“The Church isn’t dying—the voluntary association is.”

What happens when the institutions that once carried faith begin to collapse?

In this episode of Complex Creatures, Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons reflects on church decline, secularity, and the unraveling of America’s voluntary association culture. Rather than lamenting loss, he invites listeners to imagine the Church not as an institution to be maintained, but as a movement shaped by shared practices, shared mission, and shared life.

At the center of this vision is the Eucharist—not merely as ritual, but as a social and theological force that binds people together across difference, memory, and decline. This conversation explores loneliness, authenticity, belonging, and what it might mean for the Church to take its table into the world.

A thoughtful reflection for anyone wrestling with faith, community, and what comes next.

#ComplexCreatures#FaithInASeularAge#ChurchAndCulture#ChristianPodcast#EucharisticImagination#SpiritualCommunity#FaithAfterInstitutions#TheologyAndLife

Is the Enneagram just a personality test—or could it be a pathway to deeper faith?

In this rich and heartfelt episode of Complex Creatures, Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons speaks with Rev. Jamie Butcher—Presbyterian minister and certified Enneagram coach—about how this ancient tool offers more than labels. Together, they explore how the Enneagram can lead us from self-protection to self-giving, from pigeonholing to spiritual compassion, and into the very presence of God.

Topics include:

• The Enneagram as a contemplative Christian practice

• Why Christians are drawn to typologies—and how to avoid the pitfalls

• How compassion begins with self-understanding

• Prayer postures, personality awareness, and spiritual growth

• Using the Enneagram in pastoral care, spiritual direction, and community life

Whether you're new to the Enneagram or a longtime student, this conversation invites you to move beyond “what number are you?” into a deeper life of reflection, grace, and love.

#ComplexCreaturesPodcast #EnneagramAndFaith #SpiritualFormation
#ChristianContemplation #JamieButcher #EnneagramWisdom
#BelovedNotBoxed #FaithAndPersonality #CompassionateLeadership
#SpiritualDirection #TemplarPath #ChristianPodcast

In this illuminating conversation, Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons sits down with psychology professor and confessional Lutheran Dr. Jonathan Stadler to explore the timely intersection of faith, psychology, masculinity, and meaning. From behavioral neuroscience to the cultural impact of Jordan Peterson, from Stoicism and positive psychology to the beauty of carrying the fire in a broken world, this episode dives deep into the hopes and wounds of modern men—and how the Christian tradition can offer both healing and purpose.

Together, they explore:

• The psychological power of gratitude, humility, and relational living

• The role of The Road and apocalypse parenting in Christian manhood

• Why Gen Z is gravitating toward tradition

• The difference between faith formation and spiritual self-help

If you're navigating your own growth, longing for wholeness, or wondering what it means to be a man of faith in today’s world—this episode offers both challenge and comfort.

#ComplexCreaturesPodcast #FaithAndPsychology #ChristianMen
#MentalHealthAndFaith #JonathanStadler #MasculinityCrisis
#PositivePsychology #SpiritualFormation #JordanPeterson
#Stoicism #TheRoad #CarryTheFire #ChristianPodcast

In this episode of Complex Creatures, Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons welcomes Christi Heidt, Program Director at Peachtree Christian Health, for a powerful conversation on aging, dementia, and the sacred work of caregiving. Together, they explore what it means to hold memories for those who can no longer recall them, how community care fosters dignity and flourishing, and why humility and patience are essential as we face the realities of decline. Whether you’re a caregiver, a loved one, or someone seeking hope in the face of loss, this episode offers compassion, wisdom, and inspiration for the journey.

#ComplexCreaturesPodcast #SpiritualityAndCare #CognitiveHealth #AgingWithDignity #Caregiving #FaithAndCommunity #PeachtreeChristianHealth #MemoryAndHope

On this powerful episode of Complex Creatures, host Jarrod welcomes Tim Price—musician, recovery minister, and founder of Faith, Recovery, and Music. With stories shaped by addiction, grace, and gritty honesty, Tim shares how the 12 Steps and Christian faith saved his life and continue to fuel his ministry. From early trauma to building community in a reimagined flour mill, Tim’s testimony is as raw as it is redemptive. Whether you’re in recovery or simply seeking spiritual depth, this conversation offers wisdom, warmth, and hope.

#ComplexCreaturesPodcast #FaithRecoveryMusic #12Steps #AddictionRecovery #SpiritualAwakening #RecoveryJourney #ChristianRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #TimPrice #HealingThroughFaith #MusicAndMinistry #SobrietyStories #AARecovery #LifeRecoveryBible #HopeAndHealing

In this episode of Complex Creatures, Rev. Jarrod Longbons sits down with journalist and author Rebecca McCarthy to discuss her memoir-biography Norman Maclean: A Life of Letters and Rivers. What unfolds is a deep and personal conversation about storytelling, grief, spiritual mystery, and the search for meaning. From A River Runs Through It to personal memories of Hyde Park winters and crockpot stews, this episode dives into the beauty and tragedy of being human.

For anyone drawn to faith, writing, or the mystery of others—you’ll find something sacred here.

#ProjectUnity #ThatTheyMayBeOne #JesusPrayer #ChristianUnity #HeartOfGod #PeachtreeChristianChurch #RootedAndRenewed #DisciplesOfChrist #WorshipPodcast #FaithFormation #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchInAtlanta

A conversation with Rachel Hastings about her spiritual journey.

Jarrod discusses transplantation and spirituality with Beth Lehman. https://bethlehmanliver.com