In this episode podcaster and spiritual director, Josh Banner with Keith Reynolds, and Robert Caldwell explores how the church can embody creative, justice-oriented responses to today’s social realities by centering marginalized communities and reimagining spiritual formation as social transformation. 

Guests:
•	Keith Reynolds (Western Theological Seminary)
•	Robert Caldwell (Answer Poverty)

Key Topics:
•	Church and social justice
•	Community development
•	Faith in action
•	Racial equity
•	Creative ministry models

00:00 – Introduction
•	Opening thoughts on not being anxious about current events and the call for the church to focus on supporting marginalized people.
00:32 – Organizing for Impact
•	Discussion on how resources are used to meet material needs in the community.
00:47 – New Wine, Old Wineskins
•	Reflection on the need for new approaches in faith and community work.
01:03 – Suffering and Imagination
•	The idea that suffering requires imagination and leads to collective genius, especially in the Black community.
01:25 – Robert Caldwell’s Influence
•	Robert’s non-reactionary approach and the wisdom gained from elders.
01:51 – Episode Overview
•	Host Josh introduces guests Keith Reynolds and Robert Caldwell, and outlines the themes of the episode: church planting, justice, and hope.
02:36 – Orientation and Vision
•	Robert shares his story; Keith discusses his vision for a new kind of church.
04:20 – Turning to Hope
•	Encouragement to focus on good news and practice hope despite a difficult news cycle.
05:40 – Love and Justice
•	Exploring the connection between loving God, neighbor, and self; justice as love in action.
09:00 – Personal Journeys
•	Keith and Robert share their backgrounds, vocational journeys, and the importance of mentorship and legacy.
16:36 – Church Planting and Community
•	Keith describes the influence of Robert on his approach to church and community development.
36:14 – Closing Reflections
•	The episode closes with thoughts on witness, legacy, and the ongoing journey of faith and justice.


For more information visit: www.theinvitationcenter.org
For information about the pending DMin cohort at Western Theological Seminary, visit: https://www.westernsem.edu/admissions/


A New Reality in Belonging Series - Robert Caldwell & Keith Reynolds Pt I No. 103

This second 'retreat' of the Invitation considers what it means to search for God with your whole heart and to find him. Jeremiah 29:12-14 is read three times in the format of lectio divina. Thoughts and questions are shared throughout to guide your time of prayer. 

Music:
“Save My Life” Josh Banner 1999
“Always Faithful” by Brad Kilman www.bradkilman.com
Josh with Jared DeMeester (uke & upright bass)
Other sound design by Josh (rhodes w/ fx) with Mike Reynolds (synths) & Josh Holicki (snare)
“Light of Jesus” Instrumental Josh Banner
Citation:
“God is closer to you than you are to yourself” found in a prayer by Karl Rahner. Also see: Francis de Sales’s The Love of God 10.10, trans. Vincent Kearns (Westminster: Newman Press, 1962), pp. 428-429 andAugustine, Confessions 3.6.11, trans. Henry Chadwick (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991), p. 43. 

Retreat #2 - Jeremiah 29 no. 3

The Invitation podcast is a 'little retreat' to help you hear and respond to the God's invitation to a deeper relationship with him. Each episode is a guided prayer and meditation led by Josh Banner, a certified spiritual director. 

A New Reality in Belonging Series - Robert Caldwell & Keith Reynolds Pt I No. 103

The Invitation

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