In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp converses with Victoria Loorz, a wild church pastor, eco spiritual director, and author, about her unique perspective on spirituality and nature. Victoria discusses her journey from being a pastor of indoor churches to founding the first Church of the Wild in Ojai, California, and her involvement with the Ecumenical Wild Church Network. The conversation delves into the concept of 'Wild Spirituality,' emphasizing a reorientation of relationships with the living world through a 'wild Christ.' Victoria unpacks the spiritual significance of integrating nature with religious practices, the importance of remembering and reconnecting with the sacredness of all life forms, and how scripture grounds her work. They explore the transformational power of experiencing God's presence in nature, the importance of grief in spiritual journeys, and the role of language in shaping spiritual understanding. The discussion highlights practical steps for fostering a deeper connection with nature, even in urban settings, and how these practices can help heal trauma and resist the modern pressures of empire and disconnection.

Victoria Loorz is a wild church pastor, an eco-spiritual director and co-founder of several transformation-focused organizations focused on the integration of nature and spirituality. She feels most alive when collaborating with Mystery and kindred spirits to create opportunities for people to re-member themselves back into intimate, sacred relationship with the rest of the living world.

After twenty years as a pastor of indoor churches, she launched the first Church of the Wild, in Ojai CA and began to meet others with the same sense of call to leave building and expand the Beloved Community beyond our own species. She then co-founded the ecumenical Wild Church Network. She is also the author of Church of the Wild, and coauthor of Field Guide to Church of the Wild.

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' host Andrew Camp converses with Laura Baghdassarian Murray, Director of Spiritual Engagement and Innovation at Fuller Seminary and author of 'Becoming a Person of Welcome.' Laura shares her journey in practicing and understanding hospitality, particularly how it evolved during the pandemic through digital silent retreats. They discuss the theological foundation of hospitality, various influences on Laura’s work, the importance of carrying a posture of welcome, and navigating the challenges within hospitality, including boundaries. Laura emphasizes experimenting with small practices to deepen hospitality and cultivate authentic and meaningful connections.

Laura Baghdassarian Murray is the director of spiritual engagement and innovation at Fuller Seminary's Center for Spiritual Formation. She is the author of Pray as You Are, serves on the Ministry Collaborative Advisory Board, and previously served at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as the pastor of spiritual formation. Laura is also the founder of the Digital Silent Retreat Ministry, which is rooted in the practice of hospitality to provide brave and courageous spaces for people to connect with God and others (www.digitalsilentretreats.com). Her newest book is Becoming a Person of Welcome, which was just published by InterVarsity. She lives in the Dallas area with her husband and two children.

Laura's website: https://laurabmurray.com/

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.

In this episode of The Biggest Table, host Andrew Camp talks with Joash Thomas, an author and advocate with a diverse background ranging from politics to human rights. Born in India and currently living in Canada, Joash shares his journey from political consultancy in the U.S. to becoming passionate about justice and human rights. The discussion delves into Joash's experiences growing up in a multi-denominational Christian family in Mumbai, the role of food and hospitality in South Asian culture, and how his faith has evolved. They also explore the themes of his new book, 'The Justice of Jesus,' which challenges Christians to view justice through the lens of faith, moving beyond traditional evangelical perspectives to embrace a more holistic approach. The conversation emphasizes the importance of re-centering the Christian practice around the table, especially the Eucharist, as a means of embodying Jesus' teachings on justice and love for marginalized communities.

Joash Thomas Bio:
Born and raised in India, Joash served as a U.S. political consultant and lobbyist before pivoting to global human rights advocacy. Now based in the Toronto area, he holds a master’s degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and has completed master’s degrees in Christian Leadership and Christian Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. A Deacon in the Diocese of St. Anthony, Joash is also the author of the new book The Justice of Jesus, which was just released September 30.

Connect with Joash:

• Buy The Justice of Jesus
• Joash's Website
• Joash's Substack
• Joash's Instagram

This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com.