#397 How to Practice Radical Kindness in an Us Vs. Them World with Pastor Terry Crist

Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?

My guest this week is Terry Crist. He is the co-lead pastor of City of Grace in Phoenix, alongside his wife, Judith. As a fifth-generation pastor, Terry is dedicated to community transformation and advocates for adoption and foster care through his involvement in state government.

Outside of his pastoral duties, he's a passionate outdoorsman, a skilled communicator, and has shared the gospel in 65 countries. Terry and Judith have three married sons and three grandkids, and their family is dedicated to spreading the good news of Jesus.

Terry’s new book, Loving Samaritans: Radical Kindness In An Us VS. Them World, explores the transformative power of radical kindness. I am so excited to dig into the meat of his book with him today and talk about how even the smallest acts of kindness can pave the way for deeper connections and understanding.

I know you’re going to love this one!

2:43 – Terry 101

Raised as a church kid Falling in love with ministry Planting 3 churches

6:38 – Faith In The Everyday World

Why Terry felt called to write this book The significant polarization and division in today's world Feeling a call to live more intentionally on mission

13:02 – The Woman At The Well

The significance of this story Jesus’ radical inclusivity Jesus' reconciliation and healing What is truth?

26:30 – Living On Mission Anywhere

Jesus became a neighborhood kid The distinction between hospitality and fellowship Being hospitable to people outside the church Jesus’ model of loving people

38:15 – Walking In Love

Looking for traces of grace every day Walking through the day with eyes open Identifying everyone we meet as a neighbor Understanding God’s love in order to love others well

FEATURED QUOTES

“I think all people have some fundamental things in common. We all want the best for ourselves and our family, we all want to be seen, we want to be heard, we want to be loved, we want to be valued, we want to be known.”

“All people are worthy of being heard. All people are worthy of hearing the truth without insult, and all people are worthy of unconditional love. Even if they don't accept our gospel, we can and should still give them our love, in the hopes that they do receive our gospel.”

“We don't need to assume that we don't have strangers around us, because we do, even in the smallest of towns. Hospitality is really opening our doors to them, just as Jesus did to us.”

“Loving people unconditionally, with strength, faithfully, enduringly, blessing our enemies, being compassionate to those who are in need, welcoming strangers- these are the practices of the gospel.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OR LINKS THAT NEED TO BE INCLUDED IN POST

Learn more about Terry:

https://www.terrycrist.com/

Get your copy of Loving Samaritans

https://www.zondervan.com/p/loving-samaritans/

Terry on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/terrycrist

Terry on X

https://x.com/terrycrist

City of Grace Church

https://www.cityofgrace.com/

The Chosen Woman At The Well Scene

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ordhsDeAt60

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About Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder?

Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast is a weekly podcast where we have honest conversations about faith, business, life, and everything in between. Hosted by speaker and author, Molly Stillman, her mission is to make you laugh, cry, and laugh till you cry. She wants to create a community of people who are unafraid to be themselves and have honest conversations about the things that matter most. Her vision is to create a safe space for people to explore their faith and share their stories and gifts with the world.