Cabernet and Pray Jeremy Jernigan

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Welcome to another episode of "Cabernet and Pray," where faith meets everyday life over a glass of fine wine. I'm your host, Jeremy Jernigan, and today, we're thrilled to have a thought-provoking and dynamic guest, Kevin Sweeney. Kevin, a pastor, podcast host, and author from Hawaii dives deep into the essence of faith, personal growth, and the challenges of evolving beliefs.

In this episode, Kevin illuminates the significance of direct experience in faith and the limiting nature of mere argument. We explore the complexities of tribal belonging, the grief of evolving beyond one's tribe, and the power of embracing change. Kevin shares how his podcast, "The Church Needs Therapy," and his mystical perspective on traditional beliefs aim to guide people toward genuine spiritual awakening.

We'll also discuss the vital issues facing Christianity in America today, the unconscious wounds of our collective history, and the urgent need for honesty and integration. As we navigate these profound themes, Kevin's light-hearted anecdotes and passion for wine and surfing add a delightful dimension to our conversation.

Join us as we sip on some beverages, explore the depths of faith and consciousness, and hear about Kevin's exciting new projects, including the Rooftop Alliance.

What we're drinking:


2019 Hall Cabernet Sauvignon
Juneshine Hard Kombucha

Links:


KevinSweeneyNow.com
Podcast: The Church Needs Therapy
Kevin's Instagram

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Welcome back to another episode of Cabernet and Pray. Today, we pause our usual schedule to address a deeply personal and pressing topic that challenges many families: mental health. Our host, Jeremy Jernigan, explores a video of John MacArthur to dissect and debate the contentious views circulating within the Christian community about mental illness.

In this introspective episode, Jeremy opens up about his family's journey in seeking help for their son's severe mental health challenges amidst societal skepticism and stigma. We explore the alarming divorce rates among couples with children facing similar struggles and the uphill battle against a system often lacking in empathy and support.

Tensions rise as we share clips of John MacArthur's controversial stance on mental health diagnoses like PTSD, OCD, and ADHD, which he dismisses as fabrications by "big pharma." Jeremy counters with his own heartfelt experiences, advocating for a compassionate approach and emphasizing that mental illness is neither a parenting failure nor a new phenomenon. Instead, he calls for a supportive and understanding community that recognizes and affirms the reality of mental health.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we delve into the theology, personal stories, and the call for a more empathetic and informed Christian response to mental health. This conversation is sure to resonate with anyone affected by mental health issues and those seeking a more inclusive faith-based dialogue. So, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let's dive into the heavy but necessary conversations on this special episode of Cabernet and Pray.

Wine in this episode: 2019 Puerta de Plata

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As we uncork the 20th episode of Cabernet and Pray, I'm joined by Caleb Campbell, not just to relish in our shared love for a fine Cabernet Sauvignon but to unpack the complexities of Christian nationalism. Caleb, a pastor and author, brings his upcoming book "Disarming Leviathan: Loving your Christian Nationalist Neighbor" to the table, serving up a compassionate perspective on an issue that's stirring the pot in our societal fabric. Together, we navigate the fine line between fellowship and ideology, examining how our understanding of scripture can be distorted and offering a toast to wisdom and authenticity in our communities.

Have you ever found yourself in a place where reaching across the aisle felt more like crossing enemy lines? This episode reveals Caleb's personal journey through missionary work amidst American Christian nationalism, where an environment of division is met with a message of restoration. Through stories of heart-to-heart engagement and the cultivation of genuine empathy, we shed light on the transformative power of spiritual well-being in bridging divides. As we tackle the concept of 'hermeneutical magic,' we guide listeners on how to spot when scripture is being twisted by opportunists masquerading as shepherds.Wrapping up with a blend of personal victories and shared struggles, this podcast episode is a testament to resilience. From the trials of 2020, where Caleb led a congregation through the storm, to the joys of discovery in a French wine cellar, we take you through moments that have shaped his understanding of leadership, community, and self-care. Caleb's insights, brimming with practical wisdom, elevate our conversation, reminding us of the strength in diverse and authentic communities, the hope that lies ahead with upcoming book releases, and the warm anticipation of family vacations. Raise your glass with us as this episode celebrates the journey of faith, the power of community, and the courage to embrace our differences.

Links:


Disarming Leviathan book
https://www.facebook.com/people/Disarming-Leviathan/ 
https://twitter.com/DisarmingL
https://www.instagram.com/disarmingleviathan/

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Pour yourself a glass and settle in as we embark on a journey through the peaks and valleys of life with unwavering gratitude. I'll pull back the curtain on the heart-wrenching journey my wife and I have navigated after a startling genetic revelation. With the discovery of her BRCA2 gene mutation, we've faced the specter of cancer with courage and an unexpected thankfulness. This isn't just our story—it's a guiding light for anyone wrestling with life's unforeseen tests, a beacon of how gratitude can anchor us even as we weather the fiercest of storms.Our recent family odyssey to Alaska—a stark departure from our norm—reveals the transformative power of vision boards and the serendipity that life has to offer. Imagine being hilariously underprepared for the Arctic chill, yet so vividly alive amid dog sledding escapades and the ethereal dance of the Northern Lights. This tale isn't just about our leaps into the unknown; it's an invitation to embrace the beauty that abounds when we seize the day, trading comfort zones for unforgettable experiences.As we draw the curtains on this episode, I invite you to contemplate the profound insights shared by John Gottman on the resilience of relationships and Christine Pohl on finding solace amid life's unresolved challenges. Together, we explore the wisdom in appreciating our differences and choosing gratitude, even when neat resolutions evade us. It's a reflection on the strength we find in the unlikeliest places, and the grace that cradles us, even when life's chapters remain open-ended.

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There's something magical about reconnecting with an old friend who’s walked a similar path, and that's exactly what unfolds when Nate Ross joins me for a soul-stirring exploration of faith, parenting, and personal growth. As fellow pastor's sons turned pastors, we traverse the memories of our past, from Nate's transformative years in the Midwest to his meaningful ministry in Indiana, and onto his latest venture, Moments to Movements. Grab a glass of wine and settle in as we celebrate the wisdom of our mentors, the lessons learned, and the pivotal changes that have shaped our lives.

Our conversation doesn't shy away from the nuanced shifts in our faith journeys over the last decade, which have moved from a drive for tireless effort to a grace-filled embrace of the faithfulness of Jesus. The past years, especially those marked by the pandemic, have peeled back the curtain on the sometimes-dissonant relationship between hard work and expected outcomes. The vulnerability in our chat reveals the pressures of performing in a faith culture and the liberating realization that embracing one’s unique calling is a path to true freedom and authenticity.

Navigating the modern parenting challenges, we share from the trenches, addressing how we impart values and faith in a world vastly different from the one we grew up in. The omnipresence of technology and its impact on our children's lives is a conversation we tackle head-on, offering candid thoughts on managing digital engagement while fostering personal development. Our heart-to-heart is a tapestry of leadership, faith, and the quest for genuine community, inviting listeners to reflect on their own paths and discover the beauty in life's transitions.

Wines we enjoyed in this episode:


2019 Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz
2020 J. Lohr Cabernet

MomentstoMovements.com 

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When minds converge over the profound intersections of philosophy and the Christian faith, revelations emerge. Mike Austin, a philosophy professor with a deft touch in character development and spiritual formation, joins me to unravel the tapestry of truth that philosophies like Stoicism weave with Christianity. Our conversation extends beyond the intellectual into the personal, sharing how our beliefs have matured and become more focused with time. We also raise a toast to the virtues of humility as outlined in Mike's latest book, savoring both the complex notes of our chosen wines and the rich layers of living a life modeled after Jesus.A sense of divine connection can often feel elusive, but this episode pulls back the veil to reveal how community and silence are gateways to experiencing God's presence. We share stories of finding God in the quiet and among fellow believers, considering how relationships within the church embody Christ's love. As we touch upon the transformation of evangelical witness, we underscore the significance of authentic friendships and living out Christ's love in practical ways—a message reinforced by the inspiring legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his call to social responsibility.Embarking on a personal turn, we tackle the poignant shift from supporting self-defense to advocating for pacifism, a transformative journey informed by the non-violent teachings of Jesus. Discussing the tensions between self-protection and the principles of turning the other cheek, we draw on historical figures like Bonhoeffer, grappling with the complexities of living out our faith. As we conclude, the conversation ventures into the broader challenges facing Christianity in America, from social media engagements to the need for humility in our spiritual journey. Join us for an episode that's not just a tasting of fine wines but also an invitation to savor the encouragement and growth found in our shared pursuit of a deeper faith.Wines we enjoyed in this episode:


Chateau L’Hospitalet
Chenault Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2021

Links:


Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ
MichaelWAustin.com
linktr.ee/michaelwaustin