Theology on Purpose

Easter Sunday changes everything, but what does that actually look like on an ordinary Monday? In this solo episode, I'm talking about what it means to live as "resurrection people" in the tension between hope and brokenness. Tune in, and let's reflect on how God's presence and power are at work in our everyday lives, inviting us to carry the light of the resurrection into everything we do.

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, Sarah talks with author and teacher Cally Logan about moving from the margins to meaningful impact in God's kingdom. They explore how traits like being "quiet" or "shy" aren't weaknesses to overcome, but invitations to discover how God uniquely designed us to live with purpose. Cally shares personal stories and practical wisdom on finding confidence in Christ, and using your voice, no matter how small it may feel. In this episode, you'll learn: How to reframe labels like "shy" and "quiet" as strengths, not limitations What true confidence in Christ looks like (beyond personality or performance) How to recognize and challenge your "inner bully" Practical ways to take thoughts captive and root your identity in God's truth Why your presence and words matter more than you think How God can use you right where you are, even if you feel unseen Find the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast Take the Connect with God Quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Why do we feel such a strong reaction when something unfair happens, even something small? That instinct for justice may actually point us to the heart of God. In this solo episode of Theology on Purpose, I explore what the Bible really means by justice. Looking at passages from Amos, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and John, we'll discover that God's justice isn't only about punishment—it's about restoration, renewal, and bringing life to broken places. And through the Spirit, God invites us to participate in that work right where we are! Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

In this episode, Sarah sits down with pastor and author Brian Zahnd for a thoughtful conversation about doubt, discipleship, and the meaning of the cross. In this episode, we discuss: The difference between demolishing faith and renovating it Why honest doubt can lead to deeper, more resilient faith Why Jesus—not the Bible—is the perfect revelation of God How we think about the meaning of the cross affects our relationship with God and with others. What it means to shoulder our cross, and not our rifle, in today's culture A preview of his upcoming book Unseen Existences Tune in and be inspired to grow into a Christ-centered faith marked by humility, courage, and self-giving love. Get the show notes here Take the Connect with God quiz here

In this solo episode, I share three fresh and practical ways to deepen your intimacy with God, especially if your spiritual life has started to feel dry or routine. From leaning into what makes you come alive, to cultivating awareness of God's constant presence, to embracing the gift of community, this episode will encourage you to rediscover that basic doesn't have to mean boring. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

In this episode, I'm joined by author and pastor Meredith Ann Miller to talk about raising kids with a faith that can bend without breaking. Drawing from her books Woven and Wonder, Meredith invites us to move beyond rigid, behavior-focused Christianity and instead cultivate a resilient trust in a good and near God. In this conversation, we explore how curiosity, storytelling, and "wondering questions" can transform the way we read Scripture with our children—and renew our own faith in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: Why faith is better pictured as a flexible web than a fragile wall How to teach the Bible without pressure to "get it right" The difference between moralism and building trust in God How wondering questions create space for curiosity and resilience Simple, practical ways to talk about Scripture in everyday life Get the full show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

We say we want to grow closer to God. We long for deeper faith, greater intimacy, real transformation. But what happens when getting closer to God actually costs us something? In this solo episode of Theology on Purpose, I'm talking about the power of desire—why wanting isn't always enough, what keeps us from acting on our deepest spiritual longings, and how God gently invites us to reorder our loves. If you've ever wondered why your life doesn't always reflect what you say you want most, this conversation is for you! Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Reverend Courtney Ellis joins Theology on Purpose to talk about navigating life's toughest transitions with honesty, gentleness, and hope. Drawing from her book Weathering Change, Courtney explores how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty through small, sustaining practices, deep self-awareness, and even the wisdom of the natural world. Tune in to be inspired by this grace-filled vision for faith that can hold anxiety, doubt, and change without rushing toward easy answers. In this episode, you'll hear about: Why change often reshapes our faith—and how God meets us in that process Curiosity as a spiritual practice during anxiety, grief, and uncertainty How creation reveals God's character and invites deeper attentiveness "Krill-sized nourishment": small practices that sustain us in overwhelming seasons Reimagining spiritual practices through delight, embodiment, and everyday life Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Faith doesn't always look like courage. Sometimes it looks like choosing, again and again, where to fix our gaze. In this solo episode of Theology on Purpose, I reflect on a moment of fear on a snowy hill, the wisdom of Scripture—from Hebrews to the crossing of the Red Sea—and what it means to look honestly at darkness without letting it determine our direction. Get the free download: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, food scholar and theologian Kendall Vanderslice joins Sarah for a conversation about food as a site of spiritual formation. Kendall shares her journey into food and theology and explores what the practice of baking bread can teach us about faith. They reflect on how spiritual growth happens not through control or performance, but through learning to trust God with the work of transformation. In this episode, we discuss: What bread-making reveals about spiritual growth and trust Why rest is not a reward, but an act of faith How curiosity and joy shape a healthier life with God Faith as embodied, sensory, and communal Food, control, and fear-based cultural narratives (especially in the Trad Wife movement!) The table as a place of healing, resistance, and connection Connect with Kendall here: https://kendallvanderslice.com/ Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Every day begins with a blank canvas, and every decision we make becomes a brushstroke. But what happens when life doesn't turn out the way we imagined, or when our plans are interrupted by limits, and the unexpected? In this solo episode, we explore how our daily choices shape our lives, how to honor our God-given limits and capacity, and how to trust God when we're not in control. Through a faith-filled lens, you'll be encouraged to live with intention, clarity, and surrender as you invite God into the bigger picture of your life. Subscribe here to never miss an episode!

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, Sarah is joined by Kara Stout, author of An Untroubled Heart, for a meaningful conversation about faith, anxiety, grief, and God's sustaining peace. In this episode, you'll hear about: Kara's journey through infertility, adoption, and motherhood Losing both parents to cancer and how grief shaped her faith The difference between anxious thoughts and the Holy Spirit's leading Why we shouldn't "spiritually bypass" our emotions How daily rhythms of prayer and Scripture cultivate peace When and why seeking professional counseling can be a faithful choice For anyone navigating anxiety, loss, or spiritual dryness, this episode offers much-needed encouragement, everyday wisdom, and hope rooted in God's compassion. Take the Connect with God Quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/ Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Seasons of waiting don't need to feel like wasted time, but instead they can be part of our spiritual formation! In this solo episode, I reflect on a missed speaking opportunity, biblical stories of long seasons of waiting, and what our unmet desires reveal about our deeper longing for God. Tune in to discover how waiting can become an active spiritual practice that reshapes our faith, priorities, and trust in God's goodness. Subscribe here to never miss an episode!

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, Sarah talks with Phoebe Miles, co-founder of the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention, about faith, creativity, and the long work of living out your calling. Phoebe shares the story behind her father's invention of Gatorade, including the personal cost that followed, and how learning to see that story through God's lens transformed her understanding of humility, healing, and vocation. Phoebe discusses how our work—whether visible or hidden, paid or unpaid—can become a faithful presence that serves the flourishing of others. In this episode, you'll learn: Why embracing both the painful and beautiful parts of your story matters for spiritual formation How creativity and innovation reflect our identity as image-bearers of God What it means to live as a faithful presence in your everyday work and community How different seasons of calling shape women's work and ministry over a lifetime Why Sabbath and fasting are essential practices for long-term faithfulness Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast More on the Faithful Presence Initiative here: https://faithfulpresence.com/ Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

In this solo episode, I reflect on what it means to trust a good God when the way forward feels uncertain. Drawing on Ruth Haley Barton's insights on discernment, I explore how learning to release our preferred outcomes, listen for love, and trust the Holy Spirit can help us make faithful decisions even when there is no single "right" path. This episode is an invitation to practice discernment as a way of life, especially as we step into seasons marked by change and unknowing. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/