As we wrap up our season on Taming our Technologies: [Spiritual] Practices for a Digital Age, Ruth and Jay delve into the topic of technology’s impact on deep and creative work. They discuss the transformative impact of technology on creativity, productivity, and the ability to perform deep, meaningful work. Jay highlights the distinction between human creativity and artificial intelligence, and Ruth shares personal insights from her writing process, stressing the sacred and divine nature of creative endeavors. Thank you for journeying with us this season as we explored the realities of technology and its impact on various aspects of our lives.

In this episode, Ruth and returning guest Jay Kim explore the intersection of technology and community within the church. They discuss the nuances of digital and in-person church experiences, the impact of the pandemic on church attendance and engagement, and the idea that “digital informs and analog transforms.” As always, they end by offering questions to ponder this week as it pertains to technology and community.

This week, Ruth and Jay are joined by producer Colleen to discuss the challenges and strategies of parenting in the digital age. They discuss what they see as the pressing issues right now, how Jay and Colleen are navigating these pressures in their own families, and what Ruth experiences as a grandparent to young people. They also delve into practical advice for setting boundaries and expectations around technology use within families, explore the roles of empathy and community among parents, and consider the church’s potential in offering countercultural experiences. Over on Patreon the trio explores, practically, how to invite their families winsomely into a low-tech Sabbath practice.

In this episode, Ruth and Jay dive into the impact of digital technology on our attention spans and mental health. They reflect on personal experiences of technology’s pervasive influence and discuss the importance of reclaiming attention through spiritual practices. The conversation explores the implications of multitasking and the mental disorders associated with technology use, as well as how to steward one’s attention as a valuable gift from God.

This week, Ruth and Jay delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in our spiritual lives. They discuss the necessity of solitude, silence, and retreat for spiritual formation and explore how digital distractions can hinder these practices. Ruth shares her personal journey and insights into managing technology’s role in her spiritual practices, while Jay offers practical strategies for minimizing digital interruptions. They emphasize the importance of intentionality in creating sacred spaces free from technological distractions and offer thought-provoking questions to help listeners assess their relationship with technology and its impact on their spiritual life.

We’re back for Season 27, titled “Taming our Technologies: [Spiritual] Practices for a Digital Age.” This season we have a special co-host, pastor, author, and podcast host Jay Y. Kim! Jay will be joining Ruth all season long to explore the impact technology is having on our lives with God, our attention span, our parenting, our community, and our creativity. Jay and Ruth will wrestle with their own questions and wonderings about finding balance in using technology in good and helpful ways while also acknowledging its challenges. This season aims to be gracefully thought-provoking, practically helpful, and ultimately hopeful and encouraging. In order to dive right in to those big topics, Ruth and Jay are setting up the season with an introductory conversation we are calling “episode 0.” In this episode, Ruth and Jay dive into the topic of taming technology and its intersection with spiritual practices in a digital age. They discuss the complexities and emotional layers of technology’s role in spiritual formation, ministry, and personal well-being. Ruth shares her long-standing interest in the subject and how technology has transformed her ministry and personal life. Jay brings his experiences as a pastor in Silicon Valley and shares a touching story about technology’s impact on his own family life. Then the two do some definitional work around what exactly we mean by technology this season.

Hey all! We’re popping into your podcast feeds to share a peek at something we’re doing over on Patreon this summer! We’re calling it the Summer Poetry Fest. Each month Ruth shares a poem that has been particularly significant or meaningful to her life. She shares the context and how God used that poem or what it draws out in her. Then, Ruth offers some reflection questions for the listener to help them dive deeper into the poem and its meaning in their own lives. We conclude each episode with a reflective reading of the poem. These episodes are thoughtful and deep and are great touchpoints for your soul throughout the summer. Today we’re sharing a snippet from the May episode, which looked at the poem The Journey, by Mary Oliver.

In this special bonus episode Ruth converses with pastor, author, speaker and long time friend, John Ortberg about his new book ’Steps, A Guide to Transforming Your Life When Willpower Isn’t Enough.’ They explore the intersections between spiritual formation, transformation, and the powerful principles behind the 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). John shares his personal journey, insights on profound spiritual practices, and the importance of vulnerability and safety in transformational spaces. Their discussion delves into the crucial role of rigorous self-examination, authentic confession, and the deep, often painful, realization of powerlessness in achieving true spiritual transformation.

Christ is risen! Happy Easter Monday, friends. Once again, Ruth invites us to celebrate the Risen Jesus through five powerful post-resurrection encounters. These stories have been shared before, yet they continue to speak. As you listen, step into the story—imagine the wonder, the questions, the joy. May they draw you into His presence today.

In the final episode of season 26, we are sharing a poignant discussion with Ruth and  TC team member, Tina Harris. Tina shares her experience of tarrying as a communal and immersive practice deeply rooted in music, openness, and collective healing. Ruth and Tina explore various themes, including the confrontation of disappointment, doubt, disillusionment, and deconstruction within the tarrying process, and the transformative power of redemptive suffering. They also touch on the importance of lament in spiritual practice and the significance of embracing vulnerability, especially during Holy Week. At the end of this episode we encourage you to reflect deeply and engage fully in the practice of tarrying, to sit with your suffering in the presence of Jesus.

In this episode, Ruth engages in a profound conversation with Joy and David Bailey. Together, they delve into the themes from Dr. Selena Stone’s book ’Tarry Awhile,’ focusing on chapter six about healing. Joy and David share their extensive journey of dealing with Joy’s chronic health issues, exploring how it has shaped both their faith and community life. They discuss the complexities of suffering, the importance of community support, and how leaning into God’s presence has been vital in their ongoing struggle.

This week, Ruth welcomes artist and pastor Delwin Eiland to discuss the spiritual practice of tarrying. Delwin shares his experience as a worship leader, emphasizing the importance of silence and restraint in spiritual life. The episode delves into how communal tarrying can create space for deeper connection with God and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding these moments. Ruth and Delwin also discuss how silence can act as a form of resistance and sovereignty over one’s inner life. The episode concludes with a tarrying moment held by one of Delwin’s songs, titled ’Wait for You.’

Ruth is joined this week by Rasool Berry, teaching pastor and director of partnerships and content development at Our Daily Bread Ministries. They continue our conversations about tarrying, this time focusing on justice and the transformative nature of tarrying. Rasool shares his journey from a non-church upbringing to embracing faith, how tarrying helps him orient himself to God’s reality, and highlights the deep spiritual lessons learned through practices of waiting and quiet. The conversation underscores the importance of embodying the spirit of justice and the need for contemplative action in today’s disorienting world.

This week, Ruth and guest Reverend Dr. Phaedra Blocker are exploring chapter 3, “Movement,” of Selina Stone’s book Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black Spirituality for People of Faith. The two delve into the rich tradition of waiting on the Holy Spirit as taught in Black spirituality and its relevance for people of faith. They explore the significance of being aware of our contribution to others’ sense of belonging, the challenges of socioeconomic and physical mobility for Black communities, and the biblical narrative of Hagar as a lens for understanding agency and divine justice. The episode concludes with practical advice on active tarrying as self-examination and readiness to act on divine guidance.

In this episode, Ruth and special guest Reverend Dr. Prince Rivers discuss the second chapter of Selina Stone’s book, Tarry Awhile. Prince shares personal stories from his life and ministry. He explores his experience of “two-ness” as a child, straddling two different worlds and identities. Prince also sheds light on the profound impact of communal worship, the importance of acknowledging embodied experiences in faith, and how these practices serve as a source of dignity and healing for marginalized communities. The conversation highlights the synergy between pastor, musicians, and congregation in creating transformative worship experiences, emphasizing the importance of being attuned to the Spirit as a part of the practice of tarrying.

In this inaugural episode of season 26, Ruth sits down with Dr. Selina Stone, herself. Dr. Stone, a lecturer in theology and ethics at the University of Edinburgh, shares her journey and the inspiration behind her book. They discuss the profound concept of ’tarrying’ as a spiritual practice, its roots in Black Pentecostal traditions, and its significance in contemporary faith practices. Dr. Stone highlights the intersection of spirituality and social justice, the role of women in leading spiritual spaces, and the transformative power of waiting on the Holy Spirit. We conclude with a guided ’tarrying moment’ accompanied by the music of Julian Davis Reed, emphasizing reverent waiting in the presence of God during the Lenten season.

In this final episode of the season, we are joined by none other than the author of ’Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent’ herself, Enuma Okoro!! Enuma joins Charity, Colleen, and Jeff to share the inspirations behind her book, personal insights on faith, the significance of untold stories in the Bible, and the challenges of maintaining faith. Continuing with our Advent story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, they discuss the challenges and blessings of waiting on God’s “inconvenient timing.” The four also reflect on God’s presence in everyday life and the importance of recognizing divine manifestations in people and situations we least expect.

Charity, Jeff, and Colleen are joined this week by the Transforming Center’s ambassador and resident theologian, David Hughes. David brings a depth of wisdom and experience to this conversation. The four continue to explore the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, exploring the importance of finding safe spiritual companionship, the interplay between wilderness and community in spiritual growth, and the promises of hope and joy during Advent. They emphasize the need for vulnerability, acceptance, and spiritual community, whether within or beyond traditional church settings, to navigate transformative experiences.

Charity, Jeff, and Colleen are joined for the second week of Advent by the OG of the OGs, as far as the Transforming Center is concerned, Dalene Strieff! The episode explores the themes of waiting, barrenness, and spiritual practices, particularly silence. The conversation touches on personal experiences of loss, grief, community, and spiritual growth, reflecting on the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth. The four discuss the importance of spiritual practices, like silence, in cultivating a deeper connection with God and community during challenging times. They reflect on how these practices can help in navigating personal and communal seasons of barrenness and division.

In this first episode of the Advent season, Charity and Jeff are joined by podcast producer Colleen Powell to delve into the themes of grief, longing, and waiting during the Advent season. They explore insights from Enuma Okoro’s book ’Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent,’ spotlighting Elizabeth and Zachariah’s deep desires and unanswered prayers. The group also discusses the importance of maintaining faith amid turmoil, communal lament, and the transformative power of silence and spiritual practices.