The UpWords Podcast

Upper House
  • 5.0 (12)
  • 基督教
  • 一周一更

An initiative of SLBF STUDIO at Upper House in Madison, WI. Through conversations with thinkers, scholars, and leaders, we explore the life of the mind and the questions of soul--to enrich our university, our community, and the Church.

  1. 5天前

    Formed to Lead | Jason Jensen

    In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host John Terrill sits down with Jason Jensen, Vice President of Spiritual Foundations at InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and author of Formed to Lead: Humility, Character, Integrity, and Discernment. Together, they explore a transformative vision of Christian leadership—one shaped not by power or platform, but by spiritual formation, humility, and the aroma of the gospel. Drawing deeply from Luke chapters 1–4, Jason shares how the life of Jesus offers a radically different leadership model rooted in identity, character, and calling. He discusses the personal disciplines that have shaped his journey, including Ignatian spirituality, Orthodox iconography, therapy, and the daily examen. Jason also reflects on his pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago and the importance of discerning signposts in leadership vocation. This rich conversation invites listeners to reimagine leadership as participation in God’s story, where we are called to be faithful secondary characters in the divine drama. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and practical guidance for leading with integrity and grace. 📘 Form to Lead is available now and includes group discussion guides and spiritual exercises for deeper engagement. https://www.ivpress.com/formed-to-lead

    51 分钟

  2. 10月6日

    Reinventing Protestant Germany | Brandon Bloch

    In this episode, Dan Hummel sits down with historian Brandon Bloch to explore his new book, Reinventing Protestant Germany. The conversation traces the complex role of Protestant churches in Germany from the Weimar Republic through the Nazi era and into the post-war reconstruction. Block shares insights into how religious nationalism shaped political ideologies, the nuanced responses of church leaders to Nazism, and how post-war Protestantism positioned itself as a moral compass in rebuilding German democracy.  🧠 Topics Covered  Brandon’s academic journey and early experiences in Berlin The religious landscape of Germany in the early 20th century Protestant responses to the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazism The Confessing Church, Bonhoeffer, and the myth vs. reality of resistance Lay women and local resistance efforts during WWII Post-war Protestantism and its role in moral reconstruction The church’s stance on denazification and human rights Protestant identity, conscience, and democratic values in West Germany Comparative reflections on secularization in Germany vs. the U.S.  📚 Key Takeaways  Protestant churches were deeply intertwined with the German state pre-WWI and faced identity crises post-1918. Initial enthusiasm for Nazism among Protestant leaders gave way to internal conflict over racial policies and church autonomy. Resistance efforts were often led by laypeople, especially women, rather than prominent pastors. Post-1945, Protestant churches leveraged their moral authority to influence democratic reconstruction and human rights discourse. The concept of “conscience” became central to Protestant political engagement in West Germany. German secularization differs from the American model, with churches maintaining public roles despite declining private religiosity.  🔗 Resources & Mentions  Reinventing Protestant Germany by Brandon Block — Harvard University Press https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674295438  Peter Kaika’s book Follow Your Conscience Doris Bergen’s work on military chaplains and Nazi crimes Kirchentag (German Protestant lay assembly) Martin Niemöller’s famous quote: “First they came for the communists…”  📍 Where to Listen  Find this and over 150 other episodes at slbf.org/studio

    51 分钟

  3. 9月30日

    Reclaiming the Christian Worldview | J. Richard Middleton

    In this episode of The UpWords Podcast, host Susan Smetzer-Anderson sits down with J. Richard Middleton, Emeritus Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University. With decades of scholarship spanning theology, philosophy, and cultural analysis, Middleton offers a compelling exploration of what it truly means to hold a Christian worldview—and how that concept has evolved, been misunderstood, and often distorted over time. Drawing from his seminal work The Transforming Vision (1984) and his forthcoming book Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws: The Christian Worldview in a Conflicted Age, Middleton challenges listeners to move beyond tribalism, cultural conformity, and rigid doctrinal packages. Instead, he invites us to embrace a biblically rooted, lived orientation toward the world—one that is shaped by grace, community, and spiritual formation. Topics include: The difference between worldview as a lived orientation vs. a set of ideasHow cultural norms have overtaken biblical foundations in many churchesThe role of deconstruction and reconstruction in spiritual growthWhy diversity in Scripture points to a deeper unityPractical questions to help uncover and reshape your worldview Whether you're a student, pastor, educator, or curious seeker, this episode offers rich insights into how we see the world—and how Scripture invites us to see it differently. 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/y20HygPRXWE. 🔔 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast to stay updated on future episodes.

    44 分钟

  4. 9月22日

    How Leaders Lose Their Way | Peter Greer

    In this conversation, host Daniel Johnson welcomes author and leader Peter Greer, who discusses his latest book, How Leaders Lose Their Way: And How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and research, Peter explores the subtle and often invisible forces that cause leaders to drift from their mission, values, and integrity. The episode is a deep dive into the habits, mindsets, and relationships that help leaders finish well. 🧭 Key Topics Covered Mission Drift & Leadership DriftBuilding on his earlier book Mission Drift, Peter explains how both organizations and individuals can lose sight of their purpose.Writing Your Eulogy & Resignation LetterPeter shares how these two exercises helped him recalibrate his identity and leadership priorities.Misguided Pursuits: Achievement & PowerThe dangers of idolizing success and influence, especially in mission-driven work.The Role of Speed & Isolation in DriftHow hurry and lack of authentic relationships contribute to leaders losing their way. Whether you're a senior leader or a rising one, this episode offers practical wisdom and soul-searching reflection. Peter’s insights challenge us to slow down, build authentic relationships, and stay rooted in purpose. Leadership isn’t just about achieving—it’s about finishing well. Peter Greer is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global nonprofit working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty in 29 countries around the world. Peter’s favorite part of his role is spending time with the remarkable entrepreneurs HOPE serves. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School, Peter has co-authored over 15 books, including Lead with Prayer, Mission Drift, Rooting for Rivals, and How Leaders Lose Their Way. While his sports loyalties remain in New England, he lives with his wife, Laurel, and their four children in Lancaster, PA.   📚 About the Book Title: How Leaders Lose Their Way Author: Peter Greer Publisher: InterVarsity Press Year: 2025 Website: HowLeadersLoseTheirWay.com 🔗 Resources & Links 📖 Purchase the book from InterVarsity Press = https://www.ivpress.com/how-leaders-lose-their-way🌍 Hope International = https://www.hopeinternational.org/🏛️ S.L. Brown Foundation = https://slbf.org/📺 Watch this episode on YouTube = link fourth coming

    46 分钟

  5. 9月15日

    Christian Citizenship and the Early Church | Gar Anderson

    In this thought-provoking episode, host Jean Geran sits down with guest Gar Anderson to explore the concept of Christian citizenship through the lens of the early church. Drawing from Gar’s recent lecture in Oshkosh, the conversation delves into how early Christians—most of whom lacked formal citizenship—navigated life under the Roman Empire. Rather than seeking political power, they transformed society through radical love, community care, and allegiance to Christ. Gar and Jean discuss: The historical context of citizenship in the Roman EmpireThe difference between patriotism and indifference in Christian political engagementJesus’ teaching on rendering to Caesar and GodLessons from Paul’s use of Roman citizenship to expose injusticePractical examples of loving one’s neighbor in everyday life 📚 Recommended Resources Books Mentioned: Christians as the Romans Saw Them by Robert Wilken (Oxford University Press, 1984)The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark (HarperOne, 1996)Destroyer of the Gods by Larry Hurtado (Baylor University Press, 2016)Strange Religion by Nijay Gupta (Brazos Press, 2023)The Patient Ferment of the Early Church by Alan Kreider (Baker Academic, 2016) Ancient Text Highlighted: Letter to Diognetus (c. 125–150 AD) — A second-century Christian apology describing the distinctiveness of Christian life and allegiance. Link = https://storage2.snappages.site/6X3R8B/assets/files/The-Epistle-to-Diognetus.pdf Other Podcast Episodes Mentioned ·     Christian Citizenship in a Pluralistic World | Chris Seiple (August 4, 2025) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/1fedbb2c-6c00-47d3-bc40-a1cc9a367d84/ ·     Faith, Citizenship, and Dissent: Lessons from 18th–19th Century Britain | Michael Rutz (August 18, 2025) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8fa1fc18-402f-4271-afc8-9e4bf9a73c13/   🔗 Watch & Subscribe 🎧 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast on your favorite podcast app to stay updated.

    54 分钟

  6. 9月9日

    Books That Shape a Life: Byron Borger’s Fall Reading Guide

    In this rich and inspiring episode, host Daniel Johnson welcomes back guest Byron Borger to discuss transformative books for the fall season. Byron shares a curated list of titles that speak to theology, culture, education, memoir, and spiritual formation—perfect for students, readers, and lifelong learners. The conversation explores how books can shape our faith, deepen our understanding of culture, and equip us for meaningful engagement in the academy and beyond.   ➡️ 📚 Featured Book Recommendations 🎓 For Students & Educators Why Study History? by John Fea (Baker Academic, 2024)Learning to Love: Christian Higher Education as Pilgrimage by Alex Sosler (Falls City Press, 2023)The Art of Asking Better Questions by J.R. Briggs (IVP, 2025)Everything is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes' Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness by Bobby Jamieson (Penguin Random House, 2025) 🌍 On Culture & Theology The Way of Christ in Culture: A Vision for All of Life by Benjamin Quinn & Dennis Greeson (B&H Academic, 2024)The Core of the Christian Faith: Living the Gospel for the Sake of the World by Michael Goheen (Brazos Press, 2025)Culture Making by Andy Crouch (IVP, 2008)He Shines in All That’s Fair: Culture and Common Grace by Richard Mouw (Eerdmans, 2002)Creation Regained: Biblical Basics for a Reformational Worldview by Albert Wolters (Eerdmans, 2005) 🕊️ Spiritual Formation Slow Theology: Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World by A.J. Swoboda & Nijay Gupta (Brazos Press, 2025)You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul by Jared Ayers (NavPress, 2025) 👥 Memoirs & Personal Narratives I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown (Convergent Books, 2018)Full of Myself: Black Womanhood and the Journey to Self-Possession by Austin Channing Brown (Convergent Books, 2025)The Exact Place by Margie Haack (Deep River Books, 2012)Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story by Bono (Knopf, 2022)   💬 Key Themes The Gospel of the Kingdom and its cultural implicationsChristian higher education as a journey of love and formationAsking better questions as a spiritual and relational practiceEngaging culture thoughtfully and faithfullyThe power of memoirs to cultivate empathy and self-reflectionSlowing down to deepen theological understanding and resilience   🔗 Resources & Links Hearts & Minds Bookstore = https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.comSL Brown Foundation = https://slbf.org

    53 分钟

  7. 8月25日

    Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work | Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels

    In this episode, host John Terrill welcomes Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels to discuss their new book, Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work. Drawing from extensive research, including surveys of over 16,000 people and nearly 300 interviews, Elaine and Denise explore how Christians can live out their faith in the workplace with integrity, courage, and compassion. 🧠 Key Topics CoveredThe Double-Edged Nature of Calling: How a sense of calling can both inspire and blind us to workplace injustices.Faith in a Pluralistic Workplace: Navigating religious diversity while remaining true to Christian convictions.Radical Embrace: The central thesis of the book—engaging others with respect and openness, even across belief systems. Five Core Tensions: Secular vs. Sacred WorkProtecting Ourselves vs. Protecting OthersIndividual Ethics vs. Systems ThinkingRestrictive Gender Roles vs. Flourishing TogetherVerbal Proclamation vs. Principled Pluralism(Bonus Tension: Work vs. Rest/Sabbath) The Role of Rest: Why Sabbath matters and how to integrate rhythms of rest into daily life.Empirical Insights: Surprising data on who feels called to their work—and who doesn’t. 📊 Research HighlightsOnly 1 in 5 Christians surveyed feel a strong sense of calling in their work.People in service-oriented or nonprofit roles report higher levels of calling than those in finance or knowledge work.Those with more organizational power are more likely to feel called—but higher income does not correlate with calling. 📚 About the GuestsElaine Howard Ecklund is the Herbert S. Autrey Chair in Social Sciences, professor of sociology, and director of the Boniuk Institute at Rice University.Denise Daniels is Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College. 📺 Watch & Subscribe 🎧 Subscribe to The UpWords Podcast on your favorite podcast app to stay updated. 🌐 Learn MoreVisit https://slbf.org/ for more about the SL Brown Foundation and Upper House.Explore the book: Working for Better: A New Approach to Faith at Work (available now). https://www.ivpress.com/working-for-better

    49 分钟

  8. 8月18日

    Faith, Citizenship, and Dissent: Lessons from 18th–19th Century Britain | Michael Rutz

    In this episode, host Jean Geran speaks with guest historian Michael Rutz about the historical experience of British Protestant dissenters in the 18th and 19th centuries. Drawing from his book The British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics and Empire, 1790–1850, Dr. Rutz explores how dissenting Christian communities navigated issues of religious liberty, education, social activism, and citizenship under an Anglican state church. 🗝️ Key Topics CoveredWho Were the Dissenters? Protestant groups (Congregationalists, Baptists, Quakers, Presbyterians) who refused to conform to the Church of England.Faced legal discrimination and second-class civic status. Education and the Dissenting Academies Creation of alternative institutions to educate ministers and laypeople.Emphasis on practical, Enlightenment-influenced curriculum including science, history, and civic engagement. Rational vs. Evangelical Dissenters Rational dissenters embraced Enlightenment ideals and supported revolutionary causes.Evangelical dissenters focused on personal conversion, biblical authority, and social activism. Religious Liberty and Political Reform Campaigns to repeal discriminatory laws like the Test and Corporation Acts.Advocacy for religious freedom as a core Christian and civic principle. Missions and Abolition Evangelical dissenters played key roles in foreign missions and anti-slavery movements.Missionary work in places like the Cape Colony led to campaigns for civil equality for indigenous populations. Coalition Building Across Faith Lines Groups like the Clapham Sect united Anglicans and dissenters around shared goals like abolition.Lessons for today: working across theological and political divides for common good. ABOUT OUR GUESTMichael A. Rutz, Ph.D. is a Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Since joining UWO’s history faculty in 2002, he has built a distinguished career as a scholar of 19th- and 20th-century Great Britain, the British Empire, religion and politics. Dr. Rutz earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in History from Washington University in St. Louis, and a B.A., with high honors in History, from the University of Michigan. His major publications include The British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics, and Empire (2011) and King Leopold’s Congo and the “Scramble for Africa” (2018); he has also published several articles on the intersection of religion and politics in 19c Britain and the British empire and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. 📚 Recommended ReadingThe British Zion: Congregationalism, Politics and Empire, 1790–1850 by Michael Rutz (Baylor University Press, 2011) https://www.baylorpress.com/9781602582057/the-british-zion/ 🔗 ResourcesLearn more about the S.L. Brown Foundation and Upper House: https://slbf.org/

    47 分钟
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An initiative of SLBF STUDIO at Upper House in Madison, WI. Through conversations with thinkers, scholars, and leaders, we explore the life of the mind and the questions of soul--to enrich our university, our community, and the Church.

信息

  • 创作者
    Upper House
  • 活跃年份
    2020年 - 2025年
  • 单集
    155
  • 分级
    儿童适宜
  • 版权
    © Upper House
  • 节目网站
    The UpWords Podcast

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