Coastal Theology
Coastal Theology
Podcast Description
Coastal Theology - Faith, Learning, and Creativity at the Edge of the PacificWelcome to Coastal Theology, a podcast from the Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts. Each episode invites you to join us in thoughtful conversations on faith, art, and Christian learning — shaped by the coastal rhythms and spiritual richness of Vancouver Island. Whether you’re a curious learner or considering a course with VISTA, we’re glad you’re here.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Explores themes of faith deconstruction, creativity in worship, and spiritual growth with episodes discussing the metaphor of canoe camping as a spiritual journey and interviews on contemporary theological issues.

Coastal Theology – Faith, Learning, and Creativity at the Edge of the Pacific
Welcome to Coastal Theology, a podcast from the Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts. Each episode invites you to join us in thoughtful conversations on faith, art, and Christian learning — shaped by the coastal rhythms and spiritual richness of Vancouver Island. Whether you’re a curious learner or considering a course with VISTA, we’re glad you’re here.
In this episode of Coastal Theology, Andy Withrow and Vanessa Caruso sit down with pastor and author Mark Buchanan (The Rest of God) to explore how Sabbath, vocation, and trust belong together.
As VISTA prepares for its May 8–9 conference“Called and Formed”, Mark reframes Sabbath as more than a productivity break—it’s a practice that retrains our souls for patience, presence, and interruption, especially in a culture formed by convenience and distraction. The conversation moves from the dignity of ordinary work (as participation in God’s creative purposes) to the spiritual danger of “losing the plot” when work feels disconnected from meaning.
Mark also shares the surprising story of New Story Community, a ministry he and his wife began during COVID—living in close, life-on-life community with First Nations women navigating complex trauma. Together, they reflect on how spiritual disciplines (like fasting, silence, and Sabbath) don’t just soothe us—they form resilience and prepare us for the callings we never would have chosen.
Plus: Mark previews his new novel releasing March 17.
Learn more about the Vancouver Island School of Theology and the Arts
Credits:
Coastal Theology Podcast theme performed by Mark Glanville

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