In honor of Pride month and Pride Sunday at Columbine, I interview Steven Burge. Steven is a friend of Columbine United Church. He is a gay man who is very open about his sexuality and his faith. Together we talk about LBTQI+ issues. He shares some insights from his own life and his journey of coming out. His openness makes for a non threatening co…

Get ready, in this podcast it's me prattling on about one of my favorite topics, predestination and freewill. Now, don't tune me out or get bored. This is something I can't stop thinking about so I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts. It's right at 30 minutes. Listen and see if I don't stir up some of your own ideas.…

Doug Huneke is a rare person. He is a pastor, friend, mentor and an expert on the Nazi Holocaust. Doug's primary focus is on the rescuers - those who risked their lives to rescue Jews from the German concentration camps. His book, The Moses of Rovno, recounts the life of Herman Graebe. Mr Graebe saved over a thousand Jews. Doug's first hand intervi…

In this episode I interview the author Steve Hester. Steve has written one of the best stories of the life of Jesus that I've ever read. The book is funny, serious, poignant and compelling. Malcus and Me had me laughing and wanting to pray all in the same chapter. Listen to Steve share the story of Jesus from the character of Malcus, one of the ear…

You've heard of Birth Doula's, what about a Death Doula? In this episode I interview Vanessa Johnston who is a professional Death Doula. This is a fascinating episode as she shares with us the different ways she coaches people in the process of dying. Please listen and share with someone who might need someone to help them in the final transition o…

Do you fear for the Union? Do you wonder if Republicans and Democrats will ever be able to talk to each other? If so, then you need to listen to this episode. I interview John Schwenkler from Braver Angels. Braver Angels is an organization dedicated to bringing Red and Blue people to the table to listen and talk with each other. John has a great me…

In this episode I interview Damian Mulvaney. Damian and I have known each other for over twenty years. Damian is a skilled screenwriter. He has won many awards for his scripts. His scripts are compelling and tell a great story. The death of his brother is a feature in some of his screenplays. I invite you to listen to Damian share his joy of writin…

In this episode I interview Linda Veres. Together we share the story of her husband's death. Jeff, Linda's husband, and I knew each other for forty years. After a debilitating stroke, and advancing MS, which left him confined to a wheel chair, he made the decision to end his life with MAID, Medical Assist In Dying. Before his death, Jeff gave me th…

I'm back from my sabbatical starting a new season of Cowboy Jesus. In this episode I talk about Jesus discovering his purpose and the reason for why he has been sent by God. Jesus discovers, much to the dismay of his followers and the crowd, what he is supposed to be doing. It begs the question, are you doing what you're supposed to be doing?…

In this episode I interview Rachel Gibson. Rachel is a dynamic person with energy and vision. She's very active on TikTok and many of you might already be following her. If not, you need to! Rachel tells the story of her upbringing in a conservative evangelical church and how she moved away from her fundamentalist beliefs. She now is in the process…

In this episode I interview a friend and colleague, Jason Whitehead. Jason is a true pioneer and visionary. He's a professional life coach, therapist and creator of an online virtual worshiping community called Reframe. His approach to ministry is not only creative but he's joining with others shaping how people of faith gather on line.…

Dave Arnett is a fascinating person who has spent his life mountain climbing throughout the world. He's climbed the seven highest peaks in the different continents. He now spends his time climbing, working on the Douglas County Search and Rescue, and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Enjoy this great interview as Dave reflects on his passion f…

I've known Mitch Samu for over 15 years. We have been colleagues at Columbine United Church. But most importantly, Mitch and I are friends. He visited Columbine and I invited him to be a guest. We talk about creativity and how to take a risk and put yourself out there. Mitch is fun and innovative in his approach to life. Enjoy the interview.…

On February 25th Columbine United Church is hosting the gun buy back program, Guns to Garden tools. In this episode I interview Mike Martin the executive director of Raw Tools. Mike is the guiding visionary for Guns to Garden Tools. Mike talks about the gun culture in the Untied States and how we need to approach conflict in our lives from the pers…

My interview with Jim East deeply moved me. He has a compelling story about growing up in the charismatic church and coming out a gay man. Jim tells the story about the complex relationship he had with the church he loved, but also knowing they would reject him because of his sexuality. As Jim describes his journey he navigates his professional lif…

In this episode I interview Rev. Dee Cooper. Dee is a pastor, leader, and visionary. She is a long time member of the Presbytery of Denver who has just been hired into her new position as Lead Presbytery. Dee is more than just a member of the Presbytery but she has a vision for the denomination and Christianity as a whole. She is as personable as s…

In this episode I interview a friend and colleague, Rev. Russ Kane. Russ is a recently retired Presbyterian Pastor. Together we talk about his career and his insights about the history of the PCUSA. Russ is a leader in the Presbyterian Church and the Denver Presbytery. He is a friend and mentor to many of us who have worked alongside of Russ. Enjoy…

This is the annual Christmas Cowboy Jesus episode. I'm joined by Jill VanderWal, Sarah Rex, and Samantha Bronson. We laugh and share together our fun Christmas memories and traditions. Only one serious topic, the rest is fun!By cowboyjesus

In this episode I interview Rev. Jessica Rooks from the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church. Rev. Rooks is a District Superintendent who has oversight of the Denver Metro churches. We talk together about the current conflict within the denomination over LGBTQI+ issues. It's an eye opening conversation. She has some great insights…

It's one thing to be a progressive theologian, it's an altogether different thing to be a progressive parent raising your children with progressive values. In this episode I sit down with my colleague Jill VanderWal and we explore what it means, and how to do progressive parenting.By cowboyjesus

In this episode I interview Matt Mattson. Matt is a true visionary. We talk together about his faith journey and what has brought him to the point where he is now with a global vision of ministry. He talks about his social media presence in "Today I Pray for You." Matt also shares his new ministry project "Between." Matt believes, and I concur, Bet…

In this episode I interview Samantha Bronson. Samantha is the Minister of Children and Youth at Columbine Untied Church. Samantha has a compelling story of growing up in a conservative evangelical church. She charts her deconstruction process through education and family support. Through committed work and faith exploration she explains how she rec…

In this episode I interview Sarah Rex, the minister of music and worship at Columbine United Church. If you know Sarah she has a lot of energy and vision. Sarah has a compelling story to tell about her life growing up in the conservative evangelical church and how she moved away from fundamentalism in her adult years to embrace a progressive view o…

Should you stay a Christian? There is a huge exodus away from Christianity right now. Many are leaving for some very good reasons. I believe something else. Give me 30 minutes and let's explore Christianity and world religions and why I choose to stay.By cowboyjesus

Today I talk about Death with Dignity and euthanasia. When we approach the end of our lives the option to end our life with dignity should be a choice we are all able to choose. I explore how euthanasia is similar, but different than Death with Dignity, and why one is illegal and the other is legal. Take thirty minutes and enjoy the conversation.…

Maybe either you or a loved one has contemplated suicide. What do you believe happens to their soul after they have died. In this episode I continue the conversation about how suicide affects the state of the soul after death. I share an experience where someone asked me some hard questions about suicide and hell. I also cover what other religions …

In this episode I talk about what happens to the soul after someone completes suicide. I explore my manuscript from Damned to Dignified which is an interfaith exploration of suicide. I'm going to cover this topic in three episodes. This is the first installment. Pop in your ear buds and give a listen!…

Everybody has an opinion about forgiving student loans. Does our faith have any thing to say about this controversial topic? Yes it does. In this episode I share how the Prophets from the Hebrew Bible would respond. In addition I apply the teachings of Jesus. Put in your ear pods and give a listen! Steve…

There is a spectrum in faith expression today. Some define themselves as spiritual but not religious. Others have strong beliefs but don't identify with any religious tradition. Then there are those whose spirituality and beliefs are expressed through their participation in a religion. Where do you fall on this spectrum? Pop in your headphones and …

People often ask me, "What happens after we die?" Though none of us know exactly what happens, I have a few ideas. I've talked with many people who have had life after death experiences. I've also studied some other religions. Take a few moments and I'll share with you my beliefs.By cowboyjesus

In this episode I share a real story about a young man who survived a helicopter crash. It was an amazing story about a premonition he had that he ignored. Have you ever had a premonition? Did you pay attention to it or disregard it? Thanks for listening as I tell you the story.By cowboyjesus

In this episode I join with Samantha Bronson to discuss our thought about Easter, how it has affected our lives and how Easter has shaped Church history. Listen and get ready for Easter Sunday!By cowboyjesus

In this episode I explore Just War Theory and apply it to our Christian Faith. I ask if it would be just for the US and Nato countries to come to the aid of Ukraine. I then explore should christians engage warfare. Do the teachings of Jesus allow for a just cause to take up arms? The episode last just over 30 minutes. Give a listen.…

Welcome to the Cowboy Jesus Podcast. In this episode I interview Rená Koesler. Rená has just published her second book called Unflappable. It's a great book about lessons on leadership based upon her outdoor adventures mountain climbing around the world. She has trekked through Nepal several times. She's a noted speaker and professional coach. Come…

In this episode Steve joins Rev. Jill VanderWal and Samantha Bronson to talk about the Purity Movement that grew out of the Evangelical church. The movement is a drive to ensure teenage virginity until marriage. Each of the three have a different experience with the movement and how it affected their lives and ministry. The three of them in this li…

In this Episode Steve explores different aspects of Jesus' resurrection. Was Jesus' body physically resuscitated, bodily transformed, or spiritually resurrected? Give a listen and expand your ideas about what happened 2,000 years ago.By cowboyjesus

In this episode Steve draws upon his personal experience, as well as 38 years helping guide people through the process of faith deconstruction. Steve offers different insights and ideas you can use when you're looking for ways to reconstruct your faith into something new.By cowboyjesus

In this episode Steve continues the conversation on the differences between Progressive Christians and Evangelicals. Today he explores the different views of the Bible. He asks, Why didn't Jesus write a book? Why do we need the Bible? How do we interpret the Bible? Is the Bible authoritative in the same way that the Koran is for Muslims. Steve expl…

In this episode Steve explains the differences between Progressive Christians and Evangelical Christians and their views of hell and who goes there. Steve reviews different scripture passages that argue for hell, and then those passages that argue for universal salvation. Listen and see if you're as convinced as Steve that through Jesus the entire …

Continuing the series on Progressive vs. Evangelical Perspectives. Several people have asked Steve, "What is the difference between Progressive and Evangelical Christians?" There are some major differences between the two. In this episode Steve continues the discussion by talking about the Progressive view of radical inclusion of all people, especi…

Steve begins a series on Progressive vs. Evangelical perspectives on a variety of different topics. In this episode Steve examines the nature of suffering from a Progressive Christian perspective vs. an Evangelical perspective. Instead of assuming that all Christians believe the same about God and the nature of suffering, come listen to some views …

Steve's back with a new podcast name, Cowboy Jesus! In this episode Steve revisits a topic he covered a couple years ago, "Did Jesus die for my sins?" A lot of people have asked this question as of late, so Steve decided to take another stab at answering.By stevepoosbenson

Do you believe God works in strange and mysterious ways? If so then Steve has a story for you. In this episode Steve continues the story of the theft of his identity. What started as a lesson about forgiveness takes a drastic turn when Steve's identity is used to commit a crime, and a warrant goes out for his arrest!…

As Steve reflects on the racial issues that have swept across the country, he finds a connection to school shootings. Steve has given most of his career to ending school shootings. He sees a great number of similarities between the two issues. Steve believes there are solutions to both if we're willing to look in the mirror and respond to the face …

In this episode Steve tells the story of when his identity was stolen. Listen, as he talks about anger, resentment, and forgiveness.By stevepoosbenson

In this episode Steve tells the story of his recent accident stacking hay and lessons he has learned. When accidents come our way we need to take stock of who we are, what we've learned about ourselves, and the world around us. We need to allow accidents to become life tests that bring courage and endurance as well as compassion and blessing.…

To enjoy an abundant life we need overcome our fears. In this episode Steve presents ten steps that he follows in his own life. Thanks for listening.By stevepoosbenson

What do you when your faith feels more like walking across a dusty plateau than a lush forest? In this podcast Steve offers ten ways to get your life off of the spiritual plateau.By stevepoosbenson

In this podcast Steve explores what it means to be authentic. Authenticity grows out of a clear sense of who we are at our core, our values and finding congruence between them.By stevepoosbenson

Steve continues the conversation about Ambition. He talks about ambition as it relates to meaning in life. When we fulfill our ambitions we find meaning. Ambition is a sacred expression of why God sent us into the planet. Additionally Steve explores the New Testament's view of ambition as well as ambition during COVID-19. Thanks for listening!…