and missionary to India.
THESE UNIQUE PODCAST EPISODES are based on the challenging book Saving Christianity. They tell Christians today how to have the same peace, healing, and hope that the original Christians had when Christianity was originally founded.
National surveys reveal that present-day worship services are often boring, irrelevant, hypocritical, and disappointing to Christians. As a result, many Christians are dropping out of them. And the recent Covid-19 Pandemic only made matters worse. But original Christianity – the way it was originally lived – is one of the most exciting adventures a person can have. So Owen Allen and John Shields are recording these episodes every-other-Tuesday to tell you why the Early Christians had so much patience, love, and peace – and how we can have that same miraculous lifestyle today.
Click the number of the episode you want in this index. The episodes are listed in chronological order. Or just scroll down the page to find an interesting episode:
00 – 01 – 02 – 03 – 04 – 05 – 06 – 07 – 08 – 09 – 10 – 11 – 12 – 13 – 14 – 15 – 16 – 17 – 18 – 19 – 20 – 21 – 22
23 – 24 – 25 – 26 – 27 – 28 – 29 – 30 – 31 – 32 – 33 – 34 – 35 – 36 – 37
00
Episode 00. “Where Have All The Christians Gone?”
Tuesday, December 29, 2020. 44 minutes.
Show Notes: Radio and TV host Manwell Grady interviews the co-hosts of “Saving Christianity.” He asks about their careers, educations, and families, and asks why they created such a challenging podcast. The interview is blunt and honest about today’s Christian crisis, with clear advice for Christians feeling overwhelmed by today’s hostile world.
01
Episode 01. “The Time Capsule.”
Tuesday, January 5, 2021. 46 minutes.
Show Notes: An introduction to the Early Christian Lifestyle. Tells why other people thought the original Christians were “a new race of humans,” and why that fact has been “buried” for 1,700 years. The episode opens a “Time Capsule” that reveals how to live like an original Christian today – with amazing results.
02
Episode 02. “The Sign Of The Fish.”
Tuesday, January 5, 2021. 44 minutes.
Show Notes: A comparison of the original Christian lifestyle with how Christians live today. Reveals the strange name Christians were originally called (it wasn’t “Christians”). Tells why the first Christians used the “fish” symbol, and why all Christians can – and should – live with more peace, healing, and hope in today’s confusing world.
03
Episode 03. “The Falling Away.”
Tuesday, January 5, 2021. 41 minutes.
Show Notes: Christianity is in a crisis today. Millions are dropping out, hundreds of churches are closing, thousands of pastors leaving. The average Christian is now no more Spiritual than a non-Christian – the opposite of how it should be. This episode explains why this is happening and what to do about it.
04
Episode 04. “The Murderer.”
Tuesday, January 19, 2021. 40 minutes.
Show Notes: This episode exposes the roots of today’s Christian crisis. It tells the story of Constantine, one of the most misunderstood people in history. He’s the murderous dictator who came to power in Rome in the Fourth Century, and who ended the miraculous lifestyle that Christians had been living for 300 years. Constantine is the one who replaced the original Christian lifestyle with the formal, ritualistic programs that Christians have today. This episode is unique, and gives many new and shocking facts.
05
Episode 05. “The Courthouses.”
Tuesday, February 2, 2021. 43 minutes.
Show Notes: This episode describes the damage that the Roman emperor Constantine did to the original Christians. He built the first Christian buildings and deigned them like courthouses to intimidate the worshipers. He named the buildings “churches.” He named the Christian day of worship “Sun Day.” And he appointed “royal priests” to supervise Christian gatherings. These actions were the foundations of today’s Institutional Christianity, and are the source of today’s crisis in Christianity.
06
Episode 06. “The Wrong Ancestors.”
Tuesday, February 16, 2021. 37 minutes.
Show Notes: A comparison of two Organizational Designs: One that promotes Spiritual growth, and one that suppresses it. The suppressive design is dominant today and came from Emperor Constantine. Thus, today’s Christians have the “wrong ancestors.” Their worship services came from Constantine – not Early Christianity. Happily, this episode gives the surprising solution.
07
Episode 07. “Is A Deeper Walk Possible Today?”
Tuesday, March 2, 2021. 51 minutes.
Show Notes: Star of radio and TV, Manwell Grady, discusses Spiritual experiences with Owen and John. The three are honest about their successes and failures in today’s hostile society – but tell how today’s Christians can live the “Early Christian Lifestyle” that the original Christians lived, with the same peace, love, and miracles.
08
Episode 08. “The Spiritual Basics”
Tuesday, March 16, 2021. 46 minutes.
Show Notes: The details for “getting back to the basics” of Christianity, and for living the kind of supernatural life that the Early Christians lived. The three ground rules for living the “Early Christian Lifestyle” – and the biggest mistake Christian teachers make today, with the five words that many Christians can’t define.
09
Episode 09. “The Natural Person”
Tuesday, March 30, 2021. 40 minutes.
Show Notes: The convention that met in San Francisco to discover why there’s so much trouble in the world. The definition of a “natural” person, and the truth about human nature. Where fear and hate come from – and the biggest challenge that people face, with one decision that every person must make.
10
Episode 10. “The Spiritual Growth Charts”
Tuesday, April 13, 2021. 46 minutes.
Show Notes: An introduction to Christian Family Online’s unique series of Motivational Diagrams. This episode describes the “Three Circles” Spiritual Growth flowcharts in the book Saving Christianity – and provides a mental image for listeners to visualize their Spiritual growth. These unusual diagrams are not available in any other podcast, book, or video.
11
Episode 11. “Owen’s Story”
Tuesday, April 27, 2021. 60 minutes.
Show Notes: An interview of Owen Allen, co-founder of the “Saving Christianity” podcast, by Shannon Wolfe, the podcast’s producer. Shannon probes Owen’s life with vigor, asking questions about how Owen grew up in Florida – the miracles in his life – why he wrote the book Saving Christianity – and why he co-founded this podcast.
12
Episode 12. “John’s Story”
Tuesday, May 11, 2021. 33 minutes.
Show Notes: An interview of John Shields, co-founder of the “Saving Christianity” podcast, by Shannon Wolfe, the podcast’s producer. Shannon questions John in a direct way about growing up on a Virginia tobacco farm – how becoming a Christian changed his life – how he became a pastor – and why he co-founded this podcast.
13
Episode 13. “The Infant Christian”
Tuesday, May 25, 2021. 52 minutes.
Show Notes: This episode is an honest exposé of the unique Spiritual event that changes a person into an infant Christian. It describes how infant Christians are created, and what happens to them afterwards. The show reveals what motivates infant Christians, and reveals a decision that every infant Christian needs to make.
14
Episode 14. “The Infant Christian Crisis”
Tuesday, June 8, 2021. 56 minutes.
Show Notes: A conversation between Shields, Wolfe, and Allen, the producers of the “Saving Christianity” podcast. The three admit the consequences of living as infant Christians with true stories that are humorous, tragic, and surprising. They confess their own struggles with Spiritual immaturity, and they reveal the true solution to the crisis.
15
Episode 15. “The Growing Christian”
Tuesday, June 22, 2021. 53 minutes.
Show Notes: A hard-hitting, truth-telling episode on Spiritual growth. Includes First Century principles that few (if any) other books, radio, or TV shows, or podcasts offer. The episode opens the door to rapid Spiritual growth for Christians with specific instructions for how to be Spirit-filled, and for how Christians know they’re Spirit-filled.
16
Episode 16. “The Spirit-Filling Crisis”
Tuesday, July 6, 2021. 52 minutes.
Show Notes: A fascinating probe by Shields and Allen, co-hosts of the podcast, into the controversial subject of “Spirit-filling.” Spirit-filling is one of the most important Christian experiences. But what is it? How does it happen? Why don’t more Christians experience it? The co-hosts offer answers to all these questions and more.
17
Episode 17. “The Mature Christian”
Tuesday, July 20, 2021. 56 minutes.
Show Notes: What is a “mature” Christian? What are the benefits of “maturity”? What role does the “Fruit of the Spirit” play? Why do some Christians grow, while others don’t? What’s the best “model” for growth – and are Christians using that model today? This episode answers these vitally important questions and more.
18
Episode 18. “The Happy Christian”
Tuesday, August 3, 2021. 43 minutes.
Show Notes: What is happiness? How many people have it? Where does it come from? How do we keep it? This episode gives the facts about this elusive emotion. It reveals the role that happiness plays in the lives of Christians and non-Christians, and reveals why so few people ever find it.
19
Episode 19. “The Life and Death of Paul”
Tuesday, August 17, 2021. 38 minutes.
Show Notes: The incredible story of Paul, possibly the most Spiritual apostle. Reveals the source of his Spiritual power, and how a rabbi named “Saul” from Turkey became the apostle Paul. Tells how he escaped the Great Fire of Rome, and how he was beheaded in a meadow beside an Italian road.
20
Episode 20. “The Change, Part One”
Tuesday, August 31, 2021. 24 minutes.
Show Notes: This episode summarizes the amazing transformation that happens to everyone who becomes a Christian. It describes the five-part change that happens to Christians, and explains the “Great Journey” on earth that we call “Christianity” and the “Good News.” This Episode is Part One. Episode 22 is “The Change, Part Two.”
21
Episode 21. “The Life and Death of Peter”
Tuesday, September 14, 2021. 43 minutes.
Show Notes: The story of Peter, the most misunderstood apostle. Tells how his brother introduced him to Jesus, how Jesus named him “Peter” and moved into his house to perform miracles. Tells why Peter was crucified upside down at a racetrack, and why tourists today walk over his grave without knowing it.
22
Episode 22 – The Change, Part Two
Tuesday, September 28, 2021. 16 minutes.
Show Notes: This episode continues John’s summary of the amazing transformation in people when they become Christians. John talks in-depth about the power of the Holy Spirit and specifically what the Spirit does for Christians. What is “Spiritual power”? This is episode answers that question. Episode 20 is “The Change, Part One.”
23
Episode 23 – The Rivers of God
Tuesday, October 12, 2021. 43 minutes.
Show Notes: John 7:38 is one of Owen Allen’s favorite verses. It’s where Jesus promises “Rivers of Living Water” to all Christians. But what are the “Rivers”? Why did they flow for the first time the day Christianity was founded? How can every Christian experience them? This episode answers all those questions.
24
Episode 24 – The Fruit of the Spirit, Part One
Tuesday, October 26, 2021. 41 minutes.
Show Notes: A serious but humorous discussion of the most important and necessary power in any Christian’s life – “The Fruit of the Spirit.” This unique episode tells what the “fruit” is, and how it works, and why it’s necessary. A desperately needed episode. This is Part One. Episode 25 is Part Two.
25
Episode 25 – The Fruit of the Spirit, Part Two
Tuesday, November 9, 2021. 43 minutes.
Show Notes: Part Two of an unusual discussion on the most important, necessary power in any Christian’s life: “The Fruit of the Spirit.” This episode builds on Part One, with personal experiences and memories by Owen and John. A unique explanation. (Episode 24 is Part One of “The Fruit of the Spirit.”)
26
Episode 26 – The Gifts Of The Spirit
Tuesday, December 7, 2021. 51 minutes.
Show Notes: A humorous but serious discussion of the amazing, miraculous, supernatural abilities called the “Gifts of the Spirit.” A clear explanation of why every Christian should be expressing the gifts in daily life, since all Christians are indwelled by the Holy Spirit and have the Gifts of the Spirit within themselves.
27
Episode 27 – The Miracle Stories: 2021
Tuesday, December 21, 2021. 44 minutes.
Show Notes: Co-hosts John Shields and wife Kit, and Owen Allen and wife Joanna, tell true miracle stories of things that happened to them or Christians they know. Stories include: Surviving the worst plane crash in history; a car that ran without gas; and a hospital room in which two angels lived.
28
Episode 28 – The Use of Spiritual Gifts
Tuesday, January 4, 2022. 45 minutes.
Show Notes: As a follow-on episode to Episode 26, this episode continues the discussion of the supernatural gifts of the Spirit that all Christians should be expressing, and gives more details on when, where, how, and why all Christians be should expressing the Gifts of the Spirit to help themselves and others.
29
Episode 29 – The Small Groups: The Lost Key
Tuesday, February 1, 2022. 46 minutes.
Show Notes: A ground-breaking episode on the small group structure that Early Christians used the first three centuries of history. John and Owen call it the “Lost Key,” since Christians don’t use it today. But the “Key” unlocks Spiritual growth for Christians – so it’s vital for Christians to understand and use it.
30
Episode 30 – The Small Groups: Using the Key
Tuesday, February 15, 2022. 40 minutes.
Show Notes: A follow-on to Episode 29, this episode continues discussing the unusual small group structure that the original Christians used. It covers the six parts of a small group and the three types of small groups. It also covers the unique principles of Like-Mindedness, Participation, and Contribution in small group worship.
31
Episode 31 – The Mystery of Unspiritual Worship
Tuesday, March 15, 2022. 38 minutes.
Show Notes: John and Owen unravel a huge mystery: Why don’t today’s worship services make Christians more Spiritual? Most Christians attend church at least several times a year. Yet Gallup polls reveal that today’s average Christian is no more Spiritual than a non-Christian. This episode tells why, and what Christians should do.
32
Episode 32 – The Power of Spiritual Worship
Tuesday, March 29, 2022. 38 minutes.
Show Notes: A follow-on to Episode 31, this episode continues discussing the unusual Spirit-guided supernatural worship that the Early Christians experienced – and that today’s Christians should experience too. John and Owen discuss this issue boldly, and give examples from Early Christian writing and Christian writing today. This episode should not be missed.
33
Episode 33 – The Spirit-Soul Within Us
Tuesday, May 10, 2022. 54 minutes.
Show Notes: An exposé of our most cherished Christian principle: That we have inner spirits that go to heaven when we die. Rare evidence that our spirits exist, with little-know facts from the Bible and today’s newspapers about spirits who went to heaven and returned to tell it. A very different episode.
34
Episode 34 – Tom’s Story
Tuesday, July 19, 2022. 46 minutes.
Show Notes: The story of “Major Tom,” a pilot in Vietnam. He flew combat for two years and earned 29 medals – while the average pilot only lasted for 16 minutes. This is the story of how Tom survived, and returned to Vietnam as a missionary to people he once tried to kill.
35
Episode 35 – Mickie’s Story
Tuesday, October 25, 2022. 50 minutes.
Show Notes: The story of “Mickie’s” Spiritual search for peace and how she found it. Her trek into the Spirit-filled Christian life included surviving a plane crash in a hurricane, and being attacked by a madman in a grocery store. With tenderness and sincerity, she explains her miracles and her final enlightenment.
36
Episode 36 – Jane’s Story, Part One.
Tuesday, February 14, 2023. 45 minutes.
Show Notes: The story of Jane Albright, the historic basketball coach. Voted “Coach of the Year” twice; USA Gold Medal team; “Heart of a Coach” and “Integrity in Coaching” awards for Christian coaching. Stricken with an aneurysm during an awards banquet and given a 5% chance of survival – God healed her instantly.
37
Episode 37 – The New Deeper Walk Retreat
Tuesday, May 28, 2024. 41 minutes.
Show Notes: An introduction to “The Experience,” the unique new retreat that Owen and John have developed. This unusual retreat demonstrates with Live Exercises how the Early Christians worshiped in small groups in homes, and how they let the Holy Spirit guide their worship. This episode gives the exciting details.