Faith Unfiltered Podcast

It’s time to get some new “clothes.”  Who doesn’t like that? Right? But there’s a small catch... we have to wait a little bit. Just stay here and wait, Jesus says ... until you are clothed in the Holy Spirit. The reality is that we could all use an excuse to get a little rest.  It is in resting that we are able to receive the blessing of the Spirit's presence. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake...

In a world where everything from busy schedules to geographical expanses separates us from each other, the power of personal, one-to-one relationships to build respect and enhance our perceived value of those considered “other” is indisputable.  Enter Peace Builders, an extension of the concept of citizen diplomacy being explored in new and exciting ways in the Lamoni Heartland Mission Center. Joi...

Administrative role or ministry ... or both.  They do call it Human Resource Ministries after all. In this episode of Nice to Matcha, host Robin Linkhart sits down with Community of Christ’s new Director of Human Resource Ministries, Adam Bouverette.  First ordained in high school, Adam has served in many ministry roles while honing his administrative skills and growing in his relationship with Go...

We could all use a little reminding every once in a while. In the midst of chaos and hectic schedules, the call to do something uncomfortable is easily shrugged off with extremely relevant rationalizations as to why we can’t.  That’s why Jesus promised an advocate.  Unfortunately, however, the advocate of whom he spoke is not there to speak on our behalf, but rather to remind us of our call and co...

“It's easy to throw up our hands and say it's bigger than what we can do,” says this "Say What?!" episode's guest, Rick Bunch.  Join hosts Mary Anne and Kassie for a close look at G-10, the resolution submitted by the Community of Christ Earth Stewardship team for consideration at the 2025 World Conference. In this episode, Rick Bunch provides a little more background for...

Systemic Racism isn’t a popular or comfortable topic, and it’s not just limited to the secular world. Unfortunately, history shows that the Church universal has not been immune to its grasp, and neither have the Restoration traditions. Join Cuppa Joe host Wendy Eaton as she sits down with Matthew Harris to talk about insights from his most recent book, Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the St...

It is perhaps one of the easiest commandments to speak, and yet one of the hardest to put into action. We live in a world where it seems to have become easier to build walls than to sit and listen to one another... much less love one another. In many arenas, people are attempting to define diversity as a bad thing. The idea of unity in diversity, to them, seems impossible. But, Jesus reminds us to...

From a childhood lived in poverty to the heights of hope and service to others comes another outstanding minister called to join the Quorum of Presidents of Seventy in Community of Christ. Join host Blake Smith for an inspiring conversation in which Leslie Pascua shares the testimony of his journey to this place in his spiritual life. Hear how his wife brought him into the church, and the many way...

From tavern keeper to prominent figure in Restoration history, William Marks is the focus of this episode of Cuppa Joe.  Host Wendy Eaton sits down with Cheryl Bruno and John Dinger, co-authors of Come Up Hither to Zion: William Marks and the Mormon Concept of Gathering, to hear a little more about what they learned while researching Marks’ life. See how this early convert to the Restoration left...

Who doesn’t like a good festival ... especially one that calls for renewal? No doubt, we could all use a little time for renewal. Well, this week’s episode of Coffee to Go finds us in the Gospel According to John, and it’s time for a festival of renewal.  Unfortunately, this time of renewal isn’t about taking a day off, it’s about renewing your commitment and dedication to God. The great news is t...

Diverse, inclusive, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, spiritual, joyful, contemplative. Who knew worship could be all these things and more? In this episode of Say What?, hosts Mary Anne and Kassie sit down with Tyler Marz to talk about all of the ins and outs of worship at World Conference. Here, we get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make worship happen in an intentionally inclusive wa...

There are times when we take our bodies for granted... abusing them with lengthy to-do lists of tasks that test the limits of our capacity. We go about our lives as if the “vessels” we have been given are unshakable, unbreakable, and without limits. How often to we thank others for the things they do for us, yet forget to take time to thank our bodies for getting us through the day. Join host and...

What’s your “go-to” when you get stressed out? When things aren’t going your way, or when you’re feeling alone or lost, what, or where, brings you comfort?  For Peter and the disciples, it was fishing. For some, it’s a hike in the mountains or a stroll on the beach.  No matter where it is, Jesus meets us where we are. Join hosts Karin and Blake for a closer look at the disciples’ response to Jesus...

The spotlight is back on at Graceland University, and this time it’s shining on freshman and academic honors scholarship winner, Callie Dennis. Callie hails from the Liberty Street congregation in Independence, MO, and she has her eyes fixed on the goal.  That said, she’s taking time to enjoy the Graceland experience and make it her own.  Join hosts Aliyah Farrell and Mike Hoffman as they sit down...

From a young age, Sylvester Ochieng’s parents gave him “a crystal clear knowledge about God in [his] life.” With a deep respect for a culture of prayer and a healthy reverence for God, Sylvester was well on his way to giving his life in service to God and to God’s children. In this episode of Nice to Matcha, join host Blake Smith as he listens to Sylvester’s inspiring story... a story that began i...

Thomas, often referred to as ‘doubting Thomas,’ often gets a bum rap. He just wanted to have the same experience that everyone else had. He had an intimate relationship with Jesus and all he was asking for was a chance to see it for himself. We, too, have our own personal relationship with Christ and with the Divine. There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking God for the kind of experience you...

There’s way more to the conflict in Israel/Palestine than is covered in the daily news cycle. The real truth is eye-opening and gut-wrenching. In this episode of Grounds for Peace, host Robin Linkhart sits down with members of a Community of Christ peace delegation who traveled with Churches for Middle East Peace and saw firsthand the devastation and suffering being experienced there.  Hear pieces...

The word Zion has been an integral part of Community of Christ’s journey as a people, but now it is being used by others in ways that are confusing and contradictory. In this episode of Say What?, host Mary Anne and Kassie sit down with Steve Kellogg, member of the Community of Christ Peace and Justice Team, and author of 2025 World Conference Resolution G-2.  Listen in to see what the Peace and J...

He is risen! On this episode of Coffee to Go, Karen and Blake look closely at Mary Magdalene's experience at the tomb – from darkness and weeping to a personal encounter with the risen Christ. They ask: How do our expectations limit us from seeing God at work? And have you felt the Spirit call you by name? Discover the significance of being called by name and challenge yourself to see the Div...

As we wait in the darkness between the events of Good Friday and the coming resurrection, we have the opportunity to consider the cost of discipleship. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a brief Coffee to Go episode to hear the scripture, to receive a blessing, and to wait. Don't rush to the resurrection just because you know how the story ends. Sit in the darkness ... and wait. Downl...

The lights have all gone out. The unimaginable has happened. The one we love is gone. What will we do now? On this Good Friday, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith offer only a scripture and a blessing. Sometimes, it is all we can do to sit in the rage, the disappointment, the loss, the grief... wondering if the light will return. In those moments, it has to be enough to wait. The darkest part of th...

The room has been chosen. The table is set, and as you enter, Jesus kneels to wash your feet.  What would your reaction be? Remember, Jesus knows you better than you know yourself, so will you try and refuse as Peter did, or learn from the experience? Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith on this Maundy Thursday for a close look at a very intimate event in which Jesus makes a final attempt to tea...

Harmony, a nonprofit for LGBTQIA+ advocacy within Community of Christ, aims to affirm dignity and worth without regard to gender, race, or sexual orientation. Host, Robin Linkhart, sits down with newly elected members of the Harmony Board: Shelby Williams, Andy Markle, and Sean Langdon.  Shelby, a CPA and youth leader, emphasizes her role as a safe space for youth. Andy, a Chief Revenue Officer, f...

Palms waving, disciples lining the road and calling out, cloaks thrown on the ground to pave the way. It’s political pageantry at its best ... and its most humble. All the way to the end, Jesus keeps us guessing by doing the unexpected. Join hosts, Karin Peter and Blake Smith, for a deeper dive into this week’s passage from the Gospel of Luke, where stallions are replaced by beasts of burden, and...

Wendy Eaton joins the Project Zion team for the first time as a host with an episode of Cuppa Joe highlighting the first in the 2025 Winter Series, “An Evening with the Historians.” That’s right, the Community of Christ Historic Sites Foundation has put together another great line up of authors who share their latest writings. In this Cuppa Joe episode, Wendy sits down with Kyle Walker, author of...