Conversing

Caleb Maskell discusses the beginnings of Vineyard USA, which is celebrating its 50th year, and the hopeful future ahead. Caleb Maskell is the associate national director of theology and education for Vineyard USA.  

Pamela Ebstyne King discusses her research and work on the topic of thriving, as well as her new podcast, With & For. Pamela Ebstyne King is Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science and executive director of the Thrive Center for Human Development.  

Andrew Hanauer describes the work of bridging the deep divides in American politics, the church, and faith communities more broadly. Andrew Hanauer is the president and CEO of the One America Movement. We invite you to take a brief listener survey at fuller.edu/survey in order to help the Conversing team guide the future of the show.

Stephen Newby reflects on the ability of Gospel music to invite all people in and what that means for today’s world and church. Stephen Michael Newby is the inaugural holder of The Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship and also serves as Professor of Music and Ambassador for The Black Gospel Music Preservation Program at Baylor University.

Jemar Tisby reflects on Tom Skinner’s impactful speech “Racism and World Evangelism,” delivered at the 1970 Urbana Missions Conference, and considers the ways it resonates with the reality of the American church today. Tom Skinner’s speech can be listened to here. Jemar Tisby is the author of The Color of Compromise, How to Fight Racism, and, most recently, How to Fight Racism: Young Reader’s Edition.

Luann Pannell discusses mental health and training in law enforcement and shares about her two decades of work with the Los Angeles Police Department. Luann Pannell is a Fuller alum, CEO of Exceptional Edge Consulting, and was director of police training and education at the LAPD for 18 years.  

Ben McBride talks with Mark about his new book, Troubling the Water: The Urgent Work of Radical Belonging, which outlines his journey and work in the “kill zone” in Oakland, CA. Ben McBride is a visionary leader of radical belonging. The co-founder of the Empower Initiative, a capacity-building firm devoted to empowering organizations and communities, he is a leading expert in fostering belonging and public safety reform.

Chris Henry talks about the importance of rhythm in the church year and about leadership in a post-pandemic world. Chris Henry is senior pastor of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  

David Brenner describes the mission of the organization AI and Faith, which works to direct artificial intelligence research and technology towards human flourishing, with an eye towards ethics and a grounding in multiple faith traditions. This is the fourth in a series on artificial intelligence, based in part on the work of AI and Faith, an organization which seeks to engage the world in the moral and ethical issues around artificial intelligence. Learn more at AIandfaith.org. David Brenner is the board chair of AI and Faith.  

Phil Chen talks about the development of AI and the ethics of sourcing material for large language models like ChatGPT. This is the third in a series on artificial intelligence, based in part on the work of AI and Faith, an organization which seeks to engage the world in the moral and ethical issues around artificial intelligence. Learn more at AIandfaith.org. Phil Chen is an investor, a serial entrepreneur, and a senior advisor at Race Capital.  

Guy Kawasaki discusses some of the possible positive impacts of artificial intelligence for creativity, productivity, and society at large. This is the second in a series on artificial intelligence, based in part on the work of AI and Faith, an organization which seeks to engage the world in the moral and ethical issues around artificial intelligence. Learn more at AIandfaith.org. Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and the creator of Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People podcast.  

Mark Graves discusses the intersections of AI, technology, ethics, faith, and philosophy. This is the first in a series on artificial intelligence, based in part on the work of AI and Faith, an organization which seeks to engage the world in the moral and ethical issues around artificial intelligence. Learn more at AIandfaith.org. Mark Graves is a research fellow and director at AI and Faith and is a research associate professor of psychology at Fuller Seminary.

Rick Warren shares about his many years of ministry—from the beginnings of Saddleback Church to his current work of participating in the Great Commission—and about what he’s learned of leadership, church, and God along the way. Rick Warren is a pastor, an author, and the founder of Saddleback Church. He is also executive director of Finishing the Task.  

Cherie Harder discusses the state of political discourse in the United States and the task of helping leaders to more effectively cultivate ideas and Christian thought amidst today’s wider conversations. Cherie Harder is president of the Trinity Forum and formerly served in the White House as special assistant to the president and director of policy and projects for First Lady Laura Bush.  

Daniel Whitehead describes the work of integrating mental health services into the community offerings of the church, sharing particularly about the efforts of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. Daniel is the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, equipping churches to support mental health and wellbeing in their community. Learn more at sanctuarymentalhealth.org.  

Jeanelle Austin discusses her work at the George Floyd Global Memorial and her push for “people over property” in both preservation and activism. Jeanelle Austin is the creator of the Racial Agency Initiative and the lead caretaker of the George Floyd Global Memorial.  

Tara Beth Leach talks about her experiences as a woman in ministry and her new role as senior pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, Illinois. Tara Beth Leach is a preacher, writer, and the senior pastor of Good Shepherd Church in Naperville, Illinois.  

Beth Moore shares her story of childhood abuse and about finding refuge in the Scriptures, the church, and the love of Jesus. Beth Moore is an author, speaker, and teacher, and she is the founder and visionary of Living Proof Ministries. She has written numerous bestselling books, including her most recent, All My Knotted-Up Life.

Jonathan Reckford discusses the mission and history of Habitat For Humanity and the state of the housing crisis in the United States and abroad. Jonathan Reckford is chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity International.  

Robert Chao Romero and Jeff Liou discuss critical race theory, how it relates to their personal experiences and faith, and what it means for the church in the United States. Robert Chao Romero is professor of Chicana/o studies and Asian American studies at UCLA. Jeff Ming Liou is the national director of theological formation for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship/USA.