Faith Under Review: A Conversation with Rev. Jonathan Fisher on the DoD Decision and Its Impact

Faith Under Review: A Conversation with Rev. Jonathan Fisher on the DoD Decision and Its Impact

n this powerful episode of Living In The Spirit, host Sharyn responds to the recent and deeply troubling announcement that the Department of Defense has removed the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from its list of approved religious services. Sharyn shares her personal reaction, shaped by her own journey through chaplaincy, VA residency, and board certification, and reflects on the profound pastoral weight this decision places on chaplains serving across military and institutional settings. To help us understand what this means for Disciples chaplains, their ministries, and the future of religious support within the armed forces, we welcome Rev. Jonathan Fisher, the Chaplain Endorser for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Rev. Fisher offers clarity, context, and spiritual grounding as he walks us through the implications of this decision and the advocacy efforts now underway. This conversation is essential for anyone connected to chaplaincy, military service, or the Disciples of Christ community — and for all who care about religious freedom, pastoral care, and the spiritual well‑being of those who serve

When Institutions Shift

In this episode of Living in the Spirit, we dive into a moment shaking faith communities across the nation: the Department of Defense’s recent removal of an approved religious organization from its list of recognized faith groups. This isn’t just a policy update — it’s a spiritual crossroads. What happens when an earthly institution shifts its stance on a faith community? How do believers stay grounded when recognition is withdrawn? Where is God when systems change, identities feel threatened, and uncertainty rises? Join us as we explore: * What the DOD decision actually means for chaplains, service members, and faith communities * Why institutional recognition is not the same as spiritual legitimacy * How the early Church thrived without official approval * What believers can do to stay rooted, informed, and spiritually resilient * Where hope, clarity, and courage emerge in seasons of institutional change This episode offers wisdom without fear, truth without panic, and hope without denial. If you or someone you know has been affected by this decision, this conversation will bring grounding, perspective, and spiritual strength. Stay Connected Subscribe for more Spirit‑led conversations on faith, culture, and the challenges shaping today’s Church.

Untangling the Church: Faith Beyond Political Enmeshment

n this episode of Living In The Spirit, Apostle Sharyn Cosby uncovers what it truly means for the Church to carry a prophetic voice in the kingdom of this world. We explore how believers can stay Kingdom‑anchored, Spirit‑led, and biblically grounded in a culture shaped by noise, polarization, and competing loyalties. This teaching calls the Church back to clarity, courage, holiness, and distinction — not echoing the world, but sounding like heaven. Topics include: • The difference between prophetic voice and political noise • How the Church loses its voice in cultural entanglement • What Scripture teaches about Kingdom identity • How believers can stay faithful in a polarized age • Why the world needs a Spirit‑filled, prophetic Church now more than ever If you’re hungry for clarity, longing for spiritual grounding, and ready to rise above the chaos, this message is for you.

"Beyond Apology: The Church, Slavery & The Call to Repair”

“Beyond Apology: The Church, Slavery & The Call to Repair” In this powerful episode of Living In The Spirit, Apostle Sharyn Cosby responds to Pope Leo XIV’s apology for the Catholic Church’s historical role in legitimizing slavery—and asks the deeper question: What does true repentance require from the entire Body of Christ? This conversation goes beyond headlines and dives into the spiritual, historical, and moral responsibility of the Church—especially mainline Protestant denominations—to confront their own complicity, tell the truth, and participate in real repair. Apostle Cosby explores: * Why apologies—though important—are not enough * How slavery’s legacy continues through modern systems * What repentance looks like when the wound is generational * What the Church must do in today’s polarized political climate * How believers can walk in truth, justice, and the power of the Holy Spirit This episode is a call to courage, clarity, and Spirit-led action. It’s a call to truth-telling, reparative justice, and prophetic witness in a nation wrestling with its past and its future. Tap into deeper themes: * repentance * church and slavery history * reparative justice * Holy Spirit and justice Subscribe for more Spirit-led teaching, prophetic insight, and conversations that help you live boldly in Christ.

Almost Let Go

“I Almost Let Go!” In this deeply personal and prophetic episode of Living In The Spirit, Apostle Sharyn Cosby opens her heart and shares the real story behind the title: “I Almost Let Go.” From ministering in the streets with the marginalized… to serving under Bishop Carlton Pearson at Higher Dimensions… to being ordained through the Azusa Fellowship and later affirmed by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)… to planting a church and building a justice‑driven ministry… to launching the Oklahoma Family Empowerment Center and fighting systemic inequities… — this episode chronicles the joys, battles, betrayals, breakthroughs, and divine interventions that shaped her journey. Apostle Cosby shares how she faced: • Spiritual warfare • Gender bias in ministry • Denominational politics • Attacks on her calling • Threats for serving the unhoused • The arson of OFEC during the pandemic • Attempts to destroy the rebuilding efforts And yet — God kept her. This episode is not just her story… It’s your story too. A reminder that even when you feel weary in the well‑doing, God holds you, strengthens you, and ensures that ultimately — you win. Stay to the end for a powerful prophetic prayer spoken over every listener. 👉 If you’ve ever been on the edge of letting go, this episode will breathe life back into your spirit.