Curious Thinking & The Restored Self: Journey of Faithful Inquiry

January 4, 2024

In this enlightening episode of “Anchored & Reaching,” host Kevin Mannoia, along with guest host Susanna Fleming, discuss the vital role of curious thinking in Christian life and its impact on one’s sense of self. They delve into how curiosity and questioning are not just allowed but encouraged in a dynamic relationship with God.

The episode addresses the fear and apprehension often associated with asking difficult questions about faith, and it promotes a narrative that sees questioning as a path to deeper understanding and a more profound relationship with God. They touch on the concept of deconstructionism and how, when done with the intention of seeking truth, it can lead to a more fortified faith. Finally, the episode concludes with the idea of the “restored self,” emphasizing how an inquisitive, open-minded approach to faith can lead to personal transformation and a deeper alignment with God’s vision.

Video series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUas9Df0pbsBSvoJTRLz_XWSMDtZ346PnMasterful Living Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Masterful-Living-Kevin-Mannoia-dp-1600393055/dp/1600393055/ref=dp_ob_image_bkSusanna’s Class at Aldersgate School of Ministry: Aldersgatesom.comKevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com

Key TakeawaysCuriosity as a Christian Virtue: Embrace questioning and curiosity as integral to a dynamic faith.Deconstruction for Reconstruction: Understand deconstructionism as a process that, when approached thoughtfully, can lead to a more mature faith.Faith in Questioning: Realize that questioning is not a sign of weak faith but a pursuit of a deeper, more robust understanding.Restored Self through Inquiry: Discover how a journey of faithful inquiry can lead to a restored self, more aligned with God’s vision.Helpful Bible ReferencesPsalm 27:4: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”Job 38: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.”John 1:1-5: Discussing the Word being with God and the light shining in the darkness.KeywordsCuriosityRestored SelfDeconstruction,Christian Life,Faithful Inquiry,Dynamic Faith,Spiritual Growth.

About the Podcast”Anchored & Reaching” is a weekly podcast for those eager to explore God’s ongoing story and find their place in it. Host Kevin Mannoia engages in thought-provoking conversations, offering practical insights and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders. The podcast aims to inspire listeners to live dynamically, rooted in faith while actively engaging with the world.

Email: [email protected] Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com

Annual Conference 2024 – Serena Oriero
Annual Conference 2024 – Serena Oriero

Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

Incoming Leaders
The Free Methodist Church is committed to raising up new leaders within the church that seek to build new congregations, grow ministries that impact communities, and train the next generation of leaders serving with them.

Elders
After completing the Ministerial Candidate process and engaging in thorough discernment with mentors and the Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, the Free Methodist Church acknowledges this journey through ordination – a testament to God’s calling for service within the church. We embrace these newly ordained Elders and pray for divine blessings in their ministries.

Conference Ministerial Candidates
The Conference Ministerial Candidate (CMC) process provides an opportunity to discern God’s calling, obtain educational training, and gain practical experience that reveals each candidate’s unique gifts and talents. We welcome these incoming Ministerial Candidates and pray for their progress and development throughout this process.

Annual Conference 2024 – Ta’Tyana Leonard
Annual Conference 2024 – Ta’Tyana Leonard

Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

Incoming Leaders
The Free Methodist Church is committed to raising up new leaders within the church that seek to build new congregations, grow ministries that impact communities, and train the next generation of leaders serving with them.

Elders
After completing the Ministerial Candidate process and engaging in thorough discernment with mentors and the Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, the Free Methodist Church acknowledges this journey through ordination – a testament to God’s calling for service within the church. We embrace these newly ordained Elders and pray for divine blessings in their ministries.

Conference Ministerial Candidates
The Conference Ministerial Candidate (CMC) process provides an opportunity to discern God’s calling, obtain educational training, and gain practical experience that reveals each candidate’s unique gifts and talents. We welcome these incoming Ministerial Candidates and pray for their progress and development throughout this process.

Annual Conference 2024 – Mari Otsuka
Annual Conference 2024 – Mari Otsuka

Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

Incoming Leaders
The Free Methodist Church is committed to raising up new leaders within the church that seek to build new congregations, grow ministries that impact communities, and train the next generation of leaders serving with them.

Elders
After completing the Ministerial Candidate process and engaging in thorough discernment with mentors and the Ministerial Education & Guidance Board, the Free Methodist Church acknowledges this journey through ordination – a testament to God’s calling for service within the church. We embrace these newly ordained Elders and pray for divine blessings in their ministries.

Conference Ministerial Candidates
The Conference Ministerial Candidate (CMC) process provides an opportunity to discern God’s calling, obtain educational training, and gain practical experience that reveals each candidate’s unique gifts and talents. We welcome these incoming Ministerial Candidates and pray for their progress and development throughout this process.