For some, engaging in politics looks like watching particular cable news or social media networks and then amplifying whatever voices align with their own particular values or biases. But perhaps the key to healthy political engagement isn’t about spending time watching C-SPAN, but instead is about focusing on the people we are becoming.

In this last episode of season 5 of The Disrupters, Kaitlyn Schiess welcomes Michael Wear, founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Together they explore the necessity of spiritual formation as an essential part of civic involvement and discuss the “election stress syndrome” that many have experienced after 2016. Wear also offers insights from his upcoming book The Spirit of Our Politics to challenge conventional ideas of what it means to be a faithful Christian in the realm of politics.

Tune into this fascinating conversation on navigating the intersection of faith and politics with wisdom and grace.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The spiritual discipline of political engagement or abstention
• Distinction between meaningful political participation and political passivity
• The role of character and deep listening in transforming political discourse

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Michael Wear
• Learn more about the Center for Christianity and Public Life
• Check out Wear’s IVP book, Compassion (&) Conviction
• Check out Wear’s upcoming book, The Spirit of Our Politics
• Uncover insights from Politics is for Power by Eitan Hersh
• Read the document, Montgomery Improvement Association
• Learn About Mack McCarter, Founder of Community Renewal in Louisiana
• Learn About the Impact of Lead for America, American Connection Corps

For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.

Other links

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble

✅ Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

When surrounded by all the needs in the world, people can become overwhelmed and paralyzed to even begin to engage politically if at all. But instead of thinking about every issue to engage in, perhaps the way forward is to find areas of deep focus and personal interest.

In this fascinating dive into the convergence of personal faith and public life, host Kaitlyn Schiess welcomes Kathryn Freeman, a voice of experience at the intersection of theology and political advocacy.

Freeman's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing deeply personal issues as the means to shape one’s public advocacy. Her nuanced understanding of political theology, shaped by both African American church traditions and seminary education, provides crucial insight into how churches and believers can navigate the everyday needs in their communities without getting overwhelmed by the broader political landscape.

Tune in to this episode to discover healthy ways to pursue local political engagement in a sustainable manner that reflects Christ-led, neighborly love.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The need to limit oneself in political involvement
• The profound political legacy of the African American church
• Relationship-building and its significance in community advocacy

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Kathryn Freeman

For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.

Other links

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble

✅ Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

The impact of empire has far-reaching implications for the church, the nation, and the world. Even Christians who would claim that the kingdom of heaven is the only true ultimate rule and reign can find themselves complicit in supporting and furthering the empires of our current age.

Former presidential candidate Mark Charles wanted to show a different way forward, using the political process to speak truth to power. In this thought-provoking episode, host Kaitlyn Schiess speaks with Charles about lessons learned from his political run and the ways in which trauma has had a particular impact on the white majority in this country.

With a focus on healing historical trauma and rethinking the two-party system, Charles shares a compelling vision for a more inclusive and just future. His perspectives on political reform and communal trauma are not to be missed.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how history shapes modern politics and explore ways to contribute to a more just and equitable society.

This episode highlights the following themes:

• The influence of historical trauma on contemporary politics
• The damaging effects of the two-party system on American society
• Confronting and dismantling systemic white supremacist ideologies

Links from this episode:

• Get to know more about Mark Charles
• Check out his book co-authored with Soong-Chan Rah, Unsettling Truths
• Check out Rachel MacNair’s book, Perpetration-Induced Traumatic Stress

For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.

Other links

✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.

✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson

✅ Sound Engineering: Honest Podcasts

✅ Social Media Manager: Allie Noble

✅ Production Assistant: Isis Toldson and Christine Pelliccio

✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard

✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik

Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.