Jerry Sittser On the Early Church “Third Way”, Re-introducing a Christian Imagination, and Navigating Grief through a Redemptive Lens
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How can the Church remain faithful in a rapidly changing cultural landscape? What can we learn from the early Christians who thrived in a secular world?
In this episode, Jerry Sittser, professor emeritus at Whitworth University and author of Resilient Faith and A Grace Disguised, joins Jason Ballard to explore the relevance of early Christian practices in today's world. Jerry unpacks how the first Christians navigated a pagan culture, why discipleship—not cultural Christianity—defines true faith, and what it looks like to build a church culture that forms resilient disciples. He also shares deeply personal reflections on grief, loss, and how to carry both pain and joy in a redemptive way.
Key Takeaways:
Why early Christianity provides a model for faithfulness today
The importance of discipleship in a post-Christian world
How to reintroduce the Christian story in today’s culture
Learning to carry grief and loss with hope
We hope this conversation fills you with fresh vision and encouragement as you lead and disciple others in this ever-changing world.
Jerry Sittser
Jerry has been a professor emeritus of theology and senior fellow at Whitworth University, specializing in the History of Christianity, Christian Spirituality, and Religion in American Public Life. He is now retired and spends much of his time with his 11 grandchildren.
He has written nine books, among them are A Grace Disguised, The Will of God as a Way of Life, and Water from a Deep Well. And his most recent book, Resilient Faith: How the Early Christian “Third Way” Changed the World, which explores how the early Christian movement developed such a clear and unique identity in the ancient world and, against all odds, grew into a formidable force long before Christianity became a legally recognized religion.