Pursuing Faith with Dominic Done

Dominic sat down with Shelbi Shutt for a thoughtful conversation about suffering, faith, and what redemption looks like over time. Shelbi is a pastor, speaker, and writer who has spent years helping people navigate faith honestly, especially in seasons marked by limitation and uncertainty. She’s served in church leadership for a long time, including A Jesus Church in Portland, and she currently serves at Church of the City New York with pastor Jon Tyson. She has also been involved with work through Alpha USA, Practicing the Way, and other formation spaces focused on lived discipleship. In this conversation, Shelbi shares about being diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a teenager and how that moment reshaped her sense of identity, faith, and the future she imagined. She talks openly about grief, weakness, and the slow work of learning how to stay present to God without rushing toward easy answers. Together, Dominic and Shelbi reflect on dependence, presence, and belonging, drawing from Scripture and voices like Eleonore Stump, Augustine, Irenaeus and John Swinton. They also talk about forgiving God and why the church’s response to disability and long-term suffering needs to be rethought. The conversation keeps returning to one central idea: healing doesn’t always mean things change, but it does mean not being alone. Mentioned in this episode: Rich & Lydia Dicas - Still Here EP Please visit us at www.pursuingfaith.org

Dominic Done speaks with Stan Jantz, author, publisher, and founding CEO of the Come and See Foundation, the organization behind the global distribution of The Chosen. Stan has spent decades shaping how the Christian story is told, from leading a major Christian bookstore chain to co-authoring more than 75 books, and now helping bring the life of Jesus to audiences around the world through one of the most watched faith-based series ever made. Much of the conversation centers on The Chosen and why it has struck such a nerve. Stan talks about how the series presents Jesus as attentive, present, and fully human, and why that matters for people who feel tired of religious performance or wounded by church culture. They reflect on moments from the show that slow the story down, linger with pain and doubt, and allow viewers to encounter Jesus rather than be argued into belief. The conversation also moves through Stan’s own story of change. He reflects on leaving a successful family business, the quiet grief that often accompanies real calling, and the strange in-between space where faith has to be lived without certainty. Dominic and Stan talk about imagination, beauty, and storytelling not as decoration, but as the way faith becomes believable again, especially for those who have been disappointed or disillusioned. www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic sits down with his friend Jesse Lusko, a pastor in Portland whose life and ministry were reshaped by a mental health breakdown that cost him the church he planted and nearly his life. They talk openly about childhood trauma, bipolar disorder, and the months of despair that followed his collapse, including stepping away from ministry and leaving the city he once loved. Years later, Jesse returned to Portland with clarity and hard-won self-knowledge, planted a new church, and now leads a thriving community in one of the most secular cities in the country, baptizing people who once identified as atheists. This conversation explores mental health in the church, faith after breakdown, and the quiet work of return. It’s an honest and hopeful look at what can remain when certainty collapses but faith endures. Podcast Links: Pursuing Faith

In this Advent episode, we step into Mary’s song - the Magnificat - one of the most profound and disruptive prayers in Scripture. Luke 1:46–56 becomes our guide as we explore why this young woman’s words have shaped centuries of faith, justice, and worship. We discover how the Greek word megaluno (“to magnify”) reframes our understanding of worship, how every line of the Magnificat draws from the Old Testament, and how Mary holds together God’s past faithfulness, her present reality, and the unfolding hope of future generations. Taught by Dominic Done, this message moves into the heart of the Magnificat’s theology: God as divine warrior who confronts injustice, and God as the giver of hesed - a steadfast, covenant love that meets us in humility and transforms us from within. We’re invited to follow Mary’s example by worshiping before the promise is fulfilled, trusting before the evidence appears, and choosing to magnify God rather than our fears or anxieties. For anyone wrestling with perspective, overwhelm, or the pull of negativity, this episode offers a simple but disruptive truth: what we magnify shapes who we become. In a world that fixates on the urgent and the fearful, Mary points us toward a better focus. Podcast Links: Pursuing Faith

Christine Caine is a best-selling author, international speaker, justice advocate, and the founder of A21, one of the world’s leading organizations combatting human trafficking. She’s also the founder of Propel Women, a movement dedicated to empowering and equipping women to live out their purpose. But beyond the platforms and influence, Christine is someone who has walked through deep valleys - and emerged with a flourishing faith. In this episode, Christine shares her powerful story of identity, calling, and redemption. We talk about what it was like to discover - later in life - that she had been adopted, and how that moment created what psychologists call a narrative fracture, forcing her to reexamine the story she’d always believed about herself. But as she shares so honestly, that fracture became the very place where God’s voice broke through: “Before I was born, the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name” (Isaiah 49:1). We explore the themes of suffering and calling, asking how God works through brokenness and how the darkest moments of our story often become the starting point of our purpose. Christine opens up about founding A21 and what she’s learned from walking with people who had every reason to stop believing in God - and didn’t. Podcast Links: Pursuing Faith

In this episode, Dominic talks with artist and creative leader Calvin Nowell about what it looks like to walk through grief while holding on to God. Calvin shares about losing his entire family within a year, the impact of church hurt, and the slow process of healing through counseling, community, and worship. They talk about what it means to live honestly with pain, how worship can become a place of quiet restoration, and how creativity plays a role in making space for others to heal. Calvin is the founder of Aware Worship, The Choir Room, and Cmon Creative, and has worked behind the scenes with artists like CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder, and Tori Kelly. His journey includes both loss and grace—and offers something meaningful for anyone learning to breathe again after heartache. Podcast Links: Pursuing Faith Calvin Nowell on Youtube

In this eye-opening episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic Done sits down with Benjamin Nolot, founder and CEO of Exodus Cry, a leading organization dedicated to ending human trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation. Benji is a filmmaker, activist, and advocate whose work has exposed the hidden realities of exploitation through powerful documentaries like *Nefarious: Merchant of Souls* and *Liberated: The New Sexual Revolution*. Together, we dive into the root causes of human trafficking, its undeniable connection to pornography, and the systemic issues that fuel exploitation worldwide. Benji shares his insights on how culture, policy, and personal choices intersect in this fight, and what we can do to challenge the narratives that normalize exploitation. This is a conversation that will challenge, inform, and inspire you to be part of the solution. Podcast Links: Pursuing Faith Exodus Cry on Instagram Raised on Porn by Benjamin Nolot

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, we continue our season of exploring faith with a special guest—New York Times bestselling author Bob Goff. Bob joins us to discuss his latest book, Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility, a devotional designed to spark curiosity, joy, and a renewed sense of wonder in everyday life. Together, we dive into what it means to embrace whimsy as a way of following Jesus, how redemption shapes our understanding of faith, and why living with open hands can change everything. We also tackle the deeper side of faith—how to redeem suffering, find meaning in hardship, and hold on to hope even when life doesn’t go as planned. Bob’s wisdom and contagious enthusiasm make this an episode you won’t want to miss. Podcast Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

The story of the prodigal son isn’t just one of the most powerful parables in the Bible—it’s one of the most enduring stories in culture, inspiring countless works of art, music, and literature throughout history. But beyond its cultural impact lies a deeply personal truth: it’s a story about grace, forgiveness, and coming home. In this episode, we explore the profound meaning behind Jesus’ parable, uncovering how both the rebellious younger son and the self-righteous older brother reveal our struggles—and how God’s extravagant love meets us wherever we are. No matter how far we’ve wandered or how lost we feel, God’s arms are always open. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The free study guide for *When Faith Fails* is now available! This companion guide is designed to help you go deeper, with chapter-by-chapter insights, engaging questions, and space for personal reflection. Perfect for individual study or group discussions. Download your copy today at pursuingfaith.org/study-guide Podcast Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The free study guide for *When Faith Fails* is now available! This companion guide is designed to help you go deeper, with chapter-by-chapter insights, engaging questions, and space for personal reflection. Perfect for individual study or group discussions. Download your copy today at pursuingfaith.org/study-guide --- We then dive into a message Dominic gave recently, called "Habits of a Healthy Heart." We'll explore what it means to cultivate a heart that thrives in God's purpose by unpacking Scripture and three essential Hebrew words—Shalom, Ashre, and Tamim. These beautiful words offer a pathway to inner transformation, encouraging a life marked by generosity, integrity, and wholeness. This episode invites you to build a heart that radiates God’s love and peace to those around you.

In this episode, we look at Acts 8, exploring the powerful story of how the early church responded to opposition. This episode begins by examining the catalyst for revival in Judea and Samaria—persecution that scattered believers but also ignited a movement that would transform entire regions. We unpack Philip's evangelistic efforts in Samaria, where miraculous signs and conversions took place, including the intriguing encounter with Simon the Sorcerer. Through Simon’s story, we reflect on the dangers of trying to manipulate God's power and the importance of genuine faith and surrender. Podcast Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, we sit down with Dr. Bethany Sollereder, a leading theologian and scholar known for her innovative work at the crossroads of theology and science. We explore her latest book, Why Is There Suffering?: Pick Your Own Theological Expedition, which invites readers to navigate different perspectives on one of life’s most profound questions. Bethany also shares personal stories from her time at Oxford, including her unique experience living at C.S. Lewis's house, and we discuss how theology and philosophy grapple with the problem of evil. We delve into her recent books, unpacking the deep questions that arise when faith meets the challenges of modern science and suffering. Podcast Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Moses, exploring Acts 7:20-34. Moses was a shepherd, yet called by God to deliver his people. We’ll explore how Moses' life exemplifies the "hero’s journey” which has been deeply influential in great works of art, stories and movies. We also reflect on Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, whose life and martyrdom sparked a revival that spread the gospel far and wide. We’ll see how these interwoven narratives create parallels to our own lives and the human quest for purpose and meaning. This episode invites you to see how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things and reminds us of our mission to bring freedom and hope to a world in need. Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, we dive into Acts 5:12-16 to uncover the extraordinary events where the apostles performed miraculous healings. We explore how these acts of divine intervention polarized responses, with some people filled with faith and others gripped by fear. We'll discuss the profound questions these stories raise about the nature of healing: Does it still happen today? How does God heal? What is the purpose of healing? Discover how healing is a sign of God's power and presence, a return to His original vision, and a promise for the future. Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, we explore Jesus' declaration, "I am the light of the world" made during the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish festival. Jesus' words challenge the religious leaders and offer a radical vision of spiritual guidance and human flourishing. We'll dive into the rich symbolism of light in biblical theology, the historical context of Jesus' statement, and its powerful implications for our lives today. Discover how following Jesus can illuminate our path, dispel darkness, and lead us into a life filled with purpose, hope, and freedom. Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, Dominic talks about the reality and power of miracles. Every one of us longs for a miracle in our lives. It could be the need for a physical, mental, or emotional miracle. Perhaps a breakthrough in a relationship or finances. The Bible is full of miracle stories. But these stories aren’t just superstitious legends; they're hope-filled reminders of what God can do in our life right now. Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

Acts 2 records one of the greatest and most important sermons ever preached. God used it to spearhead a revival that turned the world upside down. What’s surprising, however, is not that God used words to initiate a revolution — but who he used to speak it. In this message, Dominic shares how grace retells the story of our failure and makes it something beautiful. As Brennan Manning wrote, "To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God's grace means: that a saint is not someone who is good but who experiences the goodness of God.” Links: www.PursuingFaith.org Thrive Conference - Granite Bay, CA

In this episode of Pursuing Faith, Dominic explores John 8, and the words Jesus spoke to a woman who was full of shame. He said to her, “neither do I condemn you, go your way and sin no more." When we are in a place of shame, the natural response is to hide our truest self or to push people away. For example, in the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve ate of a tree and realized they were ‘naked and ashamed’ and immediately hid from God. Shame always causes isolation, because intimacy is the risk that our shame will be exposed. In the words of Bene Brown, “Shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change.” But here’s the good news: because of grace, we don’t have to live in shame anymore. In a world that continuously lies about our identity, that loves to remind us of all that we’re not — not rich enough, smart enough, good-looking enough, or famous enough—God says: You are mine. And you always have been. Nothing can change that. You are not defined by the mistakes you’ve made but by the grace of God. Links: www.pursuingfaith.org

In this episode, Dominic has a conversation with Joseph Clair. Joseph serves as the executive dean of the Cultural Enterprise, which encompasses the humanities, theology, and education. He is also dean of the College of Humanities and an associate professor of theology and culture. Before joining the George Fox faculty in 2013, he earned his PhD in the religion, ethics and politics program at Princeton University while also working as an assistant in instruction. His efforts were rewarded with a Department of Religion Teaching Award (2011-12) and a Graduate Prize Fellowship from Princeton’s Center for Human Values (2012-13). Prior to Princeton, Clair earned an MPhil at the University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar. He also holds master’s degrees from Fordham and Duke University, as well as a bachelor’s degree from Wheaton College. His research and teaching interests include Christian thought and ethics and the role of religion in public life. He is the author of Discerning the Good in the Letters and Sermons of Augustine (Oxford UP, 2016) and Reading Augustine: On Education, Formation, Citizenship, and the Lost Purpose of Learning (Bloomsbury, 2018). Clair lives on a hobby farm outside of Newberg with his wife, Nora, and their four children. Links: www.pursuingfaith.org Christi

In John 6, Jesus allowed his disciples to sail into a storm. But why? Why would he allow them to face something that they were terrified of experiencing? In this episode, Dominic shares three ways that God uses storms in our life: To grow our faith, strengthen our hope, and deepen our love. Pursuing Faith Events Calendar Thrive Bible Conference in Granite Bay, CA