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/

In this Advent reflection, Sarah shares an unexpected story about her family dog that became a surprising teacher of hope. From a child's innocent question to a tearful moment in a vet's office, this episode explores why Advent hope still matters in a world full of uncertainty. Through Scripture, longing, and the everyday decisions that stretch our hearts, Sarah invites listeners to rediscover the Light that meets us in the dark and leads us toward what could be. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/ Subscribe to get the latest updates here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/subscribe

Tune into this rich conversation with author and lay theologian Chelsea Kim Long! We chat about faith, embodiment, and how our journey of following Jesus evolves over time. Chelsea shares how motherhood and doubt reshaped her spiritual life and led her toward a more embodied, and compassionate faith. She reflects on finding healing in intentional Christian community, expanding her theology of womanhood, and discovering how our bodies help us encounter God in daily life. This episode is a balm for anyone rethinking their faith, longing for belonging, or curious about how God meets us in our real, lived experiences. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/ Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Have you ever found yourself surrounded by all the Christmas decorations, music, and activity—yet somehow missing the wonder of it all? In this solo episode, Sarah reflects on a quiet moment that made her realize how easy it is to grow too familiar with the nativity story. She shares four practical and heartfelt ways to recapture awe this Advent season. If your heart feels a little weary or uninspired this Christmas, this episode will help you slow down, look closer, and rediscover the miracle that the baby was God!

Can painful experiences become the birthplace of blessings? Author Hadassah Treu joins Sarah to share her powerful story of loss, faith, and redemption from her book Draw Near: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings. She reflects on how grief led her to deeper intimacy with God, what disillusionment can teach us, and the simple practices that sustained her through seasons of sorrow. In this episode, you'll discover how to find hope when faith feels fragile, reframe pain as an invitation to draw closer to God, and cultivate spiritual practices—like gratitude, journaling, and prayer—that bring healing and renewal. It's an honest and hope-filled conversation for anyone walking through suffering and longing to see God's goodness in the midst of it. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/ Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Sometimes gratitude feels out of reach. This Thanksgiving season, when counting blessings feels like an empty exercise, what if the way back to praise begins with lament? In this episode, Sarah reflects on a simple moment in a church storage room that became a picture of grace, and explores how honest lament before God can clear the way for true thanksgiving. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/ Read these reflections in your inbox by subscribing to The Scoop! https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/subscribe

Author Sylvie Vanhoozer joins Sarah to talk about "The Art of Living in Advent" and how the beauty of ordinary life can draw us closer to God. Growing up in the south of France, Sylvie discovered the sacred in simple things—especially through the santons, small villagers in the traditional Provençal nativity scene. Listen in as they explore how art, imagination, and everyday faithfulness can become acts of worship, and how Advent invites us to wait with wonder and live a more embodied faith. You won't want to miss this timely episode ahead of the Christmas season! Get the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast Feeling spiritually dry? Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

What do bread dough and spiritual discernment have in common? More than you might think. Join Sarah for a reflective look at why it's easier to follow someone else's recipe for faith, and how God invites each of us into the kitchen to discover that God's Word is alive and nourishing. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/ Get the newsletter here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Bekah Stewart, spiritual director and author of "Permission to Matter: The Invitation to Wake Up, Stand Up, and Come Out of Hiding". Together they explore what it means for women to reclaim their spiritual agency and embrace a faith that honors their whole selves. Bekah shares how traditional models of spiritual formation (often shaped by male perspectives) tend to focus on overcoming pride. But for many women, the deeper struggle is self-erasure: shrinking or hiding before ever being seen. She invites listeners to imagine a spiritual life rooted in awakening to our God-given worth and calling. They discuss the difference between self-sacrifice and self-abandonment, the four modes of knowing that shape our faith, and what it means to embody the authority of the Holy Spirit. Find the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Play isn't just for kids, it can be a spiritual practice for adults, too! In this short solo episode, Sarah explores how play can reconnect us to joy, presence, and the God who delights in us. She shares practical ideas for weaving play into ordinary life and reminds us that delight is a part of spiritual growth. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Prayer can look different for each of us, and that was exactly how God designed it! In this episode, author Janet McHenry shares how her practice of prayer walking opened her eyes to the needs around her and transformed her understanding of prayer. We talk about how prayer shapes our experience of God, why one-size-fits-all methods can leave us discouraged, and how to embrace your unique personality and season of life in prayer. If you've ever felt stuck or dry in prayer, this conversation will bring fresh encouragement and practical ideas! Find the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast Take the Connect with God Quiz to find out which spiritual practice you most need right now: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Words can build up or tear down, bless or curse, and every sentence we speak carries the potential to shape the world around us. In this episode, I share a story from my childhood in France, reflect on the power of language, and explore how we can steward our words to encourage others, speak truth in love, and join God in His kingdom-building work. Take the Connect with God quiz here: https://connectwithgodquiz.com/

Bible teacher Mariel Davenport shares her journey from atheism to faith and introduces her simple TEND method for connecting with Scripture. We talk about slowing down, creating space for God in busy seasons, and letting His Word transform your everyday life. You'll learn: How Mariel's first read through Genesis changed everything A simple 4-step rhythm to engage Scripture deeply Practical ways to create space for God even on your busiest days Take the Connect with God quiz here Get the show notes here

What's hiding in the "closets" of your soul? In this short and reflective episode, Sarah shares how a surprising find in a church closet sparked a powerful reminder: God has a way of redeeming the very things we'd rather throw away. Through stories from her ministry work, childhood, and personal struggles with belonging, Sarah explores how God takes our pain, failures, and forgotten dreams—our inner "junk"—and transforms them into tools for kingdom work. If you've ever wondered what God could possibly do with your past hurts or hidden scars, this episode will encourage you to see your story through a lens of hope and redemption. Listen now and discover how nothing is wasted in the kingdom of God. Take the Connect with God Quiz to find out what spiritual practice you need most right now!

Jo Saxton joins Theology on Purpose to share her journey of faith and leadership, from meeting Jesus as a child in London to empowering women through the Ezer Collective and beyond. She opens up about navigating burnout, rediscovering the simplicity of following Jesus, and helping women step into their God-given gifts with courage and confidence. You'll be encouraged by Jo's honesty and equipped with practical wisdom to rise into your own calling as a leader of faith. Get the show notes here Take the Connect with God quiz here

Falling asleep is something we can't force, we can only prepare for it. In the same way, hearing from God isn't about striving harder but about creating the right conditions to listen well. In this solo episode of Theology on Purpose, I share four practices that can open our hearts to God's voice: silence and solitude, Scripture, creation, and prayer. Take the Connect with God quiz

What does it mean to live as God's beloved daughter? In this episode, author and pastor Amy Seiffert shares insights from her book Your Name is Daughter. We explore the strength hidden in Eve's story, the womb-like compassion of God, and how Jesus restored women's voices in a culture that tried to silence them. Amy's wisdom will encourage you to embrace your identity, use your voice with courage, and live grounded in the truth of being God's daughter. Get the show notes here Take the Connect with God quiz here

In this candid conversation, Mary Marantz, author of Underestimated, reveals the hidden roots of perfectionism and self-sabotage and how they shape our lives. She offers practical insights for women in leadership and faith to overcome fear, step into God's calling, and move from seeking approval to worshiping through their gifts. If you've ever struggled with fear, perfectionism, or feeling overlooked, this episode will inspire and equip you to lead with confidence and purpose. Get the show notes here!

In this episode, Elisa Johnston, author of "Justice-Minded Kids," shares how her faith has grown through a commitment to justice. She offers practical insights on overcoming fear around activism, bridging divides with compassion, and living justice as a spiritual discipline. Whether you're just starting or feeling worn out, Elisa's story encourages a faith deeply rooted in love and action. Get the full show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Christy Lynne Wood, author of "Religious Rebels," grew up in a cultic Christian subculture where outward appearances and rigid rules replaced a real relationship with Jesus. In this episode, she shares her journey of deconstruction, spiritual abuse, and ultimately rediscovering the beauty of faith beyond fundamentalism. We talk about the dangers of certainty, embracing mystery, and what it means to build a holistic, Jesus-centered theology after religious trauma. Get all the show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Poet and author Tanner Olson shares how his personal faith journey—marked by grief, hope, and prayer—has shaped his writing and ministry. From a transformative mission trip to the long road through infertility and adoption, Tanner reflects on how God met him in unexpected ways. With honesty and gentle wisdom, he invites us to find hope through prayer, poetry, and the quiet presence of God. Find the show notes here

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim joins us to discuss her book When God Became White. She shares her personal journey as a Korean immigrant, her experiences with racism, and how those experiences led her to examine the ways Christianity has contributed to harmful depictions of God. We talk about the consequences of upholding a white, male image of God, how that image has been weaponized to justify racism and sexism, and why reclaiming the other biblical imagery of God matters for the church today. Don't miss this challenging and deeply important conversation about who God is and how our view of God shapes how we live!

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, poet and professor Kimberly Phinney shares her journey through chronic illness, loss, and the deep questions that reshaped her view of God. We discuss the struggle of holding onto faith in hard seasons, the power of presence, finding hope when healing doesn't come as expected, and poetry as a spiritual practice. This honest conversation invites you to wrestle with God, trust Him in the unknown, and embrace a resilient faith. Find the full show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, author Jen Pollock Michel joins us for a thoughtful conversation on the paradoxes of faith, suffering, and grace. She shares how early experiences of profound loss shaped her faith journey, the tension between effort and dependence on God, and how trying in the spiritual life is not the same as legalism. Jen also reflects on the difference between certainty and confidence, the challenge of holding firm beliefs while remaining humble, and the ongoing wrestling with grace in everyday life. Tune in as we explore these deep theological questions and what it means to live with faith in the midst of uncertainty.

How do we make space for God in our busy lives? Author Julia Roller shares how small, consistent spiritual practices—like silence and the Examen—can deepen faith, even in the midst of motherhood and work. She opens up about facing breast cancer while pregnant and how community transformed her understanding of God's presence. We also explore how hospitality is central to our faith—not just as hosting others, but as creating space for God in our everyday lives.

Sarah K. Butterfield talks with Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez, author of "Being a Sanctuary," about her diverse faith journey, the role of uncertainty in deepening trust in God, and practical spiritual disciplines. Pricelis emphasizes the importance of dignity in the church, collective responsibility in faith, and how to navigate church hurt. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on growing a purposeful and personal relationship with God, as a member of the Body of Christ.

Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt is a professor, pastor, and author who navigates the demands of academia, ministry, and family life. In this episode, she shares the fascinating story behind her book on Mary Magdalene, challenging long-held misconceptions and revealing the true depth of Mary's role in Christian history. Jennifer unpacks why these distinctions matter and what they mean for modern Christians—especially women seeking to align their time, resources, and faith. With wisdom and practical insight, she encourages listeners to draw inspiration from Mary's unwavering commitment and offers tangible ways to integrate faith into everyday life.

In this episode, Phylicia Masonheimer, a best-selling author and Bible teacher, shares her journey into theology. She explains how important it is for women to develop an accurate understanding of God, free from cultural influences. Phylicia also reflects on the challenges of growing up in a fundamentalist environment, emphasizing the need for women to critically examine their beliefs and embrace core Christian doctrines. She reflects on her own struggles with faith, especially during seasons of hardship, highlighting how spiritual practices and remembering God's faithfulness help maintain a strong relationship with God. Find the shownotes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

In this debut episode of Theology on Purpose, we kick off the journey with a story that reveals the difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them—and why this distinction matters in our relationship with God. Host Sarah K. Butterfield shares her personal experiences as a missionary kid in France, her hesitation in launching this podcast, and her passion for empowering women to embrace theology in everyday life. Don't miss this introductory, solo episode! Discover why you don't need a seminary degree to grow closer to God, how to navigate life's challenges with a faith that seeks understanding, and practical ways to prioritize your relationship with God amidst the busyness of life. Tune in to be encouraged, equipped, and inspired to walk closely with God and develop a deeper knowledge of Him.

Introducing the Theology on Purpose Podcast, premiering February 18, 2025. Listen in for what you can expect, and be sure to subscribe here for the latest updates.