Let's Talk About Why

Why the Church Must Care About Refugees & Immigrants with John Mark Bowers

In this episode, host, Tara Zimmer talks with John Mark Bowers of World Relief about the Church’s role in immigration and refugee resettlement, debunking myths, and sharing how Christians can respond with compassion and truth. . . . . . . Explore these helpful tools, trainings, and insights to learn more about immigration, refugee support, and how your church can get involved: World Relief Resources: * Churches of Welcome Join a national network of churches committed to creating communities of welcome.  https://worldrelief.org/churches-of-welcome [https://worldrelief.org/churches-of-welcome] * Church Resource Hub Free sermon outlines and teaching tools on immigration issues: www.worldrelief.org/church-hub [http://www.worldrelief.org/church-hub] * Online Courses on Immigration & RefugeesLearn the difference between refugee, asylum seeker, and other immigrant statuses, and the Church can respond.  https://worldrelief.org/theworkshop [https://worldrelief.org/theworkshop]   Other Resources: * Evangelical Immigration TableFaith-based advocacy for just and compassionate immigration reform.  https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com [https://evangelicalimmigrationtable.com/] * HHS Refugee Economic Impact StudyFor understanding the long-term economic contributions of refugees.  https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/3dd52e6be9abfa2b7462be0fb3a9c81f/aspe-brief-refugee-fiscal-impact-study.pdf [https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/3dd52e6be9abfa2b7462be0fb3a9c81f/aspe-brief-refugee-fiscal-impact-study.pdf]   . . . . . . Thank you to our partners: Active Skin Repair – My go to product for everything from sunburn, to acne, to blisters, and more. Visit ⁠⁠https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER⁠⁠ [https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER] Aloha! - For 10% off your first order use code TARA-ZIMMER - My favorite clean ingredient protein bars Visit ⁠⁠aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy⁠⁠ [http://www.aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy] for 20% off your first order  . . . . . . . Connect with John Mark Bowers IG: @jmarkbowers [https://www.instagram.com/jmarkbowers/] Connect with Tara IG: ⁠⁠@TaraCZimmer⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/taraczimmer] ⁠⁠Facebook.com/taraczimmer⁠⁠ [https://facebook.com/taraczimmer] ⁠⁠tarazimmer.com⁠⁠ [https://tarazimmer.com/] Sign up for Tara’s email newsletter and receive a 5 day devotional ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ [http://tarazimmer.com/]   . . . . . . . Other topics covered in this episode: Immigration and the Church, refugee crisis, faith and immigration, welcoming refugees, Christian response to immigration, what does the Bible say about immigrants, World Relief, John Mark Bowers, Churches of Welcome, Christian podcast on immigration, Christian Podcast, Church, Discipleship, Faith, Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, Growth, Books, Fear, Bible, Christianity. . . . . . . .   Let’s Talk About Why Podcast | Faith, Purpose & Critical Thinking Are you ready to discover deeper purpose, strengthen your faith, and further cultivate critical thinking skills? Let’s Talk About Why is a podcast that dives into the big questions of faith, theology, and culture, helping you build a strong foundation in what you believe and why. Join host Tara Zimmer, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and strategic leader, as she engages in thoughtful conversations on Christianity, deconstruction, reconstruction, church leadership, and navigating faith and life in today’s world. 🎙️ Topics we explore include: ✔️ Tackling tough theological questions with biblical truth ✔️ Faith and culture: How should Christians engage with today’s issues? ✔️ Identity & calling: Understanding God’s purpose for your life ✔️ Deconstructing & reconstructing faith in a healthy, biblical way Whether you're questioning, growing, or leading, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we seek wisdom, truth, and a faith that endures. 🔔 New episodes every 2nd & 4th Tuesday

Grief, Faith, and Questioning God: What the Bible Really Says

Why It’s Okay to Question God: What the Bible Says About Grief and Faith Episode Description / Show Notes: In this vulnerable episode of Let's Talk About Why, I’m stepping away from our scheduled conversation to share something deeply personal. After experiencing several major losses over the past two years, I’ve found myself wrestling with deep grief and big questions. Today, we’re talking about why questioning God in seasons of grief is not a sign of weak faith, but an invitation into deeper relationship. Together, we’ll look at Scripture and see how Job, David, and even Jesus asked hard, honest questions, and how God met them with compassion, not condemnation. If you’re grieving, struggling, or sitting in a season of unanswered prayers, I pray this episode reminds you: You are not alone. Your faith is not weak. And God is closer than you think, ven when the questions feel bigger than the answers. Scriptures referenced: * Job 3:11; Job 19:7 * Psalm 13:1–2 * Matthew 27:46 * Psalm 34:18 . . . . . .   Thank you to our partners: Active Skin Repair – My go to product for everything from sunburn, to acne, to blisters, and more. Visit ⁠⁠https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER⁠⁠ [https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER] Aloha! - For 10% off your first order use code TARA-ZIMMER - My favorite clean ingredient protein bars Visit ⁠⁠aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy⁠⁠ [http://www.aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy] for 20% off your first order      . . . . . . . Connect with Tara IG: ⁠⁠@TaraCZimmer⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/taraczimmer] ⁠⁠Facebook.com/taraczimmer⁠⁠ [https://facebook.com/taraczimmer] ⁠⁠tarazimmer.com⁠⁠ [https://tarazimmer.com/] Sign up for Tara’s email newsletter and receive a 5 day devotional ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠ [http://tarazimmer.com/]   . . . . . . .   Other topics covered in this episode: Grief, Loss, Depression, Anger, Stages of Grief, Job Loss, Infertility, Death, Friendship Loss, Jesus, Moving, Discomfort, Christian Podcast, Church, Discipleship, Faith, Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, Growth, Books, Fear, Bible, Christianity,  . . . . . . .   Let’s Talk About Why Podcast | Faith, Purpose & Critical Thinking Are you ready to discover deeper purpose, strengthen your faith, and further cultivate critical thinking skills? Let’s Talk About Why is a podcast that dives into the big questions of faith, theology, and culture, helping you build a strong foundation in what you believe and why. Join host Tara Zimmer, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and strategic leader, as she engages in thoughtful conversations on Christianity, deconstruction, reconstruction, church leadership, and navigating faith and life in today’s world. 🎙️ Topics we explore include: ✔️ Tackling tough theological questions with biblical truth ✔️ Faith and culture: How should Christians engage with today’s issues? ✔️ Identity & calling: Understanding God’s purpose for your life ✔️ Deconstructing & reconstructing faith in a healthy, biblical way Whether you're questioning, growing, or leading, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we seek wisdom, truth, and a faith that endures. 🔔 New episodes every 2nd & 4th Tuesday #LetsTalkAboutWhy #ChristianFaith #FaithInAction #LoveYourNeighbor #ChurchAndCulture  #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndCulture #Theology #Deconstruction #Reconstruction #ChristianLeadership #CriticalThinking #DiscoverPurpose #GriefAndFaith #QuestioningGod #ChristianGrief #FaithInHardTimes #LetsTalkAboutWhy #BiblicalGrief #GodInTheGrief #ChristianPodcast #FaithAfterLoss #HopeInGrief

What the Bible Says About Immigrants and Refugees—and Why It Matters

In this solo episode, Tara takes a compassionate and honest look at what the Bible says about immigrants, refugees, and the Church’s response. Without diving into policy or politics, this conversation focuses on people and the heart of Christ toward the vulnerable and displaced. You’ll walk away with a fresh perspective, a challenge to align your heart with Scripture, and a renewed understanding of what it means to love your neighbor in a culture of division. This is a call to see like Jesus sees, to love like He loves, and to live a gospel that welcomes the stranger. 🔑 In This Episode, We Explore: * Why Jesus being a refugee matters for how we see displaced people * A rapid-fire look at biblical stories of immigrants, exiles, and outsiders * The Samaritan as a model for gospel-centered compassion * How Christian nationalism distorts biblical love * Encouragement for those who want to do something but don’t know where to start 📖 Scripture References: * Matthew 2:13–15 (Jesus as a refugee) * Deuteronomy 10:19 (love for the foreigner) * Luke 10:25–37 (The Good Samaritan) * Hebrews 13:2 (hospitality to strangers) . . . . . .   Thank you to our partners: Active Skin Repair – My go to product for everything from sunburn, to acne, to blisters, and more. Visit ⁠https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER⁠ [https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER] Aloha! - For 10% off your first order use code TARA-ZIMMER - My favorite clean ingredient protein bars Visit ⁠aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy⁠ [http://www.aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy] for 20% off your first order      . . . . . . . Connect with Tara IG: ⁠@TaraCZimmer⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/taraczimmer] ⁠Facebook.com/taraczimmer⁠ [https://facebook.com/taraczimmer] ⁠tarazimmer.com⁠ [https://tarazimmer.com/] Sign up for Tara’s email newsletter and receive a 5 day devotional ⁠HERE⁠ [http://tarazimmer.com/]   . . . . . . .   Other topics covered in this episode: Immigration, Justice, Hospitality, Culture, Loving Your Neighbor, Compassion, Refugees, Illegal Immigration, Christian Nationalism, Jesus, Moving, Discomfort, Church Leadership, Christian Podcast, Church, Discipleship, Faith, Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, Baptist Women in Ministry, Growth, Books, Fear, Bible, Christianity,  . . . . . . .   Let’s Talk About Why Podcast | Faith, Purpose & Critical Thinking Are you ready to discover deeper purpose, strengthen your faith, and further cultivate critical thinking skills? Let’s Talk About Why is a podcast that dives into the big questions of faith, theology, and culture, helping you build a strong foundation in what you believe and why. Join host Tara Zimmer, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and strategic leader, as she engages in thoughtful conversations on Christianity, deconstruction, reconstruction, church leadership, and navigating faith and life in today’s world. 🎙️ Topics we explore include: ✔️ Tackling tough theological questions with biblical truth ✔️ Faith and culture: How should Christians engage with today’s issues? ✔️ Identity & calling: Understanding God’s purpose for your life ✔️ Deconstructing & reconstructing faith in a healthy, biblical way Whether you're questioning, growing, or leading, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we seek wisdom, truth, and a faith that endures. 🔔 New episodes every 2nd & 4th Tuesday #LetsTalkAboutWhy #ChristianFaith #BiblicalJustice #RefugeesWelcome #ImmigrantsAreImageBearers #HospitalityMatters #FaithInAction #LoveYourNeighbor #ChurchAndCulture #KingdomOverCountry #JesusWasARefugee #WorldRelief #GospelCompassion #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndCulture #Theology #Deconstruction #Reconstruction #ChristianLeadership #CriticalThinking #DiscoverPurpose

Women in Ministry: Leadership, Calling, and Overcoming Barriers with Angela Buckland

Can women lead in the church? What does the Bible say about women in ministry?  In this episode of Let’s Talk About Why, I sit down with Angela Buckland, Discipleship Director at Bethlehem Church and host of the Beyond Sunday podcast, to talk about women in vocational ministry and church leadership, navigating calling, and overcoming barriers. We discuss: ✅ Angela’s journey into ministry ✅ The importance of seeing women in leadership and the role of spiritual mothers ✅ Paul’s real stance on women in ministry (hint: he equipped them!) ✅ Balancing calling, family, and expectations in different seasons of life Whether you’re a woman wrestling with your call to ministry or a leader looking to equip and empower others, this conversation is for you! As you listen to this episode, and all episodes of Let's Talk About Why, my hope is that it will help you, discover deeper purpose, strengthen your faith, and further cultivate critical thinking skills. Angela has been a disciple of Jesus for 29 years. Wife to Ren for 26 years. Mom of four teens/young adults. Discipleship Director at Bethlehem Church. Podcast host of Beyond Sunday at Bethlehem Church. Seminary student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  . . . . . . .   Thank you to our partners: Active Skin Repair – My go to product for everything from sunburn, to acne, to blisters, and more. Visit ⁠https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER⁠ [https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER] Aloha! - For 10% off your first order use code TARA-ZIMMER - My favorite clean ingredient protein bars Visit ⁠aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy⁠ [http://www.aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy] For 20% off your first order use code letstalkaboutwhy.     . . . . . . . Connect with Angela Instagram: instagram.com/angelabuckland [http://instagram.com/angelabuckland]  Website:  http://angelabuckland.com [http://angelabuckland.com]  Email: Angela@bethlemchurch.us [Angela@bethlemchurch.us]  Podcast: Beyond Sunday  [https://podcasts.apple.com/br/podcast/beyond-sunday-at-bethlehem-church/id1522914107] Connect with Tara IG: ⁠@TaraCZimmer⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/taraczimmer] ⁠Facebook.com/taraczimmer⁠ [https://facebook.com/taraczimmer] ⁠tarazimmer.com⁠ [https://tarazimmer.com/] Sign up for Tara’s email newsletter and receive a 5 day devotional ⁠HERE⁠ [http://tarazimmer.com/]   . . . . . . .   Other topics covered in this episode: We discussed the Book of Belonging by Mariko Clark in this episode. We do not earn commission from this link, we are simply sharing as a resource for others. You can find the book and more information about the author and illustrator at https://www.thebookofbelonging.com/ [https://www.thebookofbelonging.com/] Women in Ministry, Church Leadership, Biblical Womanhood, Biblical Women Leaders, Apostle Paul, Calling and Purpose, Women Who Lead, Christian Podcast, Church, Discipleship, Faith, Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, Souther Baptist Convention, Baptist Women in Ministry, Growth, Assemblies of God, Books, Fear, Bible, Christianity,  . . . . . . .   Let’s Talk About Why Podcast | Faith, Purpose & Critical Thinking Are you ready to discover deeper purpose, strengthen your faith, and further cultivate critical thinking skills? Let’s Talk About Why is a podcast that dives into the big questions of faith, theology, and culture, helping you build a strong foundation in what you believe and why. Join host Tara Zimmer, an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and strategic leader, as she engages in thoughtful conversations on Christianity, deconstruction, reconstruction, church leadership, and navigating faith and life in today’s world. 🎙️ Topics we explore include: ✔️ Tackling tough theological questions with biblical truth ✔️ Faith and culture: How should Christians engage with today’s issues? ✔️ Identity & calling: Understanding God’s purpose for your life ✔️ Deconstructing & reconstructing faith in a healthy, biblical way Whether you're questioning, growing, or leading, this podcast is for you. Subscribe now and join the conversation as we seek wisdom, truth, and a faith that endures. 🔔 New episodes every 2nd & 4th Tuesday #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndCulture #Theology #Deconstruction #ChristianLeadership #CriticalThinking #DiscoverPurpose

What If I Want You to Be the Pastor? Answering God's Call as a Woman in Ministry

In this episode Tara shares the story of her call to ministry and some practical steps to take to question your beliefs, if you don't agree with women being in ministry, as well as some encouragement for those who are called to ministry. As you listen to this episode, and all episode of Let's Talk About Why, my hope is that it will help you, discover deeper purpose, strengthen your faith, and further cultivate critical thinking skills. . . . . . . .   Thank you to our partners: Active Skin Repair – My go to product for everything from sunburn, to acne, to blisters, and more. Visit ⁠https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER⁠ [https://shop.bldgactive.com/TARA-ZIMMER] For 10% off your first order use code TARA-ZIMMERAloha! My favorite clean ingredient protein bars Visit ⁠aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy⁠ [http://www.aloha.com/letstalkaboutwhy] For 20% off your first order use code letstalkaboutwhy.     . . . . . . . Resources: Tell Her Story by Nijay Gupta [https://a.co/d/9b5xsqp] Becoming the Pastor's Wife by Beth Allison Barr [https://a.co/d/9BI6YWv] I didn't mention this in the episode, but here is the Assemblies of God's position paper on Women in Ministry [https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Women-in-Ministry] Connect with Tara IG: ⁠@TaraCZimmer⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/taraczimmer] ⁠Facebook.com/taraczimmer⁠ [https://facebook.com/taraczimmer] ⁠tarazimmer.com⁠ [https://tarazimmer.com/] Sign up for Tara’s email newsletter and receive a 5 day devotional ⁠HERE⁠ [http://tarazimmer.com/]   . . . . . . .   Other topics covered in this episode: Prayer, Worship, Failure, Youth Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Leadership, Church, Discipleship, Faith, Obedience, Blessings, Call to Ministry, Women in Ministry, Women in Leadership, Unity, Pentecostalism, Evangelicalism, Growth,, Waiting, Books, Fear, Bible, Christianity, and more   . . . . . . .   Tara is a writer, speaker, pastor, chronic over-thinker, and podcast host. She has served in vocational ministry for over 15 years, specializing in leading change, building solid foundations in new ministries, and developing leaders. In her current role as the communications director for the Assemblies of God office for her district, she brings encouragement and inspiration, rallying churches and leaders toward a 10-year strategic initiative for revival. Tara is a storyteller and leader whose impact extends beyond traditional pastoral ministry. As the host of the podcast "Let's Talk About Why," she delves into the why behind different aspects of life – decisions, books, careers, and more. She seeks to encourage listeners as they continue to grow and define and refine all of their whys in life, from setting goals, to understanding theological perspectives, and everything in between.