Modern life in the 21st century west provides us with a plethora of ways of escaping reality. When the challenges of life are all too much, we usually find comfort in numbing our minds. Drugs, alcohol, and other traditional forms of escape often take the spotlight in a Christian tradition; but what about the more subversive forms: netflix, online shopping, gaming or continual scrolling. How might we hold these wisely as we seek to follow Jesus? This week, we are joined by psychologist Rochelle M...
Oct 05, 2022•46 min•Ep. 39
Some stages of life have steep-learning curves and parenting is the life equivalent of Everest. The process of becoming a mother or father takes time, help, mistakes, encouragement, and a whole lot of grace. Parenting isn’t a set of simple formulas and principles, but rather a commitment to do our very best in raising our children. Today, we are joined by Phillip & Lisa Gageler (aka Ryan's Mum & Dad) as they share some of their parenting insights.
Aug 25, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 36
To be human is to be a liturgical creature – a person of rhythm, habit and practice. That is why worship is at the heart of Christian discipleship. Christian transformation isn’t just manifested in what you think or what you believe – but what you do – and what those practices do to you. Could it be that worship, in the truly Biblical sense, goes far beyond just music on a Sunday morning? What might it look like for worship to become an ‘all-of-live’ endeavour. In this episode, we’re joined by S...
Aug 12, 2022•52 min•Ep. 38
After a long hiatus, the Riverview Conversations Podcast is back! In this episode, Ryan and Rhys welcome a brand new host, Julia Wilson, and attempt to make sense of global and local events from the last 12 months.
Jul 28, 2022•55 min•Ep. 37
Are you an Introvert or Extrovert? Do you love structure or prefer chaos? Are you intrigued by personality insights or do you want to burn the whole thing down? In this episode, Ryan and Rhys delve into the world of personality tests and explore the pros, cons, their own profile types, and try and make sense of it all. Myers Briggs Type Indicator: https://www.myersbriggs.org/ Gallup Strengthsfinder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx Enneagram: https://www.enneagraminstitute.co...
Aug 22, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 35
Brad Jersak is the Faculty Dean of Theology & Culture at St. Stephen’s University and author of the provocatively-titled, "A More Christlike God." In this conversation, we dive into our preconceived ideas of what God is like, be they inherited from tradition or personal projections, and why should view Jesus as "the decisive revelation and act of God in space and time." "A More Christlike God" by Brad Jersak can be purchased at https://bradjersak.com/books/ ....
Jul 26, 2021•58 min•Ep. 34
Christianity, like any longstanding faith tradition, contains various unique customs and cultural practices. Some practices find their heritage in centuries of tradition, and some practices just got picked up along the way. Today, we spend some time with Clare Gageler, as we discuss liturgies, trends and self-awareness. Join the Conversation: http://reddit.com/r/riverviewpodcast
Jun 28, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 33
The term "Evangelism" conjures up images of enormous rallies with charismatic preachers, awkward invitations to church, and peculiar pamphlets with apocalyptic writings; at times, it can all seem rather archaic. So, what we 'do' with evangelism in 2021? Today, we talk with Dr Michael Frost about reframing evangelism and whether it's about "winning the lost at any cost" or perhaps something else.
Jun 14, 2021•53 min•Ep. 32
So often, the Fight To Be Right is the very thing that keeps us from loving like Jesus. Could it be that a biblical Christian life is not grounded in collecting the “right” answers, but rather in authentic, loving relationships with God and with others? Today we’re joined by Jared Byas as we discuss truth, love and black swans. Jared is a biblical scholar, author and co-host of the popular podcast, The Bible for Normal People.
Jun 01, 2021•46 min•Ep. 31
In today's message from our guest speaker, Ps. David Storer, we examine our own preconceived illusions of who God is and take time to remind ourselves that God is far beyond anything we can imagine.
May 26, 2021•33 min
Every new generation has to face challenges and technologies that are unique to their own context and time. 'Whilst those challenges' may be specific to 'that generation', inevitably, every single one of us will journey the tough road from teenager to adult. In this episode, we sit down with Micah and Lizzie, from Riverview Youth, to discuss being young and growing up.
May 17, 2021•50 min•Ep. 30
There is a common concern for justice in our world. For us to achieve this justice, however, we must first understand how God views it and the alternative visions of justice offered by the world around us. On today’s episode, we’re joined by Crown Prosecutor and Jesus-follower Richard Jenson, as we discuss justice, mercy and our unique part in the story of God.
May 04, 2021•44 min•Ep. 29
Everyone has questions and doubts about Jesus. He has both answers, and questions, for us. Encounters with Jesus are meant to change and define us for the best, so how do you encounter Jesus when you can’t get past your doubts about Him?
Apr 12, 2021•36 min
Money plays a significant role in our lives and Christians aren't exempt from the temptations of the 'root of all evil.' So why does Jesus talk about money so often and how does the Kingdom of God relate to our cash? Today we're joined by Friend of the Podcast, Brian Harris, as we explore the financial implications of faithfully following Jesus.
Mar 23, 2021•59 min•Ep. 28
In today's message from Aash Parmar, we explore how as followers of Christ, we are called to showcase a radical existence to a world looking to understand who Jesus is.
Mar 16, 2021•31 min
The Good News of Jesus is “the Kingdom of God has come near”. Jesus invites us, to follow him, as he reigns as King and recreates and renews his people and the world. To live under the rule and reign of King Jesus requires both a dangerous declaration and a radical reorientation of our lives and priorities. In Christ, our life prayer is “your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.”
Mar 16, 2021•39 min
Is there a way to walk faithfully through doubt and come out the other side with a deeper love for Jesus, the church and its tradition? Can we question our faith without losing it? This week, we’re joined by A.J. Swoboda as we explore doubt, deconstruction and deep roots. A. J. Swoboda (PhD, University of Birmingham) is assistant professor of Bible, theology, and world Christianity at Bushnell University. He is the author of a number of books, including his latest book, After Doubt.
Mar 08, 2021•50 min•Ep. 27
For thousands of years Christians have been promoting and proclaiming the message of Jesus through varied means and methods. In this episode, we are joined by former-adman and now-pastor, Jon Bryars, as we explore all things advertising, ethics and Jesus.
Feb 23, 2021•57 min•Ep. 26
For better or worse, our beliefs about objects, events, and particularly relationships, pre-determine the way we approach and interact with them. In today's message from our guest speaker, Ps. Ken Lee, we look at Mark 5 and how our beliefs about Jesus impact how we experience relationship with Him.
Feb 15, 2021•36 min
The call to Christ is a call to community, and with community comes confrontation. As Jesus-followers, how do we handle conflict and disagreement in a healthy way? In this episode, we sit down with Zac Gageler and explore conflict, escapism, and the notion of ‘speaking the truth in love.’ Helpful Resources: Patrick Lencioni - 5 Dysfunctions of a Team Brene Brown - Dare to Lead Susan Scott - Fierce Conversations Edward DeBono - Six Thinking Hats Nicky Gumbel - The Jesus Lifestyle Kim Scott - Radi...
Feb 08, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 25
The Bible is full of expressive Psalms that call us to "sing a new song", "break out in song", "clap our hands with joy", and "join all of creation in declaring God's goodness." In today's message, Zac Gageler explores Psalm 98 and outlines 5 attitudes we should cultivate to be ready to celebrate God with awe and wonder in worship.
Jan 25, 2021•32 min
There are many things written about purpose, most of them coming from a perspective of personal agency. This message by Dr Tania Watson is a challenge to consider purpose as something that we find in God through Christ and experience as constant across our lives in any and all circumstances.
Jan 18, 2021•29 min
We often talk about "running the race" and "starting strong" – it would be a shame if we viewed that in a self-serving way. What’s the point of starting strong if you finish poorly and ‘drop the baton’? In his message, Ryan Gageler explores what we can do to run our race well and to also ensure we pass the baton to the next generations.
Jan 12, 2021•41 min
Happy New Year, CONVERSATIONS friends! In our first episode for 2021, Ryan and Rhys dig into some "New Years Wrestlutions", probe for places to explore and evolve in faith, and peek at what burning questions lie ahead.
Jan 05, 2021•39 min•Ep. 24
A lot has been said about the year 2020. Today, we sit down with Riverview Church's Senior Ministry Team; Tania Watson, Zac Gageler, and Aash Parmar, to take stock of the year that was. We examine the challenges, lessons we've learnt, and look for signs of hope for the future.
Dec 27, 2020•49 min
In keeping with our previous "How Did We Get Here" episodes, Ryan Gageler and Rhys Machell delve in the backstory of all things Christmassy...with a bit of mistletoe, advertising, Nativity scenes, Boxing Day madness, and Love Actually thrown in for good measure!
Dec 14, 2020•56 min
Through the story of Herod in Matthew 2, we see the danger of clinging to the throne at all costs. In today's message from Aash Parmar, we explore how this is upended by the birth of Christ, which calls us to surrender the throne to him.
Dec 07, 2020•31 min
You may have heard the formula "Expectations - Reality = Disappointment." We bring our individual Ideals and expectations to the Christian life and invariably, we hit disappointment head-on. In today's conversation with Riverview Church's Community Pastor, Paula Hadfield, we look at how Idealism rears its head in Christian life and how we might participate in creating a new reality.
Dec 01, 2020•49 min
We all face unexpected situations and storms in life, be it financial, relational, or emotional. In Part II of Zac Gageler's message on the storms of life, we examine the second half of Paul's journey to Rome via ship in Acts 27, and how his actions in the storm brought encouragement to those he was with during the storm.
Nov 23, 2020•40 min
We all face unexpected situations and storms in life. Whether it be financial, relational, emotional or circumstantial, each of us will inevitably face a storm that we can’t control. How we chose to respond will often determine whether we sink or swim, whether we survive or are broken by it. On his journey back to Rome, the Apostle Paul faces a significant storm, and from his experience, we draw some key principles that are God’s encouragement to us in the storms of our own.
Nov 17, 2020•34 min
