So let’s be honest. Doing a podcast about something as politically charged and divisive as critical race theory feels a bit risky. But it’s also the reason conversations like this one with Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters, are so important. As people who are doing our best to follow Jesus in a complex world, we need safe spaces to explore and understand complicated ideas without having them hijacked by media pundits or 30-second sound bites.

When I first prepped for this episode, my idea was to do a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of CRT (which, btw, Ed spends 7 chapters unpacking in the book. I learned a TON about it’s origins, what it does and doesn’t mean and why it matters to the church), but as with any podcast, conversations have a way of taking on a life of their own. While Ed and I do talk about critical race theory, what we spend more time talking about is some of the broader questions it causes us to consider like our country’s racial history, systemic v. individual racism, our own defensiveness in conversations about race, cross cultural competency, ethnic indifference and the importance of listening and learning from those who are different from us.

Ed has been a trusted friend and voice in my life for more than 20 years. You’ll hear that in the podcast, but you’ll also hear how God has been weaving together his own story in a way that has uniquely prepared him for such a time as this. No matter where you find yourself in your own journey, I hope you’ll listen in as we continue to learn and grow together.

Jon Jorgenson, Creative & Teaching Pastor at Soul City Church in Chicago, discusses how his love for theater and performing converged with his faith to spark a calling that changed the direction of his life. Jon shares about his decision to step away from Broadway and follow God's leading into ministry, despite uncertainty and fear. With more than 20 million views on Youtube and 24,000 followers on Instagram, Jon also discusses the tension of having a platform as a believer, the importance of being present with people and how aligning one's public and private life is a mark of character as God's witnesses in this world.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end when Jon offers a word of both encouragement & challenge to young people as they seek to follow Jesus in a complex world.

Pastor & Author Tracey Bianchi joins the podcast today to talk about Lent, liturgy and why being intentional about Holy Week matters. She also shares vulnerably about how her husband's unexpected health crisis turned her world upside down, what it has taught her -- and is continue to teaching her-- about the messiness of life, letting go of control and living in the hope of Easter Sunday.

Tracey Bianchi has served in the local church for twenty years. She’s led as pastor in Student Ministry, Women’s Ministry, Worship Arts, Adult Ministry and as a regular preacher at Christ Church, located in the western suburbs of Chicago. She is the author of four books and Bible studies on faith-based parenting and formation for women. In 2013, her work was noted by Christianity Today a “One of Fifty Christian Women Leaders to Watch.” Tracey also serves at several Christian institutions of higher education. She’s on the Board of Trustees at Denver Seminary and teaches courses in preaching, worship, and practical ministry at a Chicago area seminary. She earned her BA in History and Political Science from the University of Iowa; her Master of Divinity from Denver Seminary; and is about to earn her doctorate at Duke Divinity School.

Alan Noble talks about his award-winning book On Getting Out of Bed: The Gift & Burden of Living.

Alan shares his motivation for writing the book, explores the myth of a happy life and takes a deep dive into the reality of living with mental afflictions--as well as those who love them. Alan emphasizes why getting out of bed is not only courageous, but a choice that ultimately reflects the goodness of God.

Takeaways

• Mental health is an important topic that needs to be addressed.
• Suffering is a normal part of life, and it is important to acknowledge and support those who are going through difficult times.
• Building intentional relationships and creating safe spaces for sharing stories is crucial for supporting one another.
• When trying to help someone with mental health issues, it is important to be mindful of how our words and actions may impact them.
• Finding a sense of purpose and answering the question of why we should get out of bed every day is essential for mental well-being.

Suanne and award-winning author Jen Pollock Michel explore what it looks like to have a counter-cultural perspective on time, productivity and faithfulness. Jen shares her own journey of redefining productivity as well as key insights from her book In Good Time: 8 Habits for Reimagining Productivity, Resisting Hurry and Practicing Peace. Jen discusses how implementing a Rule of Life and can help transform "time anxiety" and bring freedom as we make decisions that honor God and one another.

Key Takeways

• Redefine productivity as fruitfulness and focus on the long-term growth and impact.
• Recognize the cultural conditioning towards constant acceleration and busyness.
• Create a rule of life to establish intentional habits and practices that align with your values and priorities.
• Make space to be open and available to God and others, allowing for interruptions and reevaluating the importance of tasks.

Learn more about Jen's books and her Rule of Life Intensive at www.jenpollockmichel.com and @jenpmichel

Join us for Part Two of Suanne's conversation with author, researcher and professor Steve Argue, co-author of Growing With: Every Parent's Guide to to Helping Teenagers and Young Adults Thrive in their Faith, Family & Future. Steve & Suanne are joined by Christ Church Family Pastor & Fuller Seminary Doctoral Student Steve Noble.

Together, Dr. Argue & Steve share insights about how a parents' relationship with their child changes over time, what this means for parents as they, too, learn to grow and adapt to the needs of their kids, the real pressure parents feel for their kids to "measure up" (and what happens when they don't), and how relational warmth, empathy and community lead to hope and joy in parenting.

"Our children are changing as they get older. We are changing as they get older. Our relationship with them is changing as we get older. Often our parenting focuses on behavior but as our kids get older, it doesn’t work so much. We need to go on a mutual journey with our kids as all of us change and grow together," Steve Argue.

Learn more about Steve Argue's research, including his books, at stevenargue.com

Suanne & Kris Stevenson talk about the origin & traditions of Advent, the gift of longing for Christmas, how each Gospel treats the Christmas narrative a little differently and what the gifts of the wise men have to teach us about Christmas.

Author, speaker and seminary professor Steve Argue explains the landscape facing emerging adults today. Not only does he share the unique challenges adults in their 20s are facing, but reminds all of us--parents, mentors, employees, church leaders, aunts, uncles, grandparents!-- why empathy and presences are key to connecting with this generation. Visit his website to learn more about Steve's speaking, writing and resources.