Future Christian

What does it actually mean to make disciples? And have churches been approaching spiritual formation in ways that overlook how people really grow and change?

Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz join Loren to discuss their new book, Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science. Drawing on neuroscience, identity formation, and decades of ministry experience, they argue that discipleship is about more than learning the right beliefs or adopting particular behaviors. It's about who we trust, how we understand ourselves, and how our relationship with God shapes who we become.

The conversation explores their approach to faith development, building on James Fowler's Stages of Faith. Rather than viewing spiritual growth as a ladder where each successive stage represents greater maturity, Jessie and Julia suggest that people at different phases of faith can experience healthy spiritual formation. Loren presses them on what this means for churches, particularly across mainline and evangelical traditions, and whether congregations can create space for people who understand and practice their faith differently.

Together they explore:

• Why discipleship begins with trust and identity, not simply intellectual belief
• How our understanding of God shapes our understanding of ourselves
• What neuroscience suggests about how people respond under stress
• Why spiritual maturity isn't necessarily determined by one's stage of faith
• What mainline and evangelical churches can learn from one another about discipleship
• How churches can accommodate people at different phases of faith development
• The importance of forgiveness, repentance, and relational repair

Jessie Cruickshank is a Harvard-trained expert in the neuroscience of transformation. She founded Whoology to equip churches and leaders worldwide in brain-based discipleship. Author of Ordinary Discipleship and a sought-after speaker, Jessie weaves story, science, and faith to inspire lasting change. She lives in Colorado, where she enjoys mountain adventures with her husband.

Julia Schmaltz is a storyteller and leader with three decades of ministry experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Identity Exchange, equipping others to live fearlessly in their true identity. Julia holds a master's in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College and is shaping discipleship efforts across the globe. She lives in Orange County, California, with her husband and three adult children.

 

Mentioned Resources:

📖 Their Book: Becoming Good News

🌐 Julia's Website:

🌐 Jessie's Website: www.whoology.co

📱 Socials: @lorenrichmondjr

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Chuck DeGroat

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Jessie Cruickshank

🎧 Episodes Referenced: Brian McLaren

 

 Connect with Future Christian:

📱 Future Christian Instagram: futurechristianpod

📱 Martha's Instagram: martha_tatarnic

📱 Loren's Instagram: lorenrichmondjr

🟧 Future Christian Substack: https://futurechristian.substack.com/

 

Supporting Sponsors:

Martha's Book! Anne Boleyn: Reputation, Revolution, Religion, and the Queen Who Changed History - Available now!

Loren's New Book: The Church as Community Hub: Sharing Spaces to Help Neighborhoods Thrive - Available for pre-order!

Free Range Priest Helping clergy and congregations reimagine ministry in the digital age.

 

Future Christian Team:

Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer

Martha Tatarnic – Co-Host

Dennis Sanders – Producer

 

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