We thought it was time to revisit the stages of faith – which is really what this podcast is all about. Joe takes us through his understanding of the six stages, but as well as exploring the crisis itself, we also look at the signs which tell us that we might be emerging into a newer, deeper faith. Also, Joe has a theme and Nick might still be recovering. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Let There Be Light Redstart Borscht The modern myth of the Easter bunny Ostara and the Hare The Long Table Nick Page, The Dark Night of the Shed ..read more

It’s our new year themes episode. Joe’s had a bad week so is behind with his homework. Nick has broken his Lenten fast from anger in a spectacularly ill-judged way. And we have thoughts about beetroot. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Staying Defiantly – The Conversation Barbie Ostara and the Hare: Not Ancient, but Not As Modern As Some Skeptics Think Beetroot The State of the Culture, 2024 Liquid Church Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Previous theme episodes Episode 98: New year, new theme Episode 142 ..read more

It's Easter! And we reflect on what Easter means for us this year and how we can see our own faith journeys patterned in the events of Holy Week. Meanwhile, Nick is impressed by Hot Cross bun technology and Joe has discovered the word 'heuristic'. Happy Easter everyone. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Flaming June Sideways: Brain Strain Heuristic ..read more

As the song goes, 'Praise him on the trumpet, the psaltery and harp!' But why? In another of our excitingly named Moderately Interesting Questions, we explore the nature of praise. Does God demand it? How do we approach it? And what the heck is a psaltery anyway? We talk about praise as gratitude and heightened appreciation, how it needs to be based on intellectual content, and why attempts to do mood-altering worship never really work. Yes, it's worship on the dancefloor, so you'd better not kill the timbrel. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in th ..read more

We delve into the feedback this week, especially various reflections on the What is the Point of Joe?' episode. Also we talk about being the person that God imagined, how we over-value and over-share achievements, the role of regret, and whether the true sign of Christlikeness is getting 40% off at Mountain Warehouse. And we have some brilliant historical research on church crockery and a lot of stuff about gemstones, most notably, beryl. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Staying Defiantly: A Conversation for Church Leaders Abingdo ..read more

Joe talks to Jo about the menopause. And perimenopause. And post-menopause. What is it and why does it matter? And why don't we talk about it more? You will learn a lot. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Staying Defiantly: A Conversation for Church Leaders Limes Nick's microblog Courage Coaching What the fog? Facebook group ..read more

Joe is having an existential crisis and, worryingly, is asking Nick to help. So we discuss meaning and purpose. What are we here for? What is our calling? Is there a purpose to our lives or are we just fooling ourselves? Is it true that everyone on earth is a pun? Does Joe's purpose involve cheese? Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Wensleydale cheese Intercourse, Pennsylvania ..read more

We discuss Lent, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. We reflect on the purpose of fasting, the way that Lent creates contours in the year, and the cheery fact that we are all going to die. From dust we are made and to dust we shall return. But what kind of dust? That's the question. Also in the new, fabulous 'Thankful for Food' feature, Nick, inexplicably forgets to mention pancakes. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Alex Horne and The Horne Section - Seasons song Pickled walnuts Nadia Bolz-Weber Joan Chittister, The Liturgical Year ..read more

Last week we talked about lots of different kinds of church. This week we're thinking about the purpose. What, actually, is the point of church? What are we supposed to do? And has this whole thing just been market research so that Joe can start a cult? Warning: there's a lot of food in this episode, none of it healthy. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Staying Defiantly: A Conversation for Church Leaders Black pudding The Traditional Full English Breakfast The Delia Effect ..read more

Last week we asked what people would like to see in a church. Turns out a lot of people have an opinion. A lot. We talk about the need for safe places, shared values, and how to balance evangelical roughage with full-fat, dairy liturgy. Most of all, though, it's a feast of feedback. Common themes include food, honesty, trust, food, the need for a safe place, music, no music, inclusivity, more food, silence, listening and, er, food. Support the podcast Contact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Staying Defiantly - A Conversation for Church Leaders Charlie Bigha ..read more