A New Reality in Belonging Series - Robert Caldwell & Keith Reynolds Pt II No. 104

In Part II of this ongoing conversation, Josh continues his dialogue with Robert Caldwell and Keith Reynolds, deepening the exploration of surrender, obedience, and belonging.

Set in the season of Advent, this episode reflects on waiting, disorientation, and unfinishedness as sacred spaces where faith is formed. Drawing on Scripture and lived experience, the conversation challenges self-sufficient models of Christianity and imagines a more honest, dependent way of following God—one shaped by suffering, humility, and spiritual friendship.

Together, the hosts wrestle with the future of the church, the limits of institutional models, and the hope that emerges when control is relinquished and life is received as gift rather than project.

At its heart, this episode affirms that asking the question is itself an act of hope, and that new light often comes not through certainty, but through surrender.

AUDIO

VIDEO

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

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/