Enter the Grayzone

Do ALL Christians think climate change is a hoax? Should they? What does care for God's creation look like in the age of conspiracy theories and dispensationalism? We GO THERE. Paul McGhie is former Hillsong Bible College trainer, w/ his masters in Biblical Studies, and now works as a Sustainability advisor and consultant in city Infrastructure in Mebourne, Australia. https://biologos.org/  for fa...

Immigration is complicated, but for Bri Stensrud, it doesn't have to be. Bri discusses the need for compassion and love for immigrants as well as safe secure borders. As the founder of Women of Welcome, Bri engages with women on a regular basis to challenge their immigration assertions and build compassionate communities of understanding. Women of Welcome is a community dedicated to diving into th...

Were you SPANKED for discipline as a child? This conversation is probably for you. Robby and Melissa dive into myths that were and ARE prevalent in Christian evangelicalism related to good parenting. Alongside co-author Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, Marissa wrote The Myth of Good Christian Parenting . This good faith reading of resources and testimonies from the 'Dobson' era provides criticism and refle...

Amber Albee Swenson shares her journey of faith, the importance of confidence in God, and how media can be a powerful tool for ministry. She discusses her book, 'Key to Confidence,' emphasizing that true confidence comes from understanding our identity in Christ. The discussion also touches on the challenges of greed, the significance of stewardship, and the impact of small acts of kindness in our...

In this conversation, Robby speaks with Natalie Runion, author of 'I Don't Even Like Women,' about the complexities of women's relationships within the church and with each other. Natalie does NOT hold back and calls on women to step up and take ownership of their choices and responses. They explore themes of competition, trauma, and the need for sacred sisterhood, emphasizing the importance of cr...

Robby and Miles Gloetzner explore the complex and sensitive topic of euthanasia and medical assistance in dying (MAID). They discuss the mission of Inhora Home, a hospice home providing free care and housing to those at the end of their lives, and how faith and compassion drive their work. The conversation delves into the dignity of life, the cultural perspectives on death, and the importance of c...

In this conversation, Robby Ortiz explores the complex issue of restoring pastors who have faced moral failures. He discusses the biblical standards for pastoral leadership, the dangers of charismatic leadership, and the need for accountability and humility within the church. Robby emphasizes that restoration should focus on community and personal growth rather than returning to positions of power...

In this enlightening conversation, Robby and Dr. William West explore the intricate relationship between faith and science. They discuss how these two realms can complement each other rather than exist in opposition; emphasizing the importance of understanding divine creation through the lens of scientific discovery. Dr. West shares his insights on the Big Bang, evolution, and the nature of consci...

In this conversation, Robby and writing coach Laura Burge explore the intersection of neurodivergence and writing. Laura shares her experiences working with neurodivergent writers, discussing the unique challenges they face and the misconceptions surrounding neurodivergence. They delve into the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and compassion in both writing and understanding neurodivergent in...

In this conversation, Robby and Bill Henson discuss the mission of Posture Shift, a ministry dedicated to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals within the church. They explore the importance of understanding the difference between POSTURE and POSITION in ministry, emphasizing the need for compassion and proximity in engaging marginalized communities. The discussion also addresses the challen...

In this conversation, Robby and Greg explore the complexities of leadership within the church, discussing the balance between spiritual reliance and effective leadership, the challenges of measuring success, and the emotional journey of leaving a church. They also delve into the importance of leadership development, the shift from growth to fruitfulness, and the unique challenges faced by multi-si...

In this conversation, Pastor Nirup Alphonse shares his journey from growing up in a faith-filled family to leading a vibrant church in Denver. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in faith, the role of community in healing CHURCH HURT, and the necessity of embracing suffering as part of the Christian experience. Nirup challenges the consumeristic tendencies in modern church cult...

In this conversation, Robby and Stephen Presley explore the themes of cultural sanctification, the relationship between church and state, and how Christians can engage with a society that is increasingly secular. They discuss the importance of active citizenship, the role of discipleship in a changing world, and the need for cooperation among different Christian denominations. Stephen emphasizes t...

In this episode we enter the grayzone and ask about the difference between art created for God's glory versus our own gratification. We break down the artistic process and the act of worship that artistic creation really is. We also explore the confining stereotypes of masculinity in relation to artistic expression and even talk about rites of passage. My guest, Jake Weidmann is a professional art...

In this conversation, Robby and Pieter discuss the significance of Pride Month, the historical context of the church's response to LGBTQ+ individuals, and how Christians can engage compassionately and biblically with the LGBTQ+ community. They explore the complexities of language, identity, and allyship, emphasizing the need for churches to create welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals while...

TRIGGER WARNING - this episode does discuss abortion and unexpected pregnancy. There are NO graphic details, however out of respect and sensitivity I am flagging the topic for your discretion. A graduate of Princeton University and the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, Roland is an inspirational servant leader with a heart for Christ and a mind for business. After 20 ye...

In this conversation, Robby and Sally Taylor explore the complexities of faith, suffering, and healing through Sally's personal journey with cancer. They discuss the challenges of maintaining faith during illness, the impact of public life on personal struggles, and the importance of vulnerability in relationships. Sally shares her insights on how suffering can lead to a deeper understanding of Go...

Don't you wish you could be joyful about life just as much as when you were first saved ? You're not alone! We discuss this and many related topics with today's guest. Walter Hill is a bi-vocational pastor who also serves as a Hospice Chaplain. He is musician and songwriter, veteran of the US Navy, and an author. In his book, AMAZED AGAIN he tells stories of his over 25 years of ministry experienc...

In this conversation we hear about the need for pastors to be humble, life-long learners, to talk about taboo issue in church, and the hope we see in the next generation of Jesus seekers. Pastor Mike Novotny has served God’s people in full-time ministry since 2007 as a pastor in Madison and now Appleton, Wisconsin. He also serves as a host and speaker for the  Time of Grace  television program and...

Pieter L. Valk is the Founder and Director of Equip your Community , a ministry that that trains and helps churches tobecome places where LGBT+ people are embraced and thrive according to historic sexual ethics. He is also a founding member of the Nashville Family of Brothers ; a modern monastery of men committed to celibacy and leveraging their singleness for service to the Church and their commu...

How do we love without affirming choices we can't Biblically agree with? Robby offers some perspectives.

In this episode, Robby discusses the difference of Salvation and Sanctification and how they effect the way we engage people who are curious about our faith. If we understand that becoming more like Jesus is a life long process, then shouldn't we treat people with compassion and above all patience?

In this episode, Robby explains some of the foundational ideas that will guide conversations of the podcast. What is meant by Grayzone? What is NOT meant by a Grayzone? What Biblical guides can we use to navigate faith and culture conversations in loving ways?

Ever wish your pastor, leader, or friends would just "Go There" when discussing complex, raw topics in culture and faith? In the Grayzone, we GO THERE. Black and white answers are usually lazy and underdeveloped. To get to Truth, we have to put in a lot of work while remaining kind, compassionate, and loving. Is it possible to stay faithful to Biblical Truth and wisdom while also being C...