WELCOME TO THE THREAD
The Thread is a brand-new podcast, brought to you by Alpha, hosted by Stephen Foster.
In this podcast, we make space for fresh perspectives on Christian leadership, global culture, and evangelism in our changing world. In every episode of The Thread, we’ll be weaving together timely topics, global insights, and diverse points of view, hosted in free-flowing conversations with leaders from around the globe.
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EPISODE 01
JON TYSON
Welcome to The Thread! In our first episode, Stephen Foster talks with Jon Tyson, who shares his own leadership journey - from dropping out of school at 14 to leading a community of people at Church of the City New York and seeking renewal and revival in the Western church today.
In this conversation, Stephen and Jon discuss a God-centred approach to leadership, how our hunger attracts the presence of God, and some practical guidance for Christian leaders today on praying Kingdom prayers, living in reliance on the Holy Spirit and what to do when resistance gets in the way.
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EPISODE 02
JOdie lintern
In our second episode of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Jodie Lintern, student outreach pastor at St Aldates Church in Oxford. Driven by her own radical coming to faith, Jodie shares wisdom from the front row of working with the rising generation in the church today.
From the importance of authenticity, to creating a culture of feedback and the value of proximity over perfection, this conversation offers practical and hope-filled insights on what God is doing in young people today.
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EPISODE 03
mark sayers
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen talks with Mark Sayers on how the Church is uniquely placed to navigate today's 'grey zone' of transition and uncertainty with a steadfast hope and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
In this conversation, Stephen and Mark look at the opportunities that are awakening as secularism faces a moment of doubt, discussing the historic pattern of crisis preceding renewal and how suffering is a well-worn track in the path of a leader.
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EPISODE 04
shaila visser
In episode 4 of The Thread, Stephen is joined by Shaila Visser, National Director of Alpha Canada and Global Senior Vice-President of Alpha International. Shaila shares learnings from her own remarkable journey in leadership.
In this conversation, Shaila and Stephen discuss what it looks like to live a truly surrendered life, why breadth of leadership requires spiritual depth, and how to clear the way for the rising generation.
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EPISODE 05
n.t. wright
In this episode of The Thread, Stephen Foster speaks with New Testament Scholar, thinker and theologian, N.T. Wright.
This conversation centres on the resurrection of Jesus, looking at both the historical evidence supporting its truth and the significance it marks for God’s new creation on earth. Talking about being identified in Christ, the role of the Church today and the importance of imagination in the life of a follower of Christ, we hope you this episode.
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EPISODE 06
Keithen Schwahn
In this episode, Stephen is joined by Keithen Schwahn, who is Pastor of Young People at Church of the City New York.
In this conversation, Stephen and Keithen dive into what is rising in young people today – from boldness to a spiritual openness and a hunger for truth. Keithen shares from his own journey about the importance of protecting the hope in your own spirit, building on truth and how to become a person of intercession and be set on fire with a contending heart of prayer.
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EPISODE 07
RACHEL
GARDNER
In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from a theology dissertation on the Spice Girls to grassroots youth ministry in Blackburn. She explores the spiritual hunger of today’s teens, the most irreligious generation in history, yet simultaneously marked by a powerful spiritual hunger, and how the church can meet them with authenticity, hope, and the transformative presence of Jesus.
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EPISODE 08
dan
blythe
In this episode, Stephen is joined by Alpha’s Global Youth Director, Dan Blythe. Dan works alongside young people and youth leaders globally to inspire, innovate and support the mission of Alpha to bring the gospel to young people around the world. In this conversation, Dan shares his own journey into faith at a young age, the values and priorities of the ‘now’ generation and his own tips for fighting fear, dismantling pride and living out the ‘new thing’ that God has for your life.
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