Conversing with Mark Labberton

Gary Haugen, founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), reflects on his work in Rwanda, the beginnings of IJM, and the ways Christian spiritual formation naturally leads to working on behalf of the suffering and poor. Note: This conversation contains explicit descriptions of sexual and physical violence that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. For mo...

Michael McBride, pastor of the Way Christian Center in Berkeley, C alifornia, and national director for Urban Strategies at the PICO National Network, reflects on faithful discipleship in the context of racialized violence, economic exploitation, and white supremacy.   For more resources on a deeply formed spiritual life, visit Fuller.edu/Studio

Pixar's Pete Docter, director of the animated films Monsters, Inc. , Up, and Inside Out , speaks with Mark Labberton about creating stories in community, the creative process, and more. For more on voices on faith and film, including an earlier interview with Pete Docter here: https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/faith-film/ For more resources for a deeply formed spiritual life, visit Fuller.edu/Studio

David Eubank (MDiv '95), director and founder of Free Burma Rangers, shares stories from his years of ministry in war zones in Burma and Mosul, reflects on being "an ambassador for Jesus" while fighting ISIS soldiers, discusses the ways violent contexts have shaped the way he prays, and more. The Free Burma Rangers (FBR) is a multiethnic humanitarian service movement working to bring help, hope, a...

Camille Wooden, senior pastor of Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church, and Len Tang, director of Fuller Seminary's Church Planting Program, reflect with President Mark Labberton on unlearning church, committing to neighborhoods, and the challenges of church planters. Camille Wooden planted Abundant Life Covenant Bible Church in Pasadena, California, in 2003. She also serves as the chaplain of the W...

The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Zac Niringiye, a theologian and activist, explores the gospel, justice, and his formative experiences as a Ugandan bishop. The Rt. Rev. Dr. D. Zac Niringiye is a theologian, pastor, Bible teacher, organizational development consultant, and a peace and social justice activist. He took an early retirement from his work as Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Kampala in 2012 to focu...

Alan Hirsch, celebrated author and missiologist, reflects on his conversion, Christian ministry, and spiritual gifts that can revitalize the church. Using Ephesians 4 as an interpretive lens, he sees ministry practices embedded in God's created order and considers methods that can help churches "extend the logic and impact of Jesus ministry" in their own communities. As founder of 5Q Collective ,...

Jacquelline Fuller, president of Google.org, considers the complex intersections of public policy, technology, and philanthropy. She and Dr. Labberton discuss her previous work at the Gates Foundation, global health initiatives, and fostering a generous office culture. As president of Google.org and vice president at Google, Jacquelline Fuller manages over $150 million given annually to nonprofits...

Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, reflects with Mark Labberton on the impact of the civil rights movement, the need for a new moral imagination in American Christianity, and more. As a public theologian, Russell Moore speaks and writes widely on the intersections of evangelical faith, politics, and social issues. Prior to se...

In this episode of "Conversing," theologian and writer J. Kameron Carter discusses the complex interplay between racial logic and theology. He examines beliefs about possessions, the language of "master" and "lord" in scripture, and the "alternative practices of the sacred" within black Christian communities. Read more about the ongoing work of reconciling race: https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/tag...

In this episode of "Conversing," author and teacher Dave Evans applies the discipline of design to the search for a meaningful life. He and Dr. Labberton consider the "collaborative process" of following God's will, the role of humility in solving problems, and practical tools for anyone reflecting on their own vocation. Read more articles on vocation at https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/voices-on-v...

In this episode of "Conversing," pastor Albert Tate reflects on navigating the complexities of pastoral ministry. He and Dr. Labberton discuss personality-driven preaching, supporting younger voices in the pulpit, humility, an unexpected lesson from Pope Francis, and more. Read more articles on preaching at https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/tag/preaching/ . Albert Tate is the founder and lead pastor...

In this episode of "Conversing," Mimi Haddad, president of Christians for Biblical Equality, discusses gender equality and women in leadership. She reflects with Dr. Labberton on the complex relationship between theology and real-life injustice, the social and economic benefits of women in leadership, and the pressing task of "dismantling theological patriarchy" in the church. Mimi Haddad is the p...

President Mark Labberton interviews Jeanelle Austin (MDiv '13) and Lindsey Wright (MAT '12) on implicit bias, gender dynamics in the church and workplace, and their hopes for the future.  Read more on Fuller's commitment to women in ministry and leadership: http://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/fuller-the-bible-and-women/ Jeanelle Austin works for Fuller's Pannell Center for African American Church Studi...

In this episode of "Conversing," systematic theologian Willie Jennings (MDiv '87) expands and deepens the conversation around racism and the church. He shares with Dr. Labberton how his parents taught him to stay rooted in the earth, his early frustrations with the "deep contradiction of racism" in the American church, and the complex connections between race and a theology of place. Read theologi...

Wayne L. Gordon reflects with Dr. Labberton on his life as a pastor and founding president of the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). He traces the history of the organization and his long-lasting friendship with John Perkins, and he suggests steps for cultivating "a faith that leads into engagement" and a congregation that weaves into the lives of its local community. Hear a varie...

After decades of ministry, John M. Perkins reflects on his legacy with Mark Labberton at the Christian Community Development Association conference. A steadfast leader in the integration of Christian faith and civil rights, Perkins draws on his memories to reflect on the deeper problems behind racism, justice, the redemptive quality of pain and his desire for the church to recover a gospel with "f...

What is the role of wisdom in our shared public spaces? Listen as Mark Labberton interviews Krista Tippett, the award-winning radio host and founder of "On Being," on the importance of embodiment, insights from her decades of conversations with religious and cultural leaders, and more. For more on spiritual formation and wisdom visit https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/spiritual-formation/. Krista Tip...

Today's complex political climate is an opportunity to reflect on what a distinctly Christian approach to political leadership could look like, says Vincent Bacote. Dr. Bacote reflects with Drs. Labberton and Mouw on the virtue of moral impatience, the importance of active—and hopeful—participation in society, and the opportunity to reimagine what Christian political engagement looks like post-ele...

How can Christians with differing political commitments discuss their views with grace? What is Christlike political engagement? Reflect on these questions and more as Fuller President Mark Labberton interviews President Emeritus Richard Mouw on the topic of political civility. For a reflection on the politics of the church, visit https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/politics-church-world/ . Richard Mo...