Theology on Purpose – Details, episodes & analysis

In this debut episode of Theology on Purpose, we kick off the journey with a story that reveals the difference between knowing about someone and truly knowing them—and why this distinction matters in our relationship with God. Host Sarah K. Butterfield shares her personal experiences as a missionary kid in France, her hesitation in launching this podcast, and her passion for empowering women to embrace theology in everyday life.

Don't miss this introductory, solo episode! Discover why you don’t need a seminary degree to grow closer to God, how to navigate life’s challenges with a faith that seeks understanding, and practical ways to prioritize your relationship with God amidst the busyness of life. Tune in to be encouraged, equipped, and inspired to walk closely with God and develop a deeper knowledge of Him.

Introducing the Theology on Purpose Podcast, premiering February 18, 2025. Listen in for what you can expect, and be sure to subscribe here for the latest updates.

Dr. Jennifer Powell McNutt is a professor, pastor, and author who navigates the demands of academia, ministry, and family life. In this episode, she shares the fascinating story behind her book on Mary Magdalene, challenging long-held misconceptions and revealing the true depth of Mary’s role in Christian history. 

Jennifer unpacks why these distinctions matter and what they mean for modern Christians—especially women seeking to align their time, resources, and faith. With wisdom and practical insight, she encourages listeners to draw inspiration from Mary’s unwavering commitment and offers tangible ways to integrate faith into everyday life.

In this episode, Phylicia Masonheimer, a best-selling author and Bible teacher, shares her journey into theology. She explains how important it is for women to develop an accurate understanding of God, free from cultural influences. Phylicia also reflects on the challenges of growing up in a fundamentalist environment, emphasizing the need for women to critically examine their beliefs and embrace core Christian doctrines. She reflects on her own struggles with faith, especially during seasons of hardship, highlighting how spiritual practices and remembering God’s faithfulness help maintain a strong relationship with God.

Find the shownotes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/s/podcast

Sarah K. Butterfield talks with Pricelis Perreaux-Dominguez, author of “Being a Sanctuary,” about her diverse faith journey, the role of uncertainty in deepening trust in God, and practical spiritual disciplines. Pricelis emphasizes the importance of dignity in the church, collective responsibility in faith, and how to navigate church hurt.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on growing a purposeful and personal relationship with God, as a member of the Body of Christ.

How do we make space for God in our busy lives? Author Julia Roller shares how small, consistent spiritual practices—like silence and the Examen—can deepen faith, even in the midst of motherhood and work. She opens up about facing breast cancer while pregnant and how community transformed her understanding of God’s presence. We also explore how hospitality is central to our faith—not just as hosting others, but as creating space for God in our everyday lives. 

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, author Jen Pollock Michel joins us for a thoughtful conversation on the paradoxes of faith, suffering, and grace. She shares how early experiences of profound loss shaped her faith journey, the tension between effort and dependence on God, and how trying in the spiritual life is not the same as legalism. Jen also reflects on the difference between certainty and confidence, the challenge of holding firm beliefs while remaining humble, and the ongoing wrestling with grace in everyday life.

Tune in as we explore these deep theological questions and what it means to live with faith in the midst of uncertainty.

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, poet and professor Kimberly Phinney shares her journey through chronic illness, loss, and the deep questions that reshaped her view of God. We discuss the struggle of holding onto faith in hard seasons, the power of presence, finding hope when healing doesn’t come as expected, and poetry as a spiritual practice. This honest conversation invites you to wrestle with God, trust Him in the unknown, and embrace a resilient faith.

Find the full show notes here: https://sarahkbutterfield.substack.com/

In this episode of Theology on Purpose, theologian Grace Ji-Sun Kim joins us to discuss her book When God Became White. She shares her personal journey as a Korean immigrant, her experiences with racism, and how those experiences led her to examine the ways Christianity has contributed to harmful depictions of God. We talk about the consequences of upholding a white, male image of God, how that image has been weaponized to justify racism and sexism, and why reclaiming the other biblical imagery of God matters for the church today.

Don’t miss this challenging and deeply important conversation about who God is and how our view of God shapes how we live!

Poet and author Tanner Olson shares how his personal faith journey—marked by grief, hope, and prayer—has shaped his writing and ministry. From a transformative mission trip to the long road through infertility and adoption, Tanner reflects on how God met him in unexpected ways. With honesty and gentle wisdom, he invites us to find hope through prayer, poetry, and the quiet presence of God.

Find the show notes here