Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast

Nathan talks with Jon Bailey, Renovaré Ministry Team member and new author of the book Dwelling in Christ (first book in this season's Renovaré Book Club). The two discuss how Jon came to experience and write about the never-ending journey of transformation in Christ.

Nate speaks with retired psychiatrist Dr. Hilary Johnson about how the indivisibility of body, mind, and spirit means that wellness is, at some level, always a spiritual endeavor—empowered by God in and through loving relationships.

On Life With God, Nathan has a fascinating conversation with author Mark Buchanan about his WWII novel, What Is Left of the Night—why he wrote it, what he learned, and how it offers a vision of kingdom living we can carry into present-day crises.

We invite you to enter a time of prayer with Nathan Foster as he works through the Litany of Humility’s three movements and expands them with his own meditations. The prayer begins, “O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me.”

Nathan Foster talks with author and priest Ragan Sutterfield on the sacramental nature of birding and other patient pursuits which train our attention so that we can live awake to our transcendent God and the invisible realm of his kingdom.

In this bonus episode we share a conversation from a Renovaré webinar called Shaped by the Word. Host Carolyn Arends speaks with Tim Mackie and Carla Harding about how Scripture functions in the lives of Jesus’ disciples to form us and draw us into a living relationship with Father Son and Spirit. 

Three Renovaré staff members—Carolyn Arends, Monty Harrington, and Brandan Spencer—joined Nathan on Life with God to describe the team’s pilgrimage to Montgomery to give sustained attention to injustice against Black people in the United States and celebrate the legacy of God-empowered resistance and resilience.

Nathan talks with Grace Pouch about her new book Savoring Childhood and how small steps toward a slower, simpler lifestyle create space for a deeply rooted life of love for God and others.Grace’s book Savoring ChildhoodA few excerpts:A sample chapter from the publisher"Animal Friends""Simple Tastes""Joy is in the Waiting" on Christianity TodayGrace’s website gracepouch.comFollow along for reflections on family life, spiritual formation, and the slow work of renewal on Grace’s Substack @GrapplePie, and on Instagram @Grace.Pate.Pouch 

On Nathan Foster’s recent trip to England, he recorded an in-person conversation with Roy Searle, board member for Renovaré Britain and Ireland and elder in the Northumbria Community, about seeking and finding God in the era of “great unravelling.”Show NotesRoy is a Companion in the Northumbria Community and a former Pioneer Ambassador with the Baptist Union of Great Britain. A popular speaker, writer, leadership mentor, spiritual director, retreat leader and advisor, he is passionate about encouraging people to know the transforming love of God, helping them to realize their potential and encouraging people to love both God and neighbor and live generously. He is a Fellow of St. John’s College, Durham, an Associate Tutor at Spurgeons College, London, a member of the Renovaré Board in Britain and Ireland and an associate of The Commons Co-operative.Roy's latest book - Forming Communities of Hope in the Great Unraveling by Alan J. Roxburgh and Roy SearleThe Northumbria Community websiteCeltic Daily PrayerCeltic Spirituality - A Beginners GuideThe Patrick Compline is an evening prayer from the Celtic Daily Prayer collection — a collection and practice used by the Northumbria Community as part of their shared rule, or community rhythm.

Lori Melton joins Nate on the Life With God podcast this week to share about the spiritual practice she writes about in her new book, Journey with a Giant. 

Nate talks with author and Renovaré Institute alum Emily Bain Murphy about her new middle grade fiction book and the potency of stories for spiritual formation.

Nate speaks with author and Willard scholar Keas Keasler about the enduring helpfulness of Dallas Willard’s life and work.

Nathan Foster talks with Tiffany Clark about what the 20th century Indian Christian mystic Sundar Singh can teach us about encountering God. 

Pete Greig, author of the book How To Hear God (up next in the Renovaré Book Club), joined Nate for a wonderful conversation on the ways that God speaks and what it looks like to listen well.Show Notes*Join us for the second half of this year's Renovaré Book Club at a reduced rate as Pete Greig leads us through his book How to Hear God.Pete’s book—How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal PeopleRead an excerpt from How to Hear God.24-7 Prayer (founded by Pete)Lectio 365 Daily Devotional (co-hosted by Pete) Waverley AbbeyScripture reference—the Emmaus Road story is found in Luke 24:13-35Support the Life With God podcast and the work of Renovaré at renovare.org/donate.

Nathan and Vivianne Foster share a meditation for the New Year melding a famous quote by Francis de Sales with the words of Mary from Luke 1 in this bonus episode of Life With God.

On this week’s podcast episode, Nathan and Vivianne Foster discuss how to welcome Christ—looking to Jesus’ parents as a picture of consent, receptivity, and hospitality.Show NotesVivianne's Christmas Pie RecipeThis recipe was invented as my mother and I struggled to figure out the perfect way to enjoy Christmas Day together without fussing over ten different casseroles that needed to go in and out of the oven, and magically all be ready at the same moment. Having a French Canadian heritage, meat pies — called tourtieres are a big thing for us. This one takes things a step further: essentially everything you’d find on your Christmas plate goes IN the pie. If it feels too risky to swap out your complicated chaotic menu for this sumptuous simple main dish, take a risk by using your leftovers to make this pie. If you can’t handle recipes that simply paint a picture, and omit detailed measurements, I highly recommend not embarking on this adventure. For the rest of you, here we go:Pie crust: Use whatever savory pastry recipe you usually make, adding some fresh or dried herbs, cut up (eg: thyme, rosemary, sage)Filling:You’ll need enough to fill each pie you’re going to make, which I usually eyeball as I mix and add ingredients into a very large mixing bowl, so that the total amount in the bowl is sufficient to fill the shells. Make the ratio as seems fit to you:In a big bowl, combine:Cooked turkey, shredded into chunky pieces, or cutCubed bread, preferably sourdough, preferably dry so that it doesn’t turn to mush, cubed. (You can toast cubes of fresh bread in the oven if you don’t have any stale bread)Fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped, but raw (so that each berry is at least halved, but could be in quarters)Diced applesIn a cast iron frying pan, set to low medium, cook a pound of bacon, slowly; I usually have to do this in two batches, and set on cutting board to cool before chopping into small pieces.Keep the rendered fat from the bacon in the pan, turning the heat up to medium and adding:A few diced onions, or a larger amount of leeksA few diced potatoes (small diced)Once potatoes seem tender but not soft, remove from heat, pouring onion and potato mixture into main bowl, along with bacon bits.Stir the mixture to combine, adding a very generous amount of dried sage (I use at least 1/4 to 1/2 a cup for 2-3 pies. Add as you wish: pepper and salt.  Add one egg per pie into the main bowl, mixing thoroughly to moisten the mixture.You will need a minimum of 6 cups of filing per pie you want to fill. Spoon mixture into pie shell, mounding it up in the middle. Cover with pastry top, and cut a few designs in the top to allow hot air to escape. Cover with foil and bake as per your usual preference for baking pies, or wrap in plastic wrap and freeze if you don’t plan on cooking within a day.We usually set aside a family afternoon for assembling the pies and freeze them, then bake from frozen the day of Christmas. A fun part of our tradition is using Christmas cookie cutters to make designs appliquéd on top of the pie. Have fun!

Artist, author, and speaker Scott Erickson joined Nate for a conversation about creative expression as a way to speak truth, notice God's work in our lives, and excavate prayer and adoration for Christ.Show NotesScott Erickson is an artist, author, and performance speaker who mixes autobiography, mythology, and aesthetics to create symbols and moments that speak to our deepest experiences.He is the author of five books, the creator of two touring one man shows, a spiritual director to brave women and men, and a professional dishwasher for his food blogging wife.He lives in Vancouver, WA and is most loved by his wife, three children, and two out of three cats. scottericksonart.comInstagram - @scottthepainter

Brad East joined Nate on Life With God for a helpful conversation about how our use of technology must be governed by the overarching goals of spiritual formation in Christ.Show NotesBrad East is an associate professor of theology at Abilene Christian University. He is the author of four books: The Doctrine of Scripture (2021),The Church’s Book: Theology of Scripture in Ecclesial Context(2022), The Church: A Guide to the People of God (2024), and Letters to a Future Saint: Foundations of Faith for the Spiritually Hungry (2024). He also writes regularly on his personal blog. He lives in west Texas with his wife and their four children.Brad’s forthcoming book for pastors on navigating digital technology is due out in early 2027 with Baker. For other articles related to this episode, please see:A Vision for Screen-Free ChurchJust Say No to Online ChurchFinally, a Tech Book That Doesn’t Pull Punches

Grace Hamman talks with Nathan about medieval wisdom for how to cooperate with God’s grace to set aside vices (anti-love impulses) and put on virtues (loving, Christlike impulses).Grace Hamman, Ph.D. (Duke University) is a writer and independent scholar of late medieval poetry and contemplative writing. She is the author of Ask of Old Paths and Jesus through Medieval Eyes. Her work has been published by academic and popular outlets, including Plough Quarterly and The Journal of Medieval and Early Modern Studies. Grace hosts a podcast called Old Books with Grace which celebrates the beauty and joy found in reading the literature and theology of the past. Grace holds a doctorate in English, specializing in medieval literature and theology, from Duke University. She lives near Denver, Colorado with her husband and three young children.https://gracehamman.com/https://www.instagram.com/oldbookswithgrace/https://gracehamman.substack.com/

On Life With God this week, Nathan speaks with Andrew Ranucci, a spiritual director and mentor in the Next Frontiers program, about transitioning from pastoring a congregation to pastoring pastors. (The final day to apply for the 2026 Cohort of Next Frontiers is Friday, October 31, 2025.)Next Frontiers is a program that runs from January through November 2026, and is designed to help mid-career pastors thrive in congregational leadership during times of transition in ministry. The key features of the program include opportunities for reimagining our pastoral identity, fostering spiritual renewal and engaging in meaningful relationship with veteran ministers. The overarching purpose of this program is to provide resources that will sustain ministers in the “long obedience” of their profession. Learn more.

In episode 305 of Life With God, Nathan speaks with Stanley Hauerwas, a theologian with a wide and profound influence. Also joining the show is Tish Harrison Warren (who has written the foreword to a new book showcasing Hauerwas's core ideas) about how Stanley shaped her life and ministry. 

Nate talks with Terry Wildman, lead translator of the First Nations Version of the Bible, about the way that cultural translation brings the beauty and meaning of scripture to the surface for people ready to hear the good news.

Trevor Hudson joined Nathan on the Life With God podcast to discuss his latest book, In Search of God’s Will—which will be our first group-read in the Renovaré Book Club starting this Fall. 

Musician and theologian Julian Davis Reid talks with Nate on Life With God about the invitations of Scripture and Black music to receive God’s rest—and to help others rest—while living in the tension of a world where so much is still not right. Show NotesThe song "Nerve to be Super (For Michael)," played during the episode, is from Julian's upcoming record, Vocation, which will be out in September.Visit juliandavisreid.com to learn more about his various offerings, to book a Notes of Rest experience, or to learn about original music releases and records (such as Notes of Rest Hymns Vol. 1 and BEHOLD with the band The JuJu Exchange).You can also find Julian's newsletter and stay up to date with news by subscribing at juliandavisreid.substack.com.

Nathan Foster sat down with Renovaré's president, Ted Harro, to discuss bold new ministry initiatives at Renovaré that will carry the founding vision forward to a Church and a world in need of renewal. 

Producers Brian Morykon and Grace Pouch interview Nathan Foster about his role as the host of Life With God and about the podcasting medium as a place for listening and growing together.

On episode 299 of Life With God (recorded live at the RēGathering conference), professor and author Rebecca DeYoung talks with Nathan about what to do when we feel angry. Show NotesResources by Rebecca DeYoungArticle: “How to Practice Hope”Essay: “Why Are You Angry?”Talk: “The Seven Deadly Sins: Wrath”Scholarly publications: Available online here Other related resources recommended by Rebecca“Praying in the Dark” by J. Todd Billings—on lament, protest, and compassionate witness as ways to express our emotions without spiraling into despair. Listen to an interview with Charlotte vanOyen Witvliet (a Christian psychologist and friend of Rebecca DeYoung) on moving forward in forgiveness. ​​Aquinas on the vice of wrathGarret Keizer, The Enigma of Anger: Essays on a Sometimes Deadly Sin Josef Pieper, "The Power of Wrath" in The Four Cardinal Virtues (Notre Dame Press), 193-197. Robert C. Roberts, "Peace" in Spiritual emotions: a psychology of Christian virtues (Eerdmans),  165-178. 

Venezuelan-Canadian author Paola Barrera joins Nate on Life With God to discuss her story of immigration and how it shaped her outlook on God’s kingdom.

President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (Hope Rises International) Bill Simmons speaks with Nate about burnout and the Sabbatical experience that brought deep healing to his soul.Show NotesBill’s book: The Way of Interruption: Spiritual Practice for Organizational LifeRead an excerpt from The Way of InterruptionFind Bill at billsimmons.net, hoperises.org, and LinkedIn.  Bill Simmons is President and CEO of American Leprosy Missions (soon to be Hope Rises International), part of his two-decade journey leading national and international organizations. Bill brings deep insight to the intersection of organizational leadership and spiritual formation, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in spiritual formation at Gordon Conwell Seminary. Bill holds a BA from the University of Tennessee. Bill and his wife Cindi live in Greenville, SC.

Nathan speaks with renowned author Kathleen Norris about writing about her sister in her new book, Rebecca Sue: A Sister’s Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love.

The McMinn's join Nate to talk about life on their farm and finding the right pace for a flourishing life.

In this audio meditation, Nathan Foster weaves together a selection of beautiful and challenging sayings by 17th-century spiritual director, Jean Pierre de Caussade that invite us to embrace God’s formation deep into our souls.

Nathan talks with Walter Strickland about his new book Swing Low and the way that the African American Christian experience adds crucial wisdom to living a with-God life.

Amanda Opelt talks with Nathan about finding her theological assumptions challenged during a season of deep grief. The two discuss the difference between wholeness and happiness and between goodness and prosperity in this music-filled episode. 

James Catford joins Nathan to talk about Jean-Pierre de Caussade's 18th century classic book on trust, Abandonment to Divine Providence — book 4 in this year's Renovaré Book Club.Show NotesJames Catford joins Nathan to talk about Jean-Pierre de Caussade's 18th century classic book on trust, Abandonment to Divine Providence.Join several thousand readers in the Renovaré Book Club to read Abandonment to Divine Providence (reading begins March 3, 2025).Join the club at a reduced rate Purchase the hard copy or e-book

Reward Sibanda joins Nathan on the Life With God podcast to share his insights on fasting as a God-designed process of total surrender through which our bodies, minds, and spirits grow wide-awake to God.

Matthew Lewis joins Nathan to talk about his new book Human and the beautiful way God designed for our deepest longings — when we give them our attention — to lead us home to Jesus.Where to find MatthewThe Follower Podcast: https://wearefollower.com/podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewis516/Follower Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/we_are_follower/Website: https://mattlewis.co.zaMatthew's book — Human: How our deepest longings lead us home

Today’s podcast is a 13-minute meditation — an audio retreat — on a prayer by the French priest Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Put on some headphones, find a comfortable spot, and let your soul be quieted.

"There are open vistas available to us in Christ," says Rich Villodas in this conversation with Nathan about the narrow path of Jesus and the quality of a life transformed by the perspectives and practices of Christ.Show NotesRich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large, multiracial church with more than seventy-five countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. Prior to becoming lead pastor, he gave oversight to New Life’s small group ministry and served as preaching pastor. Rich graduated with a BA in pastoral ministry and theology from Nyack College. He went on to complete his master’s of divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, and preaching and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related issues, and the art of preaching. He’s been married to Rosie since 2006 and they have two beautiful children, Karis and Nathan.You can find Rich on social media @richvillodas The Narrow Path (Rich's new book)New Life NYC (Rich Villodas' church)

Nate visited with Luci Shaw in her home and recorded this special episode about her life as a poet and the potential she sees in words to call us into conversation with the art form itself and with God.

Mindy Caliguire says that stepping into life with God is like underwater breathing — we have to learn how to do it and use the practical supports available to us. Join Nathan and Mindy for a great conversation about practices for spiritual thriving. 

Brandan Spencer, Renovaré’s Director of Church Engagement, talks with Nate about family life, church renewal, and Renovaré’s new initiative to help communities step deeper into with-God life.

Author and teacher Jan Johnson joins Nate to talk about Jesus' parables that help us understand God's reign. The kingdom parables are the topic of a new book—created from Dallas Willard's teaching archives—and a companion workbook that Jan Johnson created.Show NotesThe Scandal of the Kingdom WorkbookThe Scandal of the KingdomDownloadable resources:The Foreword and Chapter OneChapter One of the WorkbookSix-Part Sermon Series.The original audio series (for The Scandal of the Kingdom) is being released week-by-week on The Dallas Willard Podcast.Want to participate in a course on the book? You can join the interest list here.

Renovaré’s Education Program Coordinator Wendy Dean talks with Nate about wanting what’s best for our kids—and letting God’s vision of the best supersede our own.

Winn Collier, director of the Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination, talks with Nathan about hardships that shatter false hopes and the one reality that provides a sturdy place to stand.

Steve and Nate have an honest conversation about whether Christian spiritual formation is a movement or just a moment or fad. They also delve into the importance of total abandonment to God and the gift of brokenness.

Nathan welcomes author Sarah Clarkson to the show to discuss Scottish preacher and fiction writer George MacDonald—a key influence on Sarah’s literary career as well as her faith.Show NotesYou can find Sarah writing regularly at her Substack, From the Vicarage (sarahclarkson.substack.com) or discover her books at sarahclarkson.comRecommended by SarahFree online version of The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories Free online version of Princess and the Goblins, one of Sarah’s favorite children's novels by MacDonaldFree online version of Lilith, Sarah’s favorite adult fairy tale by MacDonaldSarah’s friend, Dr. Amanda Vernon, is a MacDonald scholar and children’s literature enthusiast.A website dedicated to books, articles, art, and music about, or inspired by, George MacDonald's sermons, lectures, poems, prose, and prayers.Recent Word on Fire edition of The Golden Key.

Poet laureate, professor, and author Ben Myers joins Nate to discuss a book that has been a constant and formative presence in his life: Dante's The Divine Comedy.Benjamin Myers is the Crouch-Matthis Professor of Literature and the director of theGreat Books Honors Program at Oklahoma Baptist University. A former poet laureate ofOklahoma, he is the author of four books of poetry as well as of one previous and twoforthcoming books of nonfiction. His poems, essays, and stories have appeared in manyjournals and magazines, including Image, The Yale Review, First Things, and Rattle.He is a contributing editor for Front Porch Republic and lives in Chandler, OK. His mostrecent book of poems is The Family Book of Martyrs (2023).Show NotesThe "100 Days of Dante" project.The entire Comedy without commentary. Ben's article “A Disgusting Poem on God’s Goodness.”  Ben's book The Family Book of Martyrs.

Nathan Foster has an in-person conversation with Mimi Dixon and Richard Foster about the two introductory books in the 2024-2025 Renovaré Book Club season — Richard's classic Celebration of Discipline and Mimi's Worth Celebrating (a book biography that explores why Celebration of Discipline started a movement).Registration for the Renovaré Book Club 2024-2025 season is open!Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster Worth Celebrating by Mimi Dixon (Read an excerpt here.)Other articles, books, and podcast episodes by Richard Foster and by Mimi Dixon can be found at renovare.org

Author and podcast host Nick Page shares some guidelines for understanding the Bible and reading with a heart open to encountering God.Show NotesThe Mid-Faith Crisis PodcastSome of Nick’s Books Nick Page on microblog