Pod Have Mercy

John Stephens/Matt Russell
  • 4.7 (42)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

Tune in every week for a lively conversation with Chapelwood's Senior Pastor, John Stephens and Executive Pastor, Matt Russell as they "go deep" on how today's church has changed and what the church will look like in the future!

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 239: A Conversation with Dr. Ilia Delio

    What does it mean to live faithfully in an unfinished universe - one in which creation is still evolving and Christ is still drawing all things toward communion? In today's episode, Matt sits down with Dr. Ilia Delio, Franciscan sister, theologian, Josephine C. Connelly Endowed Chair in Theology at Villanova University, founder of the Center for Christogenesis, and author of more than twenty books, including "The Christian Mutation". Drawing from the work of Bonaventure, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Carl Jung, and modern physics, Dr. Delio explores what Christianity might look like if we took evolution, science, and the deeply relational nature of the universe seriously.Together, Matt and Dr. Delio discuss moving from original sin toward original love, why relationship may be at the very foundation of reality, and what it means to understand sin as a resistance to relationship. They also explore the decline of institutional religion, the questions younger generations are asking, artificial intelligence, the problem of evil, and whether Christianity itself must continue to evolve. At the center of the conversation is a provocative possibility: What if love isn't simply something we feel or something Christianity teaches, but something woven into the very fabric of existence? And if the universe is still becoming, what would it mean for the church to become with it?\ In this episode: - Teilhard de Chardin and the relationship between science and faith - Bonaventure, Thomas Aquinas, and two ways of understanding Christianity - Original sin versus original love - Physics, interconnectedness, and the relational nature of reality - Sin as a resistance to relationship - Why younger generations are leaving institutional religion - Whether Christianity is answering questions people are no longer asking - Artificial intelligence and the future of humanity - Love, evil, and human transformation - What the church might become if it took evolution seriously - Whether love can endure even if the universe itself eventually dies Learn more about Dr. Ilia Delio: https://wisrinstitute.org/about/ilia-delio/

  2. Aug 21

    Episode 238: A Conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan

    What can the history of Methodism teach us about the future of the church? In Episode 238 of Pod Have Mercy, Matt and John sit down with Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the United Methodist General Commission on Archives and History, to talk about what she calls the “ministry of memory” and why remembering our history is very different from simply being nostalgic. The conversation centers on a pivotal moment in John Wesley’s life when he “submitted to be more vile” and began preaching outside the walls of the church to people who were often excluded from traditional religious life. Ashley explains why she sees that moment as foundational to the Methodist movement and explores how Methodism’s early willingness to challenge social and institutional boundaries gradually gave way to a pursuit of respectability, influence, and growth. Show Notes & Resources Wesleyan Vile-tality: Reclaiming the Heart of Methodist Identity — Ashley Boggan’s book exploring Wesley’s call to “submit to be more vile” and what it means for Methodist identity today.A Not So Calm Address to American Methodists — Ashley Boggan and Andy Oliver revisit John Wesley’s A Calm Address to Our American Colonies in light of America’s 250th anniversary.General Commission on Archives and History / UM History Hub — Resources exploring Methodist history and the church’s “ministry of memory.”From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic — A General Commission on Archives and History series exploring Methodism alongside the birth and development of the United States.

  3. Jun 12

    Episode 237: AI, Human Dignity, and the Future of Being Human

    What happens when the Church weighs in on artificial intelligence? In this episode, we discuss Pope Leo XIV's recent reflections on AI, technology, and human dignity. Drawing parallels between today's AI revolution and the Industrial Revolution, they explore how technology shapes our lives, influences our relationships, and challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. The conversation touches on social media algorithms, political polarization, Christian formation, human identity, and why the most important question may not be whether technology is good or bad, but who we are becoming while we build it. Plus, the hosts discuss the dangers of reducing people to labels, the importance of seeing others as image-bearers of God, and whether AI might someday replace the voices on the other end of customer service calls.

  4. Jun 5

    Episode 236: Pilgrimage, Pickpockets, and Paul

    Fresh off a pilgrimage to Italy, John Stephens and Josef Klam reflect on the spiritual, historical, and personal impact of traveling through some of Christianity’s most significant sites. From Rome, Assisi, Siena, Florence, and Venice, they explore why pilgrimages continue to shape faith today. The conversation dives into sacred spaces, Christian history, the power of community, and how stepping away from everyday routines can open us to transformation. Along the way, they share memorable moments from the trip, discuss the importance of experiencing biblical history firsthand, and even recount a few encounters with Roman pickpockets and unforgettable Italian meals. Whether you've been on a pilgrimage before or have always wondered what makes these journeys meaningful, this episode offers a glimpse into how travel, faith, and shared experiences can deepen our understanding of God and one another.

  5. May 22

    Episode 235: Faith After Tragedy (with Laura Husband)

    Laura Husband joins the podcast for a deeply honest conversation about grief, faith, healing, and the stories that shape us. Laura shares her experience growing up as the daughter of astronaut Rick Husband, commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia, and reflects on the tragedy that changed her life at just 12 years old. Together, Matt and Laura explore what it means to navigate public grief, wrestle with abandonment and loss, and discover the presence of God in suffering. They discuss counseling, healing, storytelling, forgiveness, and the ways our deepest wounds can become places of connection and hope for others. Laura also shares about her new podcast, Stories That Serve, where she invites guests into meaningful conversations about how pain, healing, and faith can shape lives that serve others. This episode is honest, vulnerable, hopeful, and full of wisdom for anyone walking through grief, loss, or the process of healing. Links & Resources Follow Laura Husband:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelaurahusband Stories That Serve Podcast:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesthatservepodcastYouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@StoriesThatServeAll Platforms & Links:https://linktr.ee/storiesthatserve

  6. May 15

    Episode 234: Inside NASA (with Jimmy Wanner, NASA Engineer)

    What does it actually take to send humans back to the moon? This week on Pod Have Mercy, John sits down with NASA engineer Jimmy Warner to talk about the future of space exploration, moon bases, Mars missions, and the real science behind the Artemis program. Jimmy shares stories from his 18 years at NASA working on projects including Orion, the Space Shuttle, Gateway, and future lunar habitat systems. The conversation explores everything from lunar dust and ion propulsion to space station living, flat earth conspiracies, sci-fi movies, and the spiritual awe that comes from seeing Earth from space. Jimmy also shares how NASA is preparing for permanent human presence on the moon and why the moon is only the first step toward Mars. It’s a fascinating conversation about science, engineering, wonder, and what humanity’s future in space could look like.

  7. May 8

    Episode 233: Soul Work with Jerry Webber

    This week on Pod Have Mercy, Jerry Webber joins John Stephens for a thoughtful conversation on contemplative spirituality, the interior life, and the wisdom hidden within the rhythms of a vineyard. Drawing from years of ministry, spiritual direction, and soul work, Jerry reflects on why silence, dormancy, weakness, and even loss can become sacred teachers in our spiritual lives. Together, they explore the imagery of vineyards, old vines, mystics, and spiritual practices that help us slow down long enough to notice where God is already at work within us. From Thomas Merton and Richard Rohr to the “dark night of the soul,” this episode is an invitation to move beyond performance-driven faith and toward deeper awareness, attentiveness, and connection. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, searching for spiritual grounding, or simply curious about contemplative spirituality, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hopeful perspective.

  8. May 1

    Episode 232: Islam, Faith, and Neighbors (with Shariq Ghani)

    In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Matt sits down with Shariq Abdul Ghani — Executive Director of Bridges and a Muslim leader passionate about peace-building. We explore what it really means to be neighbors in a divided world. From growing up Pakistani-American in Texas to reclaiming his faith after 9/11, Shariq shares how his journey led him to build bridges across faiths and cultures. Together, they unpack misconceptions about Islam, the meaning of Sharia, and the role of culture vs. religion.But more than anything, this episode is about connection—how simple conversations, curiosity, and proximity can dismantle fear and reshape the future of our communities. If we don’t talk to our neighbors… what are we really building?

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4.7
out of 5
42 Ratings

About

Tune in every week for a lively conversation with Chapelwood's Senior Pastor, John Stephens and Executive Pastor, Matt Russell as they "go deep" on how today's church has changed and what the church will look like in the future!

Information

  • Creator
    John Stephens/Matt Russell
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    242
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Stephens/Matt Russell
  • Show Website
    Pod Have Mercy

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