It has become a tradition at Living Hope to tackle some of the most difficult cultural topics through a sermon series called Real Conversations. We desire to equip our church to think more biblically on issues that are relevant in the society even when the larger church seems to be silent about them. We do so through biblical teachings, life talks, testimonies, interviews, podcasts, etc. We invite you this fall to our journey!
September 8 - Real Conversation on Identity
Dave Gibbons
Dave is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Newsong Church in Santa Ana, CA, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. He also serves as a Senior Advisor to leaders around the world in the contexts of venture capital, business, entertainment, sports, and the arts. He is the author of a new book called The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith and Finding Myself. He has served on the boards of World Vision and Fuller Theological Seminary. He’s been married to Rebecca for 40 years and has four children.
Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon
Jane Hong-Guzman de Leon, MDiv, is a beloved minister dedicated to empowering and training Christian leaders across diverse platforms. With extensive experience in both church and organizational settings, Jane has contributed her expertise to purposeful institutions such as the Fuller Youth Institute (FYI), Innovative Space for Asian American Christianity (ISAAC), TENx10 Collaboration, and the Christian Community Development Association (CCDA). Jane has also been instrumental in the growth and development of two vibrant church plants in Southern California. She is passionate about seeing diversity, healing, and transformation in and out of the church!
Resources
- BOOK: The Shape of My Eyes by Dave Gibbons
- VIDEO: The Shape of My Eyes Intro
- PBS Documentaries on Asian Americans
- DOCUMENTARY: Far East Deep South
September 22 - Real Conversation on Sex
James Lee
James met Jesus radically at 28 years old, receiving faith and calling to vocational ministry around the same time. A former corporate worker and once an aspiring professor of Christian ethics, his interests include racial reconciliation, theology of work, and business as missions. He also enjoys a good cup of coffee and all things USC Trojans. James and his wife Hannah are looking forward to taking their daughter Abigail on a trip to Honduras to meet their sponsored child, whose name is - you guessed it - Abigail.
Roy Kim
Roy is a certified sex addiction therapist practicing locally in Diamond Bar, CA, as well as a content creator surrounding the topics of sex addiction, betrayal, divorce, and other taboo topics. He is originally from the Bay Area and hopes to retire in either Seattle or London. He is married to Jenn and will be teaching his daughter to drive next year. Prayers appreciated!
Resources
- Why Does God Care Who I Sleep With? (Oxford Apologetics) by Sam Allberry
- Bringing Sex Into Focus: The Quest for Sexual Intergrity by Caroline J. Simon
- The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God by Timothy Keller
September 29 - Real Conversation on Pain
Jeff Hyun
Jeff serves as the founder of Barnabas & Co. and Journey of Wholeness. After serving as a pastor in the local church for over 17 years, Jeff sensed a call to come alongside Christian leaders in order to encourage, empower, and equip them towards flourishing in life and in leadership to Jesus. He also loves to come alongside Christian ministries - from local churches, mission organizations, to non-profits - to see them healthy and thriving so that they can fully take part in God's renewing work in the world.
Resources
October 6 - Real Conversation on Racism
Soong-Chan Rah
Soong-Chan is the Robert Boyd Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary. He holds a Th.D. from Duke Divinity School, as well as a M.Div. and D.Min. from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. An ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, Soong-Chan has spoken widely on the topics of the witness of the church, cross-cultural ministry, and social justice at domestic and global levels. He has authored or co-authored over a half dozen, and many award-winning, books including The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity, Many Colors: Cultural Intelligence for a Changing Church, Prophetic Lament: A Call for Justice in Troubled Times, etc.
Bobby Scott
Bobby is the pastor of discipleship at Community of Faith Bible Church in South Gate, CA. He holds a degree from UCLA, a Th.M., and M.Div. from The Master’s Seminary. He periodically blogs for Desiring God, 9 Marks, and The Gospel Coalition. He also serves on the council of The Gospel Coalition. Bobby cherishes his family: his devoted wife, Naomi, and his six adult children. He has a passion for the church. It is his consuming desire to be used by God to strengthen the church within the urban community. He believes this objective will be best met by focusing on strengthening the family, calling singles to live radically for Jesus, and developing a ministry that is built upon teaching God’s word.