Advertise on podcast: Native Exiles

What does God do with a childhood full of addiction, loss, and rage? Jeff McFarlane grew up in rural New Hampshire in a home where alcohol was everywhere — in every room, every car, every memory. By the time he was a teenager, he was stealing from his dad, planning his death, and watching his family fall apart piece by piece. Today Jeff is a licensed counselor and the founder of Restoration Counseling Services. But the road from that New Hampshire farmhouse to here wasn't a straight line. In this conversation, Jeff shares the moments that cracked something open in him — a brother who sent a letter to his law school confessing to cheating, a Sunday night church service where he told God to go ahead and break both his legs, and the decades it took to finally stop hiding his story. This episode is for anyone who's wondered whether their past disqualifies them, whether faith is enough, or whether real change is actually possible. Jeff doesn't wrap it up neatly — and that's exactly what makes it worth your time. Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Change is one of the few guarantees of life in a church family — and it's rarely comfortable. In this episode, Pastors Wyatt and Steve sit down to talk honestly about what happens when your church makes decisions you disagree with, when programs shift, when doctrinal statements get updated, and when things just don't feel the way they used to. Drawing from their own experience leading Alderwood through a season of change, they explore why change is both necessary and difficult, and how we can navigate it without losing each other in the process. Rooted in the wisdom of Romans 14 and the book of Proverbs, Wyatt and Steve offer five practical principles for responding well when things shift beneath your feet — from taking a breath before firing off that email, to understanding why an issue hits you the way it does, to knowing how to leave a church with grace if it comes to that. Whether you're the one pushing for change or the one wishing things would stay the same, this conversation is an invitation to pursue unity without pretending disagreement doesn't exist. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we explore the tension of following Jesus while being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us online at alderwood.cc/ne/.

In this episode, Wyatt sits down with Bethany Allen, a pastor and leadership development leader, to explore her journey stepping into leadership as a woman in ministry and organizational life. Bethany shares how her faith, education, and lived experiences have shaped her approach to leadership, as well as the challenges and opportunities she has encountered along the way.   We also discuss practical ways other women early in their careers can build confidence, embrace their strengths, and grow into leadership roles with authenticity and purpose. This conversation offers both personal insight and actionable guidance for anyone seeking to lead with impact in their own context.   Bethany Allen is the Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development at Bridgetown Church in Portland, where she focuses on empowering individuals to grow spiritually and step into their calling.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach at [email protected] or visit us on our website at alderwood.cc/ne/.

Everything is never enough. It’s a feeling many of us know well, yet we struggle to name it. In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Jamieson to explore the ancient yet strikingly modern wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Bobby shares how a 2021 sermon series turned into a personal spiritual challenge, forcing him to wrestle with the "vanity" of life and the pursuit of satisfaction. From stories of raising his four kids to deep insights on evangelism and apologetics, Bobby helps us piece together the "big picture" of a book that often feels like a riddle. If you’ve ever felt the emptiness of having it all or wondered why our modern world feels increasingly lonely, this conversation offers a profound look at how the Bible meets our search for purpose. Bobby Jamieson is the author of several books, including Sound Doctrine: How a Church Grows in the Love and Holiness of God, Going Public: Why Baptism Is Required for Church Membership, Jesus' Death and Heavenly Offering in Hebrews, The Paradox of Sonship: Christology in The Epistle to the Hebrews, and The Path to Being a Pastor: A Guide for the Aspiring. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at alderwood.cc/ne.

Carolyn Taketa’s career spans three decades of navigating complex leadership landscapes, from the high-stakes environment of the courtroom to the heart of pastoral ministry. In this episode, Pastor Wyatt sits down with Carolyn to explore her journey from the corporate world to her role as a groups pastor and executive coach. Together, they discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing women in church leadership and what it looks like to follow a calling across different professional spheres. Beyond her career transitions, Carolyn’s true passion lies in cultivating emotionally healthy leaders. She shares her insights on encouraging and equipping women—both inside and outside the church—to lead with integrity and soul. Whether you are navigating a career pivot or seeking to grow in your own leadership capacity, Carolyn’s wealth of experience offers a grounded perspective on staying faithful to your calling while leading others well. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we explore the tension of following Jesus while being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us online at alderwood.cc/ne/.

This episode of Native Exiles offers a deep dive into several of the key biblical passages that shape the conversation around women in church leadership. Rather than focusing primarily on modern debates, the discussion returns to the text itself, examining passages such as 1 Timothy 2 and 1 Corinthians 14. You can view the Alderwood position paper at alderwood.cc/essentials.  Attention is given to the historical context, language, and theological arguments surrounding these passages, asking what they may have meant within the life of the early church. From that foundation, the episode considers the implications for modern congregations: how these texts have been interpreted across Christian traditions and what they might mean for the structure and leadership of churches today. The goal is a careful, Scripture-centered exploration of leadership, authority, and the role of women in the church. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at alderwood.cc/ne/

In this moving interview, author and Bible teacher Kendra Dahl shares her testimony of abortion, repentance, and redemption. She opens up about the trauma, secrecy, and identity struggles that followed. Kendra also share about how the mercy of Jesus brought healing and restoration. Kendra now helps others walk toward freedom in Christ, reminding us that no sin is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Learn more about her story and ministry by visiting Kendra Dahl’s Website or checking out her book A Place for You: Reframing Christian Womanhood. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at alderwood.cc/ne/.

What does it mean to be human, and why does that question matter so deeply in today’s debates about abortion, bioethics, and personhood? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage one of the most urgent moral and theological issues of our time: the sanctity of human life. Rather than beginning with political arguments or cultural talking points, they ground the conversation in the biblical vision of humanity as created in the image of God and known by Him from the very beginning.   In the first half of the episode, Steve and Wyatt trace the theological foundations for the value of human life, from Genesis to the psalms and into the New Testament. Steve and Wyatt show how Scripture consistently affirms the dignity, worth, and moral significance of every human person, including the unborn.   In the second half, the conversation turns to contemporary challenges, including abortion, medical technology, and shifting cultural definitions of life and autonomy. The discussion also addresses how the church can speak clearly and compassionately—upholding the sanctity of life while embodying grace, mercy, and hope for those touched by loss, fear, or difficult decisions.   Also check out the link to the position papers which includes the paper on the Sanctity of Human Life.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Coles, author, scholar, and speaker, to explore his deeply personal journey of faith, sexuality, and self-understanding. Gregory’s life story spans multiple cultures, academic disciplines, and spiritual landscapes — from growing up in Indonesia to earning a PhD in English and becoming a voice for nuanced conversations at the intersections of Christianity and sexual identity. Gregory discusses the challenges and insights that shaped his path: wrestling with same-sex attraction within his Christian upbringing, the theological and emotional work of self-discovery, and his ongoing commitment to both his faith and personal integrity. We delve into what it means to live faithfully as a gay Christian committed to singleness, how church communities can meaningfully engage in compassionate dialogue, and the hope he finds in belonging both to Christ and to a broader community of seekers. Listeners will gain a compelling blend of theological reflection, honest storytelling, and practical encouragement — whether they’re navigating questions of identity themselves or seeking to better understand the lives of others. Resources from Gregory Coles: Book — Single, Gay, Christian: A Personal Journey of Faith and Sexual Identity: https://www.gregorycoles.com/book-single-gay-christian/Greg’s Official Website: https://www.gregorycoles.com/ Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. To view our full Position Paper, visit alderwood.cc/essentials

How does the biblical vision of human sexuality offer a more beautiful and life-giving path than the narratives of our modern world? In this episode of Native Exiles, Steve and Wyatt engage with one of the most pressing and complex topics facing the church today: the theology and practice of human sexuality. Rather than simply reacting to cultural shifts, they seek to ground the conversation in the goodness of God’s creative intent, exploring how our bodies and desires point toward a deeper gospel reality. In the first half of the conversation, Steve and Wyatt look closely at the witness of Scripture, tracing the biblical framework for sexuality from Genesis to the New Testament. They explore how the Bible’s teaching is not merely a list of prohibitions, but a coherent vision of holiness, dignity, and flourishing. In the second half, they pivot to the practical implications for the local church. They discuss how a formal position paper translates into the messiness of everyday ministry—addressing how the church can be a community that upholds biblical truth while remaining a place of radical hospitality and grace for those navigating questions of identity and desire. This episode is designed for those seeking clarity amidst the noise of contemporary debates and for anyone longing to see the church embody a faithful, counter-cultural presence. Whether you are seeking to understand the "why" behind the church’s convictions or looking for guidance on how to love your neighbor well, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful roadmap for following Jesus in the tension of our current cultural moment. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

As we prepare for a season in our church where we are tackling difficult conversations, we wanted to reshare one of our favorite episodes from Season 2!  Dr. Gerry Breshears from Western Seminary came to our church to talk about Genesis. This episode highlights his conversation with our Lead Pastor Wyatt Martin regarding handling disagreements in the church. He gives us a model to decipher which topics are worth debating, dividing over, or dying for. To learn more about Dr. Gerry Breshears, visit https://breshears.net/ Native Exiles, a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. We want to help you think through how to walk with Jesus in a world that is seemingly walking the opposite direction. We want to equip you to engage the world without disengaging from Jesus. For more questions and inquiries, reach us at [email protected] or visit us on our website at nativeexiles.com.

Are foreign missions outdated—or more vital than ever? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with theologian and missiologist Dr. Michael Goheen to talk about the heart of Christian mission and why the global call to make disciples remains central to the church’s identity.   Drawing from his book The Core of the Christian Faith: Seeing the Big Picture of God’s Story, Dr. Goheen addresses common objections to foreign missions—such as cultural imperialism, globalization, and the rise of local churches worldwide—and offers a thoughtful defense of why cross-cultural witness still matters today. We’ll explore how God’s mission has always been global in scope, what a healthy theology of mission looks like, and how ordinary believers can participate meaningfully in God’s redemptive work among the nations.   Dr. Michael Goheen has served as a professor of missiology and theology at several institutions, including Missional Training Center and Covenant Theological Seminary. His writing and teaching help the church recover a whole-life, mission-shaped vision of the gospel.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

What does it mean for men and women to flourish together in God’s design—not in spite of their differences, but because of them? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Dr. Gregg R. Allison, theologian and professor of Christian theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, to explore his latest book, Complementarity: Dignity, Difference, and Interdependence. Allison offers a vision of complementarity that goes far deeper than the typical debates. Rather than reducing the conversation to roles or authority, he roots his perspective in the equal worth of men and women, their meaningful distinctions, and the interdependence through which they thrive together.  In our conversation, Gregg traces how the church has historically understood gender, how Scripture shapes a richer framework for thinking about dignity and difference, and why the modern church often struggles to apply these truths in a way that is both faithful and life-giving. He explains how complementarity is not merely a doctrinal position but a lived reality that shapes relationships, community, and the mission of the church. We also talk about the practical implications for everyday discipleship—how men and women serve alongside one another, how churches can cultivate environments of mutual flourishing, and how theology can help bridge divides rather than create them. Gregg Allison brings deep theological expertise and a pastor’s heart, drawing from years of scholarship and ministry. Whether you’re wrestling with contemporary questions about gender, seeking clarity on complementarian and egalitarian debates, or simply longing for a more beautiful vision of life together as God’s people, this episode offers thoughtful, hopeful guidance. Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. Gregg R. Allison is Professor of Christian Theology at Southern Seminary in Louisville, KY. Allison came to Southern in 2003.

What if true evangelism begins with a warm welcome? In this episode of Native Exiles, we sit down with Danny Franks, pastor and expert on guest services, to talk about why hospitality is not just a program—but a reflection of the gospel itself. Danny unpacks how the early church made belonging a central part of its witness, and how modern churches can reclaim that same spirit of invitation. We’ll discuss the theology behind hospitality, the barriers that keep churches from being truly welcoming, and practical ways to create spaces where strangers feel seen, known, and loved. Danny Franks is the Pastor of Guest Services at The Summit Church in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, where he helps churches create cultures of genuine hospitality that reflect the heart of the gospel. He’s the author of People Are the Mission: How Churches Can Welcome Guests Without Compromising the Gospel and shares insights on ministry and life through his blog, Connective Tissue—a mix of practical wisdom, humor, and honest reflection.   Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it.

If God is good, why does He let us suffer? It’s a question every believer faces at some point. In this episode of Native Exiles, we dive deep into the mystery of suffering and God’s role in it. Is pain a punishment, a test, or something more redemptive? Throughout history, theologians have wrestled with this very question—debating whether suffering is part of God’s sovereign will, the result of human freedom, or a necessary path to spiritual growth. We’ll explore these perspectives and then turn to the practical side: how our understanding of suffering shapes how we pray, comfort others, and find hope in the hardest seasons of life.  Native Exiles is a podcast from Alderwood Community Church, where we talk about following Jesus in the tension of being in the world but not of it. Check out our previous episode on Does Evil Disprove God’s Goodness? for more discussion on this topic.