In this episode, pastor and author Brian Zahnd joins the conversation to share his transformative journey through faith, exploring the depths of theology, spirituality, and what it means to follow Jesus in the modern world. Zahnd, the founding pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri, reflects on his early years in ministry and the crisis of faith that led him to reexamine the foundations of his belief.
Drawing from his experiences and writings—particularly his emphasis on nonviolence, beauty, and the Kingdom of God—Zahnd discusses the importance of community and the need for a richer, more rooted understanding of the Christian tradition. He highlights the tension between American cultural Christianity and the radical call of the gospel, inviting listeners to move beyond shallow faith toward the mystery and mercy of Christ.
Throughout the conversation, Zahnd emphasizes the pastor’s task of translating complex theological ideas into language that resonates with everyday believers. He also reflects on the evolution of youth and contemporary ministry, and how the church can rediscover a sense of sacred wonder in worship and discipleship.
Whether you’re a pastor wrestling with questions of purpose or a layperson seeking a deeper encounter with God, this episode offers a compelling invitation to engage faith with both intellectual honesty and spiritual imagination.
