Brian Zahnd is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Brian is a passionate reader of theology and philosophy, an avid hiker and mountain climber, and an authority on all things Bob Dylan. Brian is the author of several books, including Beauty Will Save the World, A Farewell To Mars, Water To Wine, Sinners In Th…

TW // This episode contains conversations about sexual assault, gender-based violence, rape culture, and/or other violence that can be emotionally triggering to some individuals. Danielle Tumminio-Hansen is a writer, three-time Ivy League graduate, theologian, and faith leader with twenty years of experience as a public intellectual. She routinely …

Ally Henny is the author of I Won’t Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. She is a writer, speaker, advocate-minister, and vice president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective–an organization committed to encouraging, engaging, and empowering Black Christians toward liberation from racism. Ally completed her Master…

This week we welcome Dr Jonathan C Augustine. Dr Augustine serves as senior pastor of St. Joseph AME Church, in Durham, NC. He is an accomplished author, respected academic leader, and nationally recognized social justice advocate who speaks for the equality of all human beings. Dr Augustine’s most recent books are When Prophets Preach: Leadership …

we are excited to welcome spiritual director, retreat leader, and internationally known speaker and teacher on mystical spirituality and contemplative living — CARL MCCOLMAN He is the author of many books, including The New Big Book of Christian Mysticism, Eternal Heart: The Mystical Path to a Joyful Life, and Unteachable Lessons: Why Wisdom Can’t …

today we are excited to welcome one of the preeminent Theologians of our time - KWOK PUI-LAN Dr Kwok Pui Lan is the Dean’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology. Has taught at Episcopal Divinity School, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Auburn Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, and Yale Divinity School. He…

Today we are excited to welcome Matthew Thiessen to the podcast - Matthew is an associate professor of religious studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. He is the award-winning author of numerous books, including - Paul and the Gentile Problem - Jesus and the Forces of Death - Contesting Conversion: Genealogy, Circumcision, and Identit…

Andrew Whitehead is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Director of the Association of Religion Data Archives at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture. Andrew Whitehead is one of the foremost scholars of Christian nationalism in the United States. He is the lead author of Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in…

Jonathan Eig is the bestselling author of six books. His most recent King: A Life, was An Instant New York Times Bestseller, A Barack Obama Summer 2023 Read and was Hailed by The New York Times as "the definitive" account of MLK's life Jonathan's previous book, Ali: A Life, won a 2018 PEN America Literary Award and was a finalist for the Mark Lynto…

Dr. Sarah Jean Barton is a theologian and occupational therapist with a Doctor of Theology degree from Duke Divinity School. She completed her occupational therapy training at Boston University. Her research interests include theology and disability, research in collaboration with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, bioethics, …

We kick off season 9 by welcoming back Philip Yancey. Having authored over 25 books, in which he has wrestled with God, with the Church, and with fellow believers, Philip Yancey has sold more than 17 million copies in English, and his books have been translated into 40 languages worldwide. Philip’s bestselling titles include: - What’s So Amazing Ab…

On this episode, we welcome back retired priest and author John Marsh. On his third visit, we discuss his book STRANGERS AT THE DOOR: PERHAPS THE REIGN OF GOD. https://www.amazon.com/Strangers-At-Door-Perhaps-reign/dp/B0BFVCNJHT This podcast was recorded on March 31st, 2023.Oleh The Vicars' Crossing

On this episode, we welcome Patty Krawec. Patty is an Anishinaabe and Ukrainian writer from Lac Seul First Nation. She is the cohost of the Medicine for the Resistance podcast and cofounder of the Nii’kinaaganaa Foundation, which collects funds and disperses them to Indigenous people and organizations. Her work has been published in Sojourners and …

In this episode, we welcome back speaker, writer, public theologian, and immigrant advocate, Karen González. Karen immigrated to the US from Guatemala as a child. She knows all too well what newcomers to a country face. When she was last with us we talked about her book -The God Who Sees -which chronicled her experience as an immigrant. Karen’s sec…

Sumaiya Matin is a writer, part-time social worker/psychotherapist, and strategic advisor for the Ontario government, working on a wide range of public policy files, including anti-racism. She lives in Toronto. Her book the Shaytān Bride is the true coming-of-age story of a girl navigating desire and faith. Through her journey into adulthood, she b…

Today we welcome Lerita Coleman Brown. Lerita is a spiritual director/companion, author, retreat leader, and speaker. She promotes contemplative spirituality, the living wisdom of Howard Thurman, and uncovering the peace and joy in one’s heart on her website, leritacolemanbrown.com and other social media platforms. Her newest book is What Makes You…

On this episode, we welcome Lisa Deam - an author and speaker who uses art of the Christian past to illuminate modern faith. A former professor, she has a Ph.D. in medieval art history from the University of Chicago and was a Fulbright Fellow to Belgium. Lisa believes that medieval art has something to say to Christians in the 21st century and love…

Cecily Alexander is a dietician, a teacher, and a writer in London, Ontario. Her recently published memoir Immigration, Race and Survival: From Trinidad to Canada: Living in Parallel Worlds will help you to understand racism as you journey with her through her many experiences. Cecily has had a career as a dietitian for over forty years. She has a …

We are excited to welcome back Dr. Randy Woodley. Randy’s work addresses a variety of issues concerning American culture, faith, justice, race, our relationship with the earth, and Indigenous realities. He currently serves as Distinguished Professor of Faith and Culture at Portland Seminary, Portland Oregon. His expertise has been sought in nationa…

This week we welcome Marjorie J. Thompson. Marjorie is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church. She has served as director of the Pathways Center for Spiritual Leadership and as spiritual director of Companions in Christ, a program outgrowth of the Pathways initiative of Upper Room Ministries. Marjorie has exercised a ministry of teaching, …

Today we welcome Jonathan Merritt - one of America’s most popular writers on issues of faith and culture. He is the author of several critically-acclaimed books, including Learning to Speak God from Scratch: Why Sacred Words are Vanishing – and How We Can Revive Them, named “Book of the Year” by the Englewood Review of Books. Jonathan is an award-w…

Bob Smietana is an award-winning religion reporter and editor who has spent two decades producing breaking news, data journalism, investigative reporting, profiles, and features for magazines, newspapers, trade publications, and websites. Most notably, he has served as a senior writer for Facts & Trends, senior editor of Christianity Today, religio…

In this episode, we welcome The Reverend Dr. William H. Willimon. Dr. Willimon is a Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at the Divinity School, Duke University. He served eight years as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church, For twenty years prior to the episcopacy, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor…

https://www.kevinmnye.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI240WSPCCQ3IsZq-LfORwg Kevin has worked in homeless services and advocacy in Los Angeles, CA & Minneapolis, MN. Kevin writes on the intersections of theology, justice, equity, and pop culture. He was a contributing author for Theology and the Marvel Universe and is the founder of Theophan…

Today We welcome priest, writer, & speaker - Martha Tartanic. Her new book WHY GATHER: The Hope and Promise of the Church drops on June 14. In the midst of a global crisis, Martha found herself in a crisis of vocation, wondering whether or not there might be something else she could do with her life, other than serve the church. The church as a who…

In this episode we celebrate the release of Brian McLaren's latest Book Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned Brian talks candidly about how hard it is at times to stay Christian. Kevin and Rob, both senior clerics share there own frustrations and struggles over the years when the church has been har…

we are excited to welcome CLAYTON THOMAS-MULLER. Clayton is a member of the Treaty #6 based Mathias Colomb Cree Nation also known as Pukatawagan (poo- cot – a – wagon) located in Northern Manitoba. He is a campaigner for https://www.350.org, a global movement that's responding to the climate crisis. He has campaigned on behalf of Indigenous peoples…

https://www.communicateforchange.org/ As a journalist and TV presenter Genelle has worked for the BBC, ITN, MailOnline and now ITV in various roles including; online journalist, documentary producer, weather presenter and newsreader. After seven years of working in the media with several highlights including reporting live on the national BBC News …

The Vicars’ Crossing is excited to WELCOME Susie and Tony Troxler. Tony and Susie Troxler met in Greensboro, NC and married in March 2008. They’d planned to start a family a few years into their marriage, but it never happened: A few years turned into more than a decade and still no child. Believing in the faithfulness of God, they both continued t…

Today we are excited to be a part of the book launch for Dr Robyn Henderson Espinoza’s book - BODY BECOMING: A PATH TO OUR LIBERATION. The body that Robyn Henderson-Espinoza inhabits is a nonbinary body, a trans body, a body in two races--and a body continually in discovery. Theirs is also a body on sojourn invested in experience, body understandin…

Today we welcome New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lisa Miller - a professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Teachers College, Columbia University Dr. Miller is also the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held ov…

The Reverend Carol Howard Merritt is a minister whose writing, speaking, and teaching are anchored in theological wisdom and sociological insight. She’s a sought-after keynote speaker, especially on the topic of ministering in a new generation. She’s known for serving growing Presbyterian (USA) churches, especially those with a deep commitment to s…

Today we are excited to welcome Kirsten Powers. Kirsten is a New York Times bestselling author, USA Today columnist, and senior political analyst for CNN, where she appears regularly on Anderson Cooper 360, CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, and The Lead with Jake Tapper. Her writing has been published in The Washington Post, Elle, The Daily Beast, The Wa…

Today we welcome Melissa Florer-Bixler. Melissa is the pastor of Raleigh Mennonite Church and a graduate of Duke University and Princeton Theological Seminary. She spent times studying in Israel/Palestine, Kenya, and England. Much of her formation took place in the L'Arche community of Portland, OR. She is the chair of L'Arche North Carolina and a …

today we are excited to welcome SISTER BETTY MORRISSEY. Sister Betty is a Sister of Mercy in St John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. She’s had quite a life in her vocation, having served in Peru, taught all over the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and she’s been in Pastoral care at St Claire’s hospital now for 25 years. most recently she had bee…

Today we travel across the pond to the United Kingdom we welcome Bishop Andrew Ramsey, Bishop of Ramsbury. Bishop has a brand new book titled ENGLISH GROUNDS: A PASTORAL JOURNAL In this journal of short, lyrical reflections, bishop Andrew takes the reader on an exploration of faith, place and identity. Focusing on his home in Wiltshire, as he arriv…

The Rev. Dr. Randy Woodley is a public intellectual, author, activist, farmer, scholar, speaker, and wisdom keeper. He is a recognized leader in the fields of Indigenous and Intercultural Studies, Ecology, Spirituality, Race, Theology, and Missiology. Through his teaching and leadership, he invites Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to decoloniz…

Today we are excited to welcome Dr. Maureen O’Connell. Dr. O’Connell is Chair the Department of Religion at La Salle University in Philadelphia, where she is also an Associate Professor of Christian Ethics. She is an expert in the art of social justice, she’s an award-winning author and faithful member of POWER (Philadelphians Organizing to Witness…

Today is a BONUS EPISODE With so much division and disunity in our current climate, we offer this episode as a prayerful offering in hope for a better tomorrow. Today we welcome Brian Allain Brian founded and leads the team that produces “How to Heal Our Divides,” a project aimed at building awareness of voices and organizations that are taking rea…

Today we welcome The Rev. Dr. Danielle Tumminio Hansen. Dr. Tumminio Hansen joined the Candler School of Theology in 2021. Prior to arriving at Candler, she was assistant professor of pastoral theology and served as director of field education at Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas, where she taught courses on trauma, practical theology, and…

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States. As a follower of Jesus, Dr. King was tireless in his efforts to live a faithful witness in the public square. Today's episode is dedicated to his memory. Today we welcome lifelong social activist, Dr. Obery Hendricks. One of today's foremost commentators on the intersection of religion and polit…

In this episode, we welcome back to the podcast author, Pastor, hiker, and pilgrim Brian Zahnd. In this episode, we discussed his latest book… “When Everything is on fire; Faith Forged From The Ashes.” Sit back and enjoy the delightful conversation about Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Derita, the Camino, and the Kansas City Chiefs. This podcast was record…

Welcome to this BONUS EPISODE of the Vicars’ Crossing. This episode is being released on The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - December 12. Mary is the Patron Saint of Mexico and Patroness of the Americas. Every year, thousands of people from all over the country make a pilgrimage to the Basilica in Mexico City. The day commemorates the apparition o…

In this episode, we welcome Womanist biblical scholar, the Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas. She is the author of Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to Women of the Torah and of the Throne, numerous commentaries and co-editor of The Peoples’ Bible and The Peoples’ Companion to the Bible. S…

In this episode, we welcome associate professor of social ethics at Iliff School of Theology, Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre. A religious scholar, author, and ordained minister, De Le Torre was born in Cuba months before the Castro Revolution. He and his family migrated to the United States as refugees when he was an infant. He had a successful real est…

Today we are excited to release this advent special. We welcome friends of the Vicars’ Crossing, Bestselling authors Diana Butler Bass, and Michael Coren. Diana and Michael have both written books about Jesus this year. Dianna’s book FREEING JESUS - challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to…

In this episode we welcome Dr. Will Willimon - Bishop Willimon is the Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Duke Divinity School. He is former Dean of the Chapel at Duke University and is considered by many as one of America's best-known and most influential preachers. Professor of the Pra…

Today we talk with author, speaker and Lutheran pastor Heidi Neumark. Heidi has served congregations in the South Bronx and presently in Manhattan. Her experiences in congregational and community leadership in the Bronx led to a highly acclaimed book, "Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx" She has chapters and sermons in numerous…

In this episode, we welcome New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books - Frank Schaeffer. Frank is a survivor of both polio and an evangelical/fundamentalist childhood. He’s an acclaimed writer who overcame severe dyslexia, a home-schooled and self-taught documentary movie director, a feature film director of four low budget Holly…

We welcome internationally renowned scholar and teacher, Amy-Jill Levine. Dr Levine is the author of numerous books including “The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings,” “Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi,” She is also the coeditor of the Jewish Annotated New Testament. …