Ken Riley

Ken Riley

What does it mean to follow Jesus in a world shaped by racial division, injustice, and polarization? In this episode of Losing the Way, Preston Ulmer sits down with pastor, author, and ministry leader Ken Riley to explore how the gospel speaks directly to issues of race, justice, and reconciliation. Drawing from both Scripture and his own powerful lived experiences—including being falsely accused of attempted murder as a teenager—Ken shares why conversations about race are not merely political issues, but deeply spiritual ones. Together, they discuss the biblical vision of racial unity, the impact of systemic injustice, the role of the church in pursuing reconciliation, and practical ways followers of Jesus can choose people over politics, proximity over polarization, and relationship over rhetoric. Ken challenges listeners to move beyond silence and toward solidarity, reflecting the way Jesus entered into the pain and brokenness of humanity. This honest and hope-filled conversation invites us to examine where we've lost our way and discover how the teachings of Jesus can lead us toward healing, justice, and genuine unity.

Joy Qualls

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Joy Qualls explores the complex relationship between faith, authority, gender, and the church. Together, we examine how patriarchal structures have influenced biblical interpretation, why women's voices have often been sidelined, and what happens when we intentionally listen to perspectives from marginalized communities. Drawing from her own journey, Joy reflects on the importance of reclaiming a Jesus-centered faith marked by mutuality, humility, and compassion. She challenges listeners to consider how empathy, global perspectives, and diverse voices can deepen our understanding of God and expand the boundaries of who we believe God can speak through. From questions of spiritual authority to the healing power of community, this conversation invites us to discern truth with wisdom, embrace unexpected teachers, and rediscover the voice of Jesus beyond the limits of tradition and power.

David Gushee

In this conversation,Preston and David Gushee exploree the growing tension between defending Christianity and actually following the teachings of Jesus. Together, they unpack how culture wars, institutional priorities, and shifting values have shaped the modern church — and what it means to rediscover the radical, justice-centered way of Christ. From forgiveness and community to protecting the vulnerable and confronting injustice, this episode is a powerful call back to the heart of Jesus’ teachings and the kind of faith that transforms both people and culture.

Jake Smith

In this episode of Losing the Way, Preston Ulmer is joined by spiritual formation director Jake Smith for a conversation about the hidden metrics that have shaped modern Christianity. Together they explore how churches and leaders have slowly become formed by attendance, influence, growth, and success, and ask what happens when the numbers we celebrate begin discipling us more than Jesus himself. Drawing from years of ministry experience, Jake reflects on life both inside and outside traditional church leadership, while Preston wrestles with the pressures pastors and ministry leaders face in a culture obsessed with performance and measurable impact. This honest and thoughtful conversation invites listeners to reconsider what faithfulness really looks like and challenges us to return to the simple question: what if we started with Jesus and stayed there? Whether you’re leading in ministry, recovering from church hurt, or simply trying to rediscover the heart of your faith, this episode offers a hopeful and deeply formative conversation about losing the way in order to find it again.

Meredith Miller

What happens when the faith you inherited no longer fits the reality you’re living, especially when you’re responsible for passing it on to your kids? In this episode of Losing the Way, Preston Ulmer sits down with author and faith guide Meredith Miller to explore the tension many parents feel between the Christianity they grew up with and the one they hope their children experience. Together, they dive into the “invisible fine print” of faith certainty over curiosity, fear over love, and answers over honest questions and what it looks like to unlearn those patterns in real time. Meredith shares insights from her upcoming book Wonder, offering a fresh, life-giving approach to engaging Scripture with kids, one rooted in curiosity, imagination, and openness rather than rigid rules. The conversation gets personal as Preston wrestles with parenting decisions, from explaining difficult Bible passages to navigating youth group influences and redefining what faith practices look like at home. This episode is an honest, nuanced exploration of deconstruction, parenting, and the courage it takes to model a faith that’s still evolving. If you’ve ever wondered how to nurture a spirituality that’s resilient, compassionate, and big enough for questions this conversation is for you.