Embracing Ritual: Hillsong, Theology and Indigenous Wisdom with Dr. Tanya Riches

In this episode I sat down with Dr. Tanya Riches of Eastern College Australia. Dr. Riches shares her journey growing up in the Hillsong Church, being part of its music scene, and how those experiences shaped her creatively and spiritually. She talks about her academic pursuits, including her degrees in psychology, political economy, and theology, and how she’s integrated traditional liturgical practices into modern worship. The conversation also dives into her fascinating research on Aboriginal Pentecostal churches, where she discovered the rich wisdom and inclusive practices of indigenous leaders. Dr. Riches emphasizes the importance of learning from and engaging with marginalized communities, offering tips for non-Aboriginal churches on how to connect meaningfully with local leaders. Our chat wraps up with a look at her current work and future plans, including potential publications to share her insights.