Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast
279 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 275 ratingsA place for honest and unhurried conversations about interactive life with God. Hosted by Nathan Foster from Renovaré, a nonprofit that offers resources, events, and learning communities to help people become more like Jesus. Learn more at renovare.org.
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Episodes
Sarah Bowling — Turning The Volume Up On God
June 04, 2018 12:00 - 20 minutes - 14.6 MB"It's a way to clean the engine... it hones... It's a rich adventure." That's how Sarah Bowling, founder of a global humanitarian organization called Saving Moses, talks about fasting in this interview with Nathan Foster.
Rebecca Willard Heatley & Gary Moon — Becoming Dallas Willard
May 21, 2018 12:00 - 52 minutes - 25.4 MBSometimes when you meet a person later in life it's hard to imagine them any other way. But like all of us, Dallas Willard had a formation. It's told in the new biography Becoming Dallas Willard. Nathan talks with Dallas' daughter Rebecca (Becky), and the book's author Gary Moon.
Mimi Dixon — Fasting is Feasting on God
May 14, 2018 00:00 - 40 minutes - 16.9 MBFasting is a way to expand our capacity to enjoy God, to participate with God, to put ourselves in a place where his power can more freely flow through us for the sake of blessing others. Long-time pastor and Renovaré board member Mimi Dixon reframes fasting as feasting on God in this interview with Nathan Foster.
Chris Hall — Living Wisely with the Church Fathers
May 07, 2018 00:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBSoon the Renovaré Book Club begins Chris Hall's book Living Wisely With the Church Fathers. Nathan Foster talks with Chris who helps us apply the ancient wisdom of the church fathers to our modern lives. renovare.org/bookclub
Richard Foster — A Conversation and Q & A on Prayer
April 30, 2018 00:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MB"For those who like things difficult, we can make it complicated. But it's not intended to be. It's meant to be a living, loving relationship." That's one of the many special moments from this tender Q&A podcast on prayer with Nathan and Richard Foster.
Gayle Withnell & Lacy Borgo — Intercession & Centering Prayer
April 23, 2018 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBThere is no formula for prayer. "We're talking about a human-Divine relationship," says Lacy Borgo. Prayer may look like sitting with God "doing nothing," as Lacy shares, or fervently interceding for others as Renovaré Ministry Team member Gayle Withnell often does—or both and more.
Cris Rogers — Prayer In Action
April 16, 2018 00:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MB"Ours is a church on mission, not a church with a mission. It's a very uncomfortable place to be consumeristic." Cris Rogers is Rector of All Hallows' Church in Bow, London. His passion for prayer, community, and making authentic disciples of Jesus is evident in this conversation with Nathan Foster.
Rebecca Willard Heatley & Jan Johnson — Dallas Willard's Life Without Lack
April 02, 2018 12:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBDallas Willard believed it was possible to live a life without fear, a life without lack. A new book by that name is now available from the late philosopher, based on a series of talks he gave on Psalm 23. Nathan talks with Dallas' daughter Rebecca, and Jan Johnson who worked closely with him.
Richard Foster, Steve Fawver, Jan Johnson — Meditation Q & A
March 26, 2018 00:00 - 28 minutes - 16.5 MBHow did Jesus meditate? Is it possible to meditate while doing other things? Those questions and others are answered today by Richard Foster, Steve Fawver, and Jan Johnson on today's podcast hosted by Nathan Foster.
Jan Johnson & Steve Fawver — Savoring God
March 19, 2018 00:00 - 35 minutes - 28.9 MBMeditation is like savoring a delicious meal one slow bite at a time. Author Jan Johnson and Pastor Steve Fawver share practical insights on how meditation helps us to taste and see that the Lord is good.
Audio Retreat: Meditation on Psalm 131
March 12, 2018 00:00 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBToday's podcast is a 20-minute meditation—an audio retreat—on Psalm 131. Put on some headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let your soul be quieted. This episode is a collaboration with Joshua Banner from The Invitation Podcast (invitationpodcast.org).
Nathan Foster — Christian Meditation: Filling Not Emptying
March 05, 2018 00:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBContinuing our focus on one Spiritual Discipline per month, we turn our attention to meditation—specifically, and it's important here to be specific, Christian meditation. Nathan Foster shares why and how to fill our minds and hearts with what is lovely, good, praiseworthy, and true.
Richard Foster, Steve Fawver, Lacy Borgo — Submit to One Another
February 26, 2018 00:00 - 35 minutes - 20.4 MB"Submit yourselves to one another out of reverence for Christ." This verse in Ephesians 5 is the cornerstone of the discipline of submission. Listen in on a discussion with Richard Foster, Steve Fawver, Lacy Borgo, and Nathan Foster in this week's panel-style episode.
Robert Moore-Jumonville — Devils and Discernment (Screwtape Letters)
February 19, 2018 00:00 - 26 minutes - 14.3 MBRobert Moore-Jumonville (MoJo), Professor at Spring Arbor, joins Nate again to discuss how Screwtape Letters, in its diabolical way, teaches discernment. MoJo is facilitating the book in the Renovaré Book Club.
Steve Fawver & Lacy Borgo — A Posture of Openness to God's Wonders
February 12, 2018 00:00 - 36 minutes - 19.4 MBThese days, the word "submit" usually brings to mind one person exerting power over another. In this episode, Nate's guests—pastor/professor Steve Fawver and spiritual director and Renovaré ministry team member Lacy Borgo—reframe submission as a powerful choice to yield to God and others.
Nathan Foster — Starting with Submission
February 05, 2018 00:00 - 23 minutes - 13.6 MBCelebration of Discipline turns forty this year and our articles and podcasts will focus on one discipline per month. Since yielding to God is the goal of all spiritual disciplines, it's fitting to start this journey with Submission. In this episode, Nathan Foster reminds us why disciplines aren't "twelve new things to fail at" but rather entry points to life with God.
Cindy Wu — A Better Country: Embracing the Refugees In Our Midst
January 29, 2018 00:00 - 23 minutes - 12.9 MBWhat is the biggest humanitarian crisis of our day? It's refugees, says author Cindy Wu, who joins Nathan again to talk about her new book about refugees. The issue is vast and complex, but Cindy shares simple and practical ways for us to welcome the stranger in our midst.
Marti Ensign — Binyoni
January 22, 2018 00:00 - 10 minutes - 5.81 MBMarti Ensign, Renovaré Ministry Team member and former missionary to Africa, joins Nate again to share the unusual way her storytelling gift came to be. This podcast includes Marti telling "Binyoni," a story that was a favorite of Corrie Ten Boom. Marti is facilitating Corrie's book The Hiding Place in the Renovaré Book Club - renovare.org/bookclub
Jon & Josh Bailey — A New Way to Listen to Scripture
January 15, 2018 00:00 - 24 minutes - 12.9 MBJon and Josh Bailey, brothers, serial entrepreneurs, and creators of an upcoming app called Dwell, join Nate today to talk about the importance of listening to Scripture and why they're creating the app.
Marti Ensign — Corrie Ten Boom
January 08, 2018 00:00 - 24 minutes - 12.7 MBMarti Ensign, a long-time Renovaré Ministry Team member, was a missionary in Africa and friend of Corrie Ten Boom. Hear a first-hand perspective on Corrie's life from someone who knew her well. Marti is facilitating Corrie's book The Hiding Place in the Renovaré Book Club - renovare.org/bookclub
Jim Schaap — A Christmas Story of Joy
December 25, 2017 00:00 - 29 minutes - 14.8 MBAuthor Jim Schaap joins again this week, this time reading a story from his book Finding Christmas: Stories of Startling Joy and Perfect Peace. Merry Christmas!
Jim Schaap — The Christmas Truce of 1914
December 18, 2017 00:00 - 19 minutes - 9.71 MBJames (Jim) Schaap is an author, Professor Emeritus of English at Dordt College in Iowa, and a riveting storyteller. In this episode he shares his version of the Christmas truce of 1914.
Patty Kirk — The Gospel of Christmas
December 11, 2017 00:00 - 29 minutes - 15.7 MBAdvent means "the coming." In this episode Patty Kirk, writer in residence and associate professor of English at John Brown University, reminds us that Advent is a time for hope, a time to ask, "What good am I expecting?"
Richella Parham — The Liturgy of Waiting
December 04, 2017 00:00 - 35 minutes - 18.4 MBIn this Advent season of expectation, Renovaré Ministry team member and author Richella Parham joins Nathan again to talk about what she calls the liturgy of waiting.
Shane Claiborne & Chris Hall — Finding God on Death Row
November 20, 2017 00:00 - 31 minutes - 16.8 MBChris Hall went with Shane Claiborne recently to visit inmates on death row. They join Nate again this week to talk about what God's restorative justice looks like.
Shane Claiborne & Chris Hall — Taking Risks with God
November 13, 2017 00:00 - 29 minutes - 15.9 MBChris Hall along with Shane Claiborne, author and founder of the Simple Way in Philadelphia, join Nate to talk about stepping out of your comfort zone with God.
Steve Macchia — Coming Alongside the Next Generation
November 06, 2017 00:00 - 31 minutes - 17.2 MB“Something happens when you age—you realize life isn't all about you. It's about what you're able to offer to another.” In this episode Nate talks with Steve Macchia about his new book Legacy, a collection of life reflections given to his kids on his 60th birthday.
Carolyn Arends — Does Meek Mean Weak?
October 30, 2017 00:00 - 30 minutes - 17.3 MBRenovaré Director of Education Carolyn Arends spoke recently at Pacific Community Church on the true power of being meek.
Ragan Sutterfield — Wendell Berry and the Given Life
October 23, 2017 00:00 - 49 minutes - 25.4 MBWendell Berry is the kind of writer that when you read his work it can change the way you live. Ragan Sutterfield, author and Episcopal priest in training, talks this week about Berry, sabbath, and permaculture—working with God's order instead of manipulating the world to our own ends.
Chris Webb — The Courage to Face Our Brokenness
October 16, 2017 00:00 - 42 minutes - 22 MBWhen the love of God is experienced—known deeply and personally with the heart—it gives us courage to face our brokenness and be vulnerable with one another. Chris Webb returns to talk on that topic and others from his new book God Soaked Life, which is part of the upcoming Renovaré Book Club.
100th EPISODE! A Few Favorite Conversations
October 09, 2017 00:00 - 27 minutes - 15.6 MBPodcast editor Brian Morykon interviews Nathan Foster and they share a few favorite clips from the first 100 episodes.
Chris Webb — Shake off the Fear
October 02, 2017 00:00 - 28 minutes - 14.9 MBChris Webb is an Anglican priest, author, and former president of Renovaré. He shares stories of his past ministry in churches in the idyllic Welsh countryside, and gives some needed perspective and advice for the American church.
Juanita Rasmus — An Expansive Heart
September 25, 2017 00:00 - 23 minutes - 21.3 MB"Compassion is the experience of a heart that has known its own suffering and has been made expansive by the healing power of the love of God." Juanita Rasmus, co-pastor of St. John’s United Methodist Church in Downtown Houston, shares on social justice at Westmont College.
Joshua Banner — The Invitation
September 18, 2017 00:00 - 26 minutes - 12.2 MBJosh Banner, host of The Invitation Podcast, joins Nate again to discuss his journey into making audio prayer retreats, and how ministry is as simple as being present to others.
Audio Retreat: Julian of Norwich
September 11, 2017 00:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBTake a 20 minute "audio retreat" as Nathan Foster unfolds a quote from Julian of Norwich to guide us into prayer. This episode is a collaboration with Joshua Banner from The Invitation Podcast (invitationpodcast.org).
Mimi Dixon — Julian of Norwich
September 04, 2017 00:00 - 56 minutes - 26 MBHow can a woman whose family and community is ravaged by the Black Death say, "All shall be well?" Pastor and Renovaré board member Mimi Dixon opens up the world of Julian of Norwich, a Medieval Christian with a surprisingly contemporary voice.
Richard Foster and James Catford — Streams of Living Water
August 28, 2017 00:00 - 40 minutes - 18.8 MB"I see it happening, this great new gathering of the people of God," writes Richard Foster in Streams of Living Water. Richard along with Renovaré Board member James Catford join this week to talk about the treasure in the diversity of the Church.
James Bryan Smith — Beauty, Goodness and Truth
August 21, 2017 00:00 - 34 minutes - 16.2 MB"Our massive souls deserve a really good story," says James Bryan (Jim) Smith in this conversation about his new book that uncovers a gospel of beauty, goodness and truth.
Erin F. Wasinger & Sarah Arthur — Radical Faith, in Suburbia
August 14, 2017 00:00 - 41 minutes - 19.2 MBTwo families embarked on a yearlong experiment to implement twelve small practices of radical faith, right where they were—in suburban Michigan. With humor and honesty guests Erin Wasinger and Sarah Arthur talk about the journey chronicled in their book, A Year of Small Things.
Nick Reynolds — Recovery With God
August 07, 2017 00:00 - 32 minutes - 15.2 MBFor over 50 years Dunklin Memorial Church has focused on hosting a residential alcohol and drug recovery program that brings men into healing through community, service, and hearing God's voice. Nick Reynolds is director at Dunklin.
Jan Johnson — Quieting the Mental Committee to Hear God
July 31, 2017 00:00 - 27 minutes - 12.7 MB"Contemplative prayer isn’t prayer in which we ask God to do things for us. It’s being with God and listening for God’s input whenever God may choose to speak." Jan Johnson returns to talk about hearing God, and quieting that noisy mental committee who tries to drown out his voice.
Lacy Borgo — Three Things Every Child Needs
July 24, 2017 00:00 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MBRenovaré's resident expert on kids is back again to talk with Nathan about how a child goes from innocence to character, who shapes a child's image of God, and three things every child needs (and every adult, too).
Brian Morykon — Meet Renovaré's New Director of Communications
July 17, 2017 00:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBRenovaré's new Director of Communication and Special Projects, Brian Morykon, talks with Nathan about worship, living full-time in an RV, and learning to swim in the charismatic stream.
Dallas Willard — The Heart of Worship
July 10, 2017 12:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBWhat is worship, why do we do it, and how can we enter more fully into worship on Sunday and everyday? Dallas Willard answers those questions with his characteristic wisdom and gentleness in this archive interview with John Ortberg at Menlo Park Church.
Linda Gist — A Safe Place for Lonely Leaders
June 26, 2017 00:00 - 36 minutes - 16.7 MBHaving worked several years with churches in France and Switzerland, Linda Gist knows first-hand how lonely and isolating ministry can be. After graduating the Renovaré Institute she started Rhythms of Grace, a retreat ministry for pastors. She joins Nathan to talk about the importance for leaders to have a safe place to be vulnerable and find rest.
Andrew Ranucci — Time and Attention
June 19, 2017 00:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MBNathan recently spoke at a conference in Australia hosted by Coast Community Church. The pastor of that church, Andrew Ranucci, joins Nathan again to talk about the positive effect retreats have on everyday life, the importance of giving God time and attention, and the "three divinas."
Joshua Banner — Spiritual Direction in Prison
June 12, 2017 00:00 - 35 minutes - 16.3 MBJoshua Banner is a spiritual director, a retreat leader, and creator and host of The Invitation Podcast. Nate talks with Josh about his contemplative prayer outreach in prisons.
Jon Bailey — Practical Simplicity
June 05, 2017 00:00 - 30 minutes - 14 MBIn this episode Jon Bailey, co-founder of Lightstock.com and current Renovaré board chair, shares with Nathan some practical ways to pare down in order to free up the heart and mind for God.
Robert Moore-Jumonville — C.S. Lewis On Prayer
May 29, 2017 00:00 - 36 minutes - 16.6 MBProfessor and author Robert Moore-Jumonville (MoJo) joins Nathan again, this time to talk about C.S. Lewis and prayer. They dive deep, covering topics like how to reconcile yielding to God (Thy will be done) with praying by faith (cast this mountain into the sea). Further up and further in!
Judy Villanueva — It Is What It Is
May 22, 2017 00:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MBWriter and spiritual director Judy Villanueva shares with Nathan Foster on how to listen for God in the smallest of things. Along the way, Nate learns "it is what it is" isn't so much a statement of defeat as a way of making peace with the reality God has and is for us.