In May 2023, I had the opportunity to share at the Pepperdine Harbor Bible Lectures.

Over the past couple of years, the Desert Mothers and Fathers have been an inspiration for me personally as well as a prime example as I consider the church in 21st century America. Their lives and teaching have encouraged my faith and offered direction as I serve and lead a community of faith. I believe the Desert Mothers and Fathers offer a different way of thinking, being, and functioning as people with God.

I shared what I’ve learned from these rich figures in my session entitled “Embracing the Wilderness Way.” You can listen to the session below. I hope their stories and examples can be as encouraging, challenging, and reorienting for you as they have been for me.

Session Description

“I am making a way in the wilderness.” (Isaiah 43:19)
The church in America is in a wilderness season. Congregations are declining and fewer people profess Christian faith every year. But what if instead of looking back to “the golden years,” the way forward is a divine invitation deeper into the wilderness? By looking at Jesus’ wilderness season as well as the example of the ancient desert mothers and fathers, we can discover wisdom and hope in embracing the wilderness way.

Listen