The Follower Podcast

Some conversations find you before you knew you needed to have them. This was one of those. In this episode of The Follower Podcast, Matthew sits down with long time friend Dean Cothill to talk about everything from terrible sunburns, to sneaking backstage at a Switchfoot concert, to the courageous vulnerability of honest faith and the power of remembering whose story we are in.  The conversation...

In this episode, Matthew sits down with Ama Asantewa Diaka to hear her story of faith and Art. As a poet, performer, writer, entrepreneur and activist, Ama encourages us to think beyond the boundaries of our religiosity to meet God on the margins and cultivate new realities with Him there.  You can find out more about Ama including information on how to get her books by visiting her instagram acco...

In this episode Matthew sits down with Christine Westhoff to discuss art, the prophetic, and her new book About The Voice of God.  In an age of volatile polarisation and the tragic abuse of the prophetic in multiple contexts, this is an important, life-giving conversation for artists who need a broader view of the calling, and for those who don't see themselves as artists but need an invitation in...

In this episode of the podcast Matthew sits down with Jean du Rand of Chapel Co Music and Suns.   The conversation is vulnerable and honest as Jean shares about his own journey as a faith informed musician and walking the line between creating authentic, meaningful music and embracing the simple joy of creating for its own sake.  Beyond that, Matthew and Jean discuss the metaphors we use to frame...

In this live recording of The Follower Podcast in collaboration with The Salt Creative Collective , Matthew sits down with Sarah Mdaka to talk about her journey as a poet and story teller. Sarah shares some of her poetry in the conversation as well as her thoughts on how to navigate the creative space as a follower of Jesus. This is the second in a series of conversations on art and faith.  To fin...

In this live recording of The Follower Podcast, Matthew sits down with Poet, Performer and Entrepreneur, Puno Selesho to talk about art and faith and how creative people can honor their vocation to bring beauty out of chaos for a world in need of Truth. 

Summary In this conversation, Matthew Lewis and Liam Burns explore the intersection of technology, particularly AI, and Christian faith. They discuss the implications of living in a technological age, the challenges of maintaining human identity, and -the importance of community and connection in a digital world. The conversation emphasizes the need for discernment in technology use, the dangers o...

Summary In this conversation, Matthew Lewis and Liam Burns explore the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, particularly in relation to Gen Z. They discuss the importance of avoiding idolatry, the need for intergenerational relationships, and the significance of creating spaces for authentic discipleship and character formation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of servin...

In this conversation, we explore the complex relationship between faith and nationalism, particularly in the context of Christian nationalism.   Matthew Lewis  and  Liam Byrnes discuss the historical shifts in global politics, the transition from optimism to cynicism, and the implications of these changes for Christians today. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' example...

In this episode, we explore how Western Christianity has shifted from a belief system deeply embedded in societal and political structures to one that is increasingly privatised and fragile. Drawing on the insights of philosopher Charles Taylor, we examine the historical revolutions that have shaped our current secular landscape and how these changes impact Christian witness today. Join Matthew Le...

In this final conversation of the second season of One Heart, Matthew and David Thomas discuss the Asbury outpouring of 2023 and the lesser known story of reconciliation that proceeded it. David shares his personal journey of faith, emphasising the need for resilience and humility. He also explores the significance of community and authentic relationships in experiencing God's presence, and offers...

In this episode, Khumo Ntlha shares her profound journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation, the role of suffering in deepening one's relationship with God, and the integration of faith in social justice work. She reflects on her personal experiences, including the challenges faced in her family and community, and how these have shaped her commitment to being a voice for the ma...

In this episode of the Follower Podcast, Thirza Kunnen shares her journey of finding God in rest and grace, her research on reconciliation in South Africa, and the powerful stories of pain and hope she encountered. The conversation explores the significance of prayer, repentance, and the healing power of community, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma and the role of prayer as a unif...

In this conversation, Reverend Joseph Nyamutera shares his experiences of cultural identity, belonging, and the challenges of navigating relationships in a global context. He reflects on his journey of faith, the impact of personal wounds on conflict, and the lessons learned from the Rwandan genocide. The discussion emphasizes the importance of healing, reconciliation, and vulnerability in leaders...

In this conversation, Matthew and Phil explore the themes of reconciliation, discipleship, and the role of the church in fostering a community that embodies the teachings of Jesus. They discuss the importance of abiding in Christ, the ongoing journey of reconciliation, and the need for systemic change within the church and society. The dialogue emphasises that true unity goes beyond mere coexisten...

In this conversation, Matthew speaks with with Peter Tarantal and Alexander Venter on the themes of personal faith experiences, the importance of unity within the church, and the challenges of reconciliation in a divided society. They reflect on their personal journeys with Jesus, the significance of community, and the need for the church to model unity as a witness to the world. The discussion em...

In this episode of the Follower podcast, Matthew sits down with Nkosinathi Mbuyazi , and A.C. Lee to discuss The One Heart Prayer Journey , emphasizing the importance of unity, reconciliation, and prayer in the church.   They explore Jesus' high priestly prayer, the urgency of prayer in today's divided world, and the introduction of a new prayer guide designed to facilitate personal and communal r...

In this episode Puno Selesho compiles a beautiful poem that communicates the key themes she experienced at the 24/7 Prayer South Africa National gathering. The poem is a powerful and compelling call to a deeper life of abiding and response.  You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24...

In this episode Zikhona Magana of the 24-7 Prayer South Africa team shares her story of moving against the odds into the call of God on her life, working for justice in South Africa and why we all have an opportunity to build a better nation together.  You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visi...

In this episode Sheila Wise Rowe shares her insights and experiences from years in ministry around the tension between our being and our doing and how we live into that tension well. In particular she speaks about the communal imperative of the Christian faith and how we need one another in the journey.  You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com You can...

In this episode Brian Heasley reminds us that prayer, mission and justice are inseparable and essential elements of the Christian life. Through his personal stories and helpful insights he helps us consider what it might live a life that is more radically given to partnership with Jesus in healing the world.  You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com Yo...

In this episode Nicholas Rowe encourages us to heed the words of Jesus to Peter in the garden and 'Put away the sword'. He reminds us that while it can be tempting to build and minister according to the mechanisms of Empire, these strategies do not yield Kingdom fruit.  You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com You can get involved with the One Heart pr...

In this episode Danielle Strickland challenges us to really consider our images of God and ask what it might mean to return to and image of god that looks more like Jesus.  You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24-7Prayerafrica.com

In this episode Robert Ntuli brilliantly outlines a Kingdom vision for The Church and challenges us to repent from building after "patterns of Egypt" and return to building according to patterns of The Kingdom of God. You can find out more about the ministry of Follower by visiting www.wearefollower.com You can get involved with the One Heart prayer guide by visiting www.24-7Prayerafrica.com

In this episode we hear from Rene August, a veteran in the anti-Apartheid movement, anglican priest, reconciliation trainer and companion to churches wanting to respond to issues of poverty, injustice and division in their city.  Among other things Rene calls us to return to the Jesus of Bible and seek to walk faithfully in His way.  For more on the ministry of Follower you can visit w ww.wearefol...