Get ready for a fresh take on Advent! In this episode of the Jesus Collective podcast, we're excited to welcome first-time guest Paul Walker as he sits down with guest host Christie Penner Worden to explore "Why We Need Advent More Than Ever."

Paul explains why this ancient Christian practice isn't just a holiday tradition but a powerful antidote to our fast-paced, consumer-driven world. He'll challenge how we typically experience the season and invite listeners into a deeper, more meaningful way of waiting and anticipation.

Tune in and discover why Advent might be exactly what you need right now in our weary age.

Thanks for listening!

www.jesuscollective.com

In an era where political tensions seem to be reaching a fever pitch globally, how can church leaders guide their communities with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering focus on Jesus? Join us for this timely and thoughtful conversation with pastors Keith Smith, Jonny Morrison, and Cherish Hamilton as they share their experiences and insights on leading congregations through politically charged seasons.

Our panel moves beyond reactive commentary to explore deeper questions: How do we maintain our prophetic witness as the Body of Christ when political identities threaten to overshadow our Kingdom calling? What does it mean to be the church in an increasingly polarized world? And how do we sustain hope and avoid weariness while leading through extended seasons of tension?

Drawing from their diverse ministry contexts across the United States, our guests offer practical wisdom for pastors and church leaders wrestling with these challenges. They share vulnerable stories of struggles and breakthrough moments while unpacking how their communities are learning to prioritize Kingdom values over partisan divisions.

Whether you're a church leader seeking guidance, a Christian struggling to navigate political tensions in your own community, or simply someone yearning for a more hope-filled way forward, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how we can remain rooted in Jesus while engaging thoughtfully with the political realities of our time.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Anna Vogt, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), as we explore what Jesus-shaped political advocacy looks like in today's complex world. Drawing from over a decade of experience with MCC, including years of grassroots work in Colombia, Anna shares powerful stories of transformation, reconciliation, and the occasionally surprising journey of loving one's enemies.

In this timely discussion, we dive into how Christians can navigate political engagement while maintaining their primary allegiance to Jesus, especially during this unprecedented global election year. Anna offers practical wisdom for church leaders seeking to foster unity amid political division and shares insights on building communities of peace that stand as alternatives to our culture's polarized discourse.

From witnessing prisoners being set free to seeing communities forge paths to peace, Anna's experiences illuminate how faith-informed advocacy can help make the impossible possible. Whether you're a pastor, peace worker, or someone wrestling with faith's role in politics, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on embodying Jesus' way in our political engagement.

Referenced links from the podcast

Advocacy toolkit and resources: www.mcc.org/get-involved/advocacy/canada

Talk climate, practice peace: www.mcc.org/what-we-do/initiatives/climate-change/talk-climate-practice-peace

Peaceful Practices: A guide to healthy communication in conflict: www.mcc.org/resources/peaceful-practices-guide-healthy-communication-conflict

Anna's website: www.annavogt.ca

Sign up for the Peace & Justice newsletter: www.mcc.org/impact/newsletters/peace-justice