In this unique episode, Jamie and Kent sit down with poet and pastor Drew Jackson, author of two volumes of poetry, including God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming. Drew reads several of his poems, leading into discussions about Jesus as an outsider, how justice work is a core gospel ethic, and why remaining vulnerable and compassionate is imperative for Christians who want to “do good, better.”

Listen as:

(0:00:03)—Drew reads his poem “Nazareth,” reflecting on Luke 1:2, and shares how he uses writing poetry to explore and ask questions.

(0:16:27)—Jamie, Kent, and Drew discuss the concept of calling and vocation, with the idea that humans are created in the image of God and that the work of justice is at the core of our being.

(0:32:35)—Drew relates how Jesus calls us to approach the world and others with tenderness, compassion, and a willingness to serve.

(0:37:43)—Jamie, Kent, and Drew talk about how we can prevent becoming numb as we respond to what’s happening in the world.

Drew E. Jackson is a poet and pastor. He is the author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming and Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way, and his work has appeared in Oneing, Made for Pax, The Journal from the Centre for Public Christianity, Fathom Magazine, and other publications. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago and his M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Drew lives in New York City with his wife and daughters.

Resources:

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative.

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

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(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)