Best Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding Podcasts (2025)

This past summer, Mark Reiswig, Northwest Christian's 8th grade Bible teacher, travelled with Voice of the Martyrs to Nigeria. Over the last few years, the encroaching influence of Islam in northern Nigeria has produced a hotbed of persecution -- and, tragically, martyrdom -- for the minority Christian population. In travelling to Nigeria, Mark kne…

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Breaking Records and Building Bridges: A Tale of Religious Diversity - Vicki Garlock 51:51

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22d ago51:51

51:51

In September 2025, Vicki Garlock set a Guinness World Record by visiting 185 places of worship in Chicago in just one month. But this wasn't just about breaking a record—it was about experiencing the extraordinary religious diversity of one American city and promoting religious literacy. Join us as we explore what she learned, the communities she e…

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Brian Moultrup, Captain and Chaplain, U.S. Army Reserve: The Impact of God's Word within the Military during a Time of Escalating Global Tensions 28:35

2M ago28:35

28:35

Brian T. Moultrup serves as a chaplain and is Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, deeply committed to encouraging others through faith, service, and community. Familiar listeners will also recognize that "G", Chris Gardiner, also serves as a Army Reserve chaplain. Today's Kingdom Culture Conversation gives us an opportunity to 'eavesdrop' on the mili…

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From Theory to Practice: Academic Expertise and Counter-Extremism - Damon Berry 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

Dr. Damon Berry, associate professor of religious studies at St. Lawrence University, regularly consults with federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI and FBI’s BAU-1 (Behavioral Analysis Unit One) on cases involving religious extremism and alt-right movements. In this conversation, we explore the challenges of translating academic resear…

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Joy Watson, CEO, International Christian School in Russia: The Courage to Make Christ-Centered, Bible-Based Education Happen in Russia 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

Christian education in Russia. Yes, you read that correctly. And, not only is it happening, it's been happening for thirty years. Three decades of Christian education within a nation with a track record of hostility towards the Gospel is not for the faint of heart. For the brave men and women involved, it has required courage and a constant commitm…

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Elijah Reid, NCS Alumni, Class of 2023: An Alumni, Learning to Follow God's Leading, Winds Up in Spain 41:33

2M ago41:33

41:33

Elijah Reid is thoughtful, intelligent, artistic, and committed to following God's leading as he endeavors to chart a course to the future. But, his road has taken some surprising turns. A gifted musician, he once aspired to be a professional musician and had numerous music scholarship offers from universities...but, now he does little with music. …

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Jackson Schlesinger, NCS Alumni, Class of 2024: An Alumni Relates the Gap Year Adventures He Experienced within the World Race 35:21

3M ago35:21

35:21

Nine months. Nine nations. A hurricane. Exotic locations. Primitive villages. Jungles. For Northwest Christian alumni Jackson Schlesinger, the World Race, an amazing gap year journey directed by Adventures In Missions, there were the challenges that stemmed from the program's design to teach leadership while providing amazing spiritual formation - …

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Jason Feeser, Associate Pastor, CalvaryPHX: Nine Million Views on TikTok, Imperfect Pastors, and a Sincere Call to Men 46:18

3M ago46:18

46:18

God uses the strangest things to accomplish His Kingdom purposes. Case in point: Jason Feeser's TikTok "blooper" has amassed over nine million views and brought in over 60K social media followers...to a pastor intent of preaching the Gospel from a fully transparent, authentic pulpit. Today's Kingdom Culture Conversation demonstrates that candor but…

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Since You Asked: More on Our Methods and Mission 51:30

3M ago51:30

51:30

In this episode, Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding Director Chip Gruen becomes the guest as producer Christine Flicker poses questions drawn from audience feedback. The conversation explores the methodological approaches, underlying assumptions, and programming decisions that shape the Institute's work in fostering religious unders…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Jason Cook, Varsity Basketball Coach and Physical Education Instructor, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to Help Your Kids Get the Best out of Organized Sports 33:48

3M ago33:48

33:48

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Brandon Southall, Senior Bible Teacher, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Church Member 25:54

3M ago25:54

25:54

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Brandon Southall, Senior Bible Teacher, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to Teach Teenagers to Put God First 34:27

3M ago34:27

34:27

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Bree Tarbutton, Early Education Director and Kindergarten Principal, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to Teach Young Children to Put God First 42:24

4M ago42:24

42:24

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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Mysticism and Crisis - Hartley Lachter 52:52

4M ago52:52

52:52

Esoteric elements are present in many religious traditions, where discourses of secrecy help reinforce identity and fulfill important social and cultural roles within religious communities. Our guest, Hartley Lachter, author of "Kabbalah and Catastrophe," explores how Jewish mystical thought developed in response to historical trauma and community …

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Nello Romero, Technology and Information Systems, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Neighbor 23:10

4M ago23:10

23:10

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Courtney Anderson, Elementary Physical Education Teacher, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Friend 25:39

4M ago25:39

25:39

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Eric Dowdle, Elementary Principal, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Classmate 43:12

4M ago43:12

43:12

In his third year as Elementary Principal at Northwest Christian School, Eric Dowdle has worked, throughout his entire educational career, to create school culture in which every student feels valued. Yet, it can be challenging! The elementary years are those in which socialization is forming and students are moving from being entire self-aware tow…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Jim James, MS Athletic Director and Dean of Students, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to be a Great Teammate 38:56

5M ago38:56

38:56

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Katy Hubbard, Childrens Ministry Director, Sonoran Chapel: Ten Ways to Build a Great Attitude in our Kids' Hearts Towards God 26:41

5M ago26:41

26:41

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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At the Crossroads of Journalism and Faith - Sharlee DiMenichi 42:45

5M ago42:45

42:45

How do religious journalists navigate the intersection of faith values and public issues? Sharlee DiMenichi of Friends Journal discusses her reporting on a variety of contemporary issues, including Quaker responses to immigration policy, climate change, and economic justice. We explore how religious principles translate into political action and hu…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Kate Lewis, Director of Human Resources, Northwest Christian School: Ten Ways to Be a Great Employee 42:55

5M ago42:55

42:55

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Ryan Maguire, a Crusader Father and Northwest Christian Alumni with Eleven Siblings, Speaks to "Ten Ways to Be a Great Family Member" 40:44

5M ago40:44

40:44

Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading is Northwest Christian's annual summer reading campaign. During the summer of 2025, we're jumping -- with both feet! -- into Tim Kimmel's "Raising Kids for True Greatness - Redefining Success for Your Child". Throughout Summer 2025, swing by the school's offices to pick up a free copy and join us! Both feet? Yes…

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[Our Kids, True Greatness] Aaron Dailey, Director of Community Involvement, Grace Based Families: Redefining "Success" for You and Your Child 34:43

6M ago34:43

34:43

TODAY! Today, we kick off Summer 2025's "Crusaders Charge into Summer Reading" campaign with Pastor Aaron Dailey who serves as the Director of Community Involvement for Grace Based Families, a powerfully effective ministry established by Dr. Tim Kimmel, the author of this summer's book. For over twenty year, Aaron has worked in inner city Phoenix w…

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Beth Easley, Northwest Christian Alumni: Reflections on High School Experiences that Shaped a Heart for Ministry and Missions 23:15

6M ago23:15

23:15

As this episode hits, it is the final Monday of the school year. And, well, I guess folks around the International Podcasting Headquarters of Kingdom Culture Conversations are feeling a bit reflective. So, G and Geoff invited in Beth Easley, as fine an alumni of Northwest Christian as one will find, to reflect on her experiences within the school. …

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Analytical Approaches to Pagan Worldviews - Eric Steinhart 57:50

6M ago57:50

57:50

On this episode of ReligionWise Philosophy Professor Eric Steinhart joins us to discuss how his work on contemporary paganism challenges traditional boundaries in the philosophy of religion. We consider the historical limitations of the field, the value of including minority traditions, and how his eclectic academic interests have shaped his approa…

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Scott Hord, Statewide Training Manager, Christian Family Care: Strengthen Your Home Through the Family Care Learning Library of Online Parenting Courses 19:31

6M ago19:31

19:31

NorthwestChristianParentUniversity.com If you’re a busy parent or caregiver that is looking for high-quality, research-based instruction designed to meet pressing needs within your home, Christian Family Care's Family Care Learning library of online, video-based courses is designed to make an immediate impact in your home. These courses are all fac…

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Ellen Millard and Alana Heater, Northwest Christian High School teachers: Why YOU Should Pursue a Colson Fellowship THIS YEAR 22:07

7M ago22:07

22:07

Colson Fellows is having a definitive impact on the campus of Northwest Christian School. School superintendent completed the program three years ago. Two years ago, three teachers went through it, and collectively, their rave reviews have inspired even more teachers to participate. This year, that number is close to twenty! Colson Fellows is a mas…

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Jennie Dalcour, Clinical Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Understanding the Current Trends within Risky Behaviors and Youth 21:09

7M ago21:09

21:09

As we continue to espouse the benefits of the Family Care Learning library of online parenting courses and resources, today we sit down for a Kingdom Culture Conversation with Jennie Dalcour, a clinical supervisor for Christian Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. In today's Kingdom Culture Conversation, Jennie considers major points and trends from th…

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Tradition and Adaptation in Ugandan Judaism - Gershom Sizomu 41:21

7M ago41:21

41:21

In this episode, we explore the remarkable story of the Abayudaya, Uganda's Jewish community, with Chief Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the first native-born ordained rabbi in Sub-Saharan Africa. Rabbi Sizomu shares the history of his community, from its founding through persecution under Idi Amin's regime to its contemporary revival. Our conversation exami…

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Jennie Dalcour, Clinical Supervisor, Christian Family Care: Staying Ahead of the Anxiety and Trauma that Students are Destined to Encounter 30:16

7M ago30:16

30:16

As we continue to espouse the benefits of the Family Care Learning library on online parenting courses and resources, today we sit down for a Kingdom Culture Conversation with Jennie Dalcour, a clinical supervisor for Christian Family Care in Phoenix, Arizona. In the first of a two-part conversation, Jennie speaks to the benefits of EMDR, the growi…

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about the book of Jonah? Did it really happen? 34:26

7M ago34:26

34:26

Wait...isn't it Friday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Friday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrating …

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? 20:32

7M ago20:32

20:32

Wait...isn't it Thursday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Thursday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrat…

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about "Destroying Calvinism in 3 Minutes"? 33:01

7M ago33:01

33:01

We are enjoying an entire week of "What about? Wednesday"! Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrating and congratulating Robb…

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[Best of "What about? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about Allah? Is the Allah of Islam the same as the Jehovah of Judaism or the God of Christianity? 25:08

7M ago25:08

25:08

Wait...isn't it Tuesday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Tuesday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebratin…

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[Best of "What About? Wednesday"] Robby Lashua, Senior Pastor, Palmcroft Church: What about Luke 2:52? Is there an evolving Christology in the Gospels? 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

Wait...isn't it Monday? Why is there a "What about? Wednesday" episode on Monday? Robby Lashua is a long-time friend of Kingdom Culture Conversations and, in his role as an apologist with Stand to Reason, has served the students of Northwest Christian by answering their questions in these special Wednesday episodes. Now, however, we're celebrating …

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Tim Reed, Arizona Christian University: The GOAT Considers Key Strategies within Contemporary Youth Ministry 40:51

7M ago40:51

40:51

Tim Reed has had an impact. With over forty years of personal and professional investment in youth ministry and youth minister’s Reed’s influence in the state and beyond is considerable. Today, Tim and Geoff work through a recent article which critiques both the strengths and weaknesses in contemporary ministry. Does the GOAT agree? "Kingdom Cultur…

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[Worldview Contrasts] Stuart Delony of Snarky Faith: Ex-Pastor Addresses Perceived Inconsistencies within Evangelical Christianity 34:01

8M ago34:01

34:01

Stuart Delony is unabashedly snarky. In fact, you could call it his trademark. He's unapologetic. He's direct. He uses profanity. And, he is calling out the inconsistencies within Evangelical Christianity and the American church, distinctions between what Jesus called His church to do and what we actually do. He's also a former pastor from within E…

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Eunice Lenk, Bible X Games: Preparing to Launch the First Legit Bible-Based Video Game 29:07

8M ago29:07

29:07

Video games are huge. Approximately 3.26 billion people worldwide play video games. 89.5% of video game sales happen in the digital world. In 2022, gamers in the US spent $55.5 billion on games. But, prior to the advent of Bible X, it's been a domain largely avoided by Christendom. Why? But now, through one of the most successful video game develop…

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Scott MacIntyre, American Idol Contestant: What do the Blind See when they Dream? 33:02

8M ago33:02

33:02

Talk about awkward moments! Scott MacIntyre is formerly an American Idol hero contest - his amazing story of persisting through blindness to compete on one of the world's biggest stages is beyond inspiring! So, he's performing in chapel and as his performance ends, he opens the floor for questions. Could there have been a more awkward first questio…

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Joy Watson and Henrietta Jordan, Expatriate Education International: Experiencing the Impact of Christian Education within Inhospitable Nations Around the World 36:48

8M ago36:48

36:48

Don't even ask. Because we won't be able to tell you. Joy Watson and Henrietta Jordan are literally on the frontlines of Christian ed, in countries so inhospitable to Christianity they cannot be mentioned on the podcast. But, although we won't be able to assuage your curiosity, we can tell you that they stories they relay regarding the transformati…

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The Neuroscience of Religious Experience - Jeremy Teissere 59:28

8M ago59:28

59:28

In this episode we explore the fascinating world of neuroscience with Dr. Jeremy Teissere, Stanley Road Professor of Neuroscience at Muhlenberg College, who introduces us to the discipline's key questions and recent developments. Then, we turn to the enduring legacy of William James, the early 20th century thinker at the intersection of psychology,…

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John Spooner, Youth Pastor, Pure Heart Church: Counting Down the Top Ministry Trends within 2025 through the Lens of Youth Ministry (Part Two) 35:30

8M ago35:30

35:30

Lifeway Research, the marketing and data arm of Lifeway Publishers, has just published what they have identified as the top trends - both good and bad - in ministry within 2025. The list is very interesting but it becomes even more interesting when we consider it through the eyes of one of the valley's most dominant youth pastors, John Spooner from…

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John Spooner, Youth Pastor, Pure Heart Church: Counting Down the Top Ministry Trends within 2025 through the Lens of Youth Ministry (Part One) 40:07

8M ago40:07

40:07

Lifeway Research, the marketing and data arm of Lifeway Publishers, has just published what they have identified as the top trends - both good and bad - in ministry within 2025. The list is very interesting but it becomes even more interesting when we consider it through the eyes of one of the valley's most dominant youth pastors, John Spooner from…

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Johnathon Tews, Youth Pastor, Open Door Fellowship: Have You Taken the Steps to Insure that You Are Ready for the Hard Season? 27:25

9M ago27:25

27:25

Today, G has the chance to get real with Johnathon Tews, the youth pastor from his own church, Open Door Fellowship. As you listen, you'll hear how the conversation gets very real, very fast - the product of two men who know each other and are in the same work of ministering to students, invested in the same community of believers. This Kingdom Cul…

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Cast Members from I Witness, Season 2, "Silent Night": Reflecting on the Viral Podcast-based Audio Drama, I Witness, and a Look Forward to Season 3 26:16

9M ago26:16

26:16

Viral. Really? Yes, really. This past Christmas season, I Witness, the podcast-based audio drama featuring the voices of Northwest Christian students and staff, entered the Apple Podcasts charts in the top 200 for all podcasts and broke into the top 50 "Arts" podcast charts. Today, we have the chance to sit with both I Witness newbies and returning…

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Religion, Health, and Community - Ulysses Burley 46:57

9M ago46:57

46:57

In this episode of ReligionWise we sit down with Ulysses Burley, founder of UBtheCure, a consulting company that describes itself as being at the "intersection of Faith, Health, and Human Rights." A trained physician turned social activist, Dr. Burley is interested in the role and responsibility of communities to play a part in public health and ou…

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Sean Donnelly and Theresa Anderson, St. Vincent de Paul: St.VdP Leaders Reflect on their Journeys and the Intersection with Homelessness 31:15

9M ago31:15

31:15

"Community engagement" might be bit of an understatement. Sean and Theresa lead the charge at St. Vincent de Paul - one of the nation's premiere ministries working to minister to the poor and homeless - in terms of pulling volunteers and donors into the mission. Their job titles each involve the words "community engagement". But, those simple and b…

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Dawna Underwood and Teri Beckner: A First-Hand Account of the Transformational Power of Christian Education in Rwanda (Part Two) 39:41

9M ago39:41

39:41

The City of Joy Christian School in Rwanda is an anomaly. Set in rural Africa, within a country ravaged by genocide, and serving students with little or no resources, you would not expect what is, in fact, happening. Students are thriving, learning, and growing. Scores on national tests are not just exceeding the average, they are running in the to…

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Dawna Underwood and Teri Beckner: A First-Hand Account of the Transformational Power of Christian Education in Rwanda (Part One) 27:02

10M ago27:02

27:02

The City of Joy Christian School in Rwanda is an anomaly. Set in rural Africa, within a country ravaged by genocide, and serving students with little or no resources, you would not expect what is, in fact, happening. Students are thriving, learning, and growing. Scores on national tests are not just exceeding the average, they are running in the to…

Institute For Religious And Cultural Understanding Podcasts