of one of the most spiritually rich generation of emerging adults leaving their faith? Falon Barton suggests that it is because their churches (and religion in general) are not addressing their strong value in justice. As one very connected to the season of emerging adults herself, one of Falon’s big questions has been about environmental justice. In this episode we talk with Falon about creation care, discipleship, and engaging today’s emerging adults in our church communities by valuing what they are concerned and listening to what they have to say.

“A lot of my experiences with God were very supernatural, full of the Holy Spirit. I didn’t necessarily have a context for that growing up as a Church of Christ kid in Abilene, TX. So being able to express that and experience that now feels like coming home.” In this episode, Kelly Edmiston talks about pastoring theologically diverse people in a charismatic-liturgical church and being formed by the Spirit on a beautiful and messy journey toward healing, wholeness, and home.

A new season brings a new host. Jeremy and Steven welcome Tiffany Dahlman to the hosting team as they look forward to new perspectives in the conversation and a broader network of potential guests. In this episode, they return to the conversation about the words “disciple” and “discipleship” as they are used or experienced in each of their contexts.

“I began looking for a way to improve my ability to have conversations with people that didn’t come across as me trying to change their mind, came across more authentically to be able to relate to folks in a way that honored them.” This is how Steve Shaffer got into coaching. In this episode, we discover what coaching is, the theological basis for it, and how it is different from counseling and mentoring.

Honor the person. See them as human. Be gentle and gracious. Listen deeply. These are core values Darryl Canty keeps in mind when having discipleship conversations with anyone but especially when engaging people in the LGBTQ+ community. Darryl’s passion is to be a safe conversation partner in the midst of a fractured and difficult relationship between the church and the LGBTQ+ community.

Cultivating the practice of listening to God into a habit that becomes a part of who we are and how we approach the circumstances of life takes time. As Chris Wiginton discovered, Discipleship Cohorts is a resource that sets us on that path whether it is our first time through as a participant or experiencing one multiple times with different groups as a facilitator. DCs are not a program, not a script for life, but a catalyst for continual growth as followers of Jesus no matter if we are new to the faith or have been at it for decades.

When it comes to women in ministry, two prohibitive New Testament passages unfortunately provide all the clarity and certainty some people need. However, Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman suggest a different approach—moving from pattern to story. We do this by opening the Bible wide, tapping into its full wisdom, and developing a theology from the stories throughout its pages about women living, working, and interacting with the mission of God.

Small Churches, Shared Spaces, and the Powerful Work of the Holy Spirit  – A Conversation with Cheryl Russell & Tiffany Dahlman

Often leadership is determined by who is out front. Cheryl Russell and Tiffany Dahlman give us a perspective of leadership as being alongside. The power of this kind of leadership can be seen in the way they invite people in their respective churches to significant participation in the worship service—a participation not only fosters a greater sense of mutuality in every gathering, but also increases the value placed on the Spirit of God working among everyone in the church family.

Like many young couples, the Bentleys began marriage with visions of a somewhat typical American life. However, very quickly they could see something different unfolding as they stepped into new opportunities and took on new challenges. In this episode Bob and Michele talk with Jeremy and Steven about their journey from nursing and accounting professions in Texas to becoming church planters in Tanzania—a journey in which a short-term mission trip to India solidified a passion and calling God put in their hearts.

“A church culture that is radically hospitable to the Word of God through the diverse voices within the congregation preaching in a rotating basis empowered by the gifting of the Holy Spirit.” This is how Tiffany Dahlman defines the open pulpit. In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk with Tiffany about how the practice of the open pulpit forms a culture of radical hospitality to the word of God. In our conversation, Tiffany addresses questions about the role of the lead minister in this model, the impact on those participating in the preaching rotation, and how expository preaching from a diversity of voices forms a church community.

In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk with Charles Kiser about his forthcoming book “Trauma-Informed Evangelism: Cultivating Communities of Wounded Healers” which address questions such as: How do we love our neighbors well who carry religious trauma? How do we embody the good news of the way of Jesus in ways that are actually good news for those who have been hurt, harmed, and even abused in the name of the gospel of Jesus, in the name of a version of God or Christianity? Charles helps us reframe evangelism in the terms of being and becoming the gospel in ways that are not only appropriate in relationships with neighbors who have experienced spiritual trauma, but change our understanding of evangelism altogether.

In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk with Rex Butts about his new book Gospel Portraits: Reading Scripture as Participants in the Mission of God. Leaning into guitar playing interests, Rex likens our interaction with the story of the Bible to that of members of a blues band. Knowing the key and tempo of the song and following the structure of 12 bar blues, the improvisation of these musicians brings the song to life. For Rex, this serves as a model of how we can live out the story in a way that is faithful to the good news of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God but in a way that is contextualized for the local community in which we live.

Whether one is learning to play the bass or the game of chess, growing in our skill level occurs best when we are not thinking about being better than others. Rather it is when we approach the instrument or game as a learner. The same goes with growing as a disciple. In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk about how growing is like setting down one layer of experience, encounter, or knowledge after another.

In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk with Seth Bouchelle, a New York City missionary, about not inviting people to church, but rather helping them to start a church with their community of friends and family.

In this episode, Jeremy and Steven talk with Seth Bouchelle, a New York City missionary, about his journey from a food service job in Amarillo to planting churches in New York City. Learn how this journey helped him change his understanding and practice of evangelism.

What happens when you live discipleship as the hospitality of Christ for the people in front of you? You learn to be still, to be present, to listen, and to receive the story of others rather than passing judgment. Listen in as Jeremy and Steven talk with Tiffany Dahlman about her experience in ministry—planting a church, becoming a preacher, and helping others process church hurt.

How does a church take up presence in a neighborhood? One way to is to focus around a “parish house.” What is a parish house, you might ask? Join us in this conversation, as we continue talking with Nathan Pickard, minister at the Newmarket Church of Christ in Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. In this conversation, Nathan shares the story of how his church came upon the idea of buying a house in the neighborhood (the “parish”) and inviting a family to live with them–them being both the church and the neighborhood.

A life dedicated to discipleship can seem like a slog to many of us. We struggle with what to do and how to do it, forgetting that discipleship is merely about our ongoing relationship with Jesus. In this conversation, Jasmine Turner, the Recovery Minister at North Atlanta Church of Christ, shares with us her wisdom about maintaining a joyous day-to-day relationship with Jesus while helping others, especially those in recovery, to find that same joy in their own relationship with Jesus.

Join Steven Carrizal and Jeremy Hoover as they continue talking about the beginnings of discipleship. In this episode, they discuss the question "How much do you have to believe to be a disciple?" This question comes from Brian McLaren's 2003 book The Story We Find Ourselves In (see Chapter 21, "Something Special, Something Holy).

Join us in this episode, where Jeremy goes on the other side of the microphone, as the Hoovers talk about their ministry in Sarnia, Ontario, and about incarnational, neighbourhood-based ministry. Special thanks to Lisa Vance, who co-hosted the podcast with Steven.

Join us in this episode, where Jeremy goes on the other side of the microphone, as the Hoovers talk about their ministry in Sarnia, Ontario, and about incarnational, neighbourhood-based ministry. Special thanks to Lisa Vance, who co-hosted the podcast with Steven.

Listen in to this fun conversation with Micah Lewis and Kyle Mott from River City Community Church in Wichita, KS. They share stories and wisdom about creating a network of house churches while working full-time in other jobs.

You can reach Micah or Kyle in the following ways:

Listen in to this fun conversation with Micah Lewis and Kyle Mott from River City Community Church in Wichita, KS. They share stories and wisdom about creating a network of house churches while working full-time in other jobs. 

You can reach Micah or Kyle in the following ways:

Charles Kiser leads Storyline Community in the greater Dallas area. Listen in on this conversation with him where he shares his wisdom from church planting for over 13 years.