The Urban Mystic Podcast: Conversation about Deconstructing Church, the Problem of Godde, and Cultivating Relational Spirituality
Episodes
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Thursday Jun 06, 2024
Welcome to The Urban Mystic, a podcast dedicated to helping you develop a practice of the presence of God. This episode dives deep into the journey of transitioning from a faith characterised by distance to one filled with mutual desire and closeness with God.
Join us as we explore the dynamics of experiencing God's tangible presence in public gatherings and how to carry that profound experience into your personal, one-on-one relationship with God. We'll discuss the challenges, the process of learning to trust your intuition, and the distinction between human intuition and divine communication.
Whether you're a church-goer, church leader, volunteer, or someone who considers themselves spiritual but not religious, this episode offers valuable insights into cultivating an intimate and fulfilling relationship with God.
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Saturday May 25, 2024
Saturday May 25, 2024
Rediscover the Intimacy of Faith on Urban Mystic
This week on Urban Mystic, we embark on a profound exploration: rekindling a close relationship with the divine. We'll delve into the practice of cultivating God's presence, guiding listeners from a distant faith to a connection marked by mutual desire and closeness.
Our host Steve bravely shares their personal journey, including the vulnerabilities of carving out dedicated time for connection with God. Through this raw conversation, we'll explore the intricacies of faith, the challenges of guilt, and the yearning for a deeper spiritual life.
Whether you're a churchgoer, a spiritual leader, or simply someone seeking a nurturing connection with the divine, this episode offers invaluable insights. We'll discuss the challenges and revelations of seeking God's presence in our busy modern world.
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Like this episode? Leave a comment and subscribe on your favorite platform! You can also support Urban Mystic's work by following the link in the show notes or QR code on our website.
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Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
Dive deep into the transformative power of personal relationships with God on this episode of Urban Mystic. We'll explore the nuanced difference between personifying and anthropomorphising the divine, and how your own experiences shape your understanding of God's character.
"A deep dive into personhood and faith" unpacks the complexities of God's personhood and how our interactions with the divine influence our faith. We'll move beyond traditional religious activities to explore the power of intimate encounters with God.
Discover how firsthand experiences with the divine can transform your spiritual understanding. Learn why personal encounters are so crucial to many faith systems, and the importance of cultivating your own unique connection with God.
This episode is an invitation to embrace your personal journey. We'll encourage you to:
- Own your experiences: Recognise the value of your unique relationship with God, yourself, and others.
- Discern your language: Explore how word choices can impact your spiritual growth.
- Break free from limitations: Reject restrictive religious impositions and embrace the full potential of your personhood.
Join us on this contemplative exploration of the profound mystery that connects humanity to the divine. Trust your experiences, cultivate meaningful connections, and evolve your spiritual journey with Urban Mystic.
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Friday May 10, 2024
Friday May 10, 2024
Is God a helicopter parent? Rethinking Control in Your Faith
This episode explores the surprising link between control, faith, and healthy relationships. We challenge the idea of a controlling God and unpack the power of self-control.
You'll discover:
- How control shows up (and hides) in your spiritual life
- The surprising benefits of letting go (a little)
- Why self-control fuels deeper connections with God and others
This episode is for:
- Everyone seeking a more fulfilling faith journey
- Those questioning the role of control in their relationships
- Anyone who wants to ditch the struggle and embrace healthy growth
Tune in and learn how self-control can transform your relationship with God, yourself, and your community.
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Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Thursday Apr 25, 2024
Embrace the Transformation:
Join us as we guide you on a path of self-discovery, encouraging you to embrace vulnerability for profound healing. We explore the parable of the two sons, reflecting our spiritual search for connection with the divine. Through this journey, cultivate a sense of being loved, accepted, and valued. Discover how "mirror work" and authentic engagement with the divine can lead to spiritual metamorphosis.
Listen and unlock the potential for a deeper connection with yourself and God!
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Friday Apr 12, 2024
Friday Apr 12, 2024
Embark on a transformative exploration of intimacy with the Urban Mystic podcast.
This episode, "Exploring Intimacy: A Journey to Self, Others, and the Divine," dives deep into the profound impact of healthy connections on our lives. We'll explore:
- The ripple effects of attachment disorders and how they can hinder our ability to connect.
- The universal human need for love and belonging, regardless of faith or background.
- How our sense of self-worth and experiences with rejection shape our relationships.
- The importance of self-awareness and healing to cultivate stronger bonds.
- Misconceptions within spiritual beliefs that can limit connection.
Discover how to foster deeper connections:
- Learn how conscious choices and self-care pave the way for healthier relationships.
- Explore the importance of balanced communication and reciprocity.
- Delve into the concept of prayer as a form of intimacy with the divine.
- Gain insights from personal stories and expert guests on the path to self-discovery and stronger connections.
Join us on the Urban Mystic podcast and embark on a journey of profound personal growth.
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Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Embracing Change: Faith, Loss, and the Path to Deeper Connection
This episode of The Urban Mystic explores the powerful intersection of faith, church, and personal loss. We'll delve into how our experiences with religious institutions shape us, and guide you through the process of renegotiating your spiritual boundaries.
Prepare to explore the emotional complexities of navigating a deeper connection with the divine, drawing from personal stories that unveil profound spiritual sentiments. We'll discuss how severing ties with traditional structures can impact your relationship with yourself, God, and your community.
Throughout the episode, we'll acknowledge the stages of grief that often arise during this journey – feelings of sadness, anger, denial, and bargaining – mirroring the loss of a loved one. We'll approach the Scriptures with open hearts, acknowledging their potential as both sanctuary and source of conflict.
This episode encourages introspection. Reflect on your own spiritual path, and explore the possibility of an intimate connection with God that transcends traditional contexts.
Join us as we navigate the "ocean of change" with compassion and vulnerability. We'll explore the complexities of reshaping your faith while navigating loss, adaptation, and the search for a new sense of belonging.
Prepare for a transformative dialogue that emphasizes the power of grief in our spiritual evolution. We'll discuss how grief's unique timeline can shape our perception of self, others, and the divine. We'll delve into its regenerative power, a catalyst for growth leading to acceptance and profound change.
Tune in to this heartfelt conversation and embark on your own journey with renewed clarity and a sense of hope.
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Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
In this episode of The Urban Mystic, we explore the often-complicated dynamics of 'church' and 'parachurch'. Engage with us in an insightful discourse as we shift focus from mere institutionalized church functions to the essence of its existence – the people. Discover how terms like 'church' and 'parachurch' have evolved over time, resulting in a complex tapestry of power dynamics and politics.
We grapple with the conception of the church being purely a physical institution and highlight the importance of understanding its various functions and activities that fall under the term 'parachurch'. Immerse in spirited discussions around accountability, diversity, and identity within the church and join us as we reimagine a structure that roots its primary accountability in people.
Participate in our exploration of societal and cultural evolutions, and their implications. Learn more about bureaucracy's stifling nature and how it appears not only in worldwide governments but also within church institutions. Delve into the concept of 'parachurch' and discover how it can effectively foster divine connections, particularly when traditional frameworks fail to evolve or adapt.
Dare to question your perspectives regarding the current structures of church and engage in the possibility of your discomfort providing an avenue for introspection and thus, transformation. Unearth the potential to disrupt unwholesome dynamics, transform relationships, and instigate meaningful change by understanding the true nature of these structures as merely facilitative to a higher purpose.
We invite you to explore how shifting focus onto tangible encounters with the divine and a deeper connection with God can foster genuine intimacy and dismantle unhealthy dynamics within institutionalized concepts of faith. Embark on a transformative journey with us and redefine your understanding of the dynamics of church and parachurch, fostering transformative engagement with God and each other.
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Sunday Mar 03, 2024
Sunday Mar 03, 2024
Unveil the Mysteries Within: An Exploration of the Paradox of Mystery and Knowing
Embark on a transformative journey in this episode of The Urban Mystic. We delve into the profound connections between consciousness, intimacy, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Key themes we'll explore:
- The Divine Spark: Uncover the path to a deeper connection with the divine, navigating the nuances of religion, spirituality, and mysticism.
- Urban Spirituality: Discover how to integrate spiritual practices into your modern life without sacrificing your relationships or career.
- The Paradox of Intimacy: Explore the seemingly contradictory journey of uncovering intimacy through acknowledging the mysteries of ourselves and the universe.
- Relationship Architects: Learn from renowned experts like Esther Perel, Carl Jung, and Brené Brown as we navigate the complexities of connection.
- The Power of Narrative: Discover how personal stories shape our perception and relationships. Cultivate kindness, flexibility, and curiosity for deeper connections and self-growth.
- The Hero's Journey Within: Begin your adventure of self-discovery. Learn to forge authentic narratives that reflect your true essence.
- Love's Many Forms: Dive into the intertwining of human and divine love. Explore the spiritual dimension of relationships through scriptures.
- Emotional Intelligence: Address personal struggles with emotions and their impact on forming close bonds. Begin your journey to more fulfilling intimacy.
- The Tapestry of Consciousness: Gain a deeper understanding of consciousness and its influence on our connections. Explore the impact of our presence and the significance of "falling off" moments.
- Personal Encounters with the Divine: Hear firsthand accounts of experiencing the divine as a catalyst for personal transformation.
Don't miss this enlightening exploration!
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Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
This episode is Part Three in our exploration of Ministry Time and brings us to the end of Season 5. Here we recognise the contribution of the Vineyard to Evangelism and the Altar Call bracket following the message in church. Yet we also acknowledge that this deconstruction of Evangelism does not go deep enough, it does not bring a focus on the numinous, on the manifest presence of God, into our culture of doing church or practicing spirituality.
We’d like to thank everyone who currently supports the Urban Mystic. We don’t charge for anything we do or put oursleves and our material behind a paywall. We are in need of more financial supporters to continue this work and would appreciate once off and regular contributions. To contribute please follow the PayPal link in the shownotes.
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