The Follower Podcast

Some conversations find you before you knew you needed to have them. This was one of those. In this episode of The Follower Podcast, Matthew sits down with long time friend Dean Cothill to talk about everything from terrible sunburns, to sneaking backstage at a Switchfoot concert, to the courageous vulnerability of honest faith and the power of remembering whose story we are in.  The conversation was sparked by a beautiful article Dean posted on his Substack account, which you can read here. We've recorded a reading of that article at the end of the conversation, so make sure you listen all the way through.  As always, we hope this conversation helps you know and walk with Jesus.  If you did find it helpful please leave a review and share it with your world, it helps us get these conversations in people's ears. 

In this episode, Matthew sits down with Ama Asantewa Diaka to hear her story of faith and Art. As a poet, performer, writer, entrepreneur and activist, Ama encourages us to think beyond the boundaries of our religiosity to meet God on the margins and cultivate new realities with Him there.  You can find out more about Ama including information on how to get her books by visiting her instagram account here. 

In this episode Matthew sits down with Christine Westhoff to discuss art, the prophetic, and her new book About The Voice of God.  In an age of volatile polarisation and the tragic abuse of the prophetic in multiple contexts, this is an important, life-giving conversation for artists who need a broader view of the calling, and for those who don't see themselves as artists but need an invitation into deeper more generative friendship with Jesus. Find out all about Christine's ministry as-well as where to get here book at the following links: https://www.akouo.net https://www.reframingtheprophetic.com Find the book called Against The Machine that we referred to in the Podcast here.   

In this episode of the podcast Matthew sits down with Jean du Rand of Chapel Co Music and Suns.  The conversation is vulnerable and honest as Jean shares about his own journey as a faith informed musician and walking the line between creating authentic, meaningful music and embracing the simple joy of creating for its own sake.  Beyond that, Matthew and Jean discuss the metaphors we use to frame our ideas of God, prayer as frequency, and walking the borders between the subculture of Christian faith and people who are seeking for truth. If this episode was helpful or inspiring in some way please leave a review and share it with your world. It helps us get the conversations out to a broader audience.  To find out more about the work of Follower you can visit www.wearefollower.com

In this live recording of The Follower Podcast in collaboration with The Salt Creative Collective, Matthew sits down with Sarah Mdaka to talk about her journey as a poet and story teller. Sarah shares some of her poetry in the conversation as well as her thoughts on how to navigate the creative space as a follower of Jesus. This is the second in a series of conversations on art and faith.  To find out more about Follower you can visit www.wearefollower.com

In this live recording of The Follower Podcast, Matthew sits down with Poet, Performer and Entrepreneur, Puno Selesho to talk about art and faith and how creative people can honor their vocation to bring beauty out of chaos for a world in need of Truth. 

Summary In this conversation, Matthew Lewis and Liam Burns explore the intersection of technology, particularly AI, and Christian faith. They discuss the implications of living in a technological age, the challenges of maintaining human identity, and -the importance of community and connection in a digital world. The conversation emphasizes the need for discernment in technology use, the dangers of quick fixes, and the value of embracing limitations as part of the human experience. Ultimately, they encourage a long-term perspective on spiritual formation and the importance of hope in navigating these complex issues.   Takeaways - We must navigate technology with hope and discernment. - Technology has always been a part of human existence. - The temptation of quick fixes can lead to disconnection. - AI can enhance our capabilities but may also diminish our skills. - Convenience often comes at the cost of meaningful relationships. - Christian identity is rooted in being gifted, broken, and limited. - Community and embodied relationships are essential for growth. - Technology can reduce us to consumers rather than creators. - The long game of Christian formation requires patience and commitment. - Embracing our limitations can lead to a more fulfilling life.   Timestamps 00:00 Navigating the Technological Landscape 03:04 The Role of Technology in Human Identity 05:51 The Temptation of Quick Fixes 08:53 Understanding AI and Its Implications 11:55 The Cost of Convenience 14:59 The Dangers of Disconnection 17:51 Embracing Our Limitations 20:53 The Christian Response to Technology 24:03 The Future of Humanity in a Technological Age 26:40 The Call to Community and Presence 29:48 Long-Term Perspectives on Technology 32:41 Conclusion: Who Are We Becoming?  

Summary In this conversation, Matthew Lewis and Liam Burns explore the challenges and opportunities facing the church today, particularly in relation to Gen Z. They discuss the importance of avoiding idolatry, the need for intergenerational relationships, and the significance of creating spaces for authentic discipleship and character formation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of serving young people rather than using them for the church's success, and the necessity of understanding the historical context of youth culture in shaping current ministry practices.   Key Topics The church must be a greenhouse for Christ-likeness. Idolatry is a significant challenge for Christians today. We need to resist leveraging young people for success. Your gifts aren't going anywhere; take your time. Formation into Christlikeness takes an ecosystem of inputs. We must serve this generation, not use them. The dignity of being God's people is essential. Create contexts that build resilience. Intergenerational relationships are vital for growth. The church's role is to facilitate authentic discipleship.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode 02:51 Idolatry and the Temptation of Control 05:56 The Dignity of Being God's People 08:51 Gen Z and the Search for the Real 12:00 Formation and Character Development in Ministry 14:40 The Dangers of Youth Culture in the Church 17:53 Intergenerational Relationships and Their Importance 29:13 Reimagining Human Relationships 29:50 The Hubris of Youth in Ministry 31:45 The Role of Older Generations 35:55 Historical Perspectives on Authenticity 38:42 The Shift in Meaning-Making 42:49 Creating Greenhouses for Christ-likeness 44:46 The Ecosystem of Spiritual Formation 50:49 Advice for Young and Older Generations

In this conversation, we explore the complex relationship between faith and nationalism, particularly in the context of Christian nationalism.  Matthew Lewis and Liam Byrnes discuss the historical shifts in global politics, the transition from optimism to cynicism, and the implications of these changes for Christians today. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' example in navigating political power and influence, ultimately calling for a faith that transcends political systems and seeks a deeper moral life. Key Topics: Christian nationalism raises important questions about faith and identity. Historical context is crucial to understanding current political dynamics. The shift from optimism to cynicism affects how we view collaboration. Faith should inform our political engagement, not the other way around. Jesus' example challenges conventional notions of power and influence. Theological beliefs shape our moral lives and actions in the world. Christians are called to be a meaningful alternative to the world. Hope should not be placed in political systems but in the return of Christ. The church must embody the values of the kingdom of God. Time Stamps: 00:00- Introduction to Christian Nationalism 02:50- Historical Context of Nationalism and Unity 05:45- The Shift from Optimism to Cynicism 08:57- The Role of Faith in Politics 11:40- Theological Foundations and Moral Life 14:56- Influence of Christianity on Politics 17:49- The Example of Jesus and Political Power 20:43- Hope Beyond Political Systems 23:45- Conclusion and Reflection on Jesus' Model

In this episode, we explore how Western Christianity has shifted from a belief system deeply embedded in societal and political structures to one that is increasingly privatised and fragile. Drawing on the insights of philosopher Charles Taylor, we examine the historical revolutions that have shaped our current secular landscape and how these changes impact Christian witness today. Join Matthew Lewis and Liam Byrnes as they walk carefully through these profound cultural transformations, seeking biblical truth in an age of confusion. Key Topics: The historical development of secularism from the Reformation to today How the church’s relationship with power and influence has shifted over centuries The impact of individualism, privatisation, and the marketplace of ideas on faith The decline of a shared public faith and the rise of faith as a personal choice The role of fear, pain, and cultural shifts in shaping modern belief environments How Christians can embody winsome love and faithful presence amidst secular fragility Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: Walking the line between instruction and companionship 01:20 - Charles Taylor’s question: How did belief shift from almost impossible not to believe, to almost impossible to believe? 02:15 - The environment of Christendom 500 years ago: churches in every village, societal structures centered on God 03:30 - The Protestant Reformation and the fracturing of Christendom 04:50 - Bloodshed and infighting: the birth of religious tolerance and the secular sphere 06:00 - The secular experiment: creating spaces for diverse beliefs without conflict 07:10 - The emergence of secularism as a response to religious division and persecution 08:15 - The three revolutions of secularism: societal, cultural, and individualized belief 09:20 - Secular revolution one: the Reformation as a move towards religious pluralism 10:05 - The separation of church and state: from religious unity to a marketplace of ideas 11:00 - The influence of Christian ethics on education, healthcare, and social good 12:00 - The smoke of Christendom versus the fire of Christian living 13:00 - The margin of influence: how privilege shaped early Christian community 14:30 - The shift to Christian persecution: early Christians as resilient communities of belief 15:45 - The second secular revolution: the decline of religious power and authority 16:15 - Modern fragility: belief becomes plastic and contestable 17:00 - The influence of naturalism and secular humanism in shaping worldview 18:10 - How Western Christianity drifted from its rooted, communal, and political imagination 19:10 - The rise of individualism and the privatization of faith—"me and my Jesus" 20:00 - Moving from heroic martyrdom to cultural accommodation 21:00 - The blurred line: Faith as a personal choice, not a communal commitment 22:00 - The challenge of belief under pluralism and skepticism 23:00 - How fear, pain, and cultural shifts threaten the resilience of faith 24:00 - Opportunities for Christian witness: embodying love, linking deeds to the kingdom 25:00 - The importance of humble, winsome engagement over defensiveness or aggression 26:30 - The necessity of courage rooted in dependence on the Spirit of Jesus 27:45 - The biblical call: Living as signs of God's coming kingdom in a fragile world 29:00 - The church’s power: not in dominance but in sacrificial love and humble presence 30:30 - Closing: Hope for a faithful witness amid secular fragility. Resources and Links: A Secular Age by Charles Taylor