Coming Home

In this episode of Coming Home, host Nathaniel Perez sits down with Jua Robinson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Collaborative. Jua’s work lives at the intersection of faith, civic leadership, and community transformation. From helping lead a multi-ethnic church representing more than twenty countries to building partnerships across Boston’s civic, nonprofit, and faith communities, his career has been shaped by a deep commitment to justice, collaboration, and people.Jua also serves as chaplain for the New England Patriots, working alongside players on wellness and social justice initiatives. In this conversation, he reflects on leadership across different spaces—from churches and nonprofits to professional sports—and what it takes to cultivate trust, belonging, and purpose in complex systems.Episode Highlights00:00 — Welcome to Coming HomeHost Nathaniel Perez introduces Jua Robinson and the work of the Boston Collaborative.02:10 — From Pastoral Ministry to Civic LeadershipJua shares how his journey in ministry led him toward broader community leadership and collaboration across Boston.06:45 — Founding the Boston CollaborativeWhy the organization was created and the problem it seeks to address through partnerships across sectors.12:30 — Working at the Intersection of Faith and Public LifeWhat Jua has learned about navigating institutions, systems, and relationships while pursuing justice and transformation.18:40 — Serving as Chaplain for the New England PatriotsBehind the scenes of providing care, guidance, and perspective within the culture of professional sports.25:15 — Leadership, Pressure, and Personal FormationWhat high-pressure environments reveal about character, responsibility, and resilience.31:30 — Investing in the Next Generation of LeadersWhy mentorship and formation matter in shaping leaders who pursue both excellence and impact.36:45 — What Leaders Need Most TodayJua reflects on integrity, humility, and hope as essential qualities for leadership today.41:30 — Final ReflectionsClosing thoughts on faith, calling, and building communities where people can truly flourish.About the GuestJua Robinson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Boston Collaborative, an organization dedicated to strengthening leadership and partnerships across Boston’s civic, nonprofit, and faith communities. He previously co-founded Heart Change Fellowship, a multi-ethnic church in Jamaica Plain representing 23 countries.Jua also serves as chaplain for the New England Patriots and contributes to the organization’s player wellness and social justice initiatives. In addition, he serves on several boards including Boston Flourish, Vision New England, and the Massachusetts Society to Aid Discharged Prisoners.About Coming HomeComing Home is a podcast from Gordon College that features conversations with leaders, alumni, and changemakers whose work is shaping communities, institutions, and culture. Through thoughtful dialogue, the show explores vocation, leadership, and the deeper questions that guide our work and lives.

Episode DescriptionWhat does it mean to stay rooted in faith when leadership is costly and outcomes are uncertain?In this episode of the Coming Home Podcast, host Dr. Nathaniel Perez sits down with Stacie Mickelson, Executive Director of the Emmanuel Gospel Center, for a thoughtful conversation about calling, reconciliation, and faithfulness in New England.Stacie shares her personal faith journey—from early belief through seasons of doubt and rediscovery—and reflects on how “coming home” is less about a physical place and more about belonging, safety, and being fully known. Together, they explore why staying matters, how churches can become true places of home, and where hope can be found in a divided world.Episode Timestamps00:00 — Welcome to Coming Home01:01 — Introducing Stacie Mickelson and Emmanuel Gospel Center01:55 — What does “coming home” really mean?02:37 — Growing up in faith, rebellion, and learning to trust God04:23 — Rediscovering faith and being “wooed back” by God05:49 — Praying “I want to want You” and navigating disillusionment08:31 — Place, culture, and calling: Connecticut, Boston, and beyond09:24 — From international development to serving New England12:22 — Finding a calling at Emmanuel Gospel Center14:03 — Leadership, availability, and answering God’s call14:52 — The challenges and joys of leading people16:21 — Reconciliation: what it means and why it matters18:22 — Loving others in a divided and polarized world20:47 — Holding onto hope and living with eternity in mind26:07 — Why New England matters—and where God is at work here27:22 — Hidden growth, church planting, and stories of renewal28:43 — The mission of Emmanuel Gospel Center29:56 — When churches truly become a “home”32:01 — Encouragement for students and young adults discerning where to stay36:44 — Finding community in New England38:55 — Formation, mentors, and learning from hard feedback42:02 — What burdens Stacie’s heart in this cultural moment44:50 — Redefining success as obedience, not visibility46:23 — Fun rapid-fire questions48:24 — Looking ahead: hope for the church in the next 5–10 years49:53 — Closing reflections and gratitudeAbout the GuestStacie Mickelson is the Executive Director of Emmanuel Gospel Center, a Boston-based organization supporting churches and Christian leaders through research, consulting, and storytelling. She holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Clark University and lives in Jamaica Plain with her husband and daughters. Her work centers on helping churches pursue shalom—right relationship with God, others, self, and creation.

Note: This episode was reuploaded during a platform transition and may appear out of sequence in the feed.Description:What does it mean to follow a God who moves?In this episode of the Coming Home Podcast, host Dr. Nathaniel Pérez sits down with theologian and advocate Daniel Montañez to explore faith, migration, and the call to belonging. Together they discuss how Scripture reveals a God of movement—from Genesis to Revelation—and how the Church today can respond with compassion, courage, and hope.Montañez shares his story as a Mexican and Puerto Rican American, his research as a doctoral candidate at Boston University School of Theology, and his work as Executive Director of the Center for Public Theology and Migration and founder of the Migration Christian Conference.🕰 Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & introduction01:40 – What “coming home” means04:30 – Growing up between cultures09:50 – God as a God of movement13:50 – Reading Scripture through migration17:20 – The Imago Dei and human dignity20:40 – The Church’s role in reframing immigration24:20 – Fear, faith & courageous hospitality31:50 – Discovering calling and identity38:30 – Stories of hope from the immigrant church46:50 – The Migration Christian Conference52:10 – Hope for the next generation of the Church

Note: This episode was reuploaded during a platform transition and may appear out of sequence in the feed.Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Coming Home Podcast by Gordon College, host Dr. Nathaniel Perez welcomes Dr. Dorothy Boorse—beloved professor, ecologist, and longtime advocate for sustainability and environmental justice. Together, they explore the deep interconnection between faith, creation care, and loving one’s neighbor.Dr. Boorse shares stories from her Mennonite upbringing, her academic journey into ecology, and reflections from a recent student trip to Hawaii. They discuss the Christian call to steward the Earth, how climate change impacts the most vulnerable, and why sustainability, systemic justice, and Shalom must be part of the Church’s mission today.Guest BioDr. Dorothy Boorse is a Professor of Biology at Gordon College and a national voice in the intersection of science and faith. A contributing author of Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment (National Association of Evangelicals), she brings decades of expertise in wetland ecology, sustainability, and environmental ethics.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 — “Taking care of the environment is part of loving your neighbor.”00:35 — Introducing Dr. Boorse: faith, science, and a love for Gordon College01:14 — Childhood on a 300-year-old farm and a strong sense of place03:20 — Growing up with science: dolls, insects, and becoming a teacher04:46 — Finding God’s calling through ecology and environmental studies06:23 — A transformative student trip to Hawaii and learning from native voices10:59 — The power of gratitude, ceremony, and slowing down12:20 — Climate change, simplicity, and Christian responsibility15:03 — Who are the “least of these”? Environmental injustice in action19:19 — How climate change impacts us all: water cycles, storms, asthma, and more23:27 — Why talking about climate change matters—and how to do it25:44 — Students want solutions, not just awareness26:18 — Connecting the Great Commission with creation care28:05 — Why Christians must address systemic injustice29:35 — What is sustainability, and how does it relate to home?32:21 — Reclaiming community, critique, and hospitality in a hyper-individualistic world35:31 — Diversity in nature, humanity, and the Church38:24 — Shalom and sustainability: caring for creation as Christian witness41:50 — “There is a role for everybody.” Hope and urgency in creation care44:04 — Real-world examples: Flint, Jackson, and the need for cross-disciplinary action46:13 — Encouraging students to integrate sustainability into every major48:21 — What this should look like from the pulpit: Shalom, sacrifice, and stewardshipNotable Quotes“Taking care of the environment is part of loving your neighbor as yourself.”“The problem is real, it's here, it’s big—and there are things we can do about it.”“You can study anything and care about sustainability. There is a role for everybody.”“If Christians don’t lead in this, someone else will—and we’ll have lost our voice.”“Sustainability means meeting today’s needs without undermining tomorrow’s.”Resources & MentionsLoving the Least of These – National Association of EvangelicalsLaudato Si’ – Encyclical by Pope Francis on caring for our common homeGordon College Environmental Science: gordon.edu/earth

Note: This episode was reuploaded during a platform transition and may appear out of sequence in the feed.Episode SummaryIn this inaugural episode of The Coming Home Podcast by Gordon College, host Dr. Nathaniel Perez welcomes Rich Villodas, pastor of New Life Fellowship in Queens and author of The Deeply Formed Life and The Narrow Path. Together, they explore the deeper meaning of “coming home”—not just as a physical space, but as a return to the heart of God. Rich reflects on spiritual formation, abiding in God, the power of community, and how diversity and reconciliation are essential aspects of Christian faith.Guest BioRich Villodas is the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large, multiracial church in Queens, NY. He is the author of The Deeply Formed Life and The Narrow Path, and is a respected voice on spiritual formation, racial reconciliation, and contemplative life in the modern church.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 — What does “coming home” mean to Rich?01:25 — The link between deep formation and finding identity in God02:40 — Practices that ground us in anxious times: prayer, scripture, and community05:05 — What true belonging in the church looks like06:18 — Walking the narrow path in a culture of division08:30 — Shame, vulnerability, and embracing God’s love10:13 — Rich’s daily spiritual rhythm (and making breakfast for his kids!)11:58 — Encouragement for those wrestling with doubt and distance from faith13:15 — The gospel and its call to justice and reconciliation15:03 — Diversity vs. reconciliation and the myth of colorblindness17:39 — Racial justice as a core part of spiritual formation19:01 — How to humbly step into diverse spaces20:23 — A steeping tea metaphor for presence with God21:29 — Fun questions: Knicks, Mets, Marvel movies, Jordan sneakers, and more!Notable Quotes“Repentance is not a word we should fear—it's a return to the arms of a loving Father.”“Prayer isn’t about escaping myself. It’s about integrating what’s really going on in my life and bringing it to God.”“God is not colorblind—He celebrates difference.”“The gospel determines the scope of our mission. Reconciliation starts with how we define the good news.”Resources & MentionsThe Deeply Formed LifeThe Narrow PathNew Life Fellowship: newlife.nycGordon College: gordon.edu

Note: This episode was reuploaded during a platform transition and may appear out of sequence in the feed.What does it mean to live out your faith on and off the field? In this episode of Coming Home, host Dr. Nathaniel Pérez sits down with Gordon College baseball players — Colby Galipeau, Caleb Stuart, and Kevin Whalen, hosts of The Faith Talks Podcast — and Athletic Director Jason Linders to explore how athletics can be a powerful platform for faith, discipline, and community.They discuss what “coming home” means spiritually and personally, finding identity beyond performance, and how community and mentorship shape the lives of Christian athletes. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or believer learning to balance passion and purpose, this episode offers a rich perspective and real stories of transformation.🎙️ Coming Home is a podcast by Gordon College in Wenham, MA — exploring faith, culture, and belonging with thought leaders, guest speakers, and members of our community.Episode Chapters / Timestamps00:00 – IntroductionDr. Nathaniel Pérez welcomes listeners and frames the episode’s theme: faith and athletics.00:38 – Meet the Faith Talks Podcast TeamColby, Caleb & Kevin introduce themselves and reflect on what “coming home” means to them — from shared values to spiritual rest.06:00 – From Public School to Christian CollegeThe trio shares how growing up in secular schools shaped their decision to attend Gordon College and stand firm in faith.09:10 – Faith in High School SportsStories of living out faith as student-athletes, witnessing through actions, and the power of quiet example.16:00 – Kevin’s Testimony: Finding Faith Freshman YearKevin recounts his conversion at Gordon and how faith transformed his mindset toward competition.21:00 – Identity Beyond the AthleteCaleb reflects on injury, loss, and learning to find value in Christ rather than performance.27:30 – Faith and CompetitionWhat fuels Christian athletes? Gratitude, discipline, and confidence rooted in calling.32:50 – Role Models of FaithThe students share athletes and mentors who inspire them — from Tim Tebow to their own fathers.36:30 – Brotherhood & AccountabilityHow vulnerability and community sustain faith; inside their men’s Bible study, MOGs (Men of God).46:00 – Launching the Faith Talks PodcastThe origin story behind their own show and their vision to reach peers with relatable conversations about faith.53:00 – Introducing Jason LindersDr. Pérez welcomes Gordon’s Athletic Director, who shares his background, calling, and experience in college athletics.54:30 – From California to Gordon CollegeJason’s journey through ten institutions, discovering faith-based leadership and community.57:00 – Faith in Leadership and CoachingUsing sports as a platform for discipleship and modeling Christ-centered leadership.1:02:30 – Defining Success in SportsDeveloping young people, academic excellence, and competitive integrity — beyond the scoreboard.1:07:00 – Advice for Student-AthletesJason’s guidance on time management, discipline, and faith formation amid the challenges of college life.1:11:00 – Life Beyond the FieldFamily, hobbies, favorite teams, and how he stays grounded through worship and service.1:13:00 – Closing ReflectionsJason shares final thoughts on faith, sports, and legacy.