From City to Cornfield: Discovering Belonging in Rural Ministry with Rev. Katie Jensen

The Public Health to Seminary Pipeline with Alejandro Salazar

In this episode, Alejandro Salazar shares his journey from studying public health to seminary, his ethical decision to decline a job at Amazon, and his vision for integrating a background in public health with ministry. We explore themes of faith, ethics, community, and the transition into seminary life. Takeaways * Making ethical decisions can shape your career path and impact. * Faith and advocacy are deeply interconnected in public health work. * Patience and understanding are crucial in youth and young adult ministry. * Seminary is a time of deconstruction and questioning, which can be a positive process. * Building intentional community and relationships is vital for sustainable ministry. * Spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, and silence help stay grounded. * Transition periods are opportunities for growth and new directions. * Questioning one's faith identity is a normal part of seminary education. * Interfaith understanding enriches faith and broadens perspectives. * Taking a piece of your faith community with you can provide strength in new seasons. Show Notes: * First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth Young Adult Ministry [https://fpcfw.org/youngadults/] * Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America [https://www.pcusastore.com/Products/0664269273/being-presbyterian-in-a-dysvangelical-america.aspx] * Blood Brothers [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/blood-brothers-exp-ed_david-hazard_elias-chacour/250246/item/28124521/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=high_vol_midlist_standard_shopping_retention_17244561358&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=666159745081&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17244561358&gbraid=0AAAAADwY45jAB5M9MlXamnaVpMLKoOZO4&gclid=CjwKCAjwvNfSBhBiEiwAyaGMCY4bOHIu4e8yIiQA9_7t54APJgK-VUDXG0zaiIQRHtQf-sgWe5T0URoCgdUQAvD_BwE#idiq=28124521&edition=8048041] by Elias Chacour * Austin Seminary [https://www.austinseminary.edu/] Chapters 00:10 Introduction and guest introduction 01:37 Alejandro's church background and early faith journey 02:09 College experiences and reconnecting with church 03:20 Transition from church member to staff role 04:36 Reflections on interim ministry and short-term roles 05:40 Decision to pursue seminary over a corporate job 08:20 Why Austin Seminary and the call to ministry 11:34 The intersection of public health and ministry 15:05 The role of health advocacy in faith communities 19:44 Challenges and fears about seminary life 21:59 Questioning faith and identity in seminary 35:47 Big questions and future hopes in ministry 43:17 Finding beauty and reflection during travel

Intergenerational Faith and Community Building with Addy Kruse

In this episode, Addy Kruse from Gather Cincinnati shares her journey as a high school science teacher, her involvement in the Gather Network, and her insights on reclaiming the old church through community, intergenerational connections, and authentic faith practices. She shares vulnerably about aspects of faith she is wrestling with and why Cincinnati may be the city for you. Show Notes: * Gather Cincinnati [https://www.firstlutherancincy.org/gathercincy] * Holden Village [https://www.holdenvillage.org/] * Thomas J Oord [https://thomasjayoord.com/] - Open and Relational Theology * Mark Gregory Karris - Divine Echoes [https://markgregorykarris.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Divine-Echoes-Reconciling-Prayer-with-the-Uncontrolling-Love-of-God.pdf] Key Topics * Gather Cincinnati's model and community impact * Intergenerational connections and their importance * Reclaiming the old church through authentic practices * The role of worship, music, and shared stories * Addressing doubts and questions about faith and prayer * The significance of natural and sacred spaces in faith Chapters 00:10 Introduction to the episode and guest 01:23 Meet Addy Kruse: Teacher and Gather Cincinnati Leader 03:07 How Gather Cincinnati Started and Its Impact 07:21 Addy's Experience with Church Leadership and Service 12:42 Reclaiming the Old Church and Authentic Worship 20:13 Diverse Beliefs and Managing Conflict in Gather 22:21 Addy's Faith Questions and Theological Reflections 36:30 The Significance of Sacred Places and Nature 43:01 Cincinnati's Unique Cultural and Community Spirit 47:24 Closing Remarks and Future Connections

How Grandma Hobbies Can Transform Church Communities with Rev. Anna Bundy Hagler

In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Anna Bundy Hagler discusses with Cecie and Phil about the power of crafting hobbies like quilting to foster belonging, self-care, and intergenerational connection. They explore how these practices can inform church community life and deepen faith. Takeaways: * Crafting hobbies like quilting can serve as a form of self-soothing and emotional regulation. * Intergenerational activities foster belonging and bridge age gaps in communities. * Church communities can learn from social clubs about creating authentic connections. * Asking thoughtful questions about joy and media influences deepens conversations. * Church programs should consider more social and creative activities to attract young adults. Chapters 00:10 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:21 The Rise of Grandma Hobbies 04:44 Quilting as a Means of Connection 09:12 Faith and Heirlooms: A Quilter's Perspective 12:33 Learning from Social Groups 20:58 Bridging Generational Gaps in Church Communities 26:37 Finding Beauty in Everyday Life 29:03 The Importance of Deep Connections 30:45 Preparing for Meaningful Conversations 34:29 The Role of Media in Shaping Lives 39:36 Influential Media and Personal Growth 43:55 Hopes for the Church and Community Engagement 46:29 Creative Ways to Connect with Young Adults 47:54 Looking Forward to New Experiences

The Power of Music in Worship and Community with Cassidi Jackson

This week we explore the transformative power of music in faith and community with Cassidi Jackson, a sacred music graduate and music director. Discover insights on worship styles, the role of mentorship, and the spiritual significance of music festivals like The Wild Goose Festival. Show Notes: * Wild Goose LeadNow! [https://wildgoosefestival.org/leadnow-2026/] for Seminary Students and Emerging Faith Leaders * Wild Goose Wild Space Tent for Young Adults [https://wildgoosefestival.org/wildspace-a-sacred-playground-for-young-adults-who-give-a-damn/] with free registration link * Sadie Johnson Music [https://www.instagram.com/sadiejohnsonmusic/] * Hymn - Come, O thou Traveler Unknown [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrs4y4IK46Q] * Florence +The Machine [https://florenceandthemachine.net/] * MisterWives [https://www.misterwives.com/] Key Topics * The role of music in spiritual connection * Experiences at Wild Goose Festival and Wild Space Tent * Balancing traditional and contemporary worship music * The importance of mentorship in faith journeys * The impact of music festivals on faith communities Chapters 00:10 Introduction to the 787 Collective Voice Podcast 02:52 Exploring the Wild Goose Festival Experience 05:44 Authenticity in Sacred Spaces 11:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Seminary 17:55 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth 23:56 Innovating Music in Worship 29:24 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 31:12 The Role of Congregational Participation 33:36 Exploring Indie Hymn Writers 38:30 The Intersection of Secular and Sacred Music 44:09 Finding Beauty in Connection

Faith, Deconstruction, and Friendship with Rev. Caroline Grindrod and Rev. Annalise Deal

This week's conversation features Rev. Caroline Grindrod and Rev. Annalise Deal sharing their journeys into ministry, faith deconstruction, and the importance of friendship and community in their spiritual lives. They discuss their diverse faith backgrounds, experiences with deconstruction, liberation theology, and how they find beauty and belonging in their work and personal lives. The beauty of their friendship is a true gift! Show Notes: * Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church [https://www.phpc.org/] in Dallas * St. Jude's Episcopal Church [https://saintjudes.org/about-us/our-leadership/] in Cupertino Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Collective Voice Podcast 02:06 Journeys into Ministry: Caroline and Annalise's Stories 11:59 Faith Transformation and Deconstruction 19:52 The Role of Community in Faith Development 30:48 Exploring Liberation Theology and Its Impact 32:09 Friendship and Community in Ministry 34:17 Navigating Isolation as Young Clergy 36:43 Urban vs. Rural Ministry Dynamics 39:39 The Role of Friendship in Personal Growth 41:23 Engaging in Meaningful Dialogue 44:19 The Challenge of Progressive Conversations 49:30 Curiosity vs. Fundamentalism in Theology 51:49 Finding Common Ground in Diverse Communities 55:19 Celebrating the Beauty of Friendship and Parenthood