Old Paths New Steps

Malissa Bertella and Peter Voorhees
  • 5.0 (9)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Walking in ancient paths with contemporary feet, finding hope for today.Join us as we explore the profound intersection of theology, sociology, and science through a lens of compassion and hope. Old Paths New Steps bridges timeless wisdom with modern understanding, creating space for authentic conversations about trauma, healing, and what it means to be fully human.

  1. Giraffes, Grace, Disc Golf and Finding Purpose After Retirement with guest Paul Wright

    10/13/2025

    Giraffes, Grace, Disc Golf and Finding Purpose After Retirement with guest Paul Wright

    From battalion chief to world champion disc golfer to international course designer, Paul Wright's journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Paul shares how God healed him of cystic fibrosis as a toddler, gave him a dream that launched his firefighting career at 32, and then used his love of disc golf to serve communities across Africa, Central America, and beyond through the Paul McBeth Foundation. We explore what it means to shift from pursuing money to pursuing purpose, how retirement can become the richest season of faith, and why sometimes the most effective ministry happens when you're just teaching kids in Uganda how to throw a Frisbee while dodging monkeys and giraffes. Paul McBeth Foundation: https://www.paulmcbethfoundation.org/

    46 min

  2. 09/30/2025

    The Reshaping of Mission and Call of the Church: When the church learned to ask "why?"

    In this episode, Peter takes us through part of the introduction of a book he's working on. He explores how a simple question—"If our church disappeared, would anyone notice?"—led to a profound discovery about trauma, community, and hope. When their church decided to serve a low-income neighborhood, they thought they understood poverty and struggle. Then they learned about ACEs—Adverse Childhood Experiences—and everything changed. This training didn't just teach us about childhood trauma; it revealed why asking "What happened to you?" instead of "What's wrong with you?" transforms how we love our neighbors. Peter shares the story of Jane, a single mom with MS who needed help moving apartments, and how the church's response demonstrated that small acts of service can prevent catastrophic outcomes. This is the first in a series exploring how trauma shapes us, how resilience rebuilds us, and how the church is uniquely positioned to create the kind of community where real flourishing becomes possible. There's so much more to uncover about brain science, epigenetics, sin, and the power of belonging—but it all starts here, with learning to see our neighbors through new eyes.  We'd love your feedback on this episode. Reach out at info@oldpathsnewsteps or on Facebook or Instagram at Old Paths New Steps.

    32 min
  3. Care Portal and Kingdom Work: Technology Meets Compassion with guest Brandon Stiver

    09/15/2025

    Care Portal and Kingdom Work: Technology Meets Compassion with guest Brandon Stiver

    What happens when good intentions meet hard realities? Brandon Steiver's calling to "run an orphanage in Africa" led to eight transformative years in Tanzania and a shocking discovery: 80% of children in orphanages worldwide have living parents. Brandon shares how this revelation shifted his focus from institutional care to family strengthening, and discusses his current work with Care Portal—a technology platform connecting churches directly with vulnerable families in their communities. We explore the intersection of faith and social action, why orphans need families not institutions, and how the gospel demands both proclamation and demonstration. Whether you're involved in missions or wondering how your faith translates into neighborhood impact, this conversation offers sobering realities and inspiring possibilities for making a real difference.

    57 min
  4. Outsiders and Insiders: Where God Shows Up with guest Dr. Gregory Coles

    09/01/2025

    Outsiders and Insiders: Where God Shows Up with guest Dr. Gregory Coles

    Dr. Gregory Coles returns to explore how our modern understanding of identity has everything backwards. Discover why the Latin root of "identity" points toward sameness rather than individuality, what it means to find belonging as an outsider, and how God shows up in unexpected ways when we stop trying to predict where the wind will blow. Greg shares insights from his upcoming books on sexuality and purpose, while unpacking the beautiful tension between standing out and fitting in, and why sometimes the gifts we receive are far better than the ones we thought we deserved.

    54 min
  5. Genes of Eden: Where Ancient Theology Meets Modern Science with guest Dr. Lu Wing

    08/18/2025

    Genes of Eden: Where Ancient Theology Meets Modern Science with guest Dr. Lu Wing

    Dr. Luman Wing returns to discuss his groundbreaking book "Genes of Eden," where cutting-edge epigenetics meets ancient theology. Discover how your environment literally rewrites your genetic expression, why trauma and redemption can both echo through generations, and how 4th-century theologian Augustine of Hippo might have been ahead of modern science. From the molecular science behind prayer and meditation to why your spiritual choices are having real conversations with your DNA, this episode reveals the fascinating biological reality behind faith, forgiveness, and transformation.

    1h 2m
  6. Episode Rerelease: The Science of Healing Community with Dr. Lumen Wing

    08/11/2025

    Episode Rerelease: The Science of Healing Community with Dr. Lumen Wing

    We're thrilled to bring back this powerful conversation with Dr. Lumen Wing as he prepares to release his groundbreaking book Genes of Eden. In this episode, Dr. Wing—a biochemist, pastor, and chaplain at the San Diego crime lab—reveals the fascinating intersection of faith and science through epigenetics. Discover how trauma literally leaves "black marks" on our genes, why authentic community and simple acts like hugs can reverse genetic damage, and how the body's own molecules like oxytocin provide healing more powerful than pharmaceuticals. From understanding how stress affects our DNA to seeing how prayer, belonging, and bearing one another's burdens create measurable biological changes, this conversation will transform how you view both ministry and human flourishing. Whether you're a pastor, counselor, or someone seeking to create healing spaces in your community, Dr. Wing's insights offer hope-filled, scientifically-backed pathways to restoration that honor both our design as image-bearers and our calling to love well.

    1 hr

  7. 07/14/2025

    Change as an Invitation to Grow: An Update on OPNS

    Peter shares important updates about Old Paths New Steps, including Josh Lott's decision to step back from regular hosting to focus on family, and our move to bi-monthly episodes. We honor Josh's incredible contributions while looking ahead with excitement to continue meaningful conversations about faith and life. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

    4 min
  8. The Horizontal Gospel: Why Racial Reconciliation is Gospel Work with guest Lonnie Arnold

    07/07/2025

    The Horizontal Gospel: Why Racial Reconciliation is Gospel Work with guest Lonnie Arnold

    Pastor and former police officer Lonnie Arnold shares his journey from black church upbringing through interracial marriage and law enforcement to founding the Racial Reconciliation Network. Drawing from personal experiences and scripture, Lonnie explains why racial reconciliation isn't just a social issue but a gospel issue, arguing that while the church excels at vertical reconciliation with God, it struggles with the horizontal reconciliation between people that Ephesians 2 demands. He offers practical wisdom on crossing racial lines, creating safe spaces for difficult conversations, and moving toward the multi-ethnic expression of God's kingdom that reflects heaven's diversity.

    1h 2m
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About

Walking in ancient paths with contemporary feet, finding hope for today.Join us as we explore the profound intersection of theology, sociology, and science through a lens of compassion and hope. Old Paths New Steps bridges timeless wisdom with modern understanding, creating space for authentic conversations about trauma, healing, and what it means to be fully human.

Information

  • Creator
    Malissa Bertella and Peter Voorhees
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Old Paths New Steps
  • Show Website
    Old Paths New Steps