Practicing Hope Podcast
Practicing Hope is a podcast for Christians looking for honest conversations about the brokenness and beauty in the world. Hosted by your friends at The Colossian Forum, you'll learn about reconciliation, transformation, and new ways to practice hope.
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NEW SERIES TRAILER — Introducing Beholding
08/25/2026
NEW SERIES TRAILER — Introducing Beholding
Some relationships don’t get easier, even when you’re committed to loving faithfully. You’ve tried to understand, had the conversation, prayed for change — and still find yourself caught in the same painful patterns. What does love ask of us when a relationship stays hard? In this trailer, Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith of The Colossian Forum introduces Beholding, a new series from Practicing Hope about learning to look again at a relationship that has become difficult for us to see with hope. Together, we’ll explore what disappointment does to the way we see people, Christian practices for hard conversations, and how to keep loving faithfully without pretending everything is okay or assuming we can make another person change. In this series, you’ll learn: How the stories we tell after repeated disappointment shape the way we see another person Why our peace can become dependent on someone else changing — and how relying on God’s love can free us to relate differently Practical ways to lower defensiveness, reconnect in tense relationships, set faithful boundaries, and hold onto hope when reconciliation remains unfinished Key Resources Mentioned — A digital guide from The Colossian Forum designed to help you work through one difficult relationship step by step alongside the series Have a question you'd like to hear us explore on the podcast? Write to . We'd love to hear what's on your mind, and your question may help shape a future conversation on the podcast. Join our newsletter Want more practical encouragement for navigating conflict faithfully? Subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter by visiting . Receive stories and reflections from Christian leaders, practices for everyday peacemaking, and resources to help you grow through conflict.
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Leading With Hope When Communities Change
05/27/2026
Leading With Hope When Communities Change
What happens after the decision is made and things still do not feel settled? In leadership, we often think the hard part is getting through the decision itself. But what happens when the decision changes the shape of the community? When people leave, relationships shift, or everyone is trying to figure out whether they still belong? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore what it means to lead faithfully after a major decision has already been made. Through stories from church leadership, organizational change, COVID, and their own experiences, they unpack the grief, anxiety, ambiguity, and relational tension that often emerge after seasons of discernment, and how leaders can respond with honesty and care. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why good decisions can still create grief, loss, and uncertainty in a community How anxiety changes before and after a major decision, and why leaders need to pay attention to both What it looks like to bless people, process change honestly, and lead without defensiveness when a community changes shape Show Notes by Spencer Johnson by John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” What do you think of Practicing Hope? We’re always looking for ways to make the podcast more meaningful, encouraging, and useful to listeners. Please take 5-10 minutes to . If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Don’t Discern Alone: How to Build a Personal Board of Advisors
05/13/2026
Don’t Discern Alone: How to Build a Personal Board of Advisors
What if discernment isn’t something you do alone, but something that takes shape in a relationship? In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore what it looks like to build a “personal board of advisors” — a circle of people who help you listen well, stay grounded, and move forward with clarity. Through stories, humor, and practical wisdom, they unpack how to recognize trustworthy voices, how to engage others without outsourcing your responsibility, and how discernment shapes who you’re becoming over time. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why discernment requires both personal responsibility and shared wisdom The kinds of people who bring clarity to your decisions Practical ways to build and test a trusted circle of advisors in your life Show Notes: (theme): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed Balcony vs. dance floor metaphor — learning to step back and see clearly by Ronald Heifetz & Marty Linsky If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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How to Lead Communal Discernment Without Losing Trust
04/30/2026
How to Lead Communal Discernment Without Losing Trust
What do you do when a decision impacts everyone, but not everyone agrees? Making decisions on your own is hard enough. But in leadership, decisions often have consequences for an entire community. The challenge is building a process people can trust, even when they don’t get their way. In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore the real tension of communal discernment: how leaders can navigate complex decisions with clarity, honesty, and care. Through stories from church leadership, organizational life, and their own experiences, they unpack practical ways to involve people, reduce anxiety, and build trust that lasts beyond the decision itself. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why clarity about roles and decision-making authority builds trust — even when people disagree How practices like “if-then thinking” and separating data gathering from decision-making reduce anxiety What it looks like to care for people after a decision — especially those who feel like they lost Show Notes Fair Process framework — honesty, transparency, and respect in decision-making “If-Then” practice — naming fears and planning responses to reduce catastrophizing — “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Should I Say Something? Discerning When to Speak Hard Truth
04/16/2026
Should I Say Something? Discerning When to Speak Hard Truth
Have you ever sat in a room where something needed to be said, but no one said it? In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore the challenge of naming hard truths with both courage and care. From “pointing to elephants” in the room to learning how to avoid dropping “verbal bombs,” they reflect on the practices that help us discern when to speak, how to prepare our hearts, and how to stay connected even in difficult conversations. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why naming hard truths requires both courage and emotional maturity How to discern your motivation before speaking, and why it matters Practical ways to enter hard conversations with clarity, curiosity, and care Show Notes: — “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt…” If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Why We Delay Hard Decisions (and How to Move Forward)
04/02/2026
Why We Delay Hard Decisions (and How to Move Forward)
Have you ever had a decision that just… lingers? A conversation you know you need to have. A leadership call that keeps getting pushed to the next meeting. You tell yourself you’re “still discerning” — but you’re not actually moving forward. In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore the tension between faithful discernment and avoidance — why decisions get stuck, how fear and uncertainty keep us spinning, and what it looks like to grow into leaders who can listen deeply and act when it’s time. Drawing on stories from church leadership, parenting, and everyday life, they offer practical ways to recognize real progress, name what’s underneath our hesitation, and move forward with courage and clarity. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to recognize the difference between real discernment and subtle avoidance Why fear of consequences — not the decision itself — often keeps us stuck Practical ways to move forward, including small decisions, play, and honest conversations Show Notes: by Edwin Friedman by Dan Allender by Kirk Byron Jones The Book of Esther (referenced as a model of courageous decision-making) If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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How to Follow Through on a Hard Decision Without Shrinking Yourself or Burning Bridges
03/19/2026
How to Follow Through on a Hard Decision Without Shrinking Yourself or Burning Bridges
Have you ever made a hard decision — only to realize the real challenge comes after? Maybe you’re in a church, workplace, or community where there’s real disagreement. You’ve wrestled with whether to stay or leave, and you’ve made your decision. But now a new set of questions begins: How do you stay without losing yourself? How do you leave without damaging relationships? And how do you move forward with honesty and care when there’s no clean resolution? In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore what it looks like to live your decision with humility and courage. Through stories, humor, and practical wisdom, they name common pitfalls like silent quitting, over-functioning, and avoiding grief — and offer a more hopeful path rooted in boundaries, vulnerability, and love. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why disagreement often surfaces grief and how avoiding it can distort how we stay or leave Common unhealthy patterns (like over-functioning, appeasing, or shutting down) and how to recognize them Practical ways to stay present, set boundaries, and move forward without losing yourself or others If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Why Certainty Feels Good (And Might Be Shutting Down the Conversation)
03/04/2026
Why Certainty Feels Good (And Might Be Shutting Down the Conversation)
When tension rises, certainty can feel like safety. We’ve all been in a room where strong conviction takes over and starts to sound like control, self-protection, and avoidance. In leadership, certainty is often rewarded. It feels decisive and strong. But what if discernment asks us to listen instead? In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore what to do with your own certainty (and someone else’s), how to respond when someone says, “God told me…,” and how to stay grounded without closing the process. Drawing on Scripture and stories from parenting, church leadership, and everyday life, they reflect on how the Holy Spirit guides communities — not just individuals — over time. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why certainty is often about control, not faith How to respond wisely when someone claims spiritual authority What it looks like to be confident and humble at the same time Show Notes (resources + references mentioned): by Henri Nouwen Acts 15:28 — “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (a model of shared discernment) Matthew 7:7–11 — “Ask, seek, knock…” (confidence rooted in relationship, not control) If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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What to Do When Your Community Makes a Decision You Disagree With
03/04/2026
What to Do When Your Community Makes a Decision You Disagree With
Have you ever wished there were a simple formula for knowing when it’s time to move on, especially after your community makes a decision you wouldn’t have chosen? Sometimes the hardest decisions aren’t about starting something new — they’re about what to do after a decision has already been made. Maybe your church changed direction. Maybe your organization chose a path you wouldn’t have chosen. Now you’re left holding the question: Do I stay, or is it time to go? In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson explore what faithful discernment looks like when you find yourself out of step with your community. Drawing on personal stories, leadership experiences, and practices from the Christian tradition, they talk about how to slow down, notice what’s happening inside you, and discern your next step without rushing toward relief or avoiding the question altogether. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why the deeper question isn’t just “Should I stay or go?” but who you’re becoming as you discern How to tell the difference between healthy discomfort, anxiety, and harm Practical ways to discern your next step — including the “sandbox week” practice and taking small, reversible actions Show Notes by Henri Nouwen (consolation and desolation) If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Don't Let Fear Drive Your Decisions
02/04/2026
Don't Let Fear Drive Your Decisions
Have you ever carried a decision that felt heavy? Leadership often puts us in moments where there’s no obvious right answer — just responsibility, consequence, and the hope that we don’t cause harm. What if discernment isn’t about finding certainty, but about becoming the kind of person who can choose love when the stakes are high? In this episode, Tanner Smith is joined by Chase Stancle and Sarah Johnson to explore what it means to discern well under pressure. They talk about fear, fatigue, and responsibility, and the practices that form leaders who can listen deeply, act with integrity, and stay grounded when decisions affect others. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why hard decisions often involve competing goods, not right vs. wrong How fear, fatigue, and responsibility shape our decision-making Practices that help leaders choose love over anxiety Show notes by Henri Nouwen Practice of Deep listening: Listening on multiple levels — to words, meaning beneath words, tone, and body language. If you're interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media @colossianforum.
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You Don't Have to Fix It: Loving People in Pain
01/21/2026
You Don't Have to Fix It: Loving People in Pain
Have you ever had someone trust you with something heavy, and suddenly you’re not sure what to say? A friend tells you their marriage is falling apart. A volunteer quietly admits they’re exhausted and thinking about stepping away. You want to respond well, but your mind races. What if trust isn’t about having the perfect words, but about showing up with steadiness, humility, and care? In this episode, hosts Tanner Smith and Sarah Johnson are joined by Holly Wilson from Safe Haven Ministries to talk about what trustworthiness looks like in real relationships, especially when someone shares a painful story. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why judgment is often self-protection, and how to step out of it How body language, pacing, and presence communicate safety What to do when you’re out of your depth, and why honesty builds trust Show Notes Safe Haven Ministries — Learn more about their work supporting individuals impacted by domestic violence and human trafficking: Slowing Down Guide — A formation guide from The Colossian Forum for practicing presence and steadiness in moments of stress. ! Hope in Your Inbox — The Colossian Forum’s weekly newsletter with practices, reflections, and encouragement. Subscribe here: Fred Rogers quote: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” Scripture: — Jesus’ unhurried, attentive response to the woman who touches the hem of his garment If you're interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website , and follow us on social media .
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The Cost of Doing Everything Yourself
01/06/2026
The Cost of Doing Everything Yourself
Have you ever gone days without needing to ask anyone for help? Groceries arrive at your door. Coffee is ordered ahead. Work, worship, and errands can all happen without a single face-to-face conversation. Life runs efficiently, but often at the cost of shared life. What if a fuller life comes not from convenience, but from shared life with others? Tanner Smith and Chase Rashad Stancle examine the value of self-sufficiency and how it shapes our neighborhoods, churches, and relationships. They talk about proximity, hospitality, and why growth often comes through inconvenience, disagreement, and showing up in person. Along the way, they offer practices that help rebuild everyday connection, starting right where we live. In this episode, you’ll hear: How convenience can replace interdependence Why presence matters more than efficiency One concrete practice to try with your neighbors Show Notes: — “It is not good for humans to be alone” by Christine Pohl by James K.A. Smith , an article on The Latest by Heidi De Jonge, a Colossian Forum trainer The extra pie practice: Make or buy more dessert than you need, then use it as a low-pressure reason to knock on a neighbor’s door. The goal is to create a brief, human moment that opens the door to connection. Pie recipes from Sarah: and If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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How to Stay Human (And Hopeful) When Scrolling
12/11/2025
How to Stay Human (And Hopeful) When Scrolling
Have you ever opened your phone “just for a minute” and ended up angry at strangers on the internet? So many of us pick up our phones to relax, but instead feel restless, stressed, and less present to the people right in front of us. What if your online life could actually become a place to practice hope and love? In this episode of our Beholding series, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson talk about how phones and social media shape our brains, our bodies, and our relationships — and how small, practical practices can help us stay human, grounded, and open to God, even while we scroll. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why doomscrolling creates “micro-stress cycles” in your body Honest stories of losing and finding hope in online spaces Simple ways to set boundaries and bring your real self back into the room Show Notes: on engaging faithfully in online conversations (featured on The Colossian Forum’s blog, The Latest) The Colossian Forum “” — follow us on Instagram for regular prayers @colossianforum (recommended pre-phone viewing for teens) Practice of tracking daily screen time in a paper planner Ideas for analog hobbies: reading, coloring, puzzles, tying flies for fishing, walking outside If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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How Small Acts of Curiosity Can Save the Friendship
11/26/2025
How Small Acts of Curiosity Can Save the Friendship
Have you ever felt a friendship grow tense or distant and weren’t sure why? In a world marked by polarization and quick assumptions, even strong friendships can feel fragile. A single comment, a post, or a difference in perspective can suddenly amplify the distance between us. But what if the gap you feel isn’t the end of the relationship — just an invitation to truly see each other again? In this episode, Tanner, Chase, and Sarah explore why division makes friendships harder to navigate, why we sometimes turn friends into “categories,” and how small acts of curiosity can soften what feels strained. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why polarized culture makes friendship feel more fragile What’s really happening when a friend starts to feel like a stranger Simple practices for reconnecting with curiosity and humility Show Notes: Curiosity prompt: “How did you come to see it that way?” Practice: Everyday Carry (EDC) Questions When a friendship feels tense or distant, try carrying an “Everyday Carry” question — one simple prompt you can use to stay curious instead of reactive. Just like you keep your keys or phone on hand, keep a question ready that helps you slow down and listen. Something like “How did you come to see it that way?”, “What shaped the way you think about this?”, or “What feels most important to you here?” These kinds of questions invite real stories instead of assumptions and create a little more space for connection when a moment feels tender or difficult. If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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What Hurry is Doing to Your Relationships
11/12/2025
What Hurry is Doing to Your Relationships
Have you noticed hurry shrinking your capacity to love the people right in front of you? The pace of life makes us reactive — rushing kids out the door, skimming conversations, and missing moments that matter. What if slowing down wasn’t about doing less, but about learning to see as God sees? In this kickoff to our Beholding series, Tanner, Chase, and Sarah explore how hurry distorts our relationships and how attention, presence, and prayer can restore them. Warm, practical, and honest—this conversation helps you trade frantic for faithful with the people you love most. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why “beholding” (2 Corinthians 5) changes how we see each other Everyday practices to resist urgency and be present A simple prayer rhythm to rest in God’s lovingkindness Show Notes Beholding: “From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view” (Thomas Keating): using a prayer word like “lovingkindness” (example of “seeing” the ordinary) Resource: — free guide from The Colossian Forum If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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When Powerlessness Becomes a Habit and How to Break It
10/29/2025
When Powerlessness Becomes a Habit and How to Break It
Have you ever felt powerless in a situation you care deeply about? When things feel out of control, it’s easy to slip into the story that says, “There’s nothing I can do.” But what if helplessness isn’t the whole story? In this episode, Tanner Smith, Chase Rashad Stancle, and Sarah Johnson wrap up their Relational Triangles series by exploring the Victim role — what it really is, what it isn’t, and how to move from stuckness to agency. Through Scripture, humor, and real-life examples, they unpack how empathy and small choices can restore hope and courage in the midst of overwhelm. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to tell the difference between feeling powerless and being powerless Why empathy is the first step toward reclaiming agency How to shift from victim to creator — finding a faithful way forward Show Notes Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle: Victim, Villain, Hero roles – Elijah’s story of exhaustion and renewal : “15 Reflection Questions for Moving From Powerlessness to Agency” — a free resource to help you or someone you lead move from helplessness to hopeful agency through gentle, faith-centered self-reflection and conversation. If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Why the Blame Game Keeps Us Stuck
10/15/2025
Why the Blame Game Keeps Us Stuck
Can we be honest? Blame feels good — at least for a moment. It’s quick, easy, and even a little satisfying to find someone else to fault. But before we know it, that “warm blanket” of blame can leave us isolated and stuck. In this next installment of the Relational Triangles series on the Practicing Hope Podcast, Sarah Johnson joins Tanner Smith and Chase Rashad Stancle to explore the role of the Accuser and how to move from calling people out to calling people in. Together, they unpack how fear, blame, and even our brains can keep us reactive and how curiosity, confession, and prayer can open space for real connection and growth. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why anxious systems feed on blame and how to calm them How to shift from accuser to challenger A simple prayer to slow down and respond with wisdom Show Notes Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle: Victim, Villain, Hero roles Brain science: amygdala, mirror neurons, dopamine/oxytocin — “Search me and know my heart…” : 15 Reflection Questions for Leaders — a free PDF with 10+ thoughtful prompts you can keep in your back pocket to reframe conflict and invite growth — a simple, free, practical resource to help leaders pause, breathe, and show up as a peaceful presence when tensions rise — a reflection-based guide that helps you pause in the heat of tension and move from reactivity to agency, so you can show up with greater clarity, peace, and presence. If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Stop Saving Everyone (Even if You're Good at it)
09/24/2025
Stop Saving Everyone (Even if You're Good at it)
Have you ever felt the pressure to fix everyone else’s problems? Maybe with your kids, your congregation, or coworkers, you step in, smooth things over, and carry weight that isn’t yours. It feels noble, but it can drain you and keep others from growing. What if rescuing isn’t the most loving thing you can do? In Part 2 of our Relational Triangles series, hosts Tanner Smith and Chase Rashad Stancle — joined by Sarah Johnson — unpack the “hero/rescuer” role of the Drama Triangle: why anxious systems reward over-functioning and how to shift from rescuer to coach with simple, wise questions. In this episode, you’ll hear: Why leaders are tempted to over-function How rescuing can quietly dishonor people Coaching questions to invite growth instead of fixing Show Notes: Stephen Karpman’s Drama Triangle: Victim, Villain, Hero roles (body metaphor) — a simple, free, practical resource to help leaders pause, breathe, and show up as a peaceful presence when tensions rise — a free PDF with 10+ thoughtful prompts you can keep in your back pocket to reframe conflict and invite growth If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Why You Keep Getting Pulled in: Understanding Relational Triangles
09/10/2025
Why You Keep Getting Pulled in: Understanding Relational Triangles
Have you ever found yourself pulled into someone else’s conflict? It happens at work, at church, even in the grocery store. One moment you’re minding your own business, and the next you’re caught in the middle of a conversation that really belongs between two other people. What if, instead of absorbing stress that isn’t yours, you could learn to notice these moments and respond more healthily? In this hope-filled episode of Leading in Practice, hosts Tanner Smith and Chase Rashad Stancle explore the hidden dynamics of relational triangles. They share stories from pastoral life, practical strategies to “flatten the triangle,” and ways to discern when you’re moving toward connection—or just lowering discomfort. Along with guest producer Sarah, they reveal how triangles can either short-circuit relationships or create surprising space for wisdom and healing. In this episode, you’ll hear: How to spot the difference between gossip, venting, and seeking wisdom. A simple practice for “flattening the triangle” and inviting the right person in. Why noticing your patterns can help you stay grounded instead of over-functioning. Show Notes: Edwin Friedman’s “balcony vs. dance floor” metaphor from by Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky The Karpman Drama Triangle: victim, villain, hero roles If you're interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website , and follow us on social media .
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How Not to Lose Yourself in Conflict
06/18/2025
How Not to Lose Yourself in Conflict
Have you ever lost yourself in the middle of conflict? When tensions rise, many of us either rush to fix things or soften the edges to keep the peace. But what if you could stay grounded — anchored in your values — even when things get hard? In this honest and hope-filled episode of Practicing Hope, Rev. Tanner Smith and Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle explore what it means to be a defined leader: someone who knows their values, shows up with clarity, and doesn’t disappear in the heat of conflict. You’ll laugh, reflect, and leave with practical tools for staying present when it matters most. In this episode, you’ll hear: How shared language can build trust in hard conversations. How to name the values that keep you grounded. Simple practices for staying connected when tensions rise. Show Notes: Learn more about Try the Terry Real on generational trauma. Fred Rogers quote: “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.” If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media . If you’d like to receive bi-monthly prayer, encouragement, and hopeful practices, to our email newsletter, Hope in Your Inbox.
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The Spiritual Practice of Leaving Your Comfort Zone with Telos
05/28/2025
The Spiritual Practice of Leaving Your Comfort Zone with Telos
What if the key to peace is getting closer, not pulling away? In this episode of Practicing Hope, Tanner Smith sits down with Todd Deatherage and Emily Cullum of Telos, a peacemaking organization that leads immersive trips into places shaped by conflict. Together, they explore how “getting proximate” — moving toward people and places we don’t understand — can transform our lives, deepen empathy, and help us love more like Jesus. If you’ve ever wondered how to faithfully engage across difference or how to love when it’s hard, this conversation offers hope and practical next steps. In this episode: Proximity helps us see others as fully human. Growth and empathy often begin where our comfort ends. Christians are called to be peacemakers, even when it’s uncomfortable. Show notes: Learn more about Telos Group by visiting their . “” episode on the Practicing Hope podcast. If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org and follow us on social media . If you’d like to receive bi-monthly prayer, encouragement, and hopeful practices, to our email newsletter, Hope in Your Inbox.
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Balancing the Call
05/14/2025
Balancing the Call
What does it look like to lead with integrity — in the pulpit and at the dinner table? In this vulnerable and hopeful episode, Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith and Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle reflect on the real tensions of being both ministry leaders and family members. Through laughter, honest stories, and hard-earned wisdom, they explore what it means to integrate your calling with your core identity. Together, they explore what it means to be fully human, to show up with honesty, and to lead from a place of wholeness. Whether you're a parent, pastor, or both, this conversation is a gentle invitation to integrate your faith, your work, and your relationships with grace. In this episode, Chase and Tanner discuss: Why leading with integrity starts with knowing yourself How open family dialogue builds emotional resilience Practices to stay present with your loved ones under pressure Show notes: “” by Jenny Brown “” by Kathleen Smith If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Competing Values in Fundraising
05/01/2025
Competing Values in Fundraising
What do you do when funding opportunities come with tension and tough choices? In this episode on The Practicing Hope Podcast, Jess and Jeff dive into the real-life tension between staying true to your mission and accepting the money that helps make it happen. From generous gifts to gifts with strings attached, they explore how nonprofit leaders can navigate financial decisions without losing their integrity. With honest stories and practical steps, they invite you to lead with courage, even when the pressure is high. Whether you work in fundraising or just care about doing good work faithfully, this episode offers wisdom and hope for the road ahead. In this episode, Jess and Jeff discuss: Why some gifts come with invisible strings — and how to name them How leaders can respond to power and anxiety with systems thinking Four steps for navigating funding tensions with wisdom and grace If you liked this episode, check out these resources: “” by Henri Nouwen “” by Max De Pree “” by Jeff Munroe If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Going Toward in Difficult Relationships
04/23/2025
Going Toward in Difficult Relationships
What if the difficult people in your life are also your greatest teachers? In this episode, Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle and Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith take an honest, hopeful look at what it means to lead in the midst of hard relationships. Instead of giving a formula to fix “those people,” they turn the focus inward, offering wisdom and practical tools to help leaders respond with love, boundaries, and self-awareness. From guilt bonds to compassion fatigue, they unpack the reasons difficult relationships wear us down. They explore keys to staying grounded in your identity, even when tension rises. This conversation is full of laughter, honesty, and encouragement for any leader who feels worn out by people they’re trying to love well. In this episode, Chase and Tanner discuss: Difficult people often reveal the deeper work God is doing in us. Healthy boundaries are a gift to you and the people you lead. Love doesn’t have to be earned to be given If you liked this episode, check out these resources: – A resource on compassion fatigue and leadership wellness. by Henri Nouwen – A reflection on how our wounds can become a source of healing for others. (Luke 15:11-32) – A biblical story referenced to explore the nature of God's unconditional love. Writings by Howard Thurman – Particularly his reflections on inner calm during the civil rights movement and how that inner calm enables nonviolent presence in the face of outer chaos. If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Competing Values in Leadership
04/16/2025
Competing Values in Leadership
What do you do when the people you lead hold competing values? Whether it’s politics, sexuality, or the color of the sanctuary carpet, leaders are often stuck in the middle. They find themselves caught between people who love Jesus but can’t see eye to eye. In this episode, Jess and Jeff draw from real-life examples and Scripture to unpack how non-anxious leadership can change the tone of an entire community. You’ll hear stories of the power of curiosity, and how laughter, shared meals, and guiding values can help us reconnect when division threatens to pull us apart. With wisdom, humor, and even an illustration from a Ted Lasso scene, they offer hopeful next steps for leaders facing division. You’ll hear: Why surface issues are rarely the real issues. How systems thinking can help leaders stay grounded when anxiety spikes. Why curiosity (not judgment) is the key to building connection in divided communities. If you liked this episode, check out these resources: in Ted Lasso “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom” (Viktor Frankl). “” by Jeffrey Munroe If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Paying Attention to Your Body
04/09/2025
Paying Attention to Your Body
What if your body is trying to tell you something important? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith and Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle explore the powerful connection between our bodies, emotions, and spiritual well-being. They discuss how ignoring physical signals can impact leadership, relationships, and mental health. Whether you're a pastor or not, learning to listen to your body can lead to healing, stronger connections, and more intentional decision-making. In this episode, Tanner and Chase discuss: Our bodies send important messages, but we often ignore them to stay busy. Neglecting physical needs, like rest and food, can affect how we treat others. Paying attention to our bodies can help us heal emotionally and grow in self-awareness. If you liked this episode, check out these resources: “” by Aundi Kolber “” by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org, and follow us on social media .
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Competing Values Within Yourself
04/02/2025
Competing Values Within Yourself
In the first episode of our new segment, Systems and Shifts, Rev. Jess Shults and Rev. Jeffrey Munroe talk about the challenges leaders face when their personal beliefs change, but their jobs and organizations expect them to stay the same. They discuss why these internal conflicts happen and share advice on how to handle them wisely, especially when personal growth or changes in faith don’t match the values of the organization. Throughout their conversation, they talk about the difficulties of leading in Christian environments, where faith, change, and expectations often clash. Jeff also shares personal stories from his own ministry experiences to help others figure out how to manage changing beliefs while staying true to themselves and their organizations. In this episode, Jess and Jeff discuss: Accepting how one’s beliefs naturally change throughout life Discerning God’s will amidst layers of institutional values and perspectives Finding the balance between servant leadership and personal boundaries If you liked this episode, check out these resources: “: A New Way of Thinking About Human Interactions” by Roberta Gilbert “: How to Bring your Best to All of Your Relationships” by Jenny Brown To learn more about Jeff Munroe’s work, visit and check out his new book “.” You can purchase a copy on ! If you're interested in learning more about , visit our website colossianforum.org and follow us on social media .
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The Art of Slowing Down
03/18/2025
The Art of Slowing Down
In a world that relentlessly pushes leaders to do more and move faster, the act of slowing down feels like a luxury we can’t afford. But in this episode, we explore why it’s not only necessary — it's essential to our spiritual and emotional flourishing. Rev. Dr. Tanner Smith and Pastor Chase Rashad Stancle share practical ways to rest, reflect, and connect more deeply with God. They offer simple ideas like setting boundaries, taking time for a Sabbath, and learning how to pause. These small changes can help us deal with the busy world without getting overwhelmed.Through personal stories and spiritual wisdom, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you approach your time, your relationships, and your own well-being. In this episode, Tanner and Chase discuss: Setting boundaries for healthier relationships and personal growth The power of pausing and how it helps you focus on what really matters How resting can build trust with the people you lead and care about If you liked this episode, check out these resources: “” with Aundi Kolber “” by Dan Allender “: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again” by Ruth Haley Barton If you're interested in learning more about The Colossian Forum, visit our website and follow us on social media .
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Pastor Kim DeLong: Leap of Faith Movie Conversations
02/07/2025
Pastor Kim DeLong: Leap of Faith Movie Conversations
In this episode of The Practicing Hope Podcast, Pastor Kim DeLong joins host Jenny Steele to dive into her transformative experience with the Leap of Faith movie. Through her work with the Colossian Forum, Kim learned to see conflict not as something to fear, but as a powerful tool for deeper understanding. Kim also shares the incredible story of her church’s journey through financial hardship, ultimately selling their building to an organization serving homeless families. The experience reshaped her view of what it means to be the church and highlighted the importance of reaching beyond the walls to truly serve the community. Kim and Jenny discuss: The power of "directness" in both words and actions Balancing denominational loyalty with broader church collaboration Conflict as a pathway to deeper connection with others Don’t miss Kim’s inspiring journey and the lessons she’s learned about conflict, community, and faith. Follow on or –@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our .
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Pastor James Stokes: Leap of Faith Movie Conversations
01/24/2025
Pastor James Stokes: Leap of Faith Movie Conversations
What does true leadership in a polarized world look like? In this episode of the Practicing Hope podcast, Jenny Steele sits down with Pastor James Stokes whose influence in Grand Rapids, Michigan spans from the pulpit to community activism. Listen in as Pastor Stokes reveals how his experiences, from navigating societal and institutional shifts to participating in groundbreaking projects like the Leap of Faith movie, have reshaped his approach to ministry and community engagement. Dr. Stokes discusses how his interactions with the other pastors in the movie challenged and expanded his views, fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to engage with people beyond their labels and identities. In this episode, James and Jenny discuss: The power of relationships across cultural and theological divides The role of faith in addressing polarization and conflict The value of listening more than speaking, especially when who you’re talking to is vulnerable and in need of support Follow on or –@colossianforum. If you’d like to receive a simple prayer, a hopeful practice, and encouragement for exhausted leaders from us, sign up for our . To learn more about the twelve Leap of Faith pastors, visit the movie's .
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