Helping Evangelicals reimagine Israel, Palestine, and the Faith that formed us.
Who is this podcast series for?
This podcast is for Christians who want to take their faith seriously — especially when it comes to Israel, Palestine, and what the Bible really says. Many of us were taught to love God’s Word and care about justice, but we were never given tools to understand this part of the world, or to see how our theology shapes the way we respond to it.
Rethinking Israel, Palestine, and the Faith that Formed Us is a space to learn. Together, we wrestle with Scripture, history, and current events in light of our faith. Through stories, friendships, and witness, we explore how the evangelical tradition has shaped our vision — and how re-engaging the Bible can move us toward peace, dignity, and hope for all people in the land we call holy.
Whether you feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or simply want to understand where to begin, this podcast offers a faithful and accessible starting point for the journey.
Curious about God’s Word – You want to understand what Scripture really says about Israel, Palestine, and God’s heart for justice.
Open to learning – You were taught one perspective, but you’re ready to explore new insights in light of what’s happening today.
Looking for practical ways to engage – You want to talk about Israel and Palestine with family, friends, or your church, but you’re not sure where to start.
Following Jesus globally – You recognize that faith calls you to care about people suffering around the world, not just in your own community.
Seeking a faith that makes sense – You long for a faith that holds together the Bible and the realities of our world today.
Honoring both truth and compassion – You want to love God’s Word while also showing care and empathy for those who are hurting.
Why Listen?
Meet Your Hosts
Barnabas Lin is an evangelical minister, preacher, and scholar who is passionate about helping others deeply understand the Christian faith as he continues to believe in its power to heal and build peace.
Raised in global evangelicalism in Singapore and Hong Kong, Barnabas spent over ten years ministering with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. During that time, he discipled students at the University of Chicago, helped shape the 2018 Urbana Missions Conference, and developed young ministers as associate director of InterVarsity’s Asian American Ministries.
His interest in Israel-Palestine began more than a decade ago, shaped by close friendships: one with a Jewish friend and one with a Palestinian friend. Through countless conversations about scripture, history, and tradition, Barnabas has wrestled with how evangelical formation can often prevent Christians from seeing the grief and dignity of both Jews and Palestinians. He has since taken part in a fellowship at Auschwitz, joined a witnessing delegation to Palestine, and helps convene an annual gathering of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish seminarians in Los Angeles.
Today, Barnabas serves as Theologian in Residence at Bethel Community Presbyterian Church, while finishing his PhD in Theological Ethics at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he also earned his Master of Divinity. His research focuses on how the Bible has been misused, and how it can instead be reclaimed as a guide for courageous and faithful living.
In this podcast, Barnabas brings together his pastoral experience, deep love for scripture, and academic insight to help Christians thoughtfully engage with the realities of Israel and Palestine.
Barnabas Lin
Erna Kim Hackett is a founder, preacher, and theologian who is committed to creating spaces of healing and renewal. Born in Seattle and raised in the Korean immigrant church, Erna spent two decades with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, and served as Director of Worship for Urbana 2015. From 2018–2020 she was Executive Pastor at The Way Christian Center in Berkeley, California.
Her journey with Israel and Palestine began more recently. In October 2023, she had little awareness of the region’s history or lived realities. But by April 2025, after extensive study and a witnessing trip to the West Bank, she made helping others rethink Palestine a core commitment in her work and faith practice. She brings honesty, curiosity, and conviction to her work on the podcast.
Erna is the founder of Liberated Together (2019), a space for women of color to explore theology and community. In 2023, she launched the Liberated Together Spiritual Direction School, which trains women of color to offer spiritual accompaniment. She holds a Master’s in Intercultural Studies from the Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies, where she deepened her engagement with Indigenous worldviews and contextual ministry.
Erna lives in the Bay Area with her husband of 19 years.
Erna Kim Hackett
