In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp explores various aspects of Christian faith and community with Dr. Scot McKnight. The discussion emphasizes maintaining curiosity, humility, and ensuring Jesus remains the focal point in church activities and teachings. Key themes include addressing deconstruction in modern Christianity, the importance of communal gatherings around a table akin to early Christian traditions, and the transformative nature of interactive church settings. The symbolism of Jesus as the 'bread of life' is examined both in spiritual and social contexts, advocating for equitable practices and support within the church. The conversations underscore fostering community, imagination, and fellowship, reflecting on personal experiences and the symbolic power of shared meals in embodying God's love.Scot McKnight (born 1953) is an American New Testament scholar, historian of early Christianity, theologian, and author who has written widely on the historical Jesus, early Christianity and Christian living. He is the author of more than 90 books, including Jesus Creed, The Blue Parakeet, Kingdom Conspiracy, A Fellowship of Differents, A Church Called Tov, and Pivot (the last two of which he coauthored with his daughter Laura). His newest book is Invisible Jesus (coauthored with Tommy Preson Phillips), which explores the prophetic voice of deconstructors.McKnight is an ordained Anglican deacon and canon theologian for the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others with anabaptist leanings, and has also written frequently on issues in modern anabaptism.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this podcast episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp engages in a conversation with Derek Vreeland, a discipleship pastor and author, about the significance of food, hospitality, and the Lord's Supper in experiencing God's love. Derek reflects on his dramatic calling to ministry and his experiences over 34 years of discipleship work. The discussion delves into the role of the Lord's Supper in combating secularism, individualism, and nationalism, highlighting its power to unite the congregation and deepen one's relationship with God. They also address how the practice of communion can transform lives and offer insights on structuring inclusive worship activities like election day communion services. Derek shares personal anecdotes, theological insights, and community practices that emphasize the importance of communal worship over individual spirituality.Derek Vreeland is the Discipleship Pastor at Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, where he is known for his thoughtful, humorous, and authentic teaching style. He is the host of the Peaceable and Kind podcast. Derek enjoys reading, running, hiking, and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. He and his wife Jenni have three sons, one daughter-in-law, and two grandsons.Connect with Derek:Derek Vreeland's websitePeaceable and Kind PodcastDerek Vreeland Social Media: Facebook & InstagramClick here for more information on Election Day Communion Services.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp is joined by Caleb Campbell, a pastor and the author of 'Disarming Leviathan,' to discuss Christian nationalism. Pastor Campbell shares his insights on American Christian nationalism, defining it as a political ideology, a tribal identity, and a spiritual idolatry. He recounts the challenges he faced leading his church through the polarization of the 2016 and 2020 elections. Campbell describes his approach to addressing Christian nationalism, which involves engaging with compassion rather than combativeness, and emphasizes the importance of hospitality and heart-to-heart conversations. He offers practical advice for Christians on how to disciple and cultivate unity within their congregations amidst political and ideological divides.Pastor Caleb Campbell graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Masters of Arts in Ministry from Phoenix Seminary in 2015 and is currently a doctoral student at Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served at Desert Springs Bible Church, in Phoenix, AZ since 2006, serving as Lead Pastor since 2015. He also serves on the board of United Pastors of Arizona and as the state-wide regional director of the Surge Network.  He is the founder and director of Disarming Leviathan Ministries (DisarmingLeviathan.com) which produces a podcast, explainer videos and training material to equip people to missionally engage American Christian nationalists. His book, Disarming Leviathan (InterVarsity Press) equips Christians to minister to their Christian Nationalist neighbors. It introduces the basics of Christian Nationalism, and explores the reasons so many people are attracted to it and provides a 'field guide' for responding to American Christian Nationalist talking points along with questions and responses that “humbly subvert” their claims, and cultivate deeper, heart-level conversations.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp discusses the transformative power of hospitality with guests Dave and Jenn Collie. The couple shares their journey, experiences, and insights into living a hospitable life, rooted in their faith and diverse backgrounds. They talk about the inception and mission of their organization, Hospitality Matters, which aims to provide practical training to help communities foster welcoming environments. Dave and Jenn highlight the importance of consistency, listening, and adjusting one's heart posture to practice hospitality effectively. They also share practical tips and resources, such as their 'Mug Swap Kit' and their field guide book 'Of Roots and Branches,' to help others in creating meaningful connections. The conversation emphasizes the significant role of hospitality in experiencing and spreading God's love.Dave received his BA in pastoral ministry and theology from Campbellsville University. His diverse experiences as a youth pastor, church planter, and missionary both overseas and stateside have provided countless opportunities to practice hospitality and cultivate relationships. A graduate of Belmont University with a degree in mathematics, Jen brings a spectrum of experience to the table with her work as a Children’s Pastor, Camp Director, curriculum writer and school teacher. Because they have experienced the power of God’s love through the practice of hospitality, Dave and Jen are passionate about seeing this transformation spread through every neighborhood around the world. By helping others create safe and welcoming environments, they are empowering neighbors to grow stronger together. With their two children and family dog, adventure is a daily experience. When they are not teaching high school math, managing projects at a commercial construction firm, or leading workshops, they love backpacking, playing pickleball, and exploring new cities. They especially love chatting with their neighbors on Saturday mornings over a delicious latte at the free coffee shop they host out of their garage.Hospitality Matters:Website: https://hospitalitymatters.org/Instagram: @hospitalitymatters1Of Roots and Branches Curriculum: buy on AmazonThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I delve into themes of food, hospitality, and spiritual growth with guest Rusty McKie. Rusty, a spiritual director and trauma-informed formation coach, discusses his new book 'The Art of Stability,' which is born out of his personal and relational experiences since 2016. He introduces the idea of finding stability in God and discusses the importance of contemplative prayer, sitting with pain, embracing fragility, and cultivating community. The conversation also covers practical advice on handling trauma, maintaining agency, and being vulnerably specific with trusted friends. The episode is infused with personal stories, reflections on deep spiritual practices, and ends with lighthearted rapid-fire questions about food preferences and memorable meals.Rusty McKie is trained as both a spiritual director and trauma-informed formation coach. He is the founder of Steadfast Ministries where he helps leaders survive and thrive in ministry. He authored Sabbaticals, leads retreats, and hosts The Art of Stability podcast. Rusty is also the Director of Men’s Ministry for CrossPointe Church. He is passionate about resourcing others to grow in emotional, spiritual, and relational health. You can find more of his work at steadfastmin.com. He and his wife, Rachel, live with their three lovely and lively kids in Central Florida.Buy The Art of Stability on Amazon.Learn more about Rusty's work at steadfastmin.com.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' I am joined by renowned theologian and author Grace Ji-Sun Kim to discuss her work, her experiences with race and identity, and her thoughts on hospitality through food. Grace shares personal anecdotes, including her struggles with racism growing up in Canada and the cultural significance of Korean food. Our discussion delves into some of her latest book 'When God Became White,' exploring the concept of a white male God and its implications for society and the church. Grace emphasizes the power of shared meals in fostering understanding and dismantling racial and cultural barriers.Grace Ji-Sun Kim (PhD, University of Toronto) is professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana. She is the host of the Madang podcast and has published in TIME, Huffington Post, US Catholic, and The Nation. She is an ordained PC(USA) minister and enjoys being a guest preacher on most Sundays. She is author or editor of 24 books, including Healing Our Broken Humanity, Embracing the Other (Eerdmans, 2015), Christian Doctrines for Global Gender Justice (Pallgrave Macmillian, 2015), and Intercultural Ministry (Judson PR, 2017) and most recently When God Became White (IVP, 2024). She and her spouse, Perry, have three young adult children and live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.Follow Grace Ji-Sun Kim on social media: Facebook and InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, I speak with Kendall Vanderslice, a baker, writer, speaker, and founder of the Edible Theology Project. Kendall shares her journey into bread making and how it connects to her spirituality and faith. She discusses her early influences, the historical and theological significance of bread, and the idea of baking as a form of prayer. We explore the commercialization of bread, its impact on nutrition and community, and the metaphorical and literal importance of bread in the Christian faith. Kendall also previews her upcoming book, 'Bake and Pray,' which includes workshops, recipes, and prayers all designed  to integrate bread baking into spiritual practice.Kendall Vanderslice is a baker, writer, speaker, and the founder of the Edible Theology Project, a ministry that connects the Communion table to the kitchen table. She is a graduate of Wheaton College (BA anthropology), Boston University (MLA gastronomy), and Duke Divinity School (master of theological studies). Kendall is the author of By Bread Alone and We Will Feast and lives in Durham, North Carolina, with her big-eared beagle named Strudel, where she teaches workshops on bread baking as a spiritual practice.Pre-order Kendall's newest book Bake & Pray, set to be released October 8.Learn more about Kendall and her work at kendallvanderslice.com.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I enjoy a rich conversation with author Lore Wilbert about her latest book, 'The Understory.' The discussion delves into themes of nature, grief, and presence, as Lore shares her personal journey of finding comfort and healing in the forest. She elucidates how the forest's regenerative processes paralleled her own experiences with faith and personal hardship. The conversation highlights the importance of being present, even in moments of pain, and how moving forward in life doesn't always mean solving everything at once. Lore also reflects on the significance of community and the role of the table in fostering honest and deep conversations. The episode concludes with insights into Lore's upcoming move and looking forward to an unknown future with hope rooted in faith.Lore has written three books, the award winning Handle With Care, as well as A Curious Faith and The Understory. She has a Masters in Theology, Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University and a Bachelors in English from Lee University. Her work has been published in many national publications as well as in several anthologies. She and her husband live on the edge of a river flowing from the Adirondacks in upstate New York with their two pups, Harper and Rilke. When she’s not writing, she likes to kayak, be in the forest, make art with paper, and garden.Connect with Lore:lorewilbert.comInstagram: @lorewilbertThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  Also, join me at Theology Beer Camp October 17-19 in Denver, CO. Theology Beer Camp is a unique three-day conference that brings together of theology nerds and craft beer for a blend of intellectual engagement, community building, and fun. And because I am one of the Godpods at the conference, you as a listener can receive $50 off your ticket by using the code BIGGESTTABLE4CAMP (all caps, no spaces). I hope to see you there.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp welcomes longtime friends from Park City, Utah, Nyesha, Tanisha, and Sharon, who run 11 Hauz, a Jamaican restaurant. They discuss their journey from Brooklyn to Utah, their Jamaican roots, and the rich confluence of cultures that define Jamaican cuisine. The conversation also delves into the family’s deep faith, the humble and resourceful upbringing led by their grandmother, and their mission to bring authentic, non-processed, soulful Jamaican food to Park City while spreading love and the teachings of Jesus. They share stories of their vibrant cultural heritage, the significance of hospitality, and their desire to foster open, authentic connections within their community.11Hauz in Park City, UT: https://11hauz.com/Follow 11Hauz on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/11hauzjamaicanfood/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/11HauzjamaicanfoodThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' hosted by Andrew Camp, culinary historian Michael Twitty shares insights into how food serves as a medium for exploring cultural identity, heritage, and spirituality. Twitty, the creator of the blog Afroculinaria and author of award-winning books like 'The Cooking Gene' and 'Kosher Soul,' delves into his journey of connecting African American and Jewish food traditions. He discusses profound themes around the biblical narrative of Exodus, the legacy of slavery, and the importance of storytelling and memory in food. The episode also touches on the significance of Juneteenth, addressing intergenerational trauma and resilience, and the sacredness of food in cultural practices, offering listeners a rich, multifaceted conversation about identity, history, and liberation.Michael Twitty is a culinary historian, living history interpreter, and Judaics teacher. He is the creator of Afroculinaria, the first blog devoted to African American historic foodways and their legacy. In 2018, his book The Cooking Gene won both the James Beard Foundation Book of the Year Award and Best Writing Award. He is the first Revolutionary in Residence at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, a TED Fellow, and was named to The Forward’s list of influential Jews in 2020 and a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2021. He is also the author of Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew, which was released in 2022. He lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia.Follow Michael Twitty on Instagram: @thecookinggeneThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, hosted by Andrew Camp, guest Amy Dolan discusses the intersection of food, faith, and community. Amy, who hosts the Feeding People podcast and founded Sunday Supper Church, shares her journey through the traditions of a Jewish and Christian upbringing, how cooking became a creative outlet during her ministry, and her work advocating for food equity in Chicago. Together, they explore how preparing and sharing meals can diminish loneliness, restore dignity, and create joy. Amy also shares insights on the importance of mutual care in food justice and the vulnerability and joy of cooking for others.Amy Dolan is the host of the Feeding People Podcast, Founder of Sunday Supper Church, and former Strategic Consultant for the Chicagoland Good Food in Healthcare Initiative. Amy believes that eating together has the power to dispel loneliness, restore dignity, and create joy as we share sacred moments with each other around beautiful tables. Of all the tables she’s created and hosted, weeknight dinners with her husband Kelly and pit bull Maddox in their Chicago apartment are her favorite. Feeding People Podcast Follow Amy on InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp is joined by Derrick Weston, a community organizer, theological education and training coordinator for Creation Justice Ministries, and co-author of The Just Kitchen. They discuss the intersection of food, faith, and social justice, highlighting the significance of food in experiencing God's love and addressing food insecurity. Derrick shares his personal journey through difficult times and how gardening and food became sources of comfort and inspiration for his work in food justice and faith. They explore how food and gardening connect individuals to the divine, the importance of storytelling in the kitchen, and the role of cooking in reinvigorating the exploration of Scripture. The conversation also delves into systemic issues in the food industry, the transformative power of understanding the origin and impact of our food, and the potential for food and cooking to be acts of social justice and faith. Finally, the podcast touches on personal topics such as the meaning of cooking and the significance of the old fashioned cocktail.Derrick has long been an engaged community organizer focused on growing food and addressing food insecurity. Now he serves as the theological education and training coordinator for Creation Justice Ministries. A documentary filmmaker, producer, and cohost of The Food and Faith Podcast, Derrick is a firm believer in using one’s voice and the media to inspire and enact social change. He is also the coauthor of The Just Kitchen: Invitations to Sustainability, Cooking, Connection, and Celebration with Anna Woofenden. He and his wife, Shannon, have four children and live outside of Baltimore, Maryland. 2023 Farm Bill Information from Creation Justice Ministries.Follow Derrick Weston on: Facebook or InstagramThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.  

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp explores the intersection of food, wine, hospitality, and spirituality with guest Adam McHugh. McHugh, a former Presbyterian minister turned wine tour guide and sommelier, discusses his transformative journey into the wine industry, chronicled in his memoir 'Blood from a Stone'. They delve into the significance of the Santa Ynez Valley's wine culture, the impact of the movie 'Sideways' on the region, and how wine and the act of tasting can mirror the introspective and slow-paced aspects of listening and spirituality. McHugh reflects on his faith, the process of leaving the ministry, and finding new forms of connection and belonging through wine. The conversation also touches on terroir, the embodied aspects of winemaking, and the power of wine to foster community and mindfulness.Adam McHugh is a wine tour guide, a sommelier, and a Certified Specialist of Wine. He is the author of Introverts in the Church, The Listening Life, and most recently Blood from a Stone: A Memoir of How Wine Brought Me Back from the Dead. He is also a regular contributor to Edible Santa Barbara & Wine Country. He lives in the Santa Ynez Valley on the California Central Coast.Follow Adam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adammchughwine/Adam's Contact: [email protected] episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp engages in a profound discussion with Gisela, a theologian and writer with deep roots in Christian spirituality and a passion for exploring the holistic embodiment of spirituality through creation. Focused on her experiences growing up in a family-owned winery in Germany and how it shaped her view on work, community, and spirituality, Gisela unfolds the intricate relationship between wine, theology, and the vocational life in the marketplace. She delves into the redeeming act of consuming, connecting theology with the physical, and sensual aspects of wine tasting, drawing on her rich familial and professional background. The conversation traverses through topics like the spirituality of wine, the deep connection between the vineyards and theological insights, and practical advice on appreciating wine as an element of spiritual practice. Gisela shares her vision for a church that deeply understands what it means to be the body of Christ, intertwined with the earth and each other through communal meals and hospitality. The episode concludes with thoughtful reflections on enduring food traditions, the profound link between food, wine, and memory, and an encouragement toward a more embodied form of Christian spirituality that embraces God's creation with gratitude and joy.Gisela's website: https://www.thespiritualityofwine.com/This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp discusses with Andy Root, a professor of Youth and Family Ministry, the intersection of faith, hospitality, and our secular age. Root elaborates on his six-volume series, 'Ministry in a Secular Age,' emphasizing the challenges and opportunities for experiencing God in the modern world, particularly through the lens of Charles Taylor's philosophies. The conversation also touches on the concepts of secularism, the sacredness of ministry, the impact of modernity on faith communities, and the significance of embodying Christ's presence in everyday practices, especially around the table. Andy shares insights into how faith has evolved for him personally, the importance of community, and the potential for meaningful connections in everyday moments. The discussion concludes with Andy Root providing a reflection on navigating faith amidst modern challenges and the power of waiting and attentiveness to God's presence in life's various aspects.Andy is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Lately his work has centered around the intersection of faith and our secular age, having completed his six volume series Ministry in a Secular Age. He has written a number of books and has given lectures and presentations across the country and globe both to church groups, universities/colleges, youth workers, and academic communities. He lives in St. Paul, his wife Kara is a Presbyterian minister and they have two kids (Owen and Maisy) and a dog. When he’s not teaching and writing, he watches a ton of TV.Andy's website: andrewroot.orgThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Join me in my conversation with Richard Beck. We explore the themes of hospitality, hope, and enchantment in Christian practice. From embracing marginalized individuals with grace to recovering an enchanted faith in a skeptical age, the conversation delves into the significance of ordinary moments, like sharing meals, in cultivating a sense of wonder and community.Richard Beck is an author and professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University. Richard's latest book is Hunting Magic Eels: Recovering an Enchanted Faith in a Skeptical Age. As a prison chaplain, Richard leads a weekly Bible study for inmates at the maximum-security French Robertson Unit and has written and spoken extensively about his work among the incarcerated.Richard Beck's Substack: https://richardbeck.substack.com/Richard Beck's Blog: https://experimentaltheology.blogspot.com/This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode I have a rich conversation with Chris Smith. We cover a range of topics, starting with his own personal journey of food over the past ten years. But we spend the majority of our time using a couple of Chris’s books, namely Slow Church and How the Body of Christ Talks, to dialogue about the importance of conversation for the health of ourselves and our community. Through recovering of conversation, we begin to see how God wants to collaborate with us in his work of redemption.C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He and his wife Jeni have three adult children and are members of Englewood Christian Church on the urban Near Eastside of Indianapolis. Chris is the co-author of the award-winning book Slow Church, and author of several other books including most recently, How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. Most of his latest writings end up on The Englewood Review's Substack, TheConversationalLife.substack.comThis episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

Being an election year, there will be calls for civility, especially in Christian circles. But Kathy Khang (and her coauthor Matt) believe that Christians are not called to be civil, but rather through the fruit of the Spirit embrace the discomfort and hard work of loving disagreement. Listen in as Kathy and I have a rich conversation about the fruit of the Spirit and its call on Jesus followers to engage in the hard work of the betterment and shalom of the whole community and not just the select, privileged few.Kathy Khang is a writer, speaker, and yoga teacher.  She is the co-author of Loving Disagreement (NavPress, 2023), awarded 2023 Book of the Year by Englewood Review of Books, the author of Raise Your Voice: Why We Stay Silent & How to Speak Up (InterVarsity Press, 2018) and Alabaster Guided Meditations, Psalms Vol. 1 and 2 (InterVarsity Press, 2020), and a contributing author of More Than Serving Tea (InterVarsity Press, 2006) and Voices of Lament (Revell, 2022). Kathy is also the board chair for Christians for Social Action, co-host of The Fascinating Podcast, and president of the Northwestern University Asian and Asian American Alumni (A-5) Club. A former newspaper reporter in Green Bay and Milwaukee, WI, Kathy also spent more than two decades in vocational ministry where she focused on leadership development and training leaders in diversity and justice. She holds a BS in journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. She is based in the north suburbs of Chicago and blogs at www.kathykhang.com, is on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok as @mskathykhang, and posts at www.facebook.com/kathykhangauthor.For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In this episode, I am joined by the owner and founder of Wild Goose Coffee, Nate Westwick. We talk about coffee a lot, but more than just coffee, we talk about why coffee is important for communities, and how coffee might help us pay attention to the world around us. We also talk about Nate’s new book, Clearing the Path, and his journey as an author.Nathan Westwick is the owner and founder of Wild Goose Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee roaster in Redlands, CA. He is a former high school math teacher who also works in the Spiritual Formation department at Sandals Church, a multi-site church in Southern California, creating content aimed at bringing people along in their personal discipleship journey. Nathan recently published his first book, Clearing the Path: Connecting with God in a Cluttered World. He lives in the Redlands area with his wife of 24 years and his three teenage boys.Wild Goose CoffeeBuy Clearing the Path on Amazon.For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

A chance encounter with a gentleman back in 2008, while he and his church were cleaning and restoring a cemetery, sent Chris questioning how and why he did church, In 2018 he began to find answers to these questions when he started a garden. Since 2018, Chris has sought to fight food insecurity in his zipcode in Knoxville, seeking to transform a food desert into a food oasis through Battlefield Farm and Garden.I was fortunate enough to sit down and have a wonderful conversation about Chris's journey and the incredible work he is doing for his community. In some ways he has become pastor to more people through planting a garden, people who would never step foot into a church.Originally from Cincinnati, Chris has earned degrees from Morehouse College, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Cincinnati Bible College. Since then, he has pastored churches in Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, and Tennessee, while also being an adjunct professor both in the US and abroad. He has also been an active member of his communities, working with diverse faith groups to tackle pressing issues, including gun violence and creation care.  In 2018, his life trajectory changed when he started a community garden, named Battlefield Farm, across the street from Tabernacle Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN, which opened his eyes to the effect of food disparity in his community. Since 2018, the garden has grown and now includes the Eastside Sunday Market. Chris now also is helping other churches and organizations establish gardens.Battlefield Farm: https://battlefieldfarm.org/Chris Battle Instagram: @battlefieldfarmFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/battlefieldfarmandgardensThis episode is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee, creating better community through coffee since 2008. Please visit www.wildgoosecoffee.com to buy fresh roasted coffee and to contribute to better communities. 

In this episode, I am joined by my friend from graduate school, Jen Manglos. Jen leads people as a pilgrimage guide, having walked all or parts of the Camino de Santiago multiple times. Jen shares how being a pilgrim has shaped her view of food and hospitality, while also sharing ways in which she has grown in embracing her own embodiedness and limitations. Through walking as a pilgrim she reveals to us that a lot of the way of the pilgrim is lived through a posture of receptivity and not taking.As a spiritual director, pastor, and pilgrimage guide, Jen Manglos delights in helping others discover their own belovedness in God through an embodied, creative approach to spirituality. Since receiving her MA in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care from the Institute for Spiritual Formation at Talbot School of Theology she has moved into providing care and support for wanderers, women, and leaders in the ministry and nonprofit worlds. She currently resides in Seattle where she is enjoying that PNW life. To learn more about Jen and her work as a pilgrimage guide, please visit: www.jenmanglos.com.This episode is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee, creating better community through coffee since 2008. Please visit www.wildgoosecoffee.com to buy fresh roasted coffee and to contribute to better communities. 

In this episode I talk with my good friend Monica Romig-Green, and her journey with food, starting with her family to sharing meals with her good friend Mike. After, we talk ministry, food, and being with people.Monica was born and raised in Southern California and fell in love with Canada after living in Toronto in the early 2010s.  She was ordained as a transitional deacon in June 2023 and is deeply honoured to be serving as Assistant Curate at Christ's Church Cathedral, Hamilton, Ontario.   Before following a call to ordained ministry, Monica had three previous careers:  as a professional actor, a theatre administrator, and a spiritual director.  All these experiences have shaped the way Monica approaches ministry, focusing on communication, community care, and spiritual growth.  She holds degrees from Stanford University, Talbot School of Theology, and Trinity College Faculty of Divinity, and has written and taught on prayer, improvisation, and spiritual formation.    Monica is also passionate about theatre and movies and delights in discussing the latest in pop culture.  She loves living in Hamilton with her brilliant husband Matthew - a scholar and writer on Christian spirituality and neuropsychology.Monica's Websites:https://www.playwithoutceasing.com/https://monica-romig-green.com/ 

In this episode, I have a conversation with Alex Mandes, who has worked extensively with churches to help them embrace the multi-cultural reality all around them. We especially focus on the nature of meals within Latino culture (which is naturally diverse in and of itself), while also talking about Jesus on the margins. Alex Mandes is a leader within the multicultural churches. He has worked with the Evangelical Free Church of America, and has also trained thousands of Latino pastors. He is the author of Embracing the New Samaria.