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The Collective Voice

The Collective Voice

Written by: Phillip Dieke
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About this listen

 The Collective Voice is a production of The 787 Collective at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with the purpose of centering young adult voices and the experience of young adults in their ongoing faith exploration and formation.

The Collective Voice consists of three shows: Belonging, Faith Transitions, and Have you Heard
  • Belonging documents the everyday spiritual lives of young adutls in churches and faith organizations with The 787 Collective. These conversations explore the role of young adults in their churches and organizations and invites their reflections on being a young adult Christian.
  • Faith Transitions shares the highs and lows of young adult Christian leaders within The 787 Collective network. These conversations feature The 787 Collective Campaign leaders and other young adults sharing about the transient nature of young adulthood through the lens of faith.
  • Have You Heard (about)... this show provides firsthand insights about current topics, innovation, and interests relevant to the spiritual desires and needs of young adults. These conversations bring insights from authors, experts, innovation partners, thinkers, and theologians. This a great space for curiosity.
If you are a young adult who would like to join us on The Collective Voice, email us at 787@austinseminary.edu.
You can find the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel.



The 787 Collective is funded by Austin Seminary and a grant from the Lilly Endowment.Copyright Phillip Dieke Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Finding Belonging in Ecumenical Places with Owen Copps

    Finding Belonging in Ecumenical Places with Owen Copps
    Jan 23 2026
    In this episode of the Collective Voice podcast, Rev. Phil Dieke, Rev. CeCie Suknaic, and Owen Copps explore themes of faith, community, and belonging. They discuss Owen's journey from the mountains of Colorado to seminary in Austin, the importance of creating and finding community, and the role of justice work in faith. The conversation delves into the challenges of transitions, the significance of intergenerational connections, and the exploration of personal call and purpose in ministry.

    Show Notes:
    • Gather Network
    • Seminary of the Southwest
    • First Light Coffee in Austin
    • Book People in Austin
    • Yellow Bike Project
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
    04:26 Nature and Faith: Owen's Journey
    09:53 The Search for Belonging
    20:02 Finding Community in Austin
    27:42 The Role of Young Adults in Faith Communities
    38:32 Navigating Transitions and Future Aspirations
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    46 mins
  • Flipping Tables: A Call to Justice with Brien McChesney

    Flipping Tables: A Call to Justice with Brien McChesney
    Dec 10 2025
    In this episode, Rev. Phil Dieke interviews Brian McChesney, a young adult passionate about advocacy, justice, and ministry. Brian shares his journey from aspiring architect to pursuing ordination in the United Methodist Church, emphasizing the importance of integrating justice into congregational life. He discusses his experiences in seminary, the significance of the Flipping Tables initiative at Violet Crown City Church in Austin, TX, and the upcoming Nativity Demonstration focused on immigration advocacy taking place at the Texas Capitol on December 20th. The conversation highlights the need for community, belonging, and theological imagination in faith, as well as the importance of nurturing one's soul amidst activism.

    Show Notes
    • The Writing on the Wall: Signs of Faith Against Fascism - Eric Martin
    • Illustrated Ministry
    • RSVP for the Nativity Demonstration on December 20th in Austin
    • Email Brien - brien@violetcrown.church
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Brian McChesney and His Journey
    02:53 The Call to Justice in Ministry
    06:07 The Role of Seminary in Shaping Faith
    08:55 Exploring the Flipping Tables Initiative
    11:41 The Significance of the Nativity in Immigration Advocacy
    14:50 Building Community and Belonging in Faith
    17:55 Theological Imagination and Childlike Faith
    19:53 Nurturing the Soul Amidst Activism
    20:09 Conclusion and Call to Action
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    52 mins
  • Wild Church Fresno with Rebeca Pessoa

    Wild Church Fresno with Rebeca Pessoa
    Nov 21 2025
    In this episode of The Collective Voice, Rev. Phil Dieke speaks with Becca Pessoa about her journey into spiritual leadership and the formation of Wild Church Fresno. They discuss the importance of connecting with nature, the role of environmental justice, and how Becca's personal experiences have shaped her understanding of spirituality. The conversation highlights the significance of community, storytelling, and the need for a deeper connection to the earth and each other.

    Do you find spiritual connection in nature? We'd love to hear about it.

    Show Notes:
    • Wild Church Fresno Website, Instagram, Facebook
    • Willow Mennonie Church
    • Sovereign Spirits Instagram
    • Rebeca Pessoa Instagram

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Wild Church and Personal Background
    09:56 Connection to the Watershed and Environmental Justice
    19:53 Structure and Activities of Wild Church Fresno
    29:52 Community Engagement and Personal Stories
    30:30 The Role of Wild Church in Community
    33:13 Redefining Spirituality and Christ
    38:51 Sovereign Spirit: A Personal Journey
    44:45 Final Thoughts on Spiritual Connection
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    52 mins
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