Faith Improvised

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Exploring what it means to be faithfully Christian in our always-changing world with its challenges and opportunities. I like to think out loud and talk with friends about biblical texts, books, politics, sports, music, films, and basically anything that interests me. This is all an attempt to be fully alive in God’s good world and to enjoy the liberating reality of the Christian gospel.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • CJMags87
    Love to listen
    I first heard Tim G. on the Voxology podcast and now I am a constant listener to Faith Improvised. I appreciate his scholarly understanding Biblical texts which helps me read the Bible more faithfully.
  • Rmutersp
    I’ve started a few episodes..
    They all seem to be about food or traffic. Is there some trick to finding the good, Biblical content? I’ve heard Gombus on Holy Post and thought I’d like this podcast, but I can’t seem to listen for long enough without growing bored of hearing opinions about everything except the Bible.
  • Nat Itz
    One of my go-to podcasts!
    Been listening for several years. Tim’s perspective, expertise, and way of enlightening is great. The whole is more than the sum of the parts - Tim’s podcast plus the Bible Project makes for some eye-opening Bible immersion.
  • fprasuhn
    Thank you
    Thank you, Tim, for being open and honest. Fred
  • games4us5
    Will make you think
    I like listening to this podcast because he makes you think about what it means to live a Christian life, not just be a Christian.
  • GmaBrn
    Thanks!
    Seeing a new podcast posted by Tim is always the indicator of a good day! Thanks so much for sharing, teaching, correcting, and encouraging us.
  • M.Ski
    Engaging Helpful Conversation w/Tim!
    This is such a helpful podcast as I, like many, are reworking the evangelical messages from youth - my love of Scripture is renewed & hope for the next generation revived! So thankful that Tim is speaking into the lives of young Christ followers who will continue to move God’s Kingdom work forward! Is there hope for us who grew up around the loud, nonstop voices of the “Moral Majority”?
  • PJ Stones
    Thoughtful Faith Journey
    I’ve been listening to Tim Gombis for almost a year, and his podcast has become one of my weekly must-listens. It’s refreshing to hear someone talk about their Christian faith in honesty and humility. He challenges and sharpens my evangelical outlook, to the degree that I can still self-identify with it and yet shed all the political nonsense that has come to characterize it in recent years. If you’re not sure what to do with your evangelical heritage, Tim’s podcast is a good place to sort it out.
  • DaisiesMakeMeSmile
    Mark
    I’ve been listening to Tim’s perspective on Mark. It’s very thoughtful and engaging.
  • JakeEKing
    Wonderfully insightful
    In undergrad and seminary my favorite moments were having discussions about a book of the Bible as we studied it together. I would glean as much as I could and was entirely grateful to sit under great profs. Listening to this podcast is like being back in a room with a great professor, and chatting through issues and books of the Bible (currently listening through the Romans series and it’s wonderful).
  • jctyrone
    On Fire!
    Legacy of American Christianity: Making sure White Christians don’t feel guilty for not doing the things that Christ calls us to do! Gombis brings it, as usual. Love this podcast.
  • Mr. Herbie12
    Great podcast
    Fairly new listener and greatly enjoying! Real, raw and transparent. No fluff, just straight shooting and I greatly appreciate that. Even as a White Sox fan :-) Listened to today’s and am interested in pdf of Romans but can’t find your email address, may have missed you saying it in the podcast. I’m sure it’s user error on my part, mix that in with not having any social media and this is the only way I know to reach out about that.
  • A. Jones 123
    Awesome podcast!
    This is one of the best Podcasts by a biblical scholar. It’s down to earth and very rich. And the U2 references make it that much sweeter!
  • johnjr.dhizar
    Think critically
    If you’re really interested in CRT/social justice & what it means, check out Allie Beth Stuckey episode 275. Don’t accept things without questioning!
  • loonladymt
    August 4,2020
    “Christian nationalism is idolatry” was simply outstanding on so many fronts. It is essential that this phrase be defined because it’s easy to think that “Christian nationalism” is something that someone else (like right wing militia types) has... not the little grandma sitting in her pew on Sunday morning. I am studying this topic as I try to figure out “how we got here” as a country with “here” referring to the January 6th insurrection and Trumpism. You mentioned in at least two podcasts that “idolatry destroys bodies” and I believe we must see that this includes the “Body of Christ” ... meaning the church. I am critically concerned for the myriads of Christians who have left their churches because the gospel of Trumpism was/is still being preached- not the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When Jesus is lifted up, people are drawn to Him but if someone else is lifted up, the sheep will scatter... and they have! These people love Jesus but could not stand the political rhetoric being spewed from pulpits across America. The idols involved with MAGA and Christian nationalism have greatly damaged the Body of Christ in the US. Thank you for your insights and the many books you referred to. They are on my “to get” list.
  • Port Trucker Scotty
    Refreshing
    Love this podcast. Always thoughtful and engaging. Thank you Tim!
  • molly chicken
    Challenging the status quo
    I have been challenged each week to rethink so many of the Evangelical teachings I have assumed were truth. Reading scripture will never be the same. I have spent so much time during this Covid season diving deeper into the scriptures since I have found this podcast. Thank you, Tim.
  • archie1235
    This podcast nourishes my soul
    It also challenges my mind, speaks to my heart, and draws me deeper into living as a Christian in this world. Tim has a very rare talent. He has an uncanny ability and overall posture of speaking truth and listening with wisdom without actually arguing. It’s a skill he has practiced, continues to practice, and thoughtfully invites us to grow in. The evangelical culture I inherited and was raised in is so thirsty for this. This guy. He gets it. And if you find Paul to be annoying or stuffy and if you find the gospel of Mark to be choppy and abrasive in seemingly unorganized ways - he can help with that.) Also, the man gives solid book recommendations. Five stars all around.
  • 3mariiiis
    Freaking Gombis.
    Blowing my evangelical-poster-child mind. Thank you for your work.
  • McMahon.Kyle
    Criticism without a Critical Spirit, ☑️
    These podcasts stand as a map for anyone who wants to move from debate to conversation. Challenging. Honest. Hopeful.
  • ABH4
    Thought provoking and insightful
    I have really enjoyed listening to Tim’s thoughts, insights and perspective on scripture and current events. He brings background and scholarship to the conversation that provokes thought and continued dialogue for me in my community! Hope he continues putting out new podcasts!!!!
  • thefirstalan
    FREAKING GOMBIS
    Wow, I have never heard a lot of this stuff before. Very insightful.
  • Kayraytay
    Dang it Gombis
    Every episode has me questioning my presumptions and turning to Scripture to re-examine my beliefs! Also appreciate how he refers to “our current president” but never names him such like “he-who-must-not-be named.”
  • darrellmayart
    Thank You
    Tim, thank you for starting your podcast. My spirit has been grieved for some time now and your clarity and understanding of scripture is helping me workout my issues with my faith, the church, and the culture of evangelicalism in our world. Keep up the good work. Darrell
  • Fbjfbxnxnx
    freaking gombis
    Tim speaks in a way that is both receptive and profound. You can tell from his words he is actively engaged in embodying Christ by listening to the conversations of the communities he’s a part of, as well as those he is not, and responding with the attitude of an eager student with a mind wide open. Even if you disagree with his conclusions, listening to these podcasts will challenge your brain to more critically consider its perception of what it means to follow Jesus. Love the podcast, and I am excited to continue the conversation with those around me.
  • Genetically Disposed to th Pipes
    He makes me cranky and I am grateful
    I have spent much of my time listening to Tim and having arguments with what he says. Then I mull them over and find myself moving closer to his position. This is what should be happening in dialog. Perhaps it’s his conversational style. Whatever it is, I get the extra bonus that my walks typically stretch an extra mile and a half because I am engaged. Gombus, if you are ever in St.Louis, beers or coffee on me.
  • yeahluke
    Freaking Gombis!!
    Thank you. For real, thank you so cussing much. In a time where it’s easy to feel alone in faith, your podcasts and others like it are giving me so much hope and reminding me that I am not alone, that I am a part of something that is making the cosmos better.
  • 901Yankee
    Gombis!!
    Jumped on the Gombis train after being introduced on The Vox Podcast with Mike Erre. This guy makes my brain hurt in the best way! Keep up the good work.
  • savingamy
    Thankful for your voice!!
    It is not an exaggeration to say that you are speaking to my soul, giving words and reasoning to what’s in my heart that I’m trying to make sense of these days. I’m thankful for your scholarship and wisdom and authenticity. Please keep it going!!
  • GoodWillKim
    Seriously... Freaking Gombis
    You get me Every. Single. Time. Keep up the amazing work.
  • Jflarson
    Grateful
    A very clear presentation of what an inadequate Gospel looks like. Helpful.
  • BelakTlah
    Gom gom gom gom goooooom!!!
    Challenging biblical talk that takes you out of your comfort zone. The church needs more talk like this.
  • B_del
    SO insightful
    Thanks Tim for your wisdom, insights and the ways you expose us to other viewpoints and guests!
  • Trail lust
    Well done!
    Great first episode, can’t wait for more.
  • jmckee1347
    Keep it Coming!
    Loved the podcast. Keep it coming!
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