RealLife RoundTable

Jordan Stanfill: "Housing Opportunities/Everyone Needs A Home"

Ben is joined by Jordan Stanfill, CEO of Housing Opportunities, to discuss the housing crisis happening in our communities across the country. Jordan shares about the huge impact they are making to provide sustainable and dignified housing for those who are experiencing economic hardships. Ben shares about the reality that as Christians we are called to seek justice and mercy, and part of that call is advocating and supporting equitable and sustainable living for all. Housing Opportunities is one Real Life Community Church's community partnerships as part of our desire to be "for the region" here in NW Indiana.

Damaris Kellogg: "Compassionate Ministries/Global Partnerships"

Damaris joins Ben and Rich to talk about the impact that Nazarene Compassionate Ministries makes around the world. She shares her own ministry journey, and tells of the amazing ways that the church collectively responds when a crisis hits a community. Throughout this episode, it is clear that God is continuing to love and care for His creation through His church. The question is, will we join in on this joyful work?

Greg Arthur: Free the Girls/Restoring the Exploited

Rich and Ben are joined by Pastor Greg Arthur from Duneland Community Church to discuss the work he is involved in where they have found a creative way to provide those who have been trafficked and exploited with sustainable economic opportunities. They opportunities not only pull them out of harm but give them a new foundation of stability and freedom. They go on to discuss the impact that this ministry involvement has made on Greg, and how it has given him a new lens for us to see humanity through when it comes to our view of oppression, redemption, and the Kingdom of God. for more information about this ministry, go to freethegirls.org or freethegirls.coffee

Shaunna Finley: "Taking the Church to School"

Rich and Ben are joined by Shaunna Finley, who has committed her life to advocating for schools and children across the country, to discuss the challenges our schools are facing today. She shares from her own personal experiences and from the perspective she has gained over her years in the school system. They talk about the real life hurdles that students are facing today, and how the church can make a helpful difference through listening, advocacy, and by simply building relationships with children and families in its own communities.

Mark Quinn: Mental Health, Neurodiversity, and the Church/Heart2Heart

Ben talks with Mark Quinn, who spent years in full-time ministry but has transitioned into a new role at Heart 2 Heart which provides intermittent care and structure for children who struggle with developmental/emotional disabilities, in a safe and loving environment. They share their own personal stories about how mental health challenges and neurodiversity has affected their life and ministry in the church. This is a great conversation about how the church should see people wherever they are on the mental/emotional spectrum and support them instead of creating molds for them to fit in or strategies to try to "fix" them.