Peaceable and Kind is a Christian podcast hosted by Derek Vreeland that explores how to live out Jesus' call to peace and kindness in everyday life. Each episode draws on Scripture, stories, and practical steps to help listeners embody these virtues. The show features inspiring guests and reflections on bringing peace and kindness into homes, communities, and the wider world. It is designed to encourage and guide listeners who want a deeper understanding of their faith.
Episodes
Episode 127: Three Ways to Follow Jesus in a Politically Polarized World
Political polarization has become a source of hostility and division, even among Christians. In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores how followers of Jesus can remain faithful in a world where political loyalties often shape our relationships, influence our speech, and compete for our deepest commitments. With political conversations around the Thanksgiving table on the hori
Episode 126: Vulnerable God: A Conversation with Kenneth Tanner
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland welcomes pastor and author Kenneth Tanner for a conversation about his book Vulnerable God. Together, they explore the scandalous beauty of the Christian claim that God became human. Tanner shares his spiritual journey from a Pentecostal upbringing through his encounters with the early church fathers and the sacramental life of the church. 
Episode 125: Living Faithfully in a Hypocritical Age
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland wraps up his series on hypocrisy by asking a practical question: What does it look like to live faithfully in a hypocritical age? Drawing from the wisdom of 12-step recovery and the themes of Recovering Hypocrites, Derek explores how the Christian life moves from self-examination toward dependence upon God, reconciliation with others, and a fai
Episode 124: The Work of the Soul - A Conversation with Andrew Arndt
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland sits down with pastor and author Andrew Arndt to talk about the work of the soul and the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. Andrew shares about his own spiritual journey, from the charismatic renewal to a ministry context where charismatic spirituality has blended with liturgical and sacramental practices.
Andrew is the author of
Episode 123: Church as a Recovering Community
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores why recovery from hypocrisy cannot happen in isolation. We need the church, but we need a church honest enough to admit its own flaws and gracious enough to make room for people who are still being transformed. The church Jesus is building has always been a messy family filled with imperfect people who need a Savior.
Derek draws
Episode 122: Living Free of Hypocrisy
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland brings his exploration of hypocrisy and virtue to a practical conclusion. Drawing from Fyodor Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov, Derek considers Elder Zosima’s warning to stop lying to ourselves. Hypocrisy is one form of self-deception, but Dostoevsky’s character Fyodor Pavlovich reveals another possibility: playing the buffoon so we never ha
Episode 121: The Empowering Work of the Holy Spirit
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores the empowering work of the Holy Spirit and its relationship to spiritual transformation. The Spirit transforms our being and empowers our doing so that our lives can increasingly reflect the integrity of Jesus. These two works belong together. We need the Spirit to form our character, and we need the Spirit to empower us to live out th
Episode 120: We Are Not All Physicality, We Are Spirituality
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues exploring what it means to be a hybrid creature, both body and soul. While the previous episode focused on practices for the body, this episode turns inward to the soul. We are physical creatures, but what we see in the mirror is not all that we are. We are also spiritual beings with the capacity to commune wi
Episode 119: What You Do With Your Body Matters
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores the often-overlooked role of the body in Christian spiritual formation. Because we are embodied people, following Jesus involves more than what happens in our thoughts, emotions, and souls. Rooted in the incarnation, Christian spirituality is an embodied experience. Jesus, the Word made flesh, demonstrates the goodness and im
Episode 118: The Transforming Work of the Holy Spirit
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores the Holy Spirit’s role in transforming our character. The ancient virtue tradition gives us a valuable framework for understanding how good habits are formed, but Christian faith recognizes a deeper problem: human corruption reaches into the heart. We need more than moral education and greater effort. We need the transforming work
Episode 117: Humility That Conquers Hypocrisy
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores the virtue of humility and why it is essential for recovering from hypocrisy. Humility has never been particularly popular. We want to be powerful, smart, and great, yet Jesus points us toward a different kind of greatness. While Aristotle celebrated the virtue of magnanimity, or “greatness of soul,” Jesus taught his disciple
Episode 116: The Courage That Conquers Fear
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores one of the four classic virtues: courage. While courage is often associated with soldiers, superheroes, and dramatic acts of heroism, Derek argues that the courage we need most is the quiet, everyday courage to do what is right in the face of fear.
Beginning with stories ranging from The Wizard of Oz to the
Episode 115: The Peaceable Way
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland welcomes his brother, Jeff Vreeland, for a conversation about The Peaceable Way, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to helping people cultivate a more prayerful, Scripture-shaped, and peaceable life. Together, they reflect on their shared spiritual journey, the vision behind the ministry, and the practical resources designed to help Chris
Episode 114: Whatever Happened to Character?
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores one of the greatest needs facing both the church and modern culture: the recovery of character. Reflecting on high-profile failures in business, politics, sports, and even the church, Derek argues that our culture has become increasingly willing to overlook a person's character so long as they achieve the desired results. Yet the
Episode 113: Pentecostal Reality
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland concludes the Holy Convergence series by exploring the gift of the Pentecostal tradition: reality. More than a theological system or denominational identity, Pentecostal reality is an awareness that the Holy Spirit is actively present and at work in the world today. Rooted in the Azusa Street Revival of 1906, the Pentecostal move
Episode 112: Evangelical Energy
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Holy Convergence series by exploring the gift of the evangelical tradition: energy. While the word evangelical has come to carry political and cultural connotations, Derek describes historic or classic evangelicalism as a movement centered on the gospel (euangelion) of Jesus Christ
Episode 111: Anabaptist Peacemaking
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Holy Convergence series by exploring peacemaking, the gift of the Anabaptist tradition. Emerging during the Radical Reformation of the sixteenth century, the Anabaptists believed that following Jesus meant more than affirming correct doctrine, it meant obeying the teachings of Jesus in every
Episode 110: Protestant Audacity
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Holy Convergence series by exploring the gift of Protestantism: audacity. Audacity is the courage to challenge assumptions, confront corruption, and pursue reform when faithfulness requires it. While audacity can easily become arrogance when detached from humility and love, it has also been the driving force behind
Episode 109: Anglican Liturgy
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Holy Convergence series by exploring the gift of Anglican liturgy. While Anglicanism is often associated with the Church of England and its complicated break from Rome under Henry VIII, Derek argues that its deeper story is rooted in a desire to remain connected to the ancient catholic and apostolic faith while embracing the refor
Episode 108: Catholic Beauty
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the “Holy Convergence” series by exploring the gift the Roman Catholic tradition offers the wider church: beauty.
Derek begins by reflecting on the meaning of the word catholic, which means ”universal.” He also discusses why Christians should resist the impulse to dismiss entire traditions because of personal wounds or disagreeme
Episode 107 - Orthodox Mystery
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the “Holy Convergence” series by exploring the gifts of Eastern Orthodoxy.
Derek begins by tracing the historical roots of Eastern Orthodoxy through the Great Schism of 1054, when the church in the Greek-speaking East and the Latin-speaking West formally divided after centuries of growing cultural, political, and theological separa
Episode 106: A Holy Convergence
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland introduces a vision he has been articulating for years—a way of understanding both his own spiritual journey and the identity of the church he serves, Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. Derek describes it as a holy convergence: the coming together of the gifts and wisdom of multiple Christian traditions within one church centered on J
Episode 105: A Case for Christian Nonviolence
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland presents a positive case for Christian nonviolence as a faithful response to the teachings and example of Jesus. Building on previous critiques of Just War Theory, Derek argues that Christian nonviolence, in contrast to pacificism is not an ethical principle or social strategy. Rather it is a virtue formed through following Jesus.
Christian n
Episode 104: Why Tolkien Still Matters for Christian Faith
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the journey into Tolkien’s world this time joined by longtime friend and guest Walter Rogero. Together, they explore why The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien’s broader legendarium continue to matter for Christian faith today.
Walter brings both pastoral experience and deep familiarity with Tolkien’s writings, offering insight into ho
Episode 103: Questioning the Just War Assumption
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on the ongoing reality of war and offers a thoughtful critique of Just War Theory, a framework long embraced by both Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Beginning with the classical principles of Just War as articulated by Thomas Aquinas and developed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Derek acknowledges the theory’s histori
Episode 102: The Kingdom of God Is Not What You Think
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland takes a fresh look at the central theme of Jesus’ ministry, the kingdom of God. While the phrase is familiar to many Christians, it is often misunderstood, reduced, or distorted.
Jesus proclaimed, taught, and demonstrated the kingdom by announcing good news, explaining its implications, and embodying its power through healing. But the king
Episode 101: The Elves of Middle Earth
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland returns to Middle-earth for one final “dip into Tolkien,” reflecting on the Elves of The Lord of the Rings—ancient, wise, and quietly powerful figures who stand at the fading edge of an age.
Though not the central heroes of the story, the Elves serve as keepers of memory, bearers of wisdom, and guardians of beauty. Derek explores how charact
Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes
In this milestone episode, Derek reflects on the journey of Peaceable and Kind, 100 episodes exploring what it means to follow Jesus in a way marked by peace and kindness. Rather than introducing a new topic, this episode looks back at the themes, questions, and conversations that have shaped the podcast so far, from spiritual formation and Scripture to politics, reconciliation, and the life of Je
Episode 99: An Unlikely Hero
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland returns to Middle Earth to reflect on one of the most overlooked characters in The Lord of the Rings: Samwise Gamgee. While the story is filled with kings, warriors, and wizards, Derek makes the case that the true hero of Tolkien’s epic is not Gandalf, Aragorn, or even Frodo, but a humble gardener from the Shire.
Sam is not a typical power
Episode 98: A Trip to Middle Earth
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites listeners on a journey into the world of The Lord of the Rings. Not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler, Derek reflects on his first deep reading of Tolkien’s epic and the way Middle Earth reshapes how we think about power, mercy, and hope.
Tolkien built a world with its own languages, history, and moral imagination. And unlike f
Episode 97: Celebrating the Resurrection
In this Easter episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland celebrates the resurrection of Jesus and reflects on why Easter stands at the very center of the Christian faith. While many churches may not follow the traditional rhythms of the Christian calendar, nearly all Christians celebrate Easter, and for good reason. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then the entire Christian story collapses
Episode 96: Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: A Conversation with Mark DeYmaz
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland sits down with Mark DeYmaz, the founder of Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas and a leading voice in the multiethnic church movement. They talk about Mark’s newest book, Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace. Drawing from the Prayer of St. Francis, Mark offers a vision for becoming more like Jesus in a divided world.
Mark shares his spiritual jou
Episode 95: Recapitulation and Final Thoughts on The Crucifixion
In this Holy Week episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland concludes the Lenten journey through Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion. This episode reflects on the meaning of the cross through the final biblical motif Rutledge explores: recapitulation. Derek also offers his final thoughts on Rutledge’s book.
Recapitulation is the idea that Jesus “sums up” the human story and lives it again t
Episode 94: Substitution and Karl Barth
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Lenten journey through Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion, focusing on substitution. While Rutledge explores eight major biblical images of the atonement, substitution receives the most pages and perhaps the most theological weight.
Rutledge has suggested that all the biblical metaphors of atonement can be gathered under two hea
Episode 93: Christus Victor, Hell, and Evil
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Lenten journey through Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion, focusing on two powerful chapters: the Christus Victor image of the cross and Jesus’ descent into hell.
Christus Victor is the great battle metaphor of the atonement. At the cross, Jesus defeats the enslaving powers of Sin, Death, and the devil. These are not abstract id
Episode 92: Rejecting Propitiation and Reclaiming Redemption
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Lenten journey through Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion, exploring four major biblical images for understanding the death of Jesus: Passover and Exodus, blood sacrifice, ransom and redemption, and final judgment. Derek insists that we do not begin with atonement theories or later theological debates. Rather we begin with the Old
Episode 91: Anselm and the Power of Sin
In this deeply theological episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the Lenten journey through Fleming Rutledge’s The Crucifixion by working through two chapters that bring Rutledge’s long introduction to a close. These chapters cover her reconsideration of Anselm and satisfaction theory and her exploration of the gravity of Sin. They both lay crucial groundwork for everything that
Episode 90: The Ugliness of the Cross and the Wrath of God
Lent is underway, and in this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek continues the Lenten journey through Fleming Rutledge’s monumental book, The Crucifixion. This episode takes a deep dive into chapters 2 and 3, confronting the ugliness of the cross and rethinking the meaning of the wrath of God.
Before the cross became a polished religious symbol, it was an instrument of terror, shame, and pub
Episode 89: An Introduction to Fleming Rutledge's The Crucifixion
With Ash Wednesday approaching, Derek begins a special seven-week journey focused on the cross by introducing what he considers the most important contemporary book written on the death of Jesus: The Crucifixion by Fleming Rutledge.
In a religious culture often drawn toward inspiration, self-help, or relevance at all costs, Rutledge refuses to soften the offense of the gospel. She insists that C
Episode 88: Aristotle to the Rescue
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues the ongoing conversation about hypocrisy by turning toward a path of recovery. Rather than offering quick fixes or moralistic pressure, Derek invites listeners into a deeper vision of formation, one that reaches back into the ancient world for wisdom that still speaks today.
Drawing on Aristotle’s vision of ethics and virtue, and la
Episode 87: Philip Yancy and the Problem of Hypocrisy
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek reflects on the devastating news surrounding Philip Yancey and what it reveals about the persistent problem of hypocrisy within the Christian life. Yancey’s writing shaped the faith of generations, helping many of us trust that grace is greater than sin. When news broke of his long-hidden moral failure, the response was not anger or judgment, but grief,
Episode 86: From Aristotle to Christ: A Conversation with Louis Markos
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites listeners on a journey from ancient Athens to Jerusalem, exploring how Greek philosophy, especially Aristotle, has helped clarify Christian faith without ever replacing divine revelation. While reason must always remain subordinate to revelation, the wisdom of Athens can still serve the truth revealed in Christ.
Derek is joined by Lou
Episode 85: Why I Started Reading Fiction Again
In this episode, Derek reflects on habits, formation, and why returning to the practice of reading fiction has renewed his imagination, faith, and understanding of the gospel.
Two weeks into the new year, Derek offers a word of grace for those who may already feel discouraged by abandoned New Year’s resolutions. God’s mercy is deeper than our resolve—and lasting change is formed through habits,
Episode 84: Entering Into the Epiphany
In this episode, Derek reflects on the Christian season of Epiphany, a season centered on revelation, light, and clarity. Epiphany always falls on January 6, twelve days after Christmas, and reveals that Jesus is not only the Messiah of Israel, but the King of the nations, the Savior of the world.
Derek also acknowledges the painful weight January 6 carries in the United States, recalling the 20
Episode 83: Praying the Psalms
In this New Year’s Day episode, Derek kicks off 2026 by reflecting on the power of habits over resolutions. He describes a spiritual habit that has shaped his life for years: praying one psalm a day. This ancient practice formed Israel, Jesus, and the early church, and continues to form Christians today.
Derek shares how he first learned to pray the Psalms during a season of frustration as a you
Episode 82: Daily Scripture Guidebook: A Conversation with Tim Wildsmith
In this special Christmas episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland celebrates the joy of the season and welcomes back the very first return guest in the podcast’s history: author, pastor, and Bible teacher Tim Wildsmith. Tim joins the podcast to talk about his brand-new book, Daily Scripture Guidebook: A 52-Week Journey Through the Bible.
Derek begins by reminding listeners that Christmas i
Episode 81: Entering Into Narnia — The Awe and Wonder of Christmas
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites listeners to recover the awe, imagination, and wonder of Christmas by stepping through the wardrobe into the world of Narnia. As we approach the fourth Sunday of Advent and draw near to Christmas, Derek reflects on how C. S. Lewis helps us see the Christmas story with fresh eyes, through imagination, metaphor, and childlike faith.
Dra
Episode 80: My Favorite Books of 2025
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland steps away from his usual deep dives into Scripture, theology, and cultural reflection to share something a little different and very close to his heart: books. Derek counts reading and writing among his deepest joys, and today he offers his top five favorite books he read in 2025. Some are newly published, some are older classics, but all have
Episode 79: The Transformative Power of the Christian Calendar
Episode 79: The Transformative Power of the Christian Calendar
In this rich and reflective episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores how the Christian calendar offers a sacred rhythm that forms our lives around Jesus. As we enter the first week of Advent, Derek invites listeners to recover ancient practices that slow us down, reorient our attention, and root us in the ongoing story o
Episode 78: Waiting for Jesus: A Conversation with Rich Villodas
Episode 78: Waiting for Jesus: A Conversation with Rich Villodas
In this special Advent episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland welcomes pastor and author Rich Villodas for a conversation about his new devotional book, Waiting for Jesus.
As we enter the season of Advent, Derek and Rich reflect on the countercultural practice of waiting, learning to slow down, be still, and become more atte
Episode 77: The Attitude of Gratitude
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores gratitude not as a fleeting emotion or polite social gesture, but as a way of being in the world that opens us to the presence and goodness of God.
As Thanksgiving approaches, Derek invites listeners to move beyond a once-a-year holiday mindset and cultivate an ongoing “attitude of gratitude.” Drawing from Scripture, church history, a
Episode 76 - Unforced Rhythms of Grace
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on one of the most beloved phrases from The Message by Eugene Peterson: “Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.”
Derek shares how Eugene Peterson, whom he affectionately calls “Eugene the Wise,” has profoundly shaped his identity as both pastor and writer. Drawing from Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer and The Message transl
Episode 75 - Charlie Kirk, Christian Nationalism, and the Prosperity Gospel
In this powerful and sobering episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and explores how the ideologies of Christian nationalism and the prosperity gospel distort the way of Jesus.
While rejecting all forms of political violence, Derek uses this moment to examine the growing fusion of political power and religious lang
Episode 74 - A Strange and Gracious Light: A Conversation with Andrew Ardnt
What if the gospel is both more strange and more gracious than we’ve dared to imagine?
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland sits down with pastor and author Andrew Arndt to talk about his latest book, A Strange and Gracious Light: How the Story of Jesus Changes the Way We See Everything. From the poetry of R.S. Thomas to the wisdom of Athanasius, Eugene Peterson, and Pope John Pa
Episode 72 - Exploring the Mystery of the Incarnation
What does it really mean that the Word became flesh? In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland takes us on a deep dive into one of the greatest mysteries of the Christian faith: the incarnation.
From the opening words of John’s Gospel to the insights of ancient Greek philosophers and church fathers like Athanasius, Derek explores how Jesus is not just a historical figure but the very
Episode 73 - Play War No More
In this episode of Peaceable & Kind, Derek Vreeland reflects on the prophetic vision of Isaiah 2:1–5 and what it means for Christians to “play war no more.” Through scripture, personal reflection, and current events, Derek explores the way of Jesus as a call to nonviolence, patience, and peacemaking in a world marked by conflict and division.Key Takeaways
War is impatience. Fighting often ste
Episode 71 - God With Us: The Power of Incarnation
The Christmas story is more than a manger scene—it’s the beginning of the gospel itself. In this special episode, host Derek Vreeland shares the heart behind his brand-new Bible study, Incarnation: Eight Lessons on How God Meets Us, the first in his God in the Neighborhood series.
What You'll Hear in This Episode:
The behind-the-scenes journey of how this book came to life—two years in the
Episode 70 - Becoming People of the Text: A Conversation with Marty Solomon
In this rich and eye-opening episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland sits down with Marty Solomon—president of Impact Campus Ministries, host of the BEMA Discipleship podcast, and author of Asking Better Questions of the Bible. Together, they explore how reading Scripture through its original Jewish context can transform our understanding of Jesus, justice, and the story of redemption.
Episode 69 - Finding Jesus in the Old Testament
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland invites you into the practice of reading the Old Testament with fresh eyes—looking for Jesus in every passage.
Derek shares his personal journey of nearly a decade of daily Old Testament reading, rooted in the daily office lectionary, and how it has transformed from duty to delight. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and personal sto
Episode 68 - Peace and Violence of the Old Testament
How do we make sense of the violent passages in the Old Testament while following the peace teachings of Jesus? In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland takes on one of the most common and challenging questions he receives as a pastor and author: Why does God seem so violent in the Old Testament compared to Jesus in the New Testament?
Derek walks us through:
Why Joshua and 1 Sam
Episode 67 - Why Do We Need the Old Testament?
In this thought-provoking episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland tackles a question many Christians quietly wrestle with: Why do we need the Old Testament?
From bloody battles and strange laws to a God who calls His people to peace, the Old Testament can feel confusing—even contradictory to the way of Jesus. But Derek shares why this ancient collection of writings is not only essent
Episode 66 - Leaving Maggie's Farm: A Conversation with Brian Zahnd
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland is joined by his friend and pastor, Brian Zahnd, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends rock & roll, theology, and personal transformation.
Brian and Derek reflect on their shared history in the Charismatic Movement—and why both eventually felt called to pack their bags and move on. Using Bob Dylan’s “Maggie’s Farm” as a guiding
Episode 65 - Why I Left the (Popular) Charismatic Movement
In this deeply personal episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland shares why he took a step back from the popular Charismatic subculture—but not from the Spirit-filled life that first drew him in.
Derek shares his spiritual journey from Southern Baptist roots to charismatic renewal, through Pentecostal seminary training, and ultimately into a more theologically grounded and historically
Episode 64 - Getting to Know the Holy Spirit
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland invites you into a personal and theological journey to better understand one of the most mysterious persons of the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit.
Derek shares how his view of the Holy Spirit has evolved—from childhood questions in a Southern Baptist church to transformative encounters as a teenager, through charismatic experiences, and into a m
Episode 63 - The Gospel and the Spirit
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland explores the important relationship between the gospel and the Holy Spirit—a continuation of his recent conversation with theologian Matthew Bates on the definition of the gospel in the New Testament.
As summer rolls on, Derek reflects on the creative highs and lows of writing and shares a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his process (including
Episode 62 - Beyond the Salvation Wars: A Conversation with Matthew Bates
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland sits down with theologian and author Matthew Bates for a lively and challenging conversation about his newest book, Beyond the Salvation Wars: Why Both Protestants and Catholics Must Reimagine How We Are Saved.
Matthew is Professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, co-host of the OnScript podcast, and an author whose work has deeply inf
Episode 61 - One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland wraps up our series on the Nicene Creed with its powerful final lines—covering the Church, baptism, and what Christians hope for in the end:
“We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.”
With hon
Episode 60 - The Holy Spirit: The Lord and Giver of Life
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, Derek Vreeland continues exploring the Nicene Creed in honor of its 1700th anniversary—this time diving deep into one of the most overlooked and misunderstood persons of the Trinity: God the Holy Spirit.
Derek shares how his view of the Holy Spirit has grown over the years—from powerful experiences as a teenager in Pentecostal circles to a deeper understan
Episode 59 - He Suffered, He Rose, He Will Come Again
In this rich and reflective episode, host Derek Vreeland walks us through the final lines of the Jesus section of the Nicene Creed—unpacking what it means that Christ suffered, died, rose again, ascended, and will come again in glory.
From the historical reality of the crucifixion under Pontius Pilate to the promise of Christ’s return, Derek helps listeners grasp how these core beliefs are more
Episode 58 - Parenting Homegrown Disciples: A Conversation with David Sunde
In this special episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland steps away from his ongoing Nicene Creed series for a heartfelt conversation about parenting and discipleship with author and pastor David Sunde.
David shares insights from his new book Homegrown Disciples: Parenting Rhythms for Drawing Your Kids into Life with God. Together, they reflect on what it means to raise children who d
Episode 57 - For Us and Our Salvation
In this theologically rich episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland continues his series on the Nicene Creed by reflecting on a pivotal line: “For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven.”
Derek unpacks what it means for Jesus to come “for us”—not just for individuals, but for a collective us—and why the incarnation is the starting point of salvation. Along the way, he offe
Episode 56 - One Lord Jesus Christ
In this foundational episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland dives into the heart of the Nicene Creed—the bold, ancient declaration that Jesus is “one Lord… true God from true God.” As we continue our journey through the Creed, Derek unpacks the opening lines of the Christ section, exploring what it really means to say that Jesus is Lord, King, and the eternal Son of God.
With theol
Episode 55 - One God Maker of Heaven and Earth
In this episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland kicks off a brand-new mini-series exploring the Nicene Creed, beginning with its opening line: “We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.”
With warmth, clarity, and wisdom, Derek reflects on what it means to believe in one God in a world of competing idols and spiritual c
Episode 54 - What’s a Christian Anyway? A conversation with Glenn Packiam
In this rich and reflective episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland sits down with author and pastor Glenn Packiam to explore a timeless but timely question: What’s a Christian anyway? Drawing from Glenn’s new book by the same name, the conversation dives deep into the power of the Nicene Creed to shape our identity, unify the church, and guide believers through seasons of doubt, confus
Episode 53 - Making Everything New
In this final Eastertide episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland invites listeners into a powerful reflection on the resurrection of Jesus—not just as a past event, but as the beginning of God's ongoing work to make all things new.
Drawing from the Christian calendar and the story arc of Scripture—from Advent to Pentecost, and from creation to new creation—Derek unpacks how the resur
Episode 52 - The Resurrection Scheme of Things
In this Eastertide episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland invites us into a deeper understanding of the resurrection—not as abstract theology, but as the very foundation of Christian hope and daily transformation.
Grounded in 1 Corinthians 15, Derek gently unpacks what he calls the “resurrection scheme of things”—God’s powerful plan to conquer death, bring renewal, and begin His wor
Episode 51 - Our Everyday, Ordinary Life
Continuing the Eastertide series on Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland explores how the resurrection of Jesus transforms not just our theology but our everyday, ordinary life. Drawing from Romans 12:1–2, Derek unpacks how simple, daily acts like sleeping, eating, and going to work can become spiritual offerings to God.
Rather than separating the “spiritual” from the “ordinary,” Derek chal
Episode 50 - Formed by Books, Anchored in Peace – with Pastor Santosh Ninan
In this milestone 50th episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland welcomes his longtime friend, Pastor Santosh Ninan of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Together, they reflect on decades of friendship, shared spiritual formation, and the quiet influence of Eugene Peterson on their pastoral callings.
Santosh shares his journey from India to Canada, his calling to minis
Episode 49 - Walking in Newness of Life
In this hope-filled Eastertide episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland explores what it means to live a resurrected life—right here, right now. Derek gently guides listeners beyond theological concepts, revealing how the truth of the resurrection moves from belief to practice, shaping the way we walk through loss, healing, and new beginnings.
Rooted in Romans 6 and the message of East
Episode 48 - Jesus is Resurrection and Life
In this powerful Eastertide episode of Peaceable and Kind, host Derek Vreeland explores why the resurrection of Jesus is not just a moment in history — it’s the foundation of Christian faith and our hope beyond the grave.
Derek shares personal stories about overcoming his fear of funerals, the importance of showing up for those who grieve, and how Christian hope is rooted not just in going to hea
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Stand In The Circle
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
Dateline NBC
