Summary

In this episode of the Right Side Up podcast, host Danielle Strickland and co-host James Sholl engage with James Stinson, who shares his journey from Australia to the UK and his involvement with Alpha International, focusing on youth ministry. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities in reaching today's youth, particularly through the lens of recent research on the 'open generation.' Stinson discusses the importance of authenticity, empowerment, and connection in engaging young people, as well as the role of the church in addressing their needs and questions. In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Stinson discuss the nature of Jesus, the importance of social justice, and how to effectively communicate the gospel in today's context. They emphasize the need to empower the next generation, innovate church leadership, and the critical role of food in ministry. The dialogue highlights the challenges faced by the church and the ongoing relevance of Jesus's message in a world seeking good news.

Takeaways

James Stinson moved to the UK to pursue football and ended up in youth ministry.

Stinson emphasizes the importance of local church involvement for newcomers.

Alpha International aims to reach marginalized youth through innovative approaches.

The new Alpha Youth series focuses on engaging Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

Research shows that young people are spiritually open and curious about Jesus.

Authenticity is a key value for today's youth, who can see through inauthenticity.

Young people desire empowerment and autonomy in their faith journeys.

The church must listen to young people's needs and perspectives.

Connection without control is essential for engaging youth today.

The research on the open generation reveals a longing for safe spaces to explore faith. The character of Jesus is central to understanding his message.

Contextualizing the gospel is essential for reaching today's generation.

Empowerment over control is key for engaging young people in the church.

Innovative approaches are necessary for effective church leadership.

Food plays a significant role in building community and sharing faith.

The next generation is focused on social justice and helping others.

Church leaders should be willing to take risks and innovate.

Building relationships through meals can facilitate deeper conversations about faith.

The gospel remains relevant even amidst challenges in the church.

Good news must be communicated in a way that resonates with people's experiences.

Sound Bites

"We're a church for the city."

"They want to own things."

"Is God good?"

"Blow the roof off."

"Jesus responds to their faith."

"Food is central to the gospel."

"Good news in a good way."

"Share more meals together."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of James Stinson

03:32 Journey into Youth Ministry and Alpha International

08:30 The Role of Alpha in Reaching Youth

12:39 Research Insights on the Open Generation

19:22 Empowerment and Connection in Youth Engagement

20:10 Exploring the Nature of Jesus

23:02 The Importance of Contextualizing the Gospel

24:31 Empowering the Next Generation

30:00 Innovative Approaches to Church Leadership

37:11 The Role of Food in Ministry

39:03 The Good News Amidst Challenges

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Scholl engage with Daniel Yang from World Relief, exploring his personal journey as a refugee and his work with immigrants and refugees in America. They discuss the historical context of refugee resettlement in the U.S., the challenges posed by current political climates, and the vital role of the church in welcoming and supporting vulnerable populations. Daniel shares his reflections on identity, faith, and the importance of maintaining a prophetic voice in a complex cultural moment. In this conversation, Daniel and Danielle explore the themes of Christian nationalism, the call to holiness, and the importance of welcoming the stranger. They discuss the historical context of Christian nationalism, the role of power in faith, and the need for resistance training in spiritual practice. The conversation emphasizes the cost of discipleship, the significance of biblical literacy, and the necessity of participating in acts of love and acceptance towards immigrants and refugees. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of moving from cynicism to hope through active engagement in faith communities.

Takeaways

Daniel Yang shares his journey from being a refugee to working with World Relief.

The church has historically played a crucial role in supporting immigrants and refugees.

Current political climates pose significant challenges to refugee resettlement in the U.S.

Daniel emphasizes the importance of the church's presence in addressing cultural issues.

He reflects on the emotional impact of recent policy changes on his identity as a refugee.

Daniel believes that immigrants are key to the future of Christianity in America.

The conversation highlights the need for the church to adapt to new cultural realities.

Daniel expresses concern about the church's holiness and its role in society.

He advocates for a prophetic voice that speaks truth to power without being politically aligned.

The discussion underscores the importance of faith and community in navigating complex issues. This is a moment that we're in, but that doesn't mean be passive.

We lack the spiritual depth and discipline.

Holiness is about being different and resistant.

The rise of Christian nationalism has historical roots.

American civil religion has influenced Christian identity.

Christians should be subversively involved in all aspects of life.

Welcoming the stranger is an act of protest.

Cynicism is fueled by spectating; hope is fueled by participating.

Understanding the stories of immigrants is crucial for the church.

Discipleship involves welcoming others as part of our faith.

Sound Bites

"The church welcomed us."

"This work was no longer needed."

"I worry if I'm holy enough."

"The fear of the stranger."

"We have to reconcile with that."

"Hope is fueled by participating."

"Cynicism is fueled by spectating."

"This is a part of our own discipleship."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Daniel Yang and His Journey

07:02 The Role of Immigrants in Christianity

08:33 Challenges Facing Refugee Resettlement

10:59 Navigating Complexities of Current Policies

17:07 Personal Reflections on Identity and Faith

22:35 The Call to Holiness and Refinement

23:30 Resistance Training in Faith

24:53 The Church's Response to Evil

25:59 Understanding Christian Nationalism

27:00 Historical Context of Christian Nationalism

29:46 The Role of Power in Faith

32:59 Welcoming the Stranger

35:50 The Cost of Discipleship

38:32 Biblical Literacy and Understanding

41:15 Closing the Proximity Gap

43:40 Participation vs. Cynicism

Summary

In this conversation, Danielle Strickland and James Sholl engage with poet Drew Jackson, exploring his journey from a conservative Baptist background to his current role at the Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC). They discuss the intersection of poetry, spirituality, and social justice, emphasizing how poetry serves as a powerful tool for questioning dominant narratives and fostering deeper connections with scripture and community. Drew shares his experiences of using poetry as a means of spiritual practice and social commentary, highlighting the risks involved in speaking out against societal injustices. In this conversation, Drew Jackson and Danielle Strickland explore the profound impact of poetry as a means of prophetic witness and truth-telling. They discuss the importance of maintaining hope and emotional health amidst societal challenges, the legacy of black writers, and the transformative power of scripture when approached through a poetic lens. The dialogue emphasizes the need for resistance against cultural powers and the significance of community connection in fostering resilience and vitality.

Takeaways

Drew Jackson is a poet and Managing Director at CAC.

His poetry serves as a spiritual practice and social commentary.

Contemplation and justice are deeply intertwined in his work.

Poetry invites questions rather than providing answers.

Drew's background influences his approach to spirituality and poetry.

He emphasizes the political nature of poetry.

Drew's work has helped others reconnect with scripture.

The pandemic prompted Drew to explore poetry more deeply.

He faces risks in addressing social issues through his poetry.

Drew believes he speaks not alone, but as part of a larger tradition. Drew Jackson feels a connection to the lineage of black writers.

Writing is a communal act, influenced by past and present voices.

Prophetic witness reveals uncomfortable truths about society.

Resistance to truth is expected in the journey of a prophet.

Contemplative practices are essential for maintaining hope.

Emotional connection is vital for navigating societal challenges.

Mantras can help reinforce a sense of unity and purpose.

Cultural powers often push against our emotional health.

Poetry can express doubts and fears that society wants to suppress.

Scripture's poetic nature enriches its meaning and relevance.

Sound Bites

"I found poetry to be a balm for me."

"Poetry is a political act."

"Poetry is telling it slant."

"Poetry invites us to drop our defenses."

"I don't write alone."

"We should expect resistance."

"We need one another to feel it all."

"Christ is all and is in all."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Drew Jackson

03:00 Drew's Journey and Role at CAC

06:01 The Influence of Contemplation on Justice

08:58 Drew's Connection to Poetry and Spirituality

11:59 The Role of Poetry in Social Commentary

14:56 The Power of Questions in Poetry

17:56 Navigating Risks as a Poet

20:56 The Impact of Poetry on Faith and Community

25:22 The Legacy of Black Writers and Poets

27:03 The Role of Prophetic Witness in Poetry

28:46 Practices for Maintaining Hope and Vitality

30:35 The Gift of Tears and Emotional Connection

32:51 Practicing Mantras for Connection and Hope

34:58 Resistance Training Against Cultural Powers

37:33 The Depth of Scripture and Poetic Interpretation

40:40 The Transformative Power of Poetry in Scripture

45:51 Engaging with Drew Jackson's Work