Do you have phylacteries and long tassels (fancy cars, designer clothing and accessories, etc.) that you like to show off as a symbol of your status? Though there’s nothing wrong with having those things, how you display them, and for what reason, might matter. The same is true for your life as a disciple. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith as they discuss what Jesus had to say about those who choose status and power over humility and servanthood. No judgment here. Just honest...

Who are the “Saints” in your life? You know, the ones that have been a positive influence in your life. The ones who have modeled grace and generosity and unconditional love. In this special episode of Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith talk a bit about the importance of honoring those who have gone before us and remembering the impact they’ve had in our lives. But wait, being a disciple calls us to the same responsibility with regard to others. Where migh...

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again...the world is changing, and so is the way young seekers are thinking about life and faith. It can be hard to keep up with all the change and new perspectives. That’s why it’s important to have people like Humberto Tinsman, Emerging Generations Specialist for Community of Christ, who come to the table with a joy for ministry, a love for youth, and a willingness to listen and learn from the voices that need to be heard... our children, youth, ...

Would you rather ... stay home and read old children’s books, or go to Africa and face the realities of abject poverty? One might say they both have their pros and cons. In this What’s Brewing episode cross-post from Ministry for Dummies, hosts Jacob Ross and Humberto Tinsman talk about what they’ve been doing between episodes. Most of their conversation focuses on the lessons Jacob learned during his work trip to Kenya. It sounds like it’s not a trip for the faint of heart. Listen t...

Are you more like the judgmental Pharisee or the humble tax collector? This week on Coffee to Go, hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith dive into Jesus' challenge to those who regard others with contempt. Learn why self-righteousness is different from true righteousness and how to choose mercy. Listen to more episodes in the Coffee to Go series. Download Transcript Thanks for listening to Faith Unfiltered! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Intro and Outro music used with pe...

We all talk about trying to be inclusive and welcoming of all, but rarely do we make it our mission and driving force. Well, Laura Schlenker and her staff are doing their very best to live the inclusive dream at their camp for third through eighth graders, Camp Element. From music to food, to activities, to staff roles, creating a space, welcoming environment where every camper feels valued just the way they are is the primary focus. There is nothing they are not willing to do to make e...

The journey continues. In this second half of Robin Linkhart’s interview with Jordan Harmon, Jordan shares more about the dissonance that led him to explore other faiths, and his ultimate confirmation in Community of Christ. Jordan says he's still trying to figure out what it means to be “all in,” but he does know what it means to belong. For him, like for many...if not all... of us, trust and belonging are vital in a faith community. Listen to more Fair Trade episodes. Downlo...

An unjust judge and the persistent widow walk into the Gospel of Luke, and guess who gets served... well, that depends on your perspective. For hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith, the unjust judge got served (called out) and the persistent woman got served (blessed). As always, Jesus stands on the side of the oppressed and marginalized. True justice requires both prayer and action in a world where justice means being in harmony with God’s created order. Listen in this week and then take some t...

For anyone who has ever experienced a faith crisis or a faith transition, it’s good to know that you’re not alone. Here at Faith Unfiltered, we continue to hear stories that we find inspirational and encouraging. In this Fair Trade episode, you’ll hear the first part of Jordan Harmon’s faith journey. Listen carefully as he shares the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, and the ways in which his journey has strengthened him along the way... even when it didn’t feel good in the moment. Jor...

It all started with the pandemic which found many congregations gathered in virtual fellowship and worship, helping maintain community despite losses. And, for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls congregation, it didn’t end there. Instead, the entered into a discernment journey that led them to new and exciting adventures. With an emphasis on teamwork, communication, and leveraging their strengths, this congregation has found its new calling. Join host Robin Linkhart and the pastor team of the Wat...

More often than we’d probably like to admit, it’s an “outsider” who gets Jesus and his mission before we ... his disciples and followers ... we do. We’re the ones who are supposed to follow in his footsteps and do what he did, but too often we are more like his original disciples who kept getting tripped up by the “law” and miss the lesson behind it. Perhaps it’s time for us to spend less time worrying about who’s crossing our borders and thinking about what borders we need to cross in order ...

You are seen and you are known in all the good ways ... and, you are part of us. These are the “take away” words of Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith in this second part of their conversation with host, Blake Smith. If you find yourself – in the past, now, or in the future – in what you consider a time of crisis or doubt with regards to your faith journey, you are likely to find this conversation uplifting and encouraging ... not to change, but to recognize that there is a safe space for ...

Just because the Community of Christ has a statement on non-violence doesn’t mean the world is listening. But they may be watching. Non-violence has to be more than a statement. It has to be a way of life, and what better way to make it part of our lives than to start with spiritual practices. Minister Tyler Marz takes us through a meditation on nonviolence in this repost of a previous Awaken to God’s Presence. As Community of Christ journeys together toward Jesus, the peaceful On...

If you can’t take it with you, how will you spend it? That goes for time as well as money. Today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke challenges our willingness to be radical in how we use our “wealth.” How often do we consider the needs and welfare of others when determining how to use what we have? The rich man in the parable found in today’s scripture not only takes it with him, but expects to continue to be served even after his death. The cost ... well, you’ll just have to listen in. ...

Not everyone experiences faith in the same way. As a matter of fact, some find themselves in a crisis of faith, while others have decided to discard faith altogether... often because of a disconnect between what they were taught and what they have come to know. But what if doubt and questioning were a good thing? Is that even possible? Well, according to guests Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith, not only is it possible, it is often healthy and helpful as we navigate our spiritual jo...

How does one find hope in the midst of the suffering and evil that are present in our world? Why do we blame God when there are things we can do to make a difference? Join Carla, Tony and Charmaine as they discuss Liberation Theodicies’ answer to these questions and more ... and how their focus on Jesus’ understanding of systemic injustice calls us to move from theory to action. Recommended by Tony and Charmaine for further study: Why is There Suffering: Pick Your Own The...

Enough is enough! We can hesitate. We can procrastinate. We can make excuses. The reality is, like Jesus’ first disciples, we have what we need to get the job done. You know... the one we committed to when we became disciples ourselves. Join hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith for a look at today’s passage from the Gospel of Luke. See if you look at the scripture from a more pastoral perspective or from a more, dare we say, realistic perspective. Could it be that sometimes Jesus just wants to k...

Balancing family life and church responsibilities can be difficult anytime. Add in a a faith crisis and, well, you can imagine how difficult that might be. Blake is back with Jeff Toone for part two of his story, and things only get worse before they get better. Jeff's faith crisis intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant shift in his beliefs. He and his family found a new community in the Community of Christ, appreciating its inclusivity and support. Hear about Jeff...

The journey is different for everyone. In this episode of Fair Trade, guest Jeff Tune shares his faith journey, starting from his upbringing in the LDS church in Utah. He describes his teenage rebellion, his decision to join the Coast Guard instead of going on a mission, and his experiences in nature that have changed his understanding of the importance of the environment. Jeff recounts his reconnection with his faith, his ordination as an elder, and his marriage to Jennifer. One thing is for...

How do we use our skills and resources for "Kingdom purposes?" This week on "Coffee to Go," we're talking about money, blessing, and the political implications of the Gospel with two challenging parables from the book of Luke. The discussion centers on the themes of financial stewardship, social justice, and radical discipleship. Blake and Karin question the notion that financial success is a divine blessing, instead suggesting that true blessings lie in using one's skills and resources for "...