The Raggamuffin Circus: Dr. Eric Sandras #243

In this episode, I interview Dr. Eric Sandras founder of The Sanctuary Church, " beautifully messy community where the marginalized, the recovrting, misfits know they belong." We explore the profound themes of belonging, sacred work, and the transformative power of love and grace in ministry and life. Eric shares personal stories, insights on suffering, and practical ways to embody proximity and compassion in a broken world. Dr. E shares profound stories and insights on grace, the human condition, and how to live an undivided life. I along with Dr. E explore themes of suffering, grace, authenticity, and the power of relationships, inspired by Brennan Manning's work and real-life experiences.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:53 The Meaning of Belonging and Fear of Abandonment 04:01 Sacred Work in Caring for Loved Ones 05:55 The Sacred in the Mundane and Ordinary 08:06 Rescue and Adoption: Personal Stories of Healing 09:57 Living Out the Gospel in the Margins 12:02 The Long Game: Love, Grace, and Suffering 14:00 Moving Towards Others with Grace and Proximity 15:59 The Church as a Hospital, Not a Museum 17:57 The Power of Love and Grace in Transformation 19:56 Navigating Gray Areas in Crisis and Care 21:53 Hope in Global Crises and the Power of Service 02:32 Stories of compassion and focus on positive impact 07:06 The role of media negativity and focusing on God's inspiring work 12:02 Inmates, purpose, and the power of helping others 16:59 The story of the satanic church leader and his drive to help 21:53 The importance of understanding and compassion in darkness 27:12 The story of Autumn and the smell of the gospel 32:10 The significance of grace and the offensive beauty of love 37:10 The power of choosing attitude and finding meaning in crisis 41:59 Living an undivided life: relationship with God, others, and self 46:53 The invitation of the gospel and community in action 51:57 The story of Autumn's transformation and the power of belonging 56:57 The influence of Brennan Manning and the Ragamuffin Gospel 01:01:54 Living in belovedness and embracing our humanity 01:06:58 Closing thoughts and encouragement to pursue authentic relationships