Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Acknowledging the current climate emergency is only a first step. The question is, what are we willing to do about it? Host, Susan Oxley, and guest, Paul Bethel, are back in this episode of Climate Brewing to discuss just that. The North American Climate Justice Teams have submitted a resolution for the 2025 World Conference which calls for a just transition to renewable energy and opposes the exp...

How many times did Jesus have to tell them, “It’s not about status!”? Just because society tells you that status matters, doesn’t make it so. But the disciples didn’t get it, and sometimes we too forget. If you want to be first, you need to be last.  Makes perfect sense...right? Grab a cup of coffee and join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for another look into Jesus’ interactions with the disci...

But wait... there’s more! That’s right, host Robin Linkhart is back with guests Chris, Lisa, Shannon and John to hear more about what they’ve learned in the process of bringing three mission centers, and two countries to one campground for one combined ... and amazing ... reunion. Listen in as they talk about lessons learned and the great new relationships and connections that have been and are be...

As Community of Christ approaches what is sure to be a historic World Conference in 2025, inquiring young minds have some questions about how it all works. Beyond the fellowship, the cultural interchange, the inspiring worship, and the excitement of just being together, there is work that must be done. In this first episode of Say What?, hosts Kassie Ripsam and Mary Anne Bennet-Ripsam, sit down wi...

Money, money, money, money ... Money. The O’Jays said, “some people gotta have it.” (“For the Love of Money,” Philadelphia) But Jesus told the rich young ruler to go and give it all away, then, come follow him. We all know how that ended. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a look at that memorable passage from the Gospel of Mark. Maybe the problem wasn’t really money, but the power that...

Three mission centers, two countries, one campground, and lots of planning, talking, and listening to one another. All for something new ... a combined reunion that would bring together varying traditions and cultures for a shared experience. Listen in to part 1 of the conversation between host, Robin Linkhart and her guests Chris Phelps, Shannon McAdam, Lisa Stecher and John VanDerWalker as they...

Once a casual believer in climate science, who, like most of us, did what was easy and convenient with regard to the environment, Paul Bethel is now a strong advocate for climate justice. In this episode of Climate Brewing, host Susan Oxley sits down with fellow Climate Justice Team member, Paul, to hear his story and glean from his deepening understanding of the problems we face... as well as som...

“I’ve Got the Power” is not just the name of a song by Snap played in clubs and on radio stations ... it has been a foundational principle for groups of people ... especially men ... since the days of Moses. It continued into the days of Jesus, and it continues today. So, what does Jesus have to say about it? Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, to get an idea of what is really behind the inte...

Graceland is back in session, and PZP is back in the Swarm. In this episode of Coffee in the Swarm co-hosts, Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman, sit down with Danny Dennis. Growing up in the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, the church has always been an important part of Danny’s life ... even though he admits, he didn’t always go by his own choosing. Not to worry, he’s grateful for it...

Every day of our lives, we are writing our story. Sometimes the story comes out the way we plan it and sometimes it’s something altogether different. The thing is that we don’t write our story alone. It is added to by the people we encounter and with whom we journey. Some of those “co-writers” become like saints to us. That’s right, ordinary people can do or say ordinary things that become extraor...

“We are Companions on the Journey” ... a hymn sung many times in Community of Christ gatherings, and words we need to keep in mind as we navigate our personal spiritual journeys of life and faith. Like the disciples, we sometimes forget what and who is the focus of our journey.  In those moments, our salt loses its “flavor.” Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a look at what Jesus has to...

If you’ve ever met Janne Grover, you know that she is a bright light, full of joy and a deep love for people. Her smile is contagious and inspiring. So much so that she could have been in commercials. Wait! She was. But you’ll have to listen to this episode of Nice to Matcha to get the details. And that’s not all you’ll get. Join host Robin Linkhart as she sits down with Janne Grover to talk about...

If you thought the Presiding Bishopric was only about money and budgets, you’re in for a treat. Join host, Robin Linkhart, for this episode of What’s Brewing to see how generosity not only drives mission, but how mission inspires generosity. Presiding Bishopric Ron Harmon, Wim van Klinken, and Carla Long share their hopes and dreams with the church ... and their enthusiasm, as well as their deep l...

There is no such thing as a dumb question. At least that’s what some people say. There are, however, questions that, when asked, may make one seem less smart. What’s worse is when someone thinks they know the answer so doesn’t see a need to ask any questions.  Join hosts, Karin and Blake, for a walk through Mark 9:30-37 where the Twelve find themselves in that exact position. If nothing else, perh...

From the age of 10, he began to understand the world in a different way.  He had to, because what he was experiencing and hearing didn’t fit with what he was beginning to understand and believe about God. 40 years later, with extended theological education, a deep love for his family, and a deep love for God’s vision for the World, Matt Frizzell has accepted a call to the office of Apostle. Host,...

Mary Anne Bennet-Ripsam and Kassie Ripsam make their Project Zion Podcast Debut in this recording from their recent live event, Say What? Meet the Hosts. In this episode, these two young women share their hopes and dreams, as well as some of the pressing questions they hope to address in this new series. And, they take the mic to try out their interviewing skills and show that they are ready to ta...

Jesus’ ministry is taking a turn ... toward Jerusalem, and anyone who wants to be a follower will need to “take up [their] cross” and follow him.  With each step toward “Jerusalem,” the cost of following gets more and more costly. That’s right... some things in life may be free, but discipleship is not one of them. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a closer look at this week’s passage f...

Here’s your chance to get to know Carrie Welch, from Salem, Oregon!  Newly called to the Council of Twelve Apostles, Carrie tells her story growing up in Community of Christ and the many unexpected adventures she experienced along Life’s path, now realizing how all of it helped prepare her to serve in a role that for her was once unfathomable. In this exclusive interview, Carrie shares details abo...

There’s nothing quite like SPEC ... a place where young people can come together for a week of personal exploration, leadership development, visual and performing arts, worship, all you can eat soft serve ice cream, and ... yes ... a bit of healthy sports competition.  No matter one’s level of skill in any of SPEC’s program offerings, everyone who attends BELONGS immediately and completely! For de...

Dive into the heart of the Christian tradition with us on "Coffee to Go." This week, we're in Mark's Gospel, witnessing Jesus' encounters with a Syrophoenician woman and a deaf man. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they unpack the complexity of Jesus' actions, the coexistence of our best intentions and flaws, and the assertiveness of faith. 💭 Reflect with us...

We know her. We love her. And, many of us have been blessed by her ministry. Meet Mareva Arnaud Tchong! Called to serve as Community of Christ’s next Presiding Evangelist, Mareva will bring unprecedented diversity to this world church leadership role. In this exclusive interview, Mareva candidly shares the process of receiving the call to Presiding Evangelist and her journey to saying, “Yes.” Get...

So many things demand our attention, causing us to live our lives in a hurried pace ... rarely offering us a chance to catch our breath, much less pay attention to our breath and the toll stress takes on our bodies.  There’s no better time than the present to pause and take care of yourself. So, why not join host and spiritual director, Tyler Marz, for a “spiritual coffee break.” In this episode o...

Leave it to the Pharisees to pick and choose which laws they want to follow while forgetting something a little more important ... the greatest commandments ... love God, and love one another. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith for this week’s “journey with Jesus” in the Gospel of Mark. As is his way, Jesus is ready to set the Pharisees straight on what types of things make the top of his “wh...

It's time to get a glimpse of what mission and ministry look like in communities of Seekers who are needing a place of welcome and healing for themselves, not to mention communities that look different from week to week and year to year. In this episode of What’s Brewing, we’re picking up where we left off in Part 1. Prepare yourself for a raw and heartfelt look at some of the opportunities a...

In this What’s Brewing episode, we’re headed to Northern Utah, to what we’re calling the Wasatch Front.  Join host Blake Smith as he sits down with Utah Expansion Minister, Laura Pennock, and Salt Lake Pastorate Team Member/Communications Team Member, Brittany Mangelson, for a look into some very dynamic ministries that look a little different than many traditional congregations in Community of Ch...