An Accidental Rant on Christianity with a Kind, Patient, Open-minded Pastor Who Took it Well
Most of the time on the Interesting Lives of Normal People, we try to dig into the stories of our guests to find out what they’re all about, what’s been on their mind, and what they ‘just need to get out into the world.’ This podcast turned out to be a bit of the reverse.
In this episode with Dr. David Burke, mentor and friend of Jake’s, and a long-time pastor, it’s as though we were the ones doing the sharing. Especially about the church and American Christianity today.
Surprise, surprise: talking about Christianity and the church (*during COVID*) struck some nerves and David opened up the space for us to share some thoughts, concerns, and hopes–holding all of them with grace and aplomb.
It was clear in our conversation that David is no stranger to opening up space for others. Opening his schedule for his wife’s budding midlife painting career. Opening up a grocery store where low-income residents could shop in the middle of their food desert, Opening up his home and heart for his adopted twins *on top of his 4 other kids*.
We hope this conversation opens up something for you–maybe even something unexpected.
You can find the transcript for this episode here. Find transcripts for all episodes here.
Question of the Day
Have you felt a deep calling to something in your life?
Where have you found deep gladness in your life?
When have you acted on your deep gladness and found it to positively impact others?
Who would be your greatest supporter if you were to step out and risk pursuing a passion?
Share your story in the comments below
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Links From the Episode
Books
Episode Highlights
[2:55] David’s life story in 5 minutes
[9:30] The Son of a UW Professor (who was an atheist)
[20:00] Helping his wife start her passion project: painting
[28:20] David’s passions: college students, Ethiopia, Basketball
[34:00] What makes passion projects successful?
[36:46] Starting a grocery store in a food desert
[50:20] Christianity, today
[58:02] Where desire to do “passion projects” comes from
The Interesting Lives of Normal People is a regular conversation with someone interesting. Our job is to ask good questions with a belief that on the other side of being asked good questions, everyone has a great story we can learn from.
