Faith Unfiltered Podcast

In this inspiring episode of Climate Brewing , host Susan Oxley sits down with Justice Manning, an 89-year-old retired environmental engineer from Daphne, Alabama. Once a committed climate change denier, Justice shares his remarkable journey—shaped by a career in environmental work, shifts in scientific data, lived experience with extreme weather, and the influence of Community of Christ’s Endurin...

“Did I do that?!” When Urkel asked that question in the TV show “Family Matters,” it was usually because he had done something wrong. But that is not the case when referring to Christ’s mission and the Reign of Christ. As a matter of fact, we should hope that the answer would be a resounding “Yes.” Join co-hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they discuss this week’s journey with Jesus, where Jesu...

In a time where people of color in the United States face new and escalating marginalization, we at Faith Unfiltered thought it timely to re-post this timeless conversation about faith and courage. Join Katie Langston as she interviews Vivian Jenkins-Nelsen, a social worker, scholar, and anti-racism activist from Minneapolis who was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Barack Obam...

Doing nothing is an unacceptable response! What’s the worst thing that can happen if you take a risk here or there? The treasure that we have been given … the Gospel story … won’t do anyone any good if we “bury” it for safekeeping. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at the parable of the talents and the importance of becoming a risk-taker. Accept the challenge to share the treasure...

Something new is being born in Community of Christ.  A new spirit of hope is rising, and sometimes we need a reminder of all that we’ve experienced as a people and how we’ve been blessed by being open to God’s movement among us. This Cuppa Joe episode which originally aired two years ago, is a great way for us to remember our past, and ground ourselves for what is yet ahead. Much has happened sinc...

In need of an “oil change?” Or, perhaps your oil is just running a little low and you need to top it off. Either way, the time is now... don’t wait!  What’s all this talk about oil, you ask? Well, join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith … along with the wise and foolish bridesmaids (hint... hint) for this episode of Coffee to Go to hear about how oil is a metaphor for our commitment to follow Jesus...

Social justice is a deep topic, and this cross-post episode from Ministry for Dummies, Humberto and Jacob dive into social justice, and share their definitions ... what it is and what it isn’t. They define it as fair and equitable treatment for all, regardless of race, gender, or economic status, and they emphasize the importance of love, curiosity, and dialogue in social justice advocacy. They ev...

Join Robin Linkhart for a guided meditation on gratitude and renewal. In this episode, we embrace the quiet of November as nature prepares for winter's rest. The practice invites you to reflect on the harvest's abundance and the blessings—large and small—of your year. It's a call to connect with the divine, community, and the sustaining rhythm of life. Take a deep breath and allow y...

Do you have phylacteries and long tassels (fancy cars, designer clothing and accessories, etc.) that you like to show off as a symbol of your status? Though there’s nothing wrong with having those things, how you display them, and for what reason, might matter. The same is true for your life as a disciple.  Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they discuss what Jesus had to say about those wh...

Who are the “Saints” in your life?  You know, the ones that have been a positive influence in your life.  The ones who have modeled grace and generosity and unconditional love.  In this special episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith talk a bit about the importance of honoring those who have gone before us and remembering the impact they’ve had in our lives.  But wait, being a d...

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again...the world is changing, and so is the way young seekers are thinking about life and faith. It can be hard to keep up with all the change and new perspectives.  That’s why it’s important to have people like Humberto Tinsman, Emerging Generations Specialist for Community of Christ, who come to the table with a joy for ministry, a love for youth, and a wi...

Would you rather ... stay home and read old children’s books, or go to Africa and face the realities of abject poverty? One might say they both have their pros and cons. In this What’s Brewing episode cross-post from Ministry for Dummies, hosts Jacob Ross and Humberto Tinsman talk about what they’ve been doing between episodes. Most of their conversation focuses on the lessons Jacob learned during...

Are you more like the judgmental Pharisee or the humble tax collector? This week on Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith dive into Jesus' challenge to those who regard others with contempt. Learn why self-righteousness is different from true righteousness and how to choose mercy.  Listen to more episodes in the Coffee to Go series.  Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith...

We all talk about trying to be inclusive and welcoming of all, but rarely do we make it our mission and driving force.  Well, Laura Schlenker and her staff are doing their very best to live the inclusive dream at their camp for third through eighth graders, Camp Element. From music to food, to activities, to staff roles, creating a space, welcoming environment where every camper feels valued just...

The journey continues. In this second half of Robin Linkhart’s interview with Jordan Harmon, Jordan shares more about the dissonance that led him to explore other faiths, and his ultimate confirmation in Community of Christ. Jordan says he's still trying to figure out what it means to be “all in,” but he does know what it means to belong. For him, like for many...if not all... of us, trust an...

An unjust judge and the persistent widow walk into the Gospel of Luke, and guess who gets served... well, that depends on your perspective. For hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, the unjust judge got served (called out) and the persistent woman got served (blessed). As always, Jesus stands on the side of the oppressed and marginalized. True justice requires both prayer and action in a world where...

For anyone who has ever experienced a faith crisis or a faith transition, it’s good to know that you’re not alone. Here at Faith Unfiltered, we continue to hear stories that we find inspirational and encouraging. In this Fair Trade episode, you’ll hear the first part of Jordan Harmon’s faith journey. Listen carefully as he shares the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, and the ways in which h...

It all started with the pandemic which found many congregations gathered in virtual fellowship and worship, helping maintain community despite losses. And, for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls congregation, it didn’t end there. Instead, the entered into a discernment journey that led them to new and exciting adventures. With an emphasis on teamwork, communication, and leveraging their strengths, this cong...

More often than we’d probably like to admit, it’s an “outsider” who gets Jesus and his mission before we ... his disciples and followers ... we do. We’re the ones who are supposed to follow in his footsteps and do what he did, but too often we are more like his original disciples who kept getting tripped up by the “law” and miss the lesson behind it. Perhaps it’s time for us to spend less time wor...

You are seen and you are known in all the good ways ... and, you are part of us.  These are the “take away” words of Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith in this second part of their conversation with host, Blake Smith. If you find yourself – in the past, now, or in the future – in what you consider a time of crisis or doubt with regards to your faith journey, you are likely to find this conversation u...

Just because the Community of Christ has a statement on non-violence doesn’t mean the world is listening.  But they may be watching.  Non-violence has to be more than a statement. It has to be a way of life, and what better way to make it part of our lives than to start with spiritual practices. Minister Tyler Marz takes us through a meditation on nonviolence in this repost of a previous Awaken to...

If you can’t take it with you, how will you spend it?  That goes for time as well as money. Today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke challenges our willingness to be radical in how we use our “wealth.” How often do we consider the needs and welfare of others when determining how to use what we have? The rich man in the parable found in today’s scripture not only takes it with him, but expects to co...

Not everyone experiences faith in the same way. As a matter of fact, some find themselves in a crisis of faith, while others have decided to discard faith altogether... often because of a disconnect between what they were taught and what they have come to know.  But what if doubt and questioning were a good thing? Is that even possible?  Well, according to guests Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith, n...

How does one find hope in the midst of the suffering and evil that are present in our world? Why do we blame God when there are things we can do to make a difference?  Join Carla, Tony and Charmaine as they discuss Liberation Theodicies’ answer to these questions and more ... and how their focus on Jesus’ understanding of systemic injustice calls us to move from theory to action.    Recommended by...

Enough is enough! We can hesitate. We can procrastinate. We can make excuses. The reality is, like Jesus’ first disciples, we have what we need to get the job done. You know... the one we committed to when we became disciples ourselves. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke. See if you look at the scripture from a more pastoral perspective or...