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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Gordon T. Smith to explore what it means to live faithfully in the here and now.

Gordon invites us to move beyond nostalgia and “what ifs,” and instead pay attention to the real circumstances of our lives—the places where God is already at work. Together, we talk about vocation as something deeper than career, the challenge of saying no, the importance of self-knowledge, and why learning to be present might be the most important spiritual practice of all.

We also reflect on how our calling unfolds over time—not as a straight line, but as a thread that runs through every season of life.

This conversation is both grounding and freeing—especially if you’re navigating transition, wrestling with purpose, or trying to discern what faithfulness looks like in your everyday life.

Gordon will be joining us in Victoria for the Called and Formed conference alongside Mark Buchanan on May 8–9.

👉 Learn more and register

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Coastal Theology Podcast theme performed by Mark Glanville

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In this episode of Coastal Theology, Andy Withrow and Vanessa Caruso sit down with pastor and author Mark Buchanan (The Rest of God) to explore how Sabbath, vocation, and trust belong together.

As VISTA prepares for its May 8–9 conference “Called and Formed”, Mark reframes Sabbath as more than a productivity break—it’s a practice that retrains our souls for patience, presence, and interruption, especially in a culture formed by convenience and distraction. The conversation moves from the dignity of ordinary work (as participation in God’s creative purposes) to the spiritual danger of “losing the plot” when work feels disconnected from meaning.

Mark also shares the surprising story of New Story Community, a ministry he and his wife began during COVID—living in close, life-on-life community with First Nations women navigating complex trauma. Together, they reflect on how spiritual disciplines (like fasting, silence, and Sabbath) don’t just soothe us—they form resilience and prepare us for the callings we never would have chosen.

Plus: Mark previews his new novel releasing March 17.

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Learn more about the Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts

Credits:

Coastal Theology Podcast theme performed by Mark Glanville

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Author and pastor Jodi Spargur joins host Vanessa Caruso and poet Matthew Church to explore her new book Mend—a gentle yet challenging invitation for the Church to move beyond “fixing” toward true repair and reciprocity with Indigenous peoples.

They talk about what it means to mend rather than fix—embracing slowness, humility, and generational commitment to right relationship. Along the way, the conversation weaves through stories of Indigenous hospitality and generosity, reflections on Zacchaeus and kintsugi (the art of golden repair), and the surprising presence of joy at the edge of lament.

Together they ask:

• What does “land back” really mean for local churches?
• How can reconciliation become a shared spiritual practice rather than a political project?
• What would it look like for faith communities to stay in the work of mending for generations to come?

Jodi shares how Mend grew from her encounters with Indigenous elders and the question that first sparked the book: “Where is the Church?”—a challenge and an invitation to show up with love, humility, and courage.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure where to begin with reconciliation, this conversation offers a hopeful path forward: an invitation to join the long, beautiful work of mending together.

**VISTA is thrilled to be hosting a book launch celebration for Jodi Spagur and several other local authors**

Save the Date!

VISTA is thrilled to be hosting a book launch celebration for Mend by Jodi Spagur, published by New Leaf Network! Mend: An Invitation from Jesus to Return to Land-based Repair.

Plus — we’ll be highlighting several local authors and their brand-new books. It’s going to be an inspiring evening of stories, conversation, and community.

James Prette- Five Invitations

Vanessa Siemens Maher- 50 States of Grief

Randy Hein- From Where We Stand

Matthew Church- Through Darkness

Kyla Ward- Under the Sky

Copies of all the books will be available for purchase at the event

Friday, November 21 | 7:00–9:00 PM Church of Our Lord, hosted by The Table Church

TICKETS HERE - Cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

This collaborative event is brought to you by Vista: The Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts and New Leaf Network.

Support the show

Learn more about the Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts

Credits:

Coastal Theology Podcast theme performed by Mark Glanville