Native Exiles

Alderwood Community Church
  • 5.0 (30)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.New episodes every other week! For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

  1. FEB 10

    Personhood, Dignity, and the Sanctity of Human Life

    What does it mean to be human, and why does that question matter so deeply in today’s debates about abortion, bioethics, and personhood? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage one of the most urgent moral and theological issues of our time: the sanctity of human life. Rather than beginning with political arguments or cultural talking points, they ground the conversation in the biblical vision of humanity as created in the image of God and known by Him from the very beginning.   In the first half of the episode, Steve and Wyatt trace the theological foundations for the value of human life, from Genesis to the psalms and into the New Testament. Steve and Wyatt show how Scripture consistently affirms the dignity, worth, and moral significance of every human person, including the unborn.   In the second half, the conversation turns to contemporary challenges, including abortion, medical technology, and shifting cultural definitions of life and autonomy. The discussion also addresses how the church can speak clearly and compassionately—upholding the sanctity of life while embodying grace, mercy, and hope for those touched by loss, fear, or difficult decisions.   Also check out the link to the position papers which includes the paper on the Sanctity of Human Life.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

    51 min

  2. JAN 27

    Sexuality, Singleness, and Faith: Gregory Coles’ Story

    In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Coles, author, scholar, and speaker, to explore his deeply personal journey of faith, sexuality, and self-understanding. Gregory’s life story spans multiple cultures, academic disciplines, and spiritual landscapes — from growing up in Indonesia to earning a PhD in English and becoming a voice for nuanced conversations at the intersections of Christianity and sexual identity. Gregory discusses the challenges and insights that shaped his path: wrestling with same-sex attraction within his Christian upbringing, the theological and emotional work of self-discovery, and his ongoing commitment to both his faith and personal integrity. We delve into what it means to live faithfully as a gay Christian committed to singleness, how church communities can meaningfully engage in compassionate dialogue, and the hope he finds in belonging both to Christ and to a broader community of seekers. Listeners will gain a compelling blend of theological reflection, honest storytelling, and practical encouragement — whether they’re navigating questions of identity themselves or seeking to better understand the lives of others. Resources from Gregory Coles: Book — Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity: https://www.gregorycoles.com/book-single-gay-christian/Greg’s Official Website: https://www.gregorycoles.com/ Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. To view our full Position Paper, visit alderwood.cc/essentials

    52 min

  3. JAN 11

    From Creation to Covenant: A Christian Vision of Sexuality

    How does the biblical vision of human sexuality offer a more beautiful and life-giving path than the narratives of our modern world? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage with one of the most pressing and complex topics facing the church today: the theology and practice of human sexuality. Rather than simply reacting to cultural shifts, they seek to ground the conversation in the goodness of God’s creative intent, exploring how our bodies and desires point toward a deeper gospel reality. In the first half of the conversation, Steve and Wyatt look closely at the witness of Scripture, tracing the biblical framework for sexuality from Genesis to the New Testament. They explore how the Bible’s teaching is not merely a list of prohibitions, but a coherent vision of holiness, dignity, and flourishing. In the second half, they pivot to the practical implications for the local church. They discuss how a formal position paper translates into the messiness of everyday ministry—addressing how the church can be a community that upholds biblical truth while remaining a place of radical hospitality and grace for those navigating questions of identity and desire. This episode is designed for those seeking clarity amidst the noise of contemporary debates and for anyone longing to see the church embody a faithful, counter-cultural presence. Whether you are seeking to understand the "why" behind the church’s convictions or looking for guidance on how to love your neighbor well, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful roadmap for following Jesus in the tension of our current cultural moment. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

    1h 1m

  4. 12/16/2025

    From the Archive: Disagreements in the Church ft. Gerry Breshears

    As we prepare for a season in our church where we are tackling difficult conversations, we wanted to reshare one of our favorite episodes from Season 2!  Dr. Gerry Breshears from Western Seminary came to our church to talk about Genesis. This episode highlights his conversation with our Lead Pastor Wyatt Martin regarding handling disagreements in the church. He gives us a model to decipher which topics are worth debating, dividing over, or dying for. To learn more about Dr. Gerry Breshears, visit https://breshears.net/ Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

    51 min

  5. 12/02/2025

    Why Global Missions Still Matters

    Are foreign missions outdated—or more vital than ever? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with theologian and missiologist Dr. Michael Goheen to talk about the heart of Christian mission and why the global call to make disciples remains central to the church’s identity.   Drawing from his book The Core of the Christian Faith: Seeing the Big Picture of God’s Story, Dr. Goheen addresses common objections to foreign missions—such as cultural imperialism, globalization, and the rise of local churches worldwide—and offers a thoughtful defense of why cross-cultural witness still matters today. We’ll explore how God’s mission has always been global in scope, what a healthy theology of mission looks like, and how ordinary believers can participate meaningfully in God’s redemptive work among the nations.   Dr. Michael Goheen has served as a professor of missiology and theology at several institutions, including Missional Training Center and Covenant Theological Seminary. His writing and teaching help the church recover a whole-life, mission-shaped vision of the gospel.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

    45 min

  6. 11/18/2025

    Designed for Each Other: A New Approach to Men & Women in the Church

    What does it mean for men and women to flourish together in God’s design—not in spite of their differences, but because of them? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Dr. Gregg R. Allison, theologian and professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to explore his latest book, Complementarity: Dignity, Difference, and Interdependence. Allison offers a vision of complementarity that goes far deeper than the typical debates. Rather than reducing the conversation to roles or authority, he roots his perspective in the equal worth of men and women, their meaningful distinctions, and the interdependence through which they thrive together.  In our conversation, Gregg traces how the church has historically understood gender, how Scripture shapes a richer framework for thinking about dignity and difference, and why the modern church often struggles to apply these truths in a way that is both faithful and life-giving. He explains how complementarity is not merely a doctrinal position but a lived reality that shapes relationships, community, and the mission of the church. We also talk about the practical implications for everyday discipleship—how men and women serve alongside one another, how churches can cultivate environments of mutual flourishing, and how theology can help bridge divides rather than create them. Gregg Allison brings deep theological expertise and a pastor’s heart, drawing from years of scholarship and ministry. Whether you’re wrestling with contemporary questions about gender, seeking clarity on complementarian and egalitarian debates, or simply longing for a more beautiful vision of life together as God’s people, this episode offers thoughtful, hopeful guidance. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. Gregg R. Allison is Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Allison came to Southern in 2003.

    43 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    Why Hospitality Belongs at the Center of the Church

    What if true evangelism begins with a warm welcome? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Danny Franks, pastor and expert on guest services, to talk about why hospitality is not just a program—but a reflection of the gospel itself. Danny unpacks how the early church made belonging a central part of its witness, and how modern churches can reclaim that same spirit of invitation. We’ll discuss the theology behind hospitality, the barriers that keep churches from being truly welcoming, and practical ways to create spaces where strangers feel seen, known, and loved. Danny Franks is the Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, where he helps churches create cultures of genuine hospitality that reflect the heart of the gospel. He’s the author of People Are the Mission: How Churches Can Welcome Guests Without Compromising the Gospel and shares insights on ministry and life through his blog, Connective Tissue—a mix of practical wisdom, humor, and honest reflection.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

    35 min

  8. 10/21/2025

    Why Does God Allow Us to Suffer?

    If God is good, why does He let us suffer? It’s a question every believer faces at some point. In this episode of Native Exiles, we dive deep into the mystery of suffering and God’s role in it. Is pain a punishment, a test, or something more redemptive? Throughout history, theologians have wrestled with this very question—debating whether suffering is part of God’s sovereign will, the result of human freedom, or a necessary path to spiritual growth. We’ll explore these perspectives and then turn to the practical side: how our understanding of suffering shapes how we pray, comfort others, and find hope in the hardest seasons of life.  Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. Check out our previous episode on Does Evil Disprove God’s Goodness? for more discussion on this topic.

    42 min
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About

Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus.New episodes every other week! For more questions and inquiries, reach us at reachus@amcc.org or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Alderwood Community Church
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Native Exiles
  • Show Website
    Native Exiles