The Collective Voice

Phillip Dieke

The Collective Voice is a production of The 787 Collective at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with the purpose of centering young adult voices and the experience of young adults in their ongoing faith exploration and formation.  The Collective Voice consists of three shows: Belonging, Faith Transitions, and Have you Heard Belonging documents the everyday spiritual lives of young adutls in churches and faith organizations with The 787 Collective. These conversations explore the role of young adults in their churches and organizations and invites their reflections on being a young adult Christian.Faith Transitions shares the highs and lows of young adult Christian leaders within The 787 Collective network. These conversations feature The 787 Collective Campaign leaders and other young adults sharing about the transient nature of young adulthood through the lens of faith.Have You Heard (about)... this show provides firsthand insights about current topics, innovation, and interests relevant to the spiritual desires and needs of young adults. These conversations bring insights from authors, experts, innovation partners, thinkers, and theologians. This a great space for curiosity.If you are a young adult who would like to join us on The Collective Voice, email us at 787@austinseminary.edu. You can find the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel. The 787 Collective is funded by Austin Seminary and a grant from the Lilly Endowment.

  1. Sep 5

    The Next IS Now with Maddie Wiltse

    In this conversation, Maddie Wiltse shares her journey of faith, education, and personal growth. She discusses her experiences in finding an affirming church community, her studies at Perkins School of Theology, and the integration of psychology and regenerative agriculture into her understanding of faith. Maddie reflects on the influential figures in her life, including her grandfathers and mentors, and emphasizes the importance of women in ministry. As she approaches graduation, she expresses her aspirations to mentor others and utilize her gifts in preaching and teaching. Maddie also shares her journey through various ministry paths, her experiences in campus ministry and working with our Next is Now project, and her ongoing exploration of faith and language. She discusses the importance of community for young adults navigating their faith post-college and the resources she is developing to support them. Maddie emphasizes the need for new language to express faith, especially for those who have deconstructed their beliefs, and highlights the significance of mentorship and community engagement in fostering a supportive environment for young adults. Show Notes: Regenerative Farm Discipleship Podcast Chapters 00:10 Exploring Faith and Community Dynamics 03:02 Journey Through Education and Personal Growth 06:04 The Intersection of Psychology, Agriculture, and Faith 09:07 Influential Figures and Mentorship in Life 11:46 The Role of Women in Ministry 14:59 Future Aspirations and Mentoring Others 22:35 Exploring Ministry Paths 24:36 Reconstructing Faith and Language 30:44 The Importance of Language in Faith 35:51 Navigating Young Adult Faith Communities 44:17 Creating Resources for Post-College Faith 51:21 Future Projects and Initiatives

  2. Aug 22

    Navigating Discernment in Ministry and Beyond with Emma Rooker

    In this episode of the Collective Voice, we welcome Emma Rooker, who shares her journey in youth ministry, her process of discernment, and the importance of community and neighborhood connections. Emma discusses her experiences in Seattle and Portland, the challenges of finding a sense of belonging, and her dreams for the future in ministry and writing. The conversation explores the evolving nature of church beyond traditional buildings and the significance of creative expression in faith. In this conversation, Emma shares her journey of healing and creativity after moving to Portland, exploring the concept of family and community. She discusses her work as a creative nonfiction writer, delving into themes of grief, both personal and collective, and the church's role in addressing these emotions. Emma reflects on her diverse experiences with various worship traditions and how they shape her sense of belonging. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the natural world, particularly the impact of wildfires, and the beauty that can emerge from devastation. Show Notes: Urban Impact SeattleEmma's SubstackChapters 00:10 Welcome Back and Introduction 01:31 Emma Rooker's Journey in Ministry 04:21 The Process of Discernment 08:15 Building Community in a New City 12:40 Reconnecting with the Past 15:39 The Importance of Neighborhood and Community 22:36 The Future of Church Beyond Buildings 28:10 Dreams and Aspirations in Ministry and Writing 32:03 Exploring the Concept of Family and Community 33:05 The Art of Creative Nonfiction Writing 34:20 Understanding Grief: Personal and Collective 36:22 The Church's Role in Grief and Community 39:40 Navigating Worship Traditions and Personal Belonging 50:17 Finding Inspiration in the Natural World

  3. Jul 14

    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 MinistryBeing Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical AmericaBlood Brothers by Elias ChacourAustin Seminary 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

  4. May 17

    Building Belonging: Young Adults and Faith with Rev. Carter Grant

    This week we explore the evolving landscape of young adult ministry, the importance of community, and the role of faith in college life with Reverend Carter Grant. Discover insights on belonging, ecumenical relationships, and the transformative power of church communities. Show Notes: Ukirk campus ministry at the University of TexasUniversity Presbyterian Church Austin Passionate Marriage: Keeping Love and Intimacy Alive in Committed Relationships by David Schnarch, PhDKey Topics The role of Ukirk in college ministryBuilding community and belonging among young adultsEcumenical partnerships and collaborationThe importance of boundaries and self-care in ministrySound Bites "Belonging their way into belief""Church as a space to just be""What would Dolly do?"Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:02 Carter Grant's Role and Background 05:58 Transitioning to Ministry in Austin 10:56 Young Adults and Community Belonging 14:53 Navigating Church and Personal Life 18:48 Belonging and Belief in Modern Faith 23:47 Building Community Beyond the Church 24:41 Encouragement and Community Building 25:28 Belonging vs. Believing: The Young Adult Experience 26:14 The Pressure of Expectations on Young Adults 28:27 Creating Non-Performative Spaces in Ministry 31:05 The Importance of Rest and Enoughness 32:42 Finding Inspiration in Relationships and Counseling 39:22 The Role of the Church in Young Adult Lives 44:37 Deconstruction and Representation in Ministry

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Collective Voice is a production of The 787 Collective at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with the purpose of centering young adult voices and the experience of young adults in their ongoing faith exploration and formation.  The Collective Voice consists of three shows: Belonging, Faith Transitions, and Have you Heard Belonging documents the everyday spiritual lives of young adutls in churches and faith organizations with The 787 Collective. These conversations explore the role of young adults in their churches and organizations and invites their reflections on being a young adult Christian.Faith Transitions shares the highs and lows of young adult Christian leaders within The 787 Collective network. These conversations feature The 787 Collective Campaign leaders and other young adults sharing about the transient nature of young adulthood through the lens of faith.Have You Heard (about)... this show provides firsthand insights about current topics, innovation, and interests relevant to the spiritual desires and needs of young adults. These conversations bring insights from authors, experts, innovation partners, thinkers, and theologians. This a great space for curiosity.If you are a young adult who would like to join us on The Collective Voice, email us at 787@austinseminary.edu. You can find the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel. The 787 Collective is funded by Austin Seminary and a grant from the Lilly Endowment.