STEVE CHALKE / THE JOURNEY OF ACCEPTANCE AND BELONGING
In this conversation, Steve Chalke and Jason explore themes of faith, love, and inclusion, reflecting on personal experiences and the legacy of influential figures like Tony Campolo. They discuss the impact of poverty and trauma on communities, the nature of God’s love, and the importance of relational theology.
The dialogue emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of traditional theological views, advocating for a more inclusive and loving approach within the church and society.
For more information on Steve Chalke:
Oasis Charitable Trust: www.oasisuk.org
Academy For Hope: https://www.academyforhope.org/
Please rate, review, share, and subscribe!
Podcast intro and outro music by Wilde Assembly
TULLIAN TCHIVIDJIAN / IT IS FINISHED
In this engaging conversation, Tullian Tchividjian and Jason explore the transformative power of grace and the theological shifts that lead to a deeper understanding of God’s love. They discuss personal stories of struggle and redemption, the importance of safe spaces in relationships, and the cultural reflections on grace in society. The conversation also touches on the role of recovery in understanding grace and the challenges faced within religious circles.
For more info on Tullian Tchividjian:
Website: https://www.tullian.net/
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Podcast intro and outro music by Wilde Assembly
RETHINKING GOD WITH TACOS / CHAPTER ONE: WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
In this podcast, Jason Clark introduces his new book, ‘Rethinking God with Tacos,’ which explores themes of union, relationship with God, and the nature of the gospel. He shares insights from various conversations with guests on his podcast, emphasizing the importance of understanding the gospel as good news and the relational aspect of faith. The podcast also highlights the significance of community and upcoming events related to the book.
TAKEAWAYS
– The book ‘Rethinking God with Tacos’ is a culmination of conversations from the podcast.
– Union is a central theme throughout the book.
– The gospel is presented as good news, not just a theological concept.
– Jason emphasizes the importance of relationship with God.
– Baxter Kruger is highlighted as a foundational voice in the book.
– The nature of God is explored through a relational lens.
– The journey of faith is one of discovery and transformation.
– Community plays a vital role in the exploration of faith.
– Upcoming events will foster deeper connections and discussions.
For more on THE BOOK & COMMUNITY
Website: https://afamilystory.audiencetap.com/qc/wU0gQoHxDx
Please rate, review, share, and subscribe!
Podcast intro and outro music by Wilde Assembly
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A Family Story 2023 / To The Jacks Of All Trades
Dear Friends,
For the last twenty years or so, when people asked me what I do, I would often respond with, “I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none.”
It started as a self-deprecating way to shift the conversation away from the lack of any Western-approved proof of success, as I had very little.
Karen and I have chosen the long game—connection and family—so I can say with great joy, we are rich in love. But that’s not what folks are typically asking about, and it rarely pays the mortgage.
“I am a jack of all trades—singer/songwriter, contractor, filmmaker, pastor, writer, waiter—master of none—house painter, worship leader, salesman, speaker, chimney sweep, podcaster,” I’d say, picking whatever it was that currently paid the bills…
Nearly ten years ago, on another resounding ‘Yes’ from our Father, Karen and I again ‘jumped.’ But at that point, faith wasn’t a blind leap; it was a well-packed parachute.
Faith—
Raised as a pioneer, I once leveraged the word for bold, sexy, independent leaps. Today, faith is a wound, and the patience to heal—the scars and dreams of an old man.
We launched A Family Story almost ten years ago. A non-profit for the Western mind to wrap her arms around. But, as a jack of all trades, I could never master itinerate.
“Follow me,” I’d say, as I reveled in some profoundly beautiful thought, only to lose most while pioneering the switchback. But not all. Some have said, “We’re with you, heart and soul” And, oh, how we’ve felt it. We are eternally grateful. We are rich in love…
Karen grew to dislike when I’d answer, “and master of none.” She knew it was more than a self-deprecating attempt at changing the subject. I could paper my office with rejection letters—my heart, too, when I’m not careful. I’m not allowed to use the word ‘cusp’ in our house, as we’ve lived on the edge of it since our first date.
Faith—
Today, it’s the sneaking suspicion that life has always been the long game of love…
A couple of years ago, while procrastinating on my back deck, where I occasionally write my thoughts down, I came across the whole quote for the first time.
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”
What? I thought as the whole story illuminated my soul. Deep within, I sensed my heavenly Father’s laughter—as though He plays the long game. We are rich in love.
I ran inside to find my wife and read her the whole story. She grinned like she does when she’s right. It’s stunning…
A Family Story This Year
In 2023 we continued to grow in friendship with Derek and Sarah Turner and have been blown away by the beautiful community that is growing around our podcast, Rethinking God with Tacos. By year’s end, we will have released nearly 50 podcasts with some of the most incredible people on the planet.
Karen is still connected with DreamCenter but has recently become one of the children’s pastors at River Church, where Derek and Sarah lead. We love our new church family.
In the last year, I have released Leaving and Finding Jesus, and also a refreshed edition of God Is (Not) In Control; The Whole Story Is Better Than You Think. I also wrote a chapter with new friends for, Free To Give—a book on giving in the revelation of grace.
My brother, Joel, and I have been writing a book series for tweens titled, I Changed The World. David and Miriam were released earlier this year. We hope to release a third, Adam, by year’s end.
Speaking of Joel, we, along with our friend, Tricia Halsey, started a film company a couple of years ago. This company’s vision aligns with our non-profit—we create content that empowers connection within the family. We just signed a production deal with Angel Studios for a television series titled, A Family Story.
As we look back on this year and turn our focus to tomorrow, I am encouraged and thankful.
Faith—
Today it’s a quiet confidence that love is the long game.
To The Jacks Of All Trades
Once upon a time, I would have told you we were on the cusp of an awakening—but I don’t use that word anymore. I believe we are in the midst of a LOVE AWAKENING. We are growing sure in the long game; we are discovering Jesus’ prayer that we would be one, that we would know union, wholeness, Sozo, a reconciling love. We are not on the cusp but amid a 2000-year-old restoration project!
In 2024 I am praying for the Jacks Of All Trades—thankful for the pursuit of mastery, and grateful no one arrives. I am praying for Ofttimes Better —for the breakdowns and breakthroughs.
We are invited to join in The Whole Story—the restoration of all things. I am praying grace and wonder over you wherever you are on your faith journey.
And we want to thank you for your trust.
We want to thank you for believing with us—whether it’s prayers, encouragement, friendship, or finances, we are grateful for your generosity!
How Can You Partner With A Family Story?
If you have been impacted through the ministry of A FAMILY STORY, I ask you to consider partnering with us financially for 2024.
A Family Story 2021 Newsletter
Dear Friends,
It’s been about a year and a half since I wrote A Family Story Newsletter.
So, you know, not much has happened…
About a year and a half ago the Clark family experienced some church trauma because the well-intentioned but clueless husband and dad of the Clark family (that’s me) wrote an article challenging a punitive perspective on hell. I didn’t realize how entrenched Eternal Conscious Torment was in the theological foundations of our community.
If you’re curious, you can read it and the following articles HERE.
For the leadership of our church, that article “bordered” heresy which led to them stepping away from connection with me and A Family Story. Within weeks it became clear I was no longer a trusted or valued member of our community, which led to my family and extended family feeling they had no other option but to leave. It was painful. We were deeply involved relationally in almost every aspect of church life, with my wife, Karen, and daughter, Madeleine, on staff.
I wrote an article shortly after we left that touches on what happened from our perspective. If you’re curious, you can read it HERE.
That said, suddenly the Clark family was headlong on a new journey. And while we felt lost and adrift, we were surrounded by family and friends, and are eternally grateful.
After a few months, Karen and I began to feel new freedom regarding ways in which to express the uncontrolling love of God; ways we realize now we couldn’t have pursued while in our church community.
For twenty-five years Karen and I have been learning how to take a pioneering, missional, long game approach to life and ministry. And in this last year, we, the whole family, have experienced wildly beautiful new ways to learn trust and thankfulness. Even as COVID shut down the world, we began to discover new ways to connect with, and love people. Karen and my girls connected deeply with The Charlotte Dream Center, a ministry to the homeless, hopeless, and forgotten communities of Charlotte. You can read more about it below.
For me, because of COVID, the itinerant speaking aspect of our ministry shut down. So, we launched a podcast; Rethinking God with Tacos. This podcast has been a powerfully good way to dive headlong into grace while continuing with the mandate for A Family Story; to create content catalytic for a transformational encounter with the love of God. Here is a cool recent review I found on iTunes, love this stuff!
“This podcast has changed my life and heart in so many ways. It has healed the places that trauma, tragedy, and religion had broken, and it has…placed hope back in my hands. It has connected me to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in a more intimate way and brought me to a great awakening…” — Free1021
Along the way, I reconnected with my friend Derek Turner, who co-hosts. Derek pastor’s River Church in the greater Charlotte area and we have had an incredible time diving into the reconciling nature of God’s love with brilliant guests like, François du Toit, Randal Worley, Baxter Kruger, Danny Silk, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Kristin Du Mez, Wm Paul Young, Brian Simmons and more.
Like so many, COVID impacted our income. But God is faithful and has provided through the generosity of people giving to A Family Story and also through a ghost-witting project. So, last year I wrote. First, I wrote a book for someone else, and then I pressed on and hope to finish my next book by the end of this year; a book on our union and our oneness with God, a book that reveals a God who never leaves and who is reconciling the world to Himself. I am excited about this message and believe there is life in it!
For A Family Story and the Clarks, 2020 through today has been transformational in hard and beautiful ways. And as the world slowly opens back up we are excited about what God has for the future and we are incredibly honored to run at it with you!
I Was Born to Do This
Since I was 12 years old I’ve been involved in children’s ministry in one form or another. I’ve worked mostly in churches and homeschool groups loving on the kids in front of me. Working with children is a huge part of who I am.
In March, after ending my tenure as a Children’s Pastor, I checked out a Saturday morning inner-city kids ministry in Charlotte run by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Dreamcenter. The volunteers met around 10:45 am to set up and connect. Then we walked down the streets of JT Williams, a struggling community, to pick up twenty or so sweet kids. We took them to their local school parking lot, gave them a snack, told a Bible story, played games, and worked on a craft together.
I loved it.
The next week COVID lockdown hit NC and the program came to a halt. Everything came to a halt. I was frustrated at first as I had really connected with the ministry. Then the Dreamcenter started passing out nightly meals. So my girls, Madi, Eva, and I joined the team. Every other night, beginning in April and running thru July, we delivered takeout-style boxed meals to 175 people in the neighborhood. It turns out when you deliver meals on a regular basis to the same families, you get to build trust and friendships. We got to know the neighbors, the parents, and the kids.
When the Saturday program started back up in June, Madi, Eva, and I became core members of the JT team, committing to be there every week. Our family picked up one Saturday each month providing a lunch, usually hotdogs, fruit, a sweet treat and juice box, the Bible lesson, and a craft or activity. This is a wonderful time to love on the kids, encourage them, and tell them about the loving God of the universe who lives inside them.
That same month, we began helping with the Thursday afternoon free food market, picking up produce boxes at a local church, setting up the market, and delivering bags of groceries to the most vulnerable.
When NC went virtual for their public schools, it was a large challenge for a lot of families including the JT families. So, the Dreamcenter started an after school tutoring program. Education is my wheelhouse so this was the perfect opportunity for me to give. So, every Monday and Thursday, at three o’clock, I pick up 4 children from the JT neighborhood and bring them to the Dreamcenter HQ. There they spend three hours receiving private tutoring and playing games aimed to move them forward academically. This is key to their future success. I bring them home with a boxed dinner around 6 pm. They love it and I love it. The car ride is my favorite time where we get to laugh and chill in my van.
This is what I was born to do. These families are so precious to me. They have welcomed me into their homes and let me be a part of their children’s lives. I am so grateful that I have been able to serve in all of these ministries inside the Dreamcenter.
Early on, Jason and I felt we wanted to partner as both a family and through our ministry, A Family Story, to support the Dreamcenter and these families. Last week, Jason asked me to write what I am doing so he could invite those who are a part of A Family Story to partner with us.
Here are a few ways you can partner…
We greatly value your prayers. God has always been faithful in protecting us and guiding us when we’ve encountered dangerous situations. Please pray for peace in the JT neighborhood. Please pray that the love of God is revealed to every heart we encounter: the children, the elderly, the disabled, the drug addicts, and the homeless we serve.
If you’re in the Charlotte area and want to learn more about any of the ministries within JT Williams you can reach out to me HERE
If you have already been giving to A Family Story, thank you. Your gift helps enable me to continue working as a volunteer with the Dreamcenter. If you would like to partner specifically to support me, you can do so through A Family Story,
2020
DEAR FRIENDS
“Thank you for the impartation you released at CVC. I continue to see a shift in attitudes and breakthrough in how people are seeing our Heavenly Father!” — Pastor Mark Murrack
2019 is nearly over. It has been a year of yes and trust, of hearts expanded and lives transformed.
We have experienced great joy and His love and goodness continue to transform and grow us. We are so excited about the days ahead!
A quick recap of 2019.
A FAMILY STORY 2019
- I continued to travel and speak and had the opportunity to love on folks across two continents this year!
- I continue to write. Besides the weekly articles, I have been developing a new book on Jesus’ prayer found in John 17:21, “I pray that they will be one…” The working title is, You Can’t Get There From Here. You can read more details below.
- We launched A Family Story as an online magazine and continue to release weekly articles and monthly teaching podcasts. We have had nearly 10,000 visitors and nearly 4,500 podcast downloads.
- We continue to pursue film development opportunities. We launched A Family Story Films earlier this year and are shooting a proof of concept 15 minute short in January to pitch to streaming services mid next year. You can read more details below.
- I co-wrote A family-friendly adventure TV series this year as well and we will pitch it to a handful of streaming services in January.
- We are releasing a Sovereign Love Teaching Series in January in partnership with Present Truth Academy www.presenttruthacademy.org You can read more details below.
- Last and most recently, I wrote a couple of articles on the topic of Hell. Why I Am Not A Universalist and, Does Hell Exist These articles have cost us dearly in friendship and support. The backlash has been painful for my family, even affecting our relationship with our home church. I noted this here because I felt it led well into the next section.
HOW ARE WE PIONEERING
Earlier this year I noted in a Newsletter the pioneering nature of our ministry and nothing’s changed. We have one passion, to reveal that God is love, looks like Jesus, and He is always good. It is our heart that everything we create is catalytic for an encounter with His great affection. We are daily dreaming and leaning into this grand dangerous, beautiful discovery of His goodness. And we are shouting it from the rooftops along the way.
Pioneering can be exciting and revelatory and also lonely and painful. This year has been a little of both, however, we are so encouraged by His faithful love and by all those who continue to believe with and in us. Thanks for your prayers. We have received encouraging prophetic words from so many and are believing wildly for an explosive breakthrough in 2020. With that in mind, I am excited to share a few things we are focused on.
SOVEREIGN LOVE TEACHING SERIES – In January will be launching an online video teaching series entitled, Sovereign Love. It follows along with my book, God Is (Not) In control. A Family Story is in partnership with Present Truth Academy https://www.presenttruthacademy.org/ and this course will be offered as an elective.
Present Truth Academy has a desire to share truth in such a way that it equips, brings spiritual impartation, and ultimately brings each person to a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ.
God is Not in Control, is revolutionary! One of the very best books I’ve ever read, and I’ve read many. It helped me so much with bad theology and ugly definitions of the Father’s character. Thank you so much! — Carol A.R.
“Revelation and innovation change the way people think and act. God is using Jason to speak directly into my heart…often my heart burns within me as I read or hear the truth revealed and verified through his work. Thank you.” — Kevin Liard
2019 NEWSLETTER
DEAR FRIENDS
I’ve often described how leading A Family Story these past years has felt much like exploring the best route up a mountain while people are following you.
It’s been an exhilarating adventure filled with joy, breakthrough, and revelation. It’s also had its share of wrong turns and backtracking.
It can be a challenge to cast vision while backtracking. But there has been nothing more transformational than the goodness of God we’ve discovered through pioneering!
We believe the whole earth is experiencing a great reformation, an awakening to the always good love of our Heavenly Father. We have all been invited into this grand narrative; a story of transformation, hope, and trust. A Family Story.
Through writing, speaking, film, and, music, we are passionately releasing this relentlessly good story. We will continue to explore His goodness and trust there will be breakthrough in opportunity to exponentially reveal His always-good love.
I am so thankful for all those who are on this journeying with us!
2018 Year In Review
DEAR FRIENDS
A Family Story reveals and releases the love of our Heavenly Father. We create content catalytic to a transformative encounter with perfect love. I have written this letter to highlight an amazing 2018 while also releasing the vision and inviting you to partner with us by giving into 2019.
A Family Story News: Fall 2018
THE AUDIOBOOK!
I am excited to announce that my book, God Is (Not) In Control: The Whole Story Is Better Than You Think is now available on Audible by Amazon.
If you sign up on Audible link in this email the first month.
THE MOVIE!
As many know, I have been working with my brother, Joel Clark, on several film projects. We have now raised over half the production cost for our first feature, All In.
We have partnered with author and pastor Mark Batterson to see this film made and are very close to having the final funding. As much as I would like to, we are still not at liberty to give more details.
Please pray for final funding. We believe this film will not only change lives but open the door to impact the media/entertainment industry for the next generation.
The amount of favor and opportunity we are currently experiencing is nothing but miraculous.
OUR NEW FRIENDS AND WEBSITE!
AFamilyStory.org will be re-launching a new magazine-style website next month. We are preparing a web home that can host a greater diversity in content and format from articles to film and music.
The first step – we will begin offering more written content from like-hearted authors who are living large in the love of our Father and the Yes of heaven on earth, the Family Story.
There have been two amazing men I want to thank and introduce! These men both reached out earlier this year to offer their gifting and grace to help amplify the message of A Family Story.
Christian Rafetto: rafettocreative.com
If you have noticed the quality and consistency of our weekly articles and memes, that’s Christian. But more, Christian has dreamed with me into this new strategy for releasing content in the days ahead. He is incredibly gifted and has a humble and wise heart. He and his wife, Regan, are amazing and I am so thankful for their generosity and friendship.
Evan Dixon: askorimagine.com
Very soon you will see a brand new website design. It will look simple and sleek but will contain, in one location, 10 years of newly cataloged articles and content that was once spread all over the internet. It was no small thing when Evan called and said, “I got this.” He and his wife, Hannah, are gentle and wise. We are grateful for them.
Please pray blessing and favor over their families and businesses.
BECAUSE YOU GIVE!
We are so humbled and thankful to those who have partnered with us by giving. The giving this year has empowered me to write and speak in ways that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise. I have been able to say yes to speaking opportunities where there was no budget to bring me in. At such a meeting just last week, a woman told me her life had been forever transformed by the love of God because of the message from Prone to Love.
Because of your giving, I have been able to say yes to writing projects where there was no budget but miraculous opportunity for the transformative love of God to impact millions of people.
We are living in the great Yes of God over our lives because of your friendship and generosity. We truly can’t thank you enough and are honored to share this journey with you!
PRAYER PARTNERS
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Pray for final investment and favor with the film ALL IN.
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Pray for breakthrough in opportunities to speak. I am seeing such profound transformation and encounter wherever we go. I believe the message of our Fathers love is the key to transform a nation divided by economics, race, and ideology. Pray for increased opportunity to share this message.
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Pray for the Clark’s. This ministry is a family affair. Pray for protection, resources, and continued opportunity.
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Support the ministry. You can give a one-time gift or monthly.