Have you ever thought about the differences between biblical justice and secular theories of social justice? How are believers to actually take part in efforts against injustice in our society, nation and world? How can we maintain a clear witness when working ‘with’ others engaged in the justice landscape? Join us as we hear from a range of prominent Christian voices ‘talking justice’, including: Tim Costello, Executive Director of Micah Australia, Amy Smith, Chief Advocate of International Justice Mission Australia and Dave Andrews, Christian Social Activist, Founder of the Waiters Union. We will also hear perspectives from a diverse range of contributors including: Tim Fawssett – Scripture Union Ada Boland – First Nation Prophetic Voices of the Land Elissa Macpherson– President of Baptist Women of the Pacific, Baptist World Alliance Rodney Callanan – Director, Droplets in a Stream Rob Spurr – Australian Director, Prophetic Finders Dan Paterson – Founder, Questioning Christianity  

Going Deeper

Bonus Episode: Talking Justice Event

In a world of differences and divisions, the good news of Jesus can give those who follow Him the posture of patience and listening before jumping to judgement and separation. Tim Fawssett oversees Cross-Cultural Innovation for Scripture Union has experienced first-hand the power of seeing the person behind the beliefs, and the power of genuinely stopping and taking the time to hear someone else's story. Tim spoke with Ps Robyn and Ps Jo in this final episode of our Talking Justice series.More Information about Tim Fawssett and Scripture UnionWeb: The Feast (UK)Web: Scripture Union QLDBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #9: Genuine Dialogue - Tim Fawssett (Scripture Union)

Matters of faith, justice and first nations people have historically been neglected conversations. But God is restoring the voice of Australia's indigenous Christian apostolic leaders and prophetic voices, as a part of the move of God that is stirring. Pastor Ada Boland from the Indigenous Apostolic and Prophetic Voice, and Pastor Di (part of Ps Ada's Visionary Elders Groups) join Ps Robyn and Ps Jo to discuss their faith journey, and the invitation to all people to join into a unified church. More Information about Ps Ada Boland and the Indigenous Apostolic and Prophetic VoiceSocial: Indigenous Apostolic and Prophetic Voice (Facebook)Web: Ps Ada BolandBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #8: Prophetic Voices of the Land - Ps Ada Boland

When we want to connect with people about the Christian faith, the questions of God's existence, justice and the way the world around us seems to work against a vision of flourishing, the questions can be insurmountable. But with compassion, a little insight, and an emphasis on loving others well, we can help bridge those gaps. Dan Patterson, from Questioning Christianity, talks to Ps Jo & Ps Robyn about how we can best talk about justice with those around us.More Information about Dan Patterson & Questioning ChristianityWeb: Questioning ChristianityBook: Dan Patterson & Rian Roux - "Questioning Christianity"Media: Questioning Christianity on YouTubeBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #7: How can we understand God's justice? Dan Patterson (Questioning Christianity)

When something is lost, when someone is in trouble, the Bible tells us that we should turn to God for the answers. But the lived experience of many Christians is not that way. Rob Spurr and the Prophetic Finders ministry do exactly that - they ask God where people and things are. Seem overly simple, or an excuse to not do anything practical? That might be, until you hear from the Lord on people smuggling and break up human trafficking rings! In this next episode of our Talking Justice series, Rob shares with Ps Jo & Ps Robyn both the journey into and daily practices of listening to God to help people find hope. There's so much to do that comes from effective prayer! More Information about Rob Spurr/Prophetic Finders:Social: Prophetic FindersMedia: Destiny Image Podcasts - Rob Spurr/Prophetic Finders Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #6: What can I do…besides just pray? Rob Spurr (Prophetic Finders)

The Oceania/Pacific region covers such a diverse range of cultures, ethnic heritage and spiritual expression. In the midst of that, Elissa MacPherson has the task of uniting women around the truth of Jesus within their common stories. Elissa is the President of the Baptist Women of the Pacific, and Ps Jo Leutton and Ps Robyn Robertson from Riverlife Church talk with her about the blessings and challenges of uniting such a diverse community, as she seeks to walk together with people to unlock deeper compassion and solidarity. More Information about Elissa MacPherson/Baptist Women of the Pacific:Web: Baptist Women of the Pacific - bwpacific.orgEvent: Global Conference of Baptist Women - Life! (Online Conference) Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #5: Walking Together - Elissa McPherson (Baptist Women of the Pacific)

Rod Callanan felt the call of God to invest in the people and future of his home continent of Africa. Small steps of obedience from Rob, then the bigger team including Jen Barker, has resulted in a decade and a half of growth, lives set free, and now influencing changes for justice national legislation changed in Uganda. Ps Robyn Robertson and Ps Jo Leutton spoke to Rod and Jen following the Talking Justice event at Riverlife Church in April 2021.More Information about Droplets In A Stream (DIAS):Web: Droplets In A Stream - DIAS.asn.auVideo: SBS Dateline Documentary - "How To Catch A Witch Doctor"Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #4: Steps of Obedience - Rod Callanan & Jen Barker (DIAS)

Dave Andrews' life has been one marked by responding to opportunities to see what God might do if someone is willing to respond. From Afghanistan to India to the West End of Brisbane, Dave and his wife Angie have spent their life loving everyone God brings into their lives, most often the poorest and most maligned in the places God takes them to. From the disadvantaged, the misunderstood, the marginalised and those who have lost their way, Dave has practised what Jesus taught no matter the cost. He describes himself as a Christian Anarchist and practices non-violence, and the fruit of his life is a challenge and an invitation. Dave spoke with Ps Robyn Robertson and Ps Jo Leutton as part of our Talking Justice series.More Information about Dave Andrews:See Dave's website for information about his books, lectures, teaching and music - daveandrews.com.auBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #3: Action as Intercession - Dave Andrews

God plants seeds throughout our lives that call our hearts to His. Amy Smith is no different: through a childhood exposed to the missional heart of God, through politics, to the International Justice mission, God has been calling her to be a voice for the voiceless. Jo chats with Amy about her journey, and her work as Chief Advocacy Officer at IJM.Continuing our series 'Talking Justice', hosts Jo Leutton and Robyn Robertson are joined by Amy Smith, the Chief Advocacy Officer for International Justice Mission in Australia.More Information about International Justice Mission:IJM is the largest international anti-slavery organisation in the world. We're a team of passionate professionals from a range of backgrounds, with a shared vision to make slavery a thing of the past.Rescue Victims We find people in vulnerable communities that are suffering from violence and oppression and bring them to safety.Restore Survivors We provide trauma therapy and counselling to survivors and give them the training and tools to thrive again.Restrain Criminals We work relentlessly in court to ensure traffickers, slave owners and other criminals cannot hurt others.Repair Justice Systems We are transforming justice systems to protect more than 150 million vulnerable people around the world.If God is awakening in you the heart to partner with IJM on the frontlines in the fight against injustice - there are many ways you can get involved with our work… Work for IJMFrom accountants to network engineers to assistants, our team of professionals has an opportunity to leverage their skills in the fight for justice. Become a Freedom PartnerThis minute, innocent people are being beaten, abused, raped and enslaved. By giving $31 or more a month, together we can rescue and protect them and end slavery in our lifetime. Gather. Act. End SlaveryWe speak up for the silenced. Our vision is for Australia’s government and people to be leaders in ending modern slavery around the world. We build relationships with the government, contributing our expertise to issues of modern slavery and especially cybersex trafficking. IJM Australia has made numerous submissions to Federal and State governments and been invited to speak at hearings into the Modern Slavery Act. Volunteer with IJMVolunteer in your community as a Justice Advocate, mobilising your networks to end slavery or volunteer in Sydney one or more days a week, supporting IJM Australia staff or Volunteer overseas as an Intern or Fellow at one of IJM's offices PrayThe work of justice begins with prayer. As we seek justice on behalf of others, we rely on an all-powerful God to help us do what is only possible with and through him. We invite you to stand with us as an IJM Prayer Partner.  Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #2: Jesus Sets Captives Free! Amy Smith (International Justice Mission)

Advocacy - speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves - is part of Jesus's example to us. But should all believer's be advocates? In the first episode of our series 'Talking Justice', hosts Jo Leutton and Robyn Robertson are joined by the Rev. Tim Costello and Beck Wilesmith from Micah Australia and talk about the importance of advocacy for disciples of Jesus.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper:Web: Micah AustraliaWeb: End COVID for allBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Talking Justice #1: Who Speaks Up? Tim Costello and Beck Wilesmith (Micah Australia)

This episode, we are taking a look at Pete Greig's "How to Pray: a simple Guide for Normal People". Jo is joined by Claudine Hawkins and Ryan Vallee, as they unpack the book, what they learned, and why the book is an essential read for every Christian!Our next book club book will be "Healing the Orphan Spirit" by Leif Hetland. The episode will air on July 29, 2021. Why not read it and join in the conversation?Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper:Purchase: Pete Greig - How To PrayWeb: The Prayer CourseWeb: The Prayer Course II: Unanswered PrayerPurchase: Leif Hetland - Healing the Orphan SpiritBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Book Club #2: How To Pray

As we spend the start of 2021 focussing on Jesus, we're taking the time on Going Deeper to talk to people about their stories of encountering Jesus, and the difference that has made in their lives. Today, Jo chats with Ps Petrea Taylor, the new Children's Pastor at Riverlife, about her journey to being on staff, and her own encounters with Jesus that have profoundly changed her life. Big thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Encountering Jesus #2: Ps Petrea Taylor

As we spend the start of 2021 focussing on Jesus, we're taking the time on Going Deeper to talk to people about their stories of encountering Jesus, and the difference that has made in their lives. Today, Jo chats with Ps Grant Gehrke, the new Family Pastor at Riverlife, about his journey to being on staff, and his own encounters with Jesus that have profoundly changed his life.Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper:Podcast: Grant & Kelly Gehrke - Family on MissionBook: Randy Clark - There is MoreBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Encountering Jesus #1: Ps Grant Gehrke

We launch into 2021 officially as Jo catches up with Riverlife Senior Pastor John Robertson about his heart for 2021: breakthrough that flows from fixing our eyes on Jesus alone. Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper:Podcast: Ps John Robertson - Vision 2021Podcast: Ps Scott McKinnon - History Makers #3: JosiahBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Vision 2021: Breakthrough - Ps John Robertson

This time, we are taking a look at John Mark Comer's "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry". Jo is joined by Aimee Cowan and Scott McKinnon, as they unpack the book, what they learned, and why the book is an important invitation in this chaotic season we find ourselves in!Our next book club book will be "How To Pray" by Pete Greig. The episode will air on April 22. Why not read it and join in the conversation?Resources/Links mentioned in this episode or helpful for Going Deeper:Purchase: John Mark Comer - The Ruthless Elimination of HurryPurchase: Pete Greig - How To PrayBig thanks to Tim Whittle for editing and extra production on this podcast.For more info and how you can help, please contact Riverlife Church, and find us on Facebook and Instagram. Music credit: Scott & Annie McKinnon, 'Revive'.Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, Android and Spotify.

Book Club #1: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

A podcast that explores the culture, practices, and people of Riverlife Baptist Church in Brisbane, Australia. Go behind the scenes with staff and key people, exploring the issues and ideas that unite us together as a family, embracing the Father's presence, releasing empowered people to declare and demonstrate Christ's kingdom.