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Consumerism & The Church: Part 2

In a time of cultural disruption and societal systems in collapse, the evangelical church is wrestling through its own moment with an identity crisis. In part 1 we discussed how our consumeristic culture has contributed to this moment. This week, we bring you part 2 of a conversation about consumerism and the church, offering a constructive re-imagination and pathway forward to restoring the church and participating in God’s mission in the world.

This week’s podcast was previously recorded on May 7, 2020 and is courtesy of The State of the Church Podcast.

Matt Till is also the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast, mentioned in today’s episode.

Consumerism & The Church: Part 2 // July 13, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Consumerism & The Church: Part 1

How can the church remain culturally relevant while remaining distinct in its mission for a greater purpose? This week we bring you part 1 of a conversation about consumerism and its relationship with the church, both negatively and positively. In this episode, we begin the process of understanding how to speak the “native” cultural language of consumerism as people of faith and how it shapes our everyday life experiences through religious and non-religious liturgies.

This week’s podcast was previously recorded on May 7, 2020 and is courtesy of The State of the Church Podcast.

Consumerism & The Church: Part 1 // July 6, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Racism & Faith: Part 2

In the second part of our conversation with Arman Sheffey, we learn about the #blacklivesmatter movement and practical ways we as people of faith can positively engage in the on-going conversations of racial injustice from a Kingdom perspective.

Connect with Arman at, https://unshacklednetwork.org.

Resources mentioned in this podcast:

White Awake by Daniel Hill
The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby

Racism & Faith: Part 2 // June 29, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Racism & Faith: Part 1

This week’s interview is with Arman Sheffey, a husband, father, and church planter in the Chicago suburbs. He shares his personal story with us and helps shed light on our current moment of “cultural awakening” to systemic racial injustice. Arman also helps answer the question, “Why is racial justice at the heart of the gospel message?”

Learn more about Arman and The Unshackled Network at, https://unshacklednetwork.org.

Racism & Faith: Part 1 // June 22, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Reconstructing Faith: Part 2

Paradigm shifts in the faith community and in our religious systems are not easy, but at the end of the day, this is the Spirit’s work. In part 2 of our interview with Alex Whitaker, we’re on a search for God’s Kingdom; a journey that takes us to rediscover the message of Jesus. If you have been questioning your evangelical faith, been turned away from the church, or are feeling alone and disenfranchised, this episode is just for you.

Reconstructing Faith: Part 2 // June 15, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Reconstructing Faith: Part 1

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines of the Christian faith or you are a church member feeling a “holy discontent” wondering if there is supposed to be more to a life with Jesus, you are not alone. This week’s interview is with Alex Whitaker who shares his story of stepping away from professional pastoral ministry to explore what would become a rediscovery of faith and the beauty of seeking first the Kingdom of God.

Reconstructing Faith – Part 1 // June 8, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Leading Our Children in Crisis: An Interview with Stephanie Landon, LCPC

How can we recognize when our children are struggling with stress and anxiety? How can we help guide them through our “pandemic moment” in healthy and constructive ways? In this episode, Matt interviews Stephanie Landon, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who helps answers these questions and more as we protect the other vulnerable members of our society – our children – by leading them well through crisis.

Leading Our Children in Crisis // June 1, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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A Letter to Grieving Exiles

Waking up to a world you hardly recognize is disorienting, confusing, and tragic. As we continue to process through grief and loss in our global pandemic moment, there will continue to be competing voices of “reason” from our political leaders, religious leaders, social leaders, medical professionals, journalists, family members, and those on the fringes. So who’s voice will you trust and what next step will you choose to take to restore your life with meaning and purpose? In other words, how do we move forward and where should we put our confidence to do so in uncertain times?

This week we have an opportunity to learn from the past by hearing the words of Jeremiah to grieving exiles not unlike us. When there is no going back and “normal” has been significantly altered for the foreseeable future, where do we turn and who do we trust? In God’s economy, hope is never lost.

Further Reading:

Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best by Eugene Peterson

A Letter to Grieving Exiles // May 25, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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Understanding Grief: An Interview with Becky Feryance, LCSW

What is grief? How can we identify it in our own lives? And what can we do about it? This week Matt talks with Becky Feryance, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in our community. She’ll help us understand grief and discuss some helpful tips and strategies on grieving well in a season of loss and disruption.

Understanding Grief // May 18, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.

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New Episodes Starting Monday!

Matt has an update on Restoration Church and announces new weekly podcast episodes beginning on Monday, May 18th! Tune in for the details and how Restoration Church has been adapting during the coronavirus pandemic.

Restoration Church Podcast Update // May 13, 2020

Learn more about Restoration Church in Lake Zurich, and connect with us at http://restorationlz.org.