Peaceable And Kind cover art

Peaceable And Kind

Peaceable And Kind

By: Reach Right Network
Listen for free

Welcome to "Peaceable and Kind," the podcast where we explore the transformative power of living out Jesus' call to peace and kindness in our everyday lives. Each week your host, Derek Vreeland, will delve into the stories, Scriptures, and practical steps that help us embody these essential Christian virtues. Join us as we talk with inspiring guests, reflect on Scripture, and discover ways to bring peace and kindness into our homes, communities, and the world. Whether you're seeking encouragement, guidance, or a deeper understanding of your faith, "Peaceable and Kind" is here to support and uplift you on your spiritual journey. Let's embark together on this path of grace, compassion, and love, living out the true essence of our faith. Thank you for tuning in, and may the peace of God be with you always.Reach Right Network Christianity Spirituality
Episodes
  • Episode 108: Catholic Beauty

    Episode 108: Catholic Beauty
    Jun 25 2026
    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 disagreements. He offers a brief historical overview of the Roman Catholic Church, tracing its roots to the apostles Peter and Paul and highlighting the church’s profound influence on theology, education, art, philosophy, architecture, worship, and the preservation of learning throughout Western civilization. The heart of the episode focuses on beauty as a theological category. Drawing from the ancient Christian understanding of the transcendentals—the true, the good, and the beautiful—Derek explores how beauty reflects the very nature of God. He engages the thought of Thomas Aquinas, who described beauty through integrity, harmony, and radiance, and Hans Urs von Balthasar, who argued that beauty is essential to Christian faith because the glory of God is revealed most fully in Jesus Christ. The episode also explores contemplation, stillness, and wonder through the writings of Thomas Merton. Derek reflects on how beauty calls us not merely to analyze or apply truth, but to stop, behold, and rest in the presence of God. Ultimately, this episode argues that the gospel is not only true and good; the gospel is beautiful. Key Takeaways • The word catholic means universal and points to the unity of the global church. • The Roman Catholic Church has profoundly shaped Western civilization and Christian history. • Beauty is one of the transcendentals alongside truth and goodness. • Beauty reflects the glory and nature of God. • Thomas Aquinas described beauty through wholeness, harmony, and radiance. • Hans Urs von Balthasar emphasized that beauty is essential to Christian faith. • Jesus Christ is the fullest revelation of divine beauty. • Contemplation is resting in the beauty and presence of God. • Modern Christianity often prioritizes truth and utility while neglecting beauty. Books Mentioned • Summa Theologiae by Thomas Aquinas • The Glory of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetics by Hans Urs von Balthasar • New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton Scriptures Mentioned • Psalm 27:4 • Philippians 4:8 • Luke 10 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Episode 107 - Orthodox Mystery

    Episode 107 - Orthodox Mystery
    Jun 18 2026
    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 separation. While Eastern Orthodoxy shares much in common with Catholic and Protestant traditions, it offers distinct emphases that Derek finds deeply enriching: mystery, participation in the divine life, Trinitarian theology, and the integration of worship and theology. Drawing from the writings of Athanasius and Kallistos Ware, Derek reflects on the Orthodox understanding of salvation as healing and union with God rather than merely legal pardon. Central to Orthodox spirituality is theosis—the idea that humanity is invited to participate in the divine nature through union with Christ. This is captured in Athanasius’ famous statement: “God became human so that humanity might become god.” The episode also explores the Orthodox emphasis on mystery—not as confusion or secrecy, but as an invitation into awe and worship. God is knowable, but never fully comprehensible. Theology is not merely intellectual study; it is participation in the life of God through prayer, worship, sacrament, and contemplation. Derek concludes by introducing the Jesus Prayer—“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me”—as a simple but profound spiritual practice rooted in Orthodox spirituality, inviting listeners to embrace silence, humility, and wonder before the mystery of God. Key Takeaways • Eastern Orthodoxy emerged from the historic split between East and West in 1054. • Orthodox Christianity emphasizes continuity with the ancient apostolic church. • Salvation is understood as healing, restoration, and union with God. • Theosis means participating in the divine nature without ceasing to be human. • Orthodox theology is deeply Trinitarian and rooted in worship and prayer. • Mystery is not opposed to truth—it is an invitation into wonder and awe. • God is knowable through revelation, but never fully comprehensible. • The Jesus Prayer is a foundational Orthodox spiritual practice centered on peace and attentiveness to God. Books Mentioned • On the Incarnation — Athanasius • The Orthodox Way — Kallistos Ware Scriptures Mentioned • Romans 11:33–36 • 2 Peter 1:4 • Isaiah 55:8–9 • Mark 12:30 • Acts 1:8 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Episode 106: A Holy Convergence

    Episode 106: A Holy Convergence
    Jun 11 2026
    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 Jesus. While many churches identify primarily with one denomination or stream of Christianity, Derek reflects on how his church has been shaped by influences from across the historic Christian tradition: Eastern Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, Protestantism, Anabaptism, Classic Evangelicalism, and Pentecostalism. Rather than focusing on division or doctrinal tribalism, this episode explores what each tradition uniquely contributes to the life of the Church. Drawing on voices like Jaroslav Pelikan, G. K. Chesterton, and Brian Zahnd, Derek reflects on the difference between tradition and traditionalism, the beauty of learning from the whole Church, and the need for Christians to recover humility, curiosity, and unity in a polarized age. This episode serves as an introduction to a forthcoming series exploring seven Christian traditions and the unique gifts each brings to the body of Christ. Key Takeaways • Every church has traditions, even contemporary non-denominational churches. • Tradition is not inherently bad. It is the collective wisdom of the past handed down through generations. • Traditionalism is different from tradition; it is “the dead faith of the living.” • No single Christian tradition contains the fullness of Christian experience. • Christians are enriched when they learn from the whole Church. • The Church is one house with many windows, different perspectives illuminating the same light. • Unity does not require uniformity. • A “holy convergence” values the gifts of multiple traditions while remaining centered on Jesus. Scriptures Mentioned • 2 Thessalonians 2:15 • 1 Corinthians 11:2 • Mark 7:8–9 • Romans 11:33 • Acts 1:8 Has Peaceable and Kind been meaningful to you? Support the show by: Leaving a review Giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast app Sharing this episode with a friend Order Derek's new Bible Study Series, God in the Neighborhood: Book 1: Incarnation: 8 Lessons on How God Meets Us || https://amzn.to/42jSZAs Book 2: Crucifixion: 8 Lessons on How God Saves Us || https://amzn.to/459bNUk Book 3: Resurrection: 8 Lessons on How God Restores Us || https://amzn.to/40T0sp0 Check out the Merch Store: derekvreeland.com/merch Learn more about Derek’s work as a pastor and author: derekvreeland.com Interact with Derek on Instagram, Twitter, Bluesky, or Facebook
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet