The Follower Podcast

Summary

In this conversation, Matthew Lewis and Liam Burns explore the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, particularly in relation to Gen Z. They discuss the importance of avoiding idolatry, the need for intergenerational relationships, and the significance of creating spaces for authentic discipleship and character formation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of serving young people rather than using them for the church's success, and the necessity of understanding the historical context of youth culture in shaping current ministry practices.

 

Key Topics

The church must be a greenhouse for Christ-likeness.

Idolatry is a significant challenge for Christians today.

We need to resist leveraging young people for success.

Your gifts aren't going anywhere; take your time.

Formation into Christlikeness takes an ecosystem of inputs.

We must serve this generation, not use them.

The dignity of being God's people is essential.

Create contexts that build resilience.

Intergenerational relationships are vital for growth.

The church's role is to facilitate authentic discipleship.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode
02:51 Idolatry and the Temptation of Control
05:56 The Dignity of Being God's People
08:51 Gen Z and the Search for the Real
12:00 Formation and Character Development in Ministry
14:40 The Dangers of Youth Culture in the Church
17:53 Intergenerational Relationships and Their Importance
29:13 Reimagining Human Relationships
29:50 The Hubris of Youth in Ministry
31:45 The Role of Older Generations
35:55 Historical Perspectives on Authenticity
38:42 The Shift in Meaning-Making
42:49 Creating Greenhouses for Christ-likeness
44:46 The Ecosystem of Spiritual Formation
50:49 Advice for Young and Older Generations

In this conversation, we explore the complex relationship between faith and nationalism, particularly in the context of Christian nationalism.  Matthew Lewis and Liam Byrnes discuss the historical shifts in global politics, the transition from optimism to cynicism, and the implications of these changes for Christians today. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' example in navigating political power and influence, ultimately calling for a faith that transcends political systems and seeks a deeper moral life.

Key Topics:

Christian nationalism raises important questions about faith and identity.

Historical context is crucial to understanding current political dynamics.

The shift from optimism to cynicism affects how we view collaboration.

Faith should inform our political engagement, not the other way around.

Jesus' example challenges conventional notions of power and influence.

Theological beliefs shape our moral lives and actions in the world.

Christians are called to be a meaningful alternative to the world.

Hope should not be placed in political systems but in the return of Christ.

The church must embody the values of the kingdom of God.


Time Stamps:

00:00- Introduction to Christian Nationalism

02:50- Historical Context of Nationalism and Unity

05:45- The Shift from Optimism to Cynicism

08:57- The Role of Faith in Politics

11:40- Theological Foundations and Moral Life

14:56- Influence of Christianity on Politics

17:49- The Example of Jesus and Political Power

20:43- Hope Beyond Political Systems

23:45- Conclusion and Reflection on Jesus' Model

In this episode, we explore how Western Christianity has shifted from a belief system deeply embedded in societal and political structures to one that is increasingly privatised and fragile.

Drawing on the insights of philosopher Charles Taylor, we examine the historical revolutions that have shaped our current secular landscape and how these changes impact Christian witness today. Join Matthew Lewis and Liam Byrnes as they walk carefully through these profound cultural transformations, seeking biblical truth in an age of confusion.

Key Topics:

The historical development of secularism from the Reformation to today

How the church’s relationship with power and influence has shifted over centuries

The impact of individualism, privatisation, and the marketplace of ideas on faith

The decline of a shared public faith and the rise of faith as a personal choice

The role of fear, pain, and cultural shifts in shaping modern belief environments

How Christians can embody winsome love and faithful presence amidst secular fragility

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Walking the line between instruction and companionship

01:20 - Charles Taylor’s question: How did belief shift from almost impossible not to believe, to almost impossible to believe?

02:15 - The environment of Christendom 500 years ago: churches in every village, societal structures centered on God

03:30 - The Protestant Reformation and the fracturing of Christendom

04:50 - Bloodshed and infighting: the birth of religious tolerance and the secular sphere

06:00 - The secular experiment: creating spaces for diverse beliefs without conflict

07:10 - The emergence of secularism as a response to religious division and persecution

08:15 - The three revolutions of secularism: societal, cultural, and individualized belief

09:20 - Secular revolution one: the Reformation as a move towards religious pluralism

10:05 - The separation of church and state: from religious unity to a marketplace of ideas

11:00 - The influence of Christian ethics on education, healthcare, and social good

12:00 - The smoke of Christendom versus the fire of Christian living

13:00 - The margin of influence: how privilege shaped early Christian community

14:30 - The shift to Christian persecution: early Christians as resilient communities of belief

15:45 - The second secular revolution: the decline of religious power and authority

16:15 - Modern fragility: belief becomes plastic and contestable

17:00 - The influence of naturalism and secular humanism in shaping worldview

18:10 - How Western Christianity drifted from its rooted, communal, and political imagination

19:10 - The rise of individualism and the privatization of faith—"me and my Jesus"

20:00 - Moving from heroic martyrdom to cultural accommodation

21:00 - The blurred line: Faith as a personal choice, not a communal commitment

22:00 - The challenge of belief under pluralism and skepticism

23:00 - How fear, pain, and cultural shifts threaten the resilience of faith

24:00 - Opportunities for Christian witness: embodying love, linking deeds to the kingdom

25:00 - The importance of humble, winsome engagement over defensiveness or aggression

26:30 - The necessity of courage rooted in dependence on the Spirit of Jesus

27:45 - The biblical call: Living as signs of God's coming kingdom in a fragile world

29:00 - The church’s power: not in dominance but in sacrificial love and humble presence

30:30 - Closing: Hope for a faithful witness amid secular fragility.

Resources and Links:

A Secular Age by Charles Taylor

In this final conversation of the second season of One Heart, Matthew and David Thomas discuss the Asbury outpouring of 2023 and the lesser known story of reconciliation that proceeded it.

David shares his personal journey of faith, emphasising the need for resilience and humility. He also explores the significance of community and authentic relationships in experiencing God's presence, and offers insights for leaders in ministry in times of awakening. 

To find out more about 24-7 Prayer South Africa or get the One Heart prayer guide you can visit their website here.

To find out more about the Asbury outpouring and the stories of reconciliation around it you can visit The Awakening Library here.

TAKE AWAYS

The journey of seeking Jesus requires resilience and humility.

Authentic community is essential for experiencing God's presence.

Reconciliation plays a crucial role in revival and awakening.

Jesus is the reward of our lives and the source of our identity.

Awakening is not about celebrity but about the presence of Jesus.

KEY WORDS

Asbury, revival, Jesus, reconciliation, awakening, spiritual hunger, community, leadership, prayer, presence of God

In this episode, Khumo Ntlha shares her profound journey of faith, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation, the role of suffering in deepening one's relationship with God, and the integration of faith in social justice work.

She reflects on her personal experiences, including the challenges faced in her family and community, and how these have shaped her commitment to being a voice for the marginalized, particularly women in the energy sector.

Khumo's insights highlight the necessity of obedience to God's call in the pursuit of reconciliation and the collective responsibility of Christians to bring hope and healing to a broken world.

To get your copy of the On Heart Prayer guide visit 24-7 Prayer SA here.

TAKEAWAYS

Suffering can deepen faith and bring families closer to God.

Reconciliation is a vital aspect of Christian life and not optional.

The importance of integrating faith with work in social justice.

Faith and work can coexist harmoniously in the pursuit of justice.

Obedience to God's call is essential for true reconciliation.

Christians are called to be light and salt in a world filled with darkness.

KEYWORDS

faith, reconciliation, suffering, personal journey, social justice, women empowerment, Christian activism, healing, hope, obedience