FamilyLife Today®

In this episode, Dave and Ann Wilson engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Lisa Fields, the founder and CEO of the Jude 3 Project. They explore themes of faith, doubt, disappointment, and the emotional struggles Christians often face when their experiences seem to conflict with their beliefs. The conversation opens with a question about a book titled "When Faith Disappoints," which deeply resonates with the hosts, particularly Dave, due to his own past struggles with faith crises.

Lisa shares that the book is, in part, a memoir of her own faith journey, including her struggles as a seminary student who faced a crisis of faith. Dave and Lisa discuss an emotionally impactful moment in Dave's life when he questioned the reality of his faith after encountering the harsh realities of the world, like terrorism and violence against innocent children. Lisa recounts a memorable conversation with her professor, where, instead of offering deep theological explanations, her professor simply said, “me too,” which helped validate her doubts and let her know that her struggles were normal.

The discussion then shifts to Lisa’s ministry, the Jude 3 Project, which she started as a passion project to equip Black Christians with apologetics and engage skeptics. She reflects on the lack of representation of African Americans in the apologetics space and her motivation to fill that gap. The project began humbly, but grew to serve a significant need within her community. Dave and Lisa also discuss the challenges of working in ministry while dealing with the pressures of maintaining a personal connection with God. Both share their own experiences of burnout, disillusionment, and the crucial importance of community and therapy in overcoming these crises of faith.

The hosts talk about the emotional toll that disappointment can take on a believer, emphasizing that doubt is a normal part of the Christian journey and should not be repressed. Lisa emphasizes that it’s important for Christians, especially parents, to create spaces where young people can vocalize their doubts and disappointments. She believes that listening to their struggles without judgment and offering shared vulnerability helps foster a safe environment for growth.

Finally, the episode touches on the rising trend of Gen Z exploring spirituality outside of traditional Christianity, seeking supernatural experiences and peace. Lisa and Dave discuss how understanding this generational shift can offer opportunities to engage young people in conversations about faith in a way that respects their experiences and questions.

The conversation is heartfelt and practical, offering listeners valuable insights on navigating doubt, disappointment, and spiritual growth.