In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' my conversation is with Reverend Nancy Neal, Minister for Spiritual Formation and Wellness at Bread for the World. We discuss Nancy's role in fostering a culture of prayer, worship, and racial equity within the organization, as well as her journey from waiting tables to advocating for social justice. Nancy shares her insights on the holiness of hospitality, her personal experiences with food and community, and the challenges of balancing service and advoca...
Aug 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 48
In this episode of The Biggest Table, my guest is Dr. Jeremy Everett, founder and executive director of the Baylor Collaborative on Hunger and Poverty. We explore Dr. Everett's calling towards eradicating hunger, his work with various organizations, and his personal experiences that shaped his career. The discussion includes Dr. Everett's efforts in creating initiatives like the Hunger-Free Communities model and Meals To You program, which have significantly impacted food insecurity in rural Ame...
Jul 29, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 47
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I interview Dave Zahl, founder of Mockingbird Ministries and author of several books, including 'Seculosity' and 'Low Anthropology.' We delve into Dave’s latest release, 'The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World,' discussing why grace remains a vital topic. Dave explains the continuous need for grace in a world that is often performance-driven and how his experiences and personal struggles informed his writings. The conversation touches on...
Jul 15, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 46
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I interview Joel Kime about his journey and his book 'Flourishing in Community, A Theology of Togetherness.' The conversation explores maintaining togetherness within a small church, the impact of individualism on modern Christian theology, and how authentic community and biblical togetherness lead to flourishing. Joel recounts his experiences and methods, such as incorporating sermon discussions and conversational sermons, to foster a sense of community. He...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 45
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I delve into the subject of church camp with guest Cara Meredith, a speaker, writer, and public theologian. The discussion revolves around Cara's book 'Church Camp: Bad Skits, Cry Night, and How White Evangelicalism Betrayed a Generation,' examining the complex nature of church camps. Cara emphasizes the importance of holding both the positive and negative aspects of camp life, discussing the formative experiences alongside the theological and social harms e...
Jun 17, 2025•58 min•Ep. 44
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I converse with Michael Beck, a pastor, professor, and author, about experiencing God's love through community, especially in unconventional settings like tattoo parlors, dog parks, and burrito shops. Michael shares his personal story of childhood trauma, addiction, and solitary confinement, and how he found community and redemption. They discuss the benefits of 12-step recovery programs in fostering deep, supportive relationships and explore how these princ...
Jun 03, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 43
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I welcome Isaac Villegas, an ordained Mennonite minister and community organizer for Immigrant Justice. They discuss Villegas’s book 'Migrant God,' which explores biblical reflections on immigrant justice and Christian duty. The conversation covers Isaac’s personal experiences with his immigrant family, work with sanctuary churches, and the impact of language in addressing immigration issues. They delve into concepts like solidarity, the humanizing power of ...
May 20, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 42
In this episode of The Biggest Table podcast, I welcome Andrew Arndt, the lead pastor of New Life East in Colorado Springs, to discuss his experiences in ministry, his love for the church, and his new book, A Strange and Gracious Light . Arndt shares his deep-rooted passion for the church, influenced by his upbringing during the charismatic renewal of the 1960s and 1970s. He reflects on seeing the church with clear eyes, acknowledging both its flaws and its beauty. The conversation delves into t...
May 06, 2025•56 min•Ep. 41
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' podcast, my guest Laurie Johnson, a political science professor at Kansas State University, delves into the socioeconomic impacts of capitalism, particularly in rural America. Drawing from her books, she examines how historical and economic shifts have led to political and cultural divisions, emphasized by urban-rural divides and the rise of Christian nationalism. Laurie also highlights the detrimental effects of agribusiness on rural communities and the lo...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 40
Hello and welcome to another episode, well actually a re-release of my conversation with Chris Smith which was originally released on March 12, 2024. Chris and I are re-releasing this episode as Chris just published a new book entitled The Virtue of Dialogue as part of the Cultivating Communities series. This series is part of a project by Englewood Church in Indiana in partnership with Missio Alliance and the Ekklesia Project. The hope of this series is to offer congregations, churches, or any ...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I welcome Malcolm Foley, a pastor, historian, and special advisor to the president for equity and campus engagement at Baylor University. We discuss Foley’s new book, 'The Anti Greed Gospel,' which addresses the connections between greed, racism, and the economic exploitation inherent in global systems. Foley advocates for a form of Christian socialism focused on sharing resources and combating exploitation and violence. Key topics include the role of the ch...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 38
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' Brian McLaren, a noted author, speaker, activist, and theologian, joins me to discuss his latest book, 'Life After Doom.' McLaren delves into the concept of 'doom,' describing it not as an apocalyptic end but as a psychological feeling of overwhelming crises such as climate change, economic inequality, and the rise of surveillance capitalism. He shares insights from his journey of theological shifts, his understanding of historical and ecological cycles, a...
Mar 25, 2025•53 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table', I interview Sarah Westfall, a writer, speaker, and host of the 'Human Together' podcast, known for her book 'The Way of Belonging.' We discuss themes of hospitality, belonging, and experiencing God's love through food and community. Sarah shares her personal journey of belonging, from her uncomplicated childhood to the complexities of adulthood, and the significance of shifting the question from 'Where do I belong?' to 'How can I be a place of welcome?' We...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 36
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I welcome Reverend Dr. Christopher Carter to discuss the intricate connections between food, identity, and justice. Dr. Carter, an expert in black, womanist, and environmental ethics, shares insights from his upbringing in Michigan, where food insecurity during his childhood shaped his understanding of food's importance. We delve into Dr. Carter’s book, 'The Spirit of Soul Food,' which explores ancestral food traditions and the concept of black veganism. H...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 35
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I welcome Adrian Miller, a food writer, James Beard award winner, and certified barbecue judge. We discuss Miller's transition from being a lawyer and policy advisor to President Clinton to becoming a renowned author on African American cuisine. Miller elaborates on the history and evolution of soul food, its cultural significance, and common misconceptions. The conversation also touches on how soul food and the black church contribute to community-buildin...
Feb 11, 2025•54 min•Ep. 34
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I welcome Neeta Mittal, co-founder of LXV Wine, to discuss her unique journey from growing up in India to establishing a prestigious winery in Paso Robles, California. Neeta shares insights about her upbringing surrounded by diverse culinary traditions and the influence of her meticulous mother. She recounts her educational path at UC Berkeley, the serendipitous discovery of Paso Robles, and her deep passion for wine culture inspired by European traditions...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 33
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I am joined by award-winning non-fiction writer Liz Charlotte Grant. We discuss Liz's new book, Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible . The conversation delves into the themes of food, eating, and hospitality as realms for experiencing God's love and our interconnectedness. We also explore the concepts of abundance and generosity in the world, the complexity of theological questions, and the importance of reinterpreting scr...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 32
If you listen regularly to the podcast, you know that towards the end of each episode, I ask the guest this question: What is the story you want the church to tell? As we wrap up 2024, and look toward 2025 with much uncertainty and maybe a little hope, I have compiled some of my favorite answers to the question in hopes that you consider for yourself your own story and the story of your faith community. Answers from: Andy Root, Gisela Kreglinger, Kathy Khang, Grace Ji-Sun Kim, David Swanson, Ric...
Dec 31, 2024•32 min•Ep. 31
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I talk with David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church and author of the new book Plundered. We discuss the interconnections between racial and environmental injustice, the impact of politics, and the role of faith and community in addressing these issues. Swanson shares the importance of understanding community history, embracing diversity in worship, and practical measures for communal and individual transformation. Additionally, he explains th...
Dec 17, 2024•56 min•Ep. 30
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' podcast, I discuss the intersection of food, table gatherings, and Christian unity with guests Heather Gorman and Mark Nelson, authors of 'Lunchroom Theology, Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World.' The conversation explores the inspiration behind their book, which uses the metaphor of a high school lunchroom to illustrate social and theological divisions. They highlight practical steps for fostering inclusive and meaningful table fellowship as model...
Dec 03, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 29
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I interview Alex Early, a pastor, author, and theology professor who enjoys cooking. We discuss Alex's journey from naivete in ministry to experiencing burnout, which led him to find solace in the kitchen. Alex explains how cooking became a therapeutic and reflective practice, helping him process his thoughts and experience God’s presence in everyday moments. We also delve into the themes of food and hospitality in scripture, the importance of slowing down t...
Nov 19, 2024•59 min•Ep. 28
In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp explores the intersection of faith, food, and sensory experience with guest Jeannine Hanger, an associate professor of the New Testament at Talbot School of Theology. Hanger discusses her latest book, 'Engaging Jesus with Our Senses,' which examines the sensory metaphors in the Gospels and their implications for spiritual practice. The conversation covers the role of taste and how using our senses can deepen our engagement with Scripture and...
Nov 05, 2024•45 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp explores various aspects of Christian faith and community with Dr. Scot McKnight. The discussion emphasizes maintaining curiosity, humility, and ensuring Jesus remains the focal point in church activities and teachings. Key themes include addressing deconstruction in modern Christianity, the importance of communal gatherings around a table akin to early Christian traditions, and the transformative nature of interactive church settings. The...
Oct 22, 2024•51 min•Ep. 26
In this podcast episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp engages in a conversation with Derek Vreeland, a discipleship pastor and author, about the significance of food, hospitality, and the Lord's Supper in experiencing God's love. Derek reflects on his dramatic calling to ministry and his experiences over 34 years of discipleship work. The discussion delves into the role of the Lord's Supper in combating secularism, individualism, and nationalism, highlighting its power to unite the co...
Oct 08, 2024•57 min•Ep. 25
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp is joined by Caleb Campbell, a pastor and the author of 'Disarming Leviathan,' to discuss Christian nationalism. Pastor Campbell shares his insights on American Christian nationalism, defining it as a political ideology, a tribal identity, and a spiritual idolatry. He recounts the challenges he faced leading his church through the polarization of the 2016 and 2020 elections. Campbell describes his approach to addressing Christian nationali...
Sep 24, 2024•57 min•Ep. 24
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp discusses the transformative power of hospitality with guests Dave and Jenn Collie. The couple shares their journey, experiences, and insights into living a hospitable life, rooted in their faith and diverse backgrounds. They talk about the inception and mission of their organization, Hospitality Matters, which aims to provide practical training to help communities foster welcoming environments. Dave and Jenn highlight the importance of co...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I delve into themes of food, hospitality, and spiritual growth with guest Rusty McKie. Rusty, a spiritual director and trauma-informed formation coach, discusses his new book 'The Art of Stability,' which is born out of his personal and relational experiences since 2016. He introduces the idea of finding stability in God and discusses the importance of contemplative prayer, sitting with pain, embracing fragility, and cultivating community. The conversation...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table' I am joined by renowned theologian and author Grace Ji-Sun Kim to discuss her work, her experiences with race and identity, and her thoughts on hospitality through food. Grace shares personal anecdotes, including her struggles with racism growing up in Canada and the cultural significance of Korean food. Our discussion delves into some of her latest book ' When God Became White ,' exploring the concept of a white male God and its implications for society an...
Aug 13, 2024•33 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of The Biggest Table, I speak with Kendall Vanderslice, a baker, writer, speaker, and founder of the Edible Theology Project. Kendall shares her journey into bread making and how it connects to her spirituality and faith. She discusses her early influences, the historical and theological significance of bread, and the idea of baking as a form of prayer. We explore the commercialization of bread, its impact on nutrition and community, and the metaphorical and literal importance of...
Jul 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' I enjoy a rich conversation with author Lore Wilbert about her latest book, 'The Understory.' The discussion delves into themes of nature, grief, and presence, as Lore shares her personal journey of finding comfort and healing in the forest. She elucidates how the forest's regenerative processes paralleled her own experiences with faith and personal hardship. The conversation highlights the importance of being present, even in moments of pain, and how movi...
Jul 16, 2024•47 min•Ep. 19
