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E165 - David Tensen | Decenter Everything: A New Approach to Eldering

Face to Face Podcast

Release Date: 05/27/2025

E187 | Dr. Jason Swan Clark | Trauma Healing, Mental Health and Ignatian Spiritual Exercises show art E187 | Dr. Jason Swan Clark | Trauma Healing, Mental Health and Ignatian Spiritual Exercises

Face to Face Podcast

In episode 187,  we welcome Dr. Jason Swan Clark, a professor, spiritual director, former pastor, and theologian, who recounts his traumatic childhood, coming to faith at 17, decades of church planting and pastoral leadership, a nervous breakdown at 30, and ongoing work integrating mental health and faith. Jason describes how suffering shaped his leadership, distinguishes healing from transformation, and explains Ignatian spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises, including consolation/desolation and a practical discernment process. He closes with a personal story of meeting Jesus in...

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E186 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 2 show art E186 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 2

Face to Face Podcast

E186 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 2 Paul Young (Part 2) on Prayer as Relationship, 12-Step Community, Healing vs Curing, and Return to the Shack In episode 186 (Part 2) of the Face to Face Podcast, we continue our conversation with Paul Young, discussing prayer as ongoing conversation within relationship and how spiritual practices can help but often need community to endure. We talk about honesty without fixing, and how close relationships expose areas needing healing. The conversation explores reclaiming inner wisdom, resisting church-driven...

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E185 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 1 show art E185 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 1

Face to Face Podcast

E185 | Paul Young | Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Truth in the Unknowing - Part 1 We are excited to  welcome back one of our favorites -  Paul Young (author of The Shack) for part one of a two-episode conversation, while also sharing updates on Immanuel Approach for Life Level 1 and 2 cohorts and a Wheaton College research team studying the model’s efficacy.    Paul reflects on the necessity of “unknowing” as humility and openness, contrasting intellectual belief with whole-person trust and relational knowing. The discussion explores trauma and religious performance...

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E184 | Dr. Bob Schuchts on Healing the Whole Person, Spiritual Formation, and Bridging Catholic–Protestant Divides show art E184 | Dr. Bob Schuchts on Healing the Whole Person, Spiritual Formation, and Bridging Catholic–Protestant Divides

Face to Face Podcast

Episode 184: Dr. Bob Schuchts on Healing the Whole Person, Spiritual Formation, and Bridging Catholic–Protestant Divides On Episode 184 of the Face to Face Podcast, we welcome Dr. Bob Schuchts, founder of the John Paul II Healing Center, to discuss healing ministry from a Catholic perspective and its overlap with the Immanuel Approach. Dr. Schuchts shares his background as a longtime therapist, a pivotal spiritual encounter that led him to study many prayer modalities, and his current work offering healing and training conferences that emphasize safety, surrender to the Holy Spirit, abiding,...

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E183 | Untangling Love: A Journey with Wayne Jacobsen show art E183 | Untangling Love: A Journey with Wayne Jacobsen

Face to Face Podcast

Wayne Jacobson on Experiencing God’s Love, Presence, and Freedom Beyond Performance | Face to Face Podcast Ep. 183 In this episode of the Face to Face Podcast, we interview author and former pastor Wayne Jacobson about moving from a transactional, performance-based faith to an experiential life rooted in God’s affection, presence, and fullness. Wayne shares his background, ministry disillusionment, repeated experiences of betrayal, and how God’s presence slowly meets people in pain and trauma. He explains how a curative (not punitive) view of the atonement reshaped his view of the...

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E182 | Brian Zhand | Christian Nationalism, the Kingdom of Jesus, and a More Beautiful Christianity show art E182 | Brian Zhand | Christian Nationalism, the Kingdom of Jesus, and a More Beautiful Christianity

Face to Face Podcast

Brian Zahnd on Christian Nationalism, the Kingdom of Jesus, and a More Beautiful Christianity | Face to Face Podcast Ep. 182   In episode 182 of the podcast, Melinda interviews pastor, author, and theologian Brian Zahnd (Word of Life Church, St. Joseph, Missouri), while co-host Cathy is absent due to losing her voice and shares updates on Immanuel Institute trainings and the standalone Understanding Trauma Course. Zahnd recounts leading one congregation for 44 years, the church’s early rapid growth, and a major theological recalibration that moved them toward the Christian tradition and...

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E181 | Inside the Man Cave: The Heartsmith's Journey with Jason Twombly show art E181 | Inside the Man Cave: The Heartsmith's Journey with Jason Twombly

Face to Face Podcast

Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Face to Face Podcast. In episode 181, we are honored to introduce Jason Twombly, also known as the Heartsmith. Jason is a spiritual development coach working primarily with men to transform their pain into power, hurt into healing, and wounds into wisdom. Dive deep into discussions about emotional maturity, trauma processing, and the journey of healing with God. Discover how Jason’s personal journey and professional guidance are helping men reconnect with their true selves and cultivate meaningful relationships. Join us for an exploration of...

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E180 | Bill Vanderbush | Rediscovering the Simple Gospel show art E180 | Bill Vanderbush | Rediscovering the Simple Gospel

Face to Face Podcast

In this enlightening episode of the Face to Face Podcast, we sit down with Bill Vanderbush to explore the simplicity and depth of the gospel. Bill dives deep into the contrast between modern Western Christianity and the early church teachings, emphasizing the importance of understanding our identity through Christ.   We discuss the pitfalls of performance-based faith, the transformative power of grace, and the importance of awakening to our true relationship with God as a loving Father. Bill also shares his thoughts on the current reformation in the church and how it’s reshaping...

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E179 | Discovering the Self with Adam Young: The Role of Neuroscience in Faith show art E179 | Discovering the Self with Adam Young: The Role of Neuroscience in Faith

Face to Face Podcast

E179 | Discovering the Self with Adam Young: The Role of Neuroscience in Faith (Exploring Attachment and Brain Science with Adam Young)   In this episode we welcome therapist and author Adam Young to discuss the profound impact of early caregiver relationships on how we relate to God. Young explains the importance of understanding our attachment history and the significant influence of early life experiences on brain development. We delve into topics such as narrative therapy, the role of the nervous system, and the importance of paying attention to one's body and internal experiences....

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E178 | Unveiling the Self: Internal Family Systems with Jenna Riemersma show art E178 | Unveiling the Self: Internal Family Systems with Jenna Riemersma

Face to Face Podcast

In this episode of the Face to Face Podcast, we welcome bestselling author and professional counselor Jenna Riemersma to discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS). Dropping during Christmas week, the episode focuses on deeper connection and healing practices. Jenna explains the significance of IFS, a therapeutic model emphasizing the importance of embracing all aspects of oneself, even those that are challenging. She shares insights on welcoming and understanding these parts through self-compassion and curiosity, aligning them with one's divine essence. The conversation also touches on critical...

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More Episodes
In this episode, we discuss important shifts, including the transition from 'Face to Face Ministries' to 'Face to Face Network'. We had an excellent conversation with David Tensen, an Australian philosopher, teacher, chaplain, and poet, known for his profound insights into eldering and inner healing.
David shares his journey through advanced pastoral care, internal healing methods, and his new book, 'Decenter Everything'. The conversation delves into why decentering is essential, especially the critical distinction between centering God versus our construct of God. David also touches on the Life Model's stages of human development, and the urgent need to embrace eldering in a world stuck in adolescent and early adulthood stages.
Tune in for part two to explore deeper into the concept of decentering God.
 
00:32 Exciting Changes and New Beginnings
01:15 Rebranding to Face-to-Face Network
02:05 The Vision and Philosophy Behind the Network
04:16 Challenges with the Term 'Ministries'
06:48 Upcoming Events and Website Changes
07:29 Introducing Our Guest: David Tenson
10:37 David Tenson's Background and Work
22:53 Reflecting on Ministry and Personal Challenges
23:48 Discovering the Life Model
24:35 Experiencing Burnout and Transitioning to Academia
26:55 Writing and Publishing 'The Wrestle'
27:42 Introducing 'Decenter Everything'
28:29 Exploring the Life Model Stages
32:39 The Concept of Eldering
37:57 The Call to Decenter Everything
40:41 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

To learn more about David’s work: https://davidtensen.com/