Old Paths New Steps

From battalion chief to world champion disc golfer to international course designer, Paul Wright's journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, Paul shares how God healed him of cystic fibrosis as a toddler, gave him a dream that launched his firefighting career at 32, and then used his love of disc golf to serve communities across Africa, Central America, and beyond through the Paul McBeth Foundation. We explore what it means to shift from pursuing money to pursuing purpose, how retirement can become the richest season of faith, and why sometimes the most effective ministry happens when you're just teaching kids in Uganda how to throw a Frisbee while dodging monkeys and giraffes.Paul McBeth Foundation: https://www.paulmcbethfoundation.org/

In this episode, Peter takes us through part of the introduction of a book he's working on. He explores how a simple question—"If our church disappeared, would anyone notice?"—led to a profound discovery about trauma, community, and hope. When their church decided to serve a low-income neighborhood, they thought they understood poverty and struggle. Then they learned about ACEs—Adverse Childhood Experiences—and everything changed. This training didn't just teach us about childhood trauma; it revealed why asking "What happened to you?" instead of "What's wrong with you?" transforms how we love our neighbors. Peter shares the story of Jane, a single mom with MS who needed help moving apartments, and how the church's response demonstrated that small acts of service can prevent catastrophic outcomes. This is the first in a series exploring how trauma shapes us, how resilience rebuilds us, and how the church is uniquely positioned to create the kind of community where real flourishing becomes possible. There's so much more to uncover about brain science, epigenetics, sin, and the power of belonging—but it all starts here, with learning to see our neighbors through new eyes.  We'd love your feedback on this episode. Reach out at info@oldpathsnewsteps or on Facebook or Instagram at Old Paths New Steps.

What happens when good intentions meet hard realities? Brandon Steiver's calling to "run an orphanage in Africa" led to eight transformative years in Tanzania and a shocking discovery: 80% of children in orphanages worldwide have living parents. Brandon shares how this revelation shifted his focus from institutional care to family strengthening, and discusses his current work with Care Portal—a technology platform connecting churches directly with vulnerable families in their communities. We explore the intersection of faith and social action, why orphans need families not institutions, and how the gospel demands both proclamation and demonstration. Whether you're involved in missions or wondering how your faith translates into neighborhood impact, this conversation offers sobering realities and inspiring possibilities for making a real difference.

Dr. Gregory Coles returns to explore how our modern understanding of identity has everything backwards. Discover why the Latin root of "identity" points toward sameness rather than individuality, what it means to find belonging as an outsider, and how God shows up in unexpected ways when we stop trying to predict where the wind will blow. Greg shares insights from his upcoming books on sexuality and purpose, while unpacking the beautiful tension between standing out and fitting in, and why sometimes the gifts we receive are far better than the ones we thought we deserved.

Dr. Luman Wing returns to discuss his groundbreaking book "Genes of Eden," where cutting-edge epigenetics meets ancient theology. Discover how your environment literally rewrites your genetic expression, why trauma and redemption can both echo through generations, and how 4th-century theologian Augustine of Hippo might have been ahead of modern science. From the molecular science behind prayer and meditation to why your spiritual choices are having real conversations with your DNA, this episode reveals the fascinating biological reality behind faith, forgiveness, and transformation.

We're thrilled to bring back this powerful conversation with Dr. Lumen Wing as he prepares to release his groundbreaking book Genes of Eden. In this episode, Dr. Wing—a biochemist, pastor, and chaplain at the San Diego crime lab—reveals the fascinating intersection of faith and science through epigenetics. Discover how trauma literally leaves "black marks" on our genes, why authentic community and simple acts like hugs can reverse genetic damage, and how the body's own molecules like oxytocin provide healing more powerful than pharmaceuticals. From understanding how stress affects our DNA to seeing how prayer, belonging, and bearing one another's burdens create measurable biological changes, this conversation will transform how you view both ministry and human flourishing. Whether you're a pastor, counselor, or someone seeking to create healing spaces in your community, Dr. Wing's insights offer hope-filled, scientifically-backed pathways to restoration that honor both our design as image-bearers and our calling to love well.

Peter shares important updates about Old Paths New Steps, including Josh Lott's decision to step back from regular hosting to focus on family, and our move to bi-monthly episodes. We honor Josh's incredible contributions while looking ahead with excitement to continue meaningful conversations about faith and life. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Pastor and former police officer Lonnie Arnold shares his journey from black church upbringing through interracial marriage and law enforcement to founding the Racial Reconciliation Network. Drawing from personal experiences and scripture, Lonnie explains why racial reconciliation isn't just a social issue but a gospel issue, arguing that while the church excels at vertical reconciliation with God, it struggles with the horizontal reconciliation between people that Ephesians 2 demands. He offers practical wisdom on crossing racial lines, creating safe spaces for difficult conversations, and moving toward the multi-ethnic expression of God's kingdom that reflects heaven's diversity.

In this episode, Peter and Malissa chat with biblical scholar Hakeem Bradley about his journey from the Five Percent Nation to New Testament PhD studies and his recent work at Bible Project. Hakeem shares his passion for reading Genesis through ancient eyes, explaining how biblical authors "sampled" creation stories like hip-hop artists sample classic tracks. He also discusses his leap of faith in launching Sacred Patterns, a new organization creating biblical literacy resources for families and children. The conversation explores the power of community discernment, authentic relationships, and helping the next generation engage Scripture as both sacred text and beautiful literature, offering listeners scholarly insight and practical wisdom for their faith journeys.

In this powerful episode, host Peter Voorhees and co-host Malissa Bertella sit down with Cameron Horner, who shares his remarkable journey of faith following a life-altering spinal cord injury at age 18. With striking honesty and grace, Cameron recounts how God met him underwater during the accident that left him paralyzed, and how this moment of crisis became a catalyst for profound ministry. The conversation explores the beautiful tension between sorrow and joy, the evolution of Cameron's theology of suffering, and the vital role community played in his healing process. Whether you're facing your own struggles or simply seeking wisdom on navigating life's unexpected turns, Cameron's story offers a compelling reminder that our deepest pain can become a pathway to our most meaningful purpose—all viewed through the lens of authentic faith and genuine hope.

What does it really take to build authentic community where people actually belong? In this honest conversation, Peter, Josh, and Malissa explore the beautiful mess of real relationships—from opening your gate to neighbors who don't look like you, to sharing Red Bull spritzers with guarded teenagers, to navigating church hurt and disagreements without losing each other. They get real about why community is both essential and terrifying, why trauma makes us burn bridges for safety, and what it looks like to create spaces where broken hearts can heal. Sometimes the most profound connections happen not in church buildings, but around kitchen tables and convenience store counters, one vulnerable conversation at a time.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Annie Horner, a counseling associate who reveals how understanding our personal stories can transform leadership and relationships. Annie shares powerful insights on breaking free from isolation, bridging the gap between biblical wisdom and mental health, and finding authentic connection in a performance-driven world. Discover practical strategies for shrinking the "integrity gap" between what we preach and how we live, as Annie unpacks how our past experiences shape not only our leadership styles but even our view of God. Whether you're carrying leadership responsibilities or simply seeking deeper connections, this episode offers a refreshing path toward wholeness through story work.

In this vulnerable and heartfelt conversation, Peter Voorhees sits down with Father Rob Steinbach, who shares his journey from Acts 29 church planter to founding Shalom Anglican in Silverdale, WA. Father Rob opens up about his spiritual dissatisfaction that led to more contemplative practices, his disconnect with personality-driven ministry, and the challenging process of following God's call into Anglicanism - offering valuable insights for anyone navigating transitions in their faith journey.

In this episode, hosts Peter, Josh, and Malissa discuss their conversation with Dr. Chan Hellman about the science of hope. They explore how hope requires goals, agency, and willpower—elements that can be shared within community. The hosts emphasize that the church is uniquely positioned to foster hope, especially for those in survival mode. They highlight that true hope isn't just believing things will improve, but actively participating in that improvement while supporting others. The conversation illustrates how intergenerational relationships allow people to "borrow hope" from others when they have none of their own, reinforcing the podcast's theme that while our journeys are individual, we walk paths that others have traveled before gleaning knowledge and hope from their experiences.

In this powerful episode, host Peter Voorhees sits down with Dr. Chan Hellman, Director of The Hope Research Center at the University of Oklahoma, to explore the transformative science of hope. Dr. Hellman shares how hope functions not merely as a feeling but as a powerful framework that can be taught and cultivated, especially in the face of trauma and adversity. Discover the difference between wishful thinking and the active process of hope, learn how communities can become "hope-centered," and understand why hope might be one of the strongest predictors of well-being. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or working to build resilient communities, this conversation offers practical insights on how hope can light not just the end of the tunnel, but the journey itself.

In this episode of "Old Paths New Steps," hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella explore the powerful concept of the wounded healer. The conversation examines how our personal wounds and struggles can become sources of ministry and healing for others when properly integrated into our stories. The hosts share personal experiences of using their own pain to connect with and help others, while discussing the delicate balance of vulnerability, boundaries, and wisdom in this process. Drawing from Henri Nouwen's influential work, they reflect on Jesus as the ultimate model of a wounded healer and how authentic vulnerability can transform both individuals and communities when approached with intention and care. This thought-provoking discussion invites listeners to see their scars not as something to hide, but as potential pathways to deeper healing and connection.

In this episode, hosts Peter, Josh, and Malissa discuss their conversation with theologian Dr. Jerry Sittser. They explore how monasteries historically served their communities rather than existing in isolation, examine the relationship between church and state, and discuss how the church's true power comes from the Holy Spirit rather than political influence. The hosts reflect on what renewal looks like today—emphasizing local community engagement over large-scale metrics—and highlight the importance of mentoring and empowering others. They conclude by connecting these themes to stewarding our experiences for others' benefit, much like the New Testament letters compiled wisdom to help believers flourish.

In this episode, hosts Peter and Malissa welcome distinguished theologian, scholar, and author Dr. Jerry Sittser to explore Christianity's resilience through history's darkest moments. Dr. Sittser shares how the Benedictine monastic movement emerged during societal collapse and natural disasters in the 6th century, quietly preserving knowledge and faith for future generations. Through historical examples and personal stories, he discusses how Christians can maintain faithful presence while stewarding power responsibly in today's divided world. Drawing from his books, including "Resilient Faith," Dr. Sittser offers hope and practical wisdom for navigating current cultural challenges by learning from the church's past.Join our Patreon community for more content: patreon.com/OldPathsNewSteps

In this episode of Old Paths, New Steps, hosts Josh, Pete, and Malissa explore the concept of sacred spaces as safe places. They journey from the Garden of Eden through biblical history to modern churches, examining what makes a space truly sacred. The conversation delves into how vulnerability, accountability, and cherishing others are essential elements for creating healing environments where people can authentically encounter God. Through personal stories and theological insights, they discuss how the most beautiful aspect of any sacred space is the people within it. Discover how expanding our tables and creating genuine community reflects God's original design for Eden and points toward the ultimate feast in the new creation. Whether you've experienced church as a sanctuary or a source of pain, this episode offers hope for creating spaces where true healing can flourish.

In this thoughtful follow-up conversation, hosts Peter Voorhees, Malissa Bertella, and Josh Lott unpack their interview with Dr. Gregory Coles, reflecting on the beauty of embracing our "misfittedness" within authentic Christian community. The hosts share personal stories of awkwardness and not fitting neatly into expected boxes, while celebrating how diverse communities enrich our lives when united by shared mission. The conversation highlights how the gospel transcends cultural differences and political divides, creating space for genuine connection across unexpected relationships. Drawing on Greg's experiences as a third-culture kid and his insights on belonging, the hosts explore how Christ calls us to find community not necessarily among those who are just like us, but among those with whom we share a deeper purpose.

In this episode of Old Paths, New Steps, host Peter Voorhees welcomes author and speaker Dr. Gregory Coles. They explore the power of resilience through community, discussing how genuine connections help us navigate life's challenges. Greg shares insights from his personal journey as a celibate gay Christian, reflecting on unexpected friendships and the importance of curiosity rather than judgment when encountering differences. This thought-provoking conversation examines how true community forms around shared mission rather than sameness, and how embracing our own 'weirdness' opens doors to deeper understanding of others. Join them for a heartfelt discussion on finding joy amidst difficulty and building meaningful connections across differences.

In this follow-up episode, hosts Peter Voorhees, Malissa Bertella, and Josh Lott discuss key insights from their conversation with Andrea Corbridge about implementing trauma-informed care in children's ministry. They explore the value of focusing on resilience over trauma, the importance of presence and connection before content, and how creating safe spaces allows people to truly be seen and heard. The team shares personal stories of how Andrea's practical wisdom has impacted their own ministry approaches, including powerful reflections on Job's "words for the wind" and the patience required when walking alongside those in pain. This episode offers valuable, actionable wisdom for anyone seeking to create healing environments where people of all ages can flourish.

In this illuminating conversation, host Peter Voorhees and co-host Malissa Bertella welcome Andrea Corbridge to explore how trauma-informed care has transformed children's ministry at City Chapel of Bremerton. Andrea shares powerful stories of moving from behavior-focused approaches to relationship-centered care that honors each child's dignity, including the paradigm-shifting moment when a volunteer crawled under a desk to meet a struggling child where they were. Through practical examples and heartfelt insights, Andrea illustrates how understanding trauma changes everything—from volunteer recruitment to classroom management to the fundamental goals of ministry itself—and offers wisdom on creating safe spaces where healing can happen, the importance of allowing people to lament without correction, and why building resilience through simple, loving interactions might be the most powerful ministry we can offer.

In this episode of Old Paths, New Steps, hosts Peter, Josh, and Malissa reflect on their enlightening conversation with Dr. Lu Wing about the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, epigenetics, and human connection. They reflect how genuine laughter creates powerful neural bonds (what Dr. Wing calls "limbic lock") and share personal stories of deep connections formed through shared joy and grief. The conversation expands into the importance of inter-generational community, the transformative power of relationships over mere information, and how modern science beautifully affirms ancient wisdom about human flourishing. Join us as we discover how both science and theology point to the same truth: we are wired for connection, and healing happens in community.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Luman Wing, a biochemist, pastor, and chaplain. With his unique blend of scientific expertise and pastoral heart, Dr. Wing explores how our bodies respond to trauma and healing at the molecular level. Discover how the emerging science of epigenetics intersects with building authentic community and faith-based healing. From the biochemistry of human connection to the power of safe spaces, this episode weaves together cutting-edge science and timeless biblical wisdom, offering fresh perspectives on how we're designed for connection and healing. Learn why creating space for people to share their stories isn't just good ministry - it's good science too.Join our Patreon community for more content: patreon.com/OldPathsNewSteps

In Episode 5 of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella explore the profound practice of lament and its role in healing and faith. Drawing from the first recorded lament in Genesis to Jesus's expressions of grief, they unpack how lament isn't just about expressing pain—it's about discovering who God truly is in the midst of our suffering. Through personal stories and biblical insights, they examine how God himself models lament, showing it's not a sign of weak faith but a vital path to deeper relationship and healing. The hosts challenge common tendencies to rush past difficult emotions or seek quick fixes, instead advocating for the transformative power of honest expression in community. Whether you're wrestling with pain, questioning God, or supporting others through their struggles, this episode offers wisdom on how lament can become a pathway to authentic faith and lasting healing.Join our Patreon community for more content: patreon.com/OldPathsNewSteps

Join us for a transformative conversation with Rick Griffin, founder of the Neuro Leadership Academy, as he reveals how understanding trauma and the brain's response to past experiences can revolutionize the way we build community. Through engaging examples, including a revealing game of Simon Says, Rick shares practical insights on moving from judgment to curiosity, recognizing behavior as communication, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to flourish. Whether you're a leader, educator, or someone interested in fostering stronger connections, this episode bridges ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience to offer fresh perspectives on caring for one another.Neuro Leadership Academy: https://neuro-la.com/Community Resilience Initiative: https://criresilient.org/Rick Griffin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-griffin-nla/Join our Patreon community for more content: patreon.com/OldPathsNewSteps

In Episode 3 of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella explore the vital role of authentic community in healing. Drawing from Henri Nouwen's wisdom that "Christian community is a healing community not because wounds are cured, but because wounds become openings for a new vision," they unpack how true healing happens in the context of relationships. Through personal stories—from Malissa's experience with elementary school students to Josh's insights on the loneliness epidemic—the hosts examine how vulnerability, mutual support, and consistent presence create spaces where both strength and weakness can coexist. They challenge the cultural emphasis on individualism and efficiency, instead advocating for the "inefficient" but transformative work of building genuine connections. Whether you're seeking to create healing spaces or looking for community yourself, this episode offers practical wisdom on how ancient principles of Christian community can guide us in fostering environments where authentic healing can flourish.Join our Patreon community for more content: patreon.com/OldPathsNewSteps

In Episode 2 of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella delve into understanding trauma through a biblical lens. While "trauma" has become a cultural buzzword, appearing in countless books and podcasts since Bessel van der Kolk's "The Body Keeps the Score" hit bestseller lists, the hosts explore its deeper meaning and physiological impact. Drawing from both modern research on adverse childhood experiences and ancient biblical wisdom, they examine how our bodies and souls respond to difficult experiences. The conversation weaves together insights about the brain's stress responses with scriptural examples of suffering and healing, from Job to Jesus himself. Whether you're seeking to understand your own experiences or support others, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for viewing trauma through both contemporary and timeless perspectives.

In this debut episode of Old Paths New Steps, hosts Peter Voorhees, Josh Lott, and Malissa Bertella lay the foundation for a unique exploration of trauma, faith, and healing. Fresh from the holiday season and admittedly still finding their routines, the hosts share vulnerable insights from their collective decades of pastoral and personal experience. From Josh's journey with family addiction to Malissa's experiences of both receiving and witnessing care in the church, each host brings a distinct perspective on why trauma-informed ministry matters. The conversation weaves through their experiences in foster care, community development, and church ministry, highlighting the critical need for spaces where both strength and vulnerability can coexist. Drawing from both ancient wisdom and contemporary understanding, they challenge common approaches to healing and explore what it truly means to walk alongside others in their pain. Whether you're wrestling with your own story or seeking to better support others, this foundational episode sets the stage for a journey where old paths illuminate new steps toward hope and healing.

In this final teaser before our launch, get a sneak peek at what's ahead for Old Paths New Steps. Featuring select moments from our upcoming first episode, we share our vision for exploring timeless wisdom in today's world. Join us as we preview the conversations, insights, and journey ahead. Our full-length premiere episode launches Monday - don't miss the beginning of this exciting new adventure. Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Meet some of the amazing people joining us on Old Paths New Steps! From Lu, who shows us how ancient wisdom literally transforms our DNA, to Greg, whose friendship grew through deep conversations about faith, sexuality, theology, and inclusivity. You'll hear from Rick, a master of workplace transformation with a passion for trauma-informed practices, and Andrea, whose gift for seeing "the thing behind the thing" has revolutionized our church's approach to ministry.These aren't just interviews – they're real conversations with friends who are exploring how timeless truth lights up our modern paths. Whether you're curious about faith, community, healing, or finding purpose, you'll discover practical wisdom and authentic stories here.

Meet Josh, co-host of Old Paths New Steps. With a unique blend of humor and insight, Josh brings his diverse experience as a pastor, non-profit leader, and foster parent to the conversation. He understands firsthand how trauma-informed care is crucial in every setting - from churches to families to organizations. Josh's mission? To help us ask better questions and see the fuller picture of human experience. Through his lens of practical wisdom and genuine care, he'll challenge us to think differently about how we grow and help others. Join us this February as Old Paths New Steps launches full episodes exploring these vital conversations.

In this special teaser episode of Old Paths New Steps, meet Malissa, one of our compassionate co-hosts. She opens up about her transformative journey through trauma-informed care and her deep desire to understand people's stories. With authenticity and warmth, Malissa shares how her experiences have shaped her mission to love others better and create spaces for healing conversations. Get a glimpse into the heart behind our podcast and the meaningful discussions we'll be exploring together. Join us in February as we launch into full episodes of Old Paths New Steps, where we'll walk alongside you in discovering new perspectives on age-old wisdom.

Hey there! Over the next few weeks, we want to give you a chance to get to know the faces and hearts behind Old Paths New Steps.We're passionate about exploring how ancient wisdom speaks to modern life – where theology meets science, where traditional understanding meets new discoveries, and where healing and hope take root in both the old and the new.Through these short introductions, you'll learn a bit about who we are and why we believe these conversations matter. Consider this your personal invitation to join us on this journey.Stay tuned – we're excited to share more with you soon.

Something new is coming! Old Paths New Steps is a podcast born from hearts radically transformed by love, community, and a relationship with Jesus. We are excited to share with you things that we are passionate about related to trauma informed care, theology, resiliency, hope, making room for the 'other' in church, building strong faith communities, honest lament as worship, and so much more! We're looking to start releasing episodes starting in February. Our goal is an hour long episode once a week. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer. Like, subscribe, and share to stay informed about our launch. Thank you for joining us on this journey of Old Paths New Steps.