By Andy Hale
This week’s CBF Podcast features an enlightening conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Keuss, a professor of Christian ministry, theology, and culture at Seattle Pacific University. Dr. Keuss, the author of several impactful works, including Your Neighbor’s Hymnal, Live the Questions, and Defiant Hope, Active Love, shares his insights on what it means for the church to authentically engage with young adults in today’s cultural landscape. With a deep commitment to practical theology, his work invites faith communities to reimagine their role in addressing the spiritual and existential needs of emerging generations.
In this episode, we dive into his latest book, Defiant Hope, Active Love, which examines the unique challenges and opportunities young adults face in their journey of faith and community. Dr. Keuss’ exploration moves beyond the typical narratives of a “young adult crisis” in the church, offering instead a grounded perspective informed by the Pivot Northwest research team’s robust qualitative and quantitative studies. By addressing the concept of “substitute theology” and drawing comparisons between the church’s current state and the petrified beauty of the Hoh Rain Forest, Keuss challenges listeners to rethink how the church can foster vibrant, intergenerational relationships and act as a resource station for joy, meaning, and resilience. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating inclusive, transformative spaces in their faith communities.
Listen here.
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Sponsorship
This podcast is presented by:
- Baylor’s Garland School of Social Work: Social workers can be found addressing the full scope of the human experience in churches, schools, prisons, government agencies, senior living centers, nonprofits and Fortune 500 companies.
- Baptist Seminary of Kentucky: BSK equips leaders through their Homegrown Initiative, offering ministry leaders training and growth that fits into their busy schedules.
- The Gardner-Webb School of Divinity: The Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity aims to equip, nurture, encourage, and support men and women for their very best service in the Kingdom of God.
- The Center for Congregational Health: Strengthening congregations through consulting, leadership coaching, and intentional ministry.
- The Baptist House of Studies at Union Presbyterian Seminary: Exists by God’s grace to educate, inspire, and support generations of bold, faithful servant leaders as they seek actively to participate in God’s mission in the world.
- Community Transformation Center: Through educational opportunities, community conversations, and research initiatives in collaboration with universities and local leaders, PBACTC is at the forefront of integrating spiritual care into holistic community development.
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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.