Theology on Purpose

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, Sarah talks with Elizabeth Berget, author of Love Like a Mother, about how the sacred, everyday work of motherhood can reveal the heart of God. Together, they explore how Scripture holds both paternal and maternal imagery for God—inviting us into a richer, more expansive understanding of who He is and how He meets us in our daily lives. Elizabeth shares how seeing God through a maternal lens transformed her own faith, especially in the demanding early years of motherhood, reframing ordinary moments as meaningful encounters with God's presence. In this episode, you'll hear: How maternal imagery for God is rooted in Scripture Why seeing God as both Father and Mother deepens our theology How motherhood can be a context for spiritual formation—not a barrier Encouragement for releasing guilt around spiritual disciplines in busy seasons What foster and adoptive motherhood reveal about God's love and attachment A fresh perspective on interruptions as invitations to encounter God Get the show notes here Take the Connect with God quiz here

Kate Boyd joins Theology on Purpose to talk about her book An Untidy Faith and the real-life experiences that reshaped how she understands God, church, and discipleship. Drawing from her global travels and seasons of questioning, Kate shares how faith can be stretched without being lost—and how disentangling what we've been taught can lead to a deeper, more integrated life with God. In this episode, we explore the tension between certainty and curiosity, and what it looks like to hold onto Jesus while reexamining long-held beliefs. Kate offers a hopeful vision for those navigating doubt, deconstruction, or spiritual transition, reminding us that this work—though often painful—is also deeply formational. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between doubling down, demolishing, and disentangling your faith How to navigate seasons of doubt without walking away from God Why humility, curiosity, and empathy are essential for a mature faith How spiritual practices can evolve in seasons of questioning A healthier, more relational approach to evangelism How to rediscover joy and authenticity in your walk with Jesus Get the show notes here Take the Connect with God Quiz here

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/

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 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/

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/

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

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

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 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

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!

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

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