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Friends in Formation · Episode 3

Traditional” Church, Minority Voices, and Interior Battles

This week on Friends in Formation, James and Tiana cover three listener questions on traditional” church, minority voices in spiritual formation, and battling interior resistance to God.

Published on March 20, 2026
Renovaré Weekly

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Tiana Spencer
About the Guest
Tiana Spencer

Tiana Spencer is a Bible teacher, preacher, and story-informed spiritual formation guide with decades of ministry experience. Holding a Biblical Studies degree from Biola University and trained in trauma-informed care through The Allender Center, she teaches at the intersection of Scripture and personal story. As the founder of Intentionally Her, Tiana is passionate about creating emotionally safe spaces where people of all backgrounds can experience healing, freedom, and joy in the presence of God.

Brian Morykon
About the Guest
Brian Morykon

Brian Morykon is Director of Communications and Special Projects at Renovaré, where he uses words, design, and technology to help connect people with Jesus and one another. He studied Spiritual Formation and Leadership at Spring Arbor University. Also a singer-songwriter, Brian has two albums and has led worship at churches across the denominational spectrum. He and his wife Joy live in Lynchburg, Virginia, and have three children. Hear his music at morykon.com.

James Catford
About the Hosts
James Catford

James Catford has spent his career at the intersection of publishing, leadership, and spiritual formation, working with many authors closely connected to Renovaré. He led the British Bible Society for fourteen years, founded the think tank Theos, and later chaired SPCK, the UK’s largest Christian publisher. He now serves as founding chair of the Center for Christianity and Public Life in Washington, D.C., and on the board of the Martin Institute and Dallas Willard Research Center at Westmont College. He is married to Sue, a former TV anchor and media executive.

Richella Parham
About the Hosts
Richella Parham

Richella is Chair of the Renovaré Board of Trustees. With a background in small business, education, and church leadership, Richella is a speaker and the author of Mythical Me (IVP) and A Spiritual Formation Primer. She is the mother of three young adult sons and lives with her husband Jack in Durham, North Carolina. Read her full bio and connect with Richella at richellajparham.com.