Jesus Collective Podcast

In this episode, the Jonny Morrison and Paul Walker dive into the rich and often misunderstood topic of atonement through a deeply Jesus-centered lens. Rather than reducing the gospel to punishment, debt, or a single theory of the cross, the conversation explores atonement as God’s work of making us one with God revealed through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.Together, they unpack how diverse metaphors of atonement shape our faith, ethics, and life in community, and why understanding the problem the cross addresses matters just as much as the answers we offer. With humility and hope, they invite listeners to see the cross as a revelation of God’s healing, self-giving love and a call to solidarity with those who suffer.This episode offers a thoughtful, hopeful vision of church, community, and the gospel rooted in Jesus and open to renewal for today’s world.

In this deeply moving and thoughtful conversation, Keith Smith shares the heart behind his memoir The Magic of Montford Street, inviting us into a world shaped by family, faith, community, and resilience. What begins as a reflection on childhood memories unfolds into a powerful exploration of identity, legacy, and the stories that shape who we become.Keith speaks candidly about growing up Black in America, navigating both the warmth of a tight-knit neighborhood and the realities of trauma and systemic challenges. He reflects on the importance of preserving family stories, not just as nostalgia, but as living history that anchors future generations. Through joy, hardship, laughter, and loss, Montford Street becomes more than a place. It becomes a symbol of belonging.Throughout the conversation, we explore the role of faith in shaping identity and perspective, and how community can provide strength when the world feels uncertain. Keith beautifully illustrates how storytelling bridges generations, offering healing where there has been pain and connection where there has been division. His journey reminds us that our stories are sacred, and that telling them can be an act of courage, restoration, and hope.

What does it really mean to say that God looks like Jesus—and which Jesus are we talking about? In this episode, the Paul and Meghan unpack how culture, tradition, and personal experience shape our images of Jesus, and why clarifying those images matters for faith. They explore the cross as a central interpretive anchor, discuss practices for engaging Scripture faithfully, and reflect on the role of community and tradition in shaping belief. Along the way, they lean into the discomfort of Jesus’ teachings and why that tension can be spiritually formative. Meghan also shares her passion for a deeply Jesus-centered faith and introduces her new devotional series designed to help people see Jesus more clearly.

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Shawna and Jesus Collective welcome theologian Greg Boyd to discuss his latest book, 'God Looks Like Jesus.' The conversation explores the importance of understanding God's character through the lens of Jesus, the centrality of love in Christianity, and the challenges of confronting distorted images of God. Greg shares his personal journey of faith, emphasizing that refining our mental image of God is an ongoing process that shapes our relationship with Him and our actions towards others. In this conversation, Greg Boyd discusses the importance of reframing our understanding of God through the lens of Jesus, emphasizing the significance of God's character and love. He explores how our image of God influences our lives and the healing process, advocating for a cruciform hermeneutic that interprets scripture through the cross. Boyd encourages the cultivation of Jesus-looking communities that reflect self-sacrificial love, especially in a polarized culture. He highlights the need for hope in a troubled world and offers wisdom for leaders in the church to model Christ-like behavior and foster transformation within their congregations.https://jesuscollective.com/events/

As we close out 2025 and look ahead to what’s coming, Jesus Collective co-executive directors Adam Dyer and Cherish Hamilton sit down for an honest, hope-filled conversation about where Jesus Collective has been — and where it’s headed next.In this episode, Adam and Cherish reflect on the stories, growth, and milestones that shaped the past year, from expanding partnerships and gatherings to finding greater clarity around Jesus Collective’s voice and calling. They explore why this moment matters so deeply for the church, unpacking the vision of a Jesus-centered, Spirit-empowered faith that can model unity in a polarized world.Looking ahead to 2026, the conversation turns toward what it means to “turn up the volume” — expanding resources, creating more spaces for conversation, and equipping leaders and communities to navigate change with faith, courage, and hope.This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the heart, theology, and mission of Jesus Collective, and an open invitation to join the movement as we seek renewal, unity, and a more beautiful witness centered on the way of Jesus.