Everyday Disciple Podcast

It seems like it only takes a few seconds being on social media or TV to see people crying out for justice. We often speak of “getting justice”, but the Bible speaks of “doing justice”. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we discuss the command in scripture to love mercy and do justice… and if our cultural understanding and experience of justice is lining up with God’s heart and hopes. Justice is disillusioning... Where do you draw the lines of where justice starts and end? We all have different ideas on correct levels of justice—what is just and what is not. How do we set a baseline of what justice (or maybe even injustice) looks like? Who sets the bar? In This Episode You’ll Learn: Life-changing (and biblical) definitions of mercy and justice. What exactly produces a “love of mercy” in our own hearts and lives. How God’s “justice” will change the world. How we can participate in God’s restorative justice in the lives of others. Get started here... From this episode: “Justice is really about restoration. Getting even or punishing people for their screw-ups is going in the wrong direction. It’s working against God’s purposes. God is not interested in getting even; he wants people to see who they really are–who they were meant to be. How they should live. For things to be made right, restored.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Justice Primer will walk you step-by-step as a group into understanding what it means to love mercy and do justice among the least of these in your area. Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these posts and videos helpful: The One Person You Need to Worry About Lifeschool 165: This is What Will Keep You From Living On Mission  

Unless seeds are planted, watered, and given enough time for growth, there is little expectation of a harvest. That’s how it works in farming; it seems it is similar with people and their faith. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we discuss the spiritual metaphor of sowing and reaping. Is it possible to do any reaping if there’s been no sowing done before us? And what is the “harvest” that Jesus actually talked about? This topic gained quite a bit of traction and interest when we posted it on the Lifeschool Facebook group. And it appears that while harvesting is where the “action” is, Christians are often unsure how to do it and are left curious about previous seed sowing efforts that would lead to a spiritual harvest in a person’s life. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What Jesus taught about the amount of “fruit” that is ready to be harvested. The harvest Jesus was actually talking about and interested in. (It’s different than you were taught.) What constitutes “sowing seeds”. Why sowing and reaping is an ongoing cycle (like on a farm), not a once-and-done type of thing. Get started here... From this episode: “Are you looking to “close the deal” or give your life away? Seeking to get a “decision for Christ” or invite people into your family–God’s family–and lay your life down for them?”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Coaching that Caesar is offering. If you are interested in learning more about being coached and mentored by Caesar toward life in a missional community, and learning how to disciple others, click here now.  

It can seem like the scariest and most awkward thing to do in life and relationships: you’re having a nice conversation, and you feel it’s time to bring up Jesus or transition to spiritual things. Yikes! This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we discuss how to transition normal, everyday discussions to spiritual conversations—without it being weird. We are too often compelled by guilt to transition to spiritual conversations. We are supposed to try and slip in a little “Jesus talk” or church stuff whenever we can… right? But most of the techniques we’ve been taught are just that–techniques. And they can feel like a sales pitch to others and ourselves! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why we are afraid to engage in spiritual conversations. The most common excuses we have and the lies behind them. How past “techniques” rarely, if ever, end up being beneficial. Why the gospel is NOT a set of facts about sin, hell, and our afterlife. Effective ways to transition to spiritual conversations that are actually Good News. Get started here... From this episode: “If our understanding of the gospel and spiritual things is focused primarily on some yet-to-be-seen afterlife, it will probably always seem weird or irrelevant to talk about it.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Coaching that Caesar is offering. If you are interested in learning more about being coached and mentored by Caesar toward life in a missional community, and learning how to disciple others, click here now.   In light of today’s topics, you might find this resource helpful: How to Share Your Faith in a Non-Creepy Way  

Other than a weekly meal and hangout, what does a missional community need to do together? Are there set patterns for being together, or are we just trying to fit everything into a neat little once-a-week box? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we discuss what a missional community is supposed to do from week-to-week. This is surprisingly simple, yet powerful! Too often what is labeled as a Missional Community is just a renamed, traditional small group or Bible study together. Maybe there’s an occasional service project added in. But what if a missional community actually lived like a family with both organized and organic rhythms? That’s what a missional community needs to do together. In This Episode You’ll Learn: A working definition for what a missional community actually (biblically) is. What the mission of a missional community is and always has been. The organized and organic rhythms of a healthy missional community. How to include and balance the involvement of our kids in community. 6 natural rhythms of a missional community that fit every context. Get started here... From this episode: “Structuring your missional community life and time like a family with family rhythms takes into account the needs of everyone. A few organized family rhythms will perpetuate and facilitate numerous organic opportunities to BE a family and do a lot of normal life stuff together. Don’t over-complicate things!”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Coaching that Caesar is offering. If you are interested in learning more about being coached and mentored by Caesar toward life in a missional community, and learning how to disciple others, click here now.   In light of today’s topics, you might find this resource helpful: Be The Church  

“Missional community life probably works great where you live, but you don’t understand my context. People are different here…” I've heard this a zillion times. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we discuss whether or not it’s actually possible to start and sustain a missional community in any context: urban, suburban, rural… the moon! Jesus commanded us to go and make disciples, teaching and modeling his life to people, in every context… in every nation. He only and always made disciples in community, living his life closely with others. I think we oughta trust Jesus on this one! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why Jesus always made disciples in community. Did Jesus start the first missional community? The surprising similarities to the challenges people face in every context. The close correlation between how healthy families function and missional community life. Tips for figuring out the DNA of your particular community, in your context. Get started here... From this episode: “One thing that is universal about a missional community in any context, is that this sort of lifestyle is going to be messy. It is not a weekly Bible study or an hour-long, one-on-one meeting. You’ll need to give your whole life to making disciples the way Jesus did!”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Coaching that Caesar is offering. If you are interested in learning more about being coached and mentored by Caesar toward life in a missional community, and learning how to disciple others, click here now.   In light of today’s topics, you might find this resource helpful: The First Time I Tried Starting a Missional Community I Failed  

Whether caused by fear of man or the fear of missing out (FOMO), most of us need to learn to say “no” a whole lot more often. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we’ll teach you how to say no more often in life and how to un-commit yourself from the things that you shouldn’t have said yes to in the first place. Saying no to people is not easy. Sometimes we give in and say yes to please others, but saying yes to everything and everyone is impossible and leads to burnout. Let's master the art of gracefully saying no and uncommitting. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why we find it so hard to say “no” to people. What the Bible teaches in connection with bailing out on commitments. 10 ways to gracefully say no to people… plus a bonus to use with telemarketers! The right way to uncommit to things you should not have said yes to. Get started here... From this episode: “The more we think about what we are giving up when we say ‘yes’ to someone, the easier it is to say no. If we have no clear sense of the opportunity cost—in other words, the value of what we are giving up—then it is especially easy to fall into the nonessential trap of telling ourselves we can get it all done. We can’t. A graceful 'no' grows out of a clear but unstated calculation of the trade-off.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: Want to Stop Sinning? Here's How to Get Started How to Talk About Politics Without Being a Jerk  

When we hear the word "conflict," it is usually perceived as a negative thing. However, there is a reason why conflict is not all bad, and can be either a positive or negative thing. The key is understanding the difference. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we are going to show you how to recognize and engage in healthy conflict in a way that repairs relationships and shows the world what God is truly like. The problem with conflict is that the two types usually run counter-intuitive to our inherent emotional state as humans. Therefore, human nature is to squash the conflict that is most apparent (the good kind) and adjust to the subtle conflict that no one can quite put their finger upon (the bad kind). In This Episode You’ll Learn: The glaring difference between the two kinds of conflict you experience. Why we're hard-wired to avoid the good type of conflict and embrace the bad. How conflict actually presents you with an ideal environment for discipleship. Ideas and steps for resolving a current conflict in your life or community. Get started here... From this episode: “Behind every conflict lives a series of lies and unbelief. Identifying those and replacing them with the truth about God, ourselves, and how we GET to live is always the goal. That’s what discipleship is and how we experience the Kingdom of heaven now… here!”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: 7 Reasons Why Gossip is Poison. And 3 Ways to Stop It How to Move From Forgiveness to Reconciliation  

Most of us would agree with the age-old saying, “The youth of today is the future of tomorrow.” But how many of us take that sentiment seriously enough to actually do something about it? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk about the opportunities for mentoring those who are eventually going to take our place in the world with author and experienced mentor, Dr. Rick Bartlett. Kids and youth today are open to you engaging them in the journey of discovery they are on. As their world moves from concrete and simple to more abstract and nuanced, they are looking for guides, sounding boards, and encouragement. You can be that for them! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why you don’t need to be married or a parent to be an excellent mentor. How the Church can offer youth a different message than the culture does today. The ways that young people may be “called” at an early age. Ways you, your church, and your community can help young people engage with their faith. Get started here... From this episode: “You can pour words of affirmation about true identity into the youth in your life. Reinforce that they are image bearers of God... and have been given a very high calling, authority, and privilege through Christ.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: How to Pray for Your Child's Future Spouse Life in a True Gospel-Centered Community: Kirstan's Story   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

It’s easy to listen to sermons and read books on theology and missional living… nod our heads in agreement… yet very little change happens in our lives. Jesus made some surprising (maybe unreasonable?) commands to his potential disciples. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we continue our talk on Gospel Motivation and why what we truly believe will become evident by the work of our hands and the patterns of our lives. This is not just a message for “leaders”, but it is really a message about the gospel and how it changes our affections and reshapes every area of life. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Jesus’ surprising commands to his potential disciples. Why we are all full-time, paid missionaries regardless where we work. Ways to look at a leader’s life to see if they are being motivated by the gospel. Why you absolutely cannot make a mature disciple without 3 crucial things. Where the power to live out of a gospel motivation comes from. Get started here... From this episode: “It can be hard to rightly motivate people on mission… we have well-worn grooves, patterns, and language that end up being more law than grace, more hard work than gospel freedom. To grow in your gospel fluency and learn the “language of the gospel”, I want to invite you to a powerful free training and webinar I’m hosting… The Gospel in Everyday Life. Reserve your spot now. I know of no other training that can change your life as much in one hour!”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Free training webinar Caesar mentioned – Gospel in Everyday Life Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: Why You Should Stop Going To Church It’s Time to Reinvent the Church   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

“I have a whole bunch of people that have bought into this missional community thing and lifestyle–living like missionaries in our city–but HOW do you keep them motivated? They start out all fired up, but after a while, they seem to fizzle out.” Sound familiar? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk about why you need Gospel Motivation to lead your church, small group, or family toward a life on mission with God... and what happens when you don’t. For those of us that were raised in the church, there is a sense of the law and legalism when it comes to having a motivation to live on mission with God. Legalism, at times, produces outward change but not on a lasting heart level. Using “should” and “supposed to” only leads to fear or self-righteousness. Neither of these are good motivators if you want to sustain a lifestyle and movement within your tribe. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How the ‘American Dream’ life may be a smokescreen in your life and a convenient excuse for not living on mission. Why what you believe in your head will change what you believe in your heart. How the gospel changes ALL of our motivations, affections, and even our locations. Why a “Christian life” lived under the wrong motivation is not attractive to non-believers. Get started here... From this episode: “The Good News of Jesus comes into our lives with the reality that we are both horribly sinful and needy AND more loved and accepted than we could ever hope for. We have new, eternal life as our inheritance. No possible carrot could entice or fulfill beyond this. There is no condemnation for us in Christ; gone are any sticks that would beat or shame us into action. Love is our clarion call and gratefulness is our motivation!”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Free training webinar Caesar mentioned – Gospel in Everyday Life Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: Is Your Church Suffering From Spiritual Schizophrenia? How to Lead Your Small Group or Church Toward True Missional Living   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

Many of us have a sense of the two or three things we are really good at, either naturally or we’ve put in the time and investment to learn and develop certain skills or abilities. Do you know how to figure out your personal superpower? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we are going to show you how to figure out your personal superpower and also discover what your “kryptonite” might be. It’s not prideful to know the things you are really good at in life and to develop and share those things with others. All of us have certain things we are good at doing or noticing or perceiving. We also have blind spots and weaknesses in life that, if left unchecked, could take us down or hurt others. Beware of the kryptonite in your life! In This Episode You’ll Learn: Your strengths in life can be your primary way to display God’s glory. Why it is not prideful to know and exercise the things you are really good at. Tips and tools for identifying your personal “superpowers”. A process (it’s crazy!) for pinpointing character issues and potential kryptonite. The difference between being open to feedback vs. actively seeking feedback. Get started here... From this episode: “Start with some honest self-assessment. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to identify any areas of your life and character that he would have you be more aware of and begin to look for any unbelief (in who God is and what is really true of you) behind these things. Write these down and pray over them for three days.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: StrengthsFinder Assessment Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: Call Me Batman! Is the Church Guilty of False Advertising?   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

When I was a kid in Sunday School, I can remember being taught about not having idols in our life. I envisioned totem poles or statues in my room… NOPE, none of those! But we all have idols galore. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we are gonna teach you how to identify and then crush idols and counterfeit gods in your life. What is so central or essential in your life that, should you lose it, you’d feel like life would hardly be worth living? We let these false “gods” gain such controlling positions in our hearts that we will spend large amounts of passion, energy, and emotional and financial resources on it without a second thought. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What idolatry really is and how to recognize it in your own life. Why we are quick to defend our idols and counterfeit gods. How to uncover “the thing behind the thing” that exposes the real idol. Why idols will never just go away in our life… always demanding more. 20 Idol-Crushing Questions that will help you root out your idols. Get started here... From this episode: “An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, ‘If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.’ There are many ways to describe that kind of relationship to something, but perhaps the best one is worship.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: (Includes the 20 Idol-Crushing Questions from Counterfeit Gods) Free training webinar Caesar mentioned – Gospel in Everyday Life Counterfeit Gods book by Tim Keller Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: 3 Simple Words That Will Change Your Life How to Stop Loving Stuff and Start Loving People  

Summer is here again, yes! And for many involved in vocational ministry or even a regular part of a small group or missional community, summer is a time for a taking a break from ministry… Don’t do it! Your neighbors and friends are all out looking for fun and relationships this summer. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we are gonna show you why and how to take advantage of these summer months to boost your community life and discipleship this fall. Summer is gold! And there is a level of intentionality we get to live with as we "breathe out" beyond our own family and closer circle of friends. The rhythms you already live in are the perfect way to build deeper relationships with new friends and people of peace this summer. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why summer's the time to “lean into” new relationships rather than take a break. Where new friendships are “hiding” in your neighborhood. Why kids are such a great opportunity for building relationships in the summer. How to set yourself up for autumn and discipleship with these new friends. A pile of fun, easy, and practical examples to try this summer in your neighborhood or community. How to get started this week in a way that fits your schedule! Get started here... From this episode: “After just a few weeks of hosting our Friday night BBQ with our neighbors, we started hearing them say things like, ‘You are giving us the neighborhood we always wanted to have and live in!’ and, ‘Could we start to have this over at our house once in a while too…?’”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources   In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: Is Your Parenting Style Transactional or Grace-Based? Gospel Fluency: A Relational Game-Changer   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

Should all Christians be married? Although we might quickly respond "no," our cultural stories and norms―including those in the church―often communicate "yes!" This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we’re joined by Kutter Callaway, an author and assistant professor of theology and culture. We talk about this and how culture is redefining marriage and singleness... and what this means for those who follow Jesus. If you’ve ever turned on the TV or read a newspaper in the last few years, it’s pretty apparent that marriage is being redefined by the culture, and the purpose that the Church places on this institution is also changing. It's time to redefine the value of marriage and singleness. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What the Bible teaches about the institution of marriage. Ways to think about biblical marriage and the reasons to get married. How the legal and cultural definitions of marriage differ from the Bible. How our narratives have limited our understanding of marriage. Ways that Christians talk about marriage and singleness that may be a hindrance to many. How we can craft a new story that transforms the way we look at marriage and affirms the contributions of all to the body of Christ. Get started here... From this episode: “Think about the language you use to talk about marriage to single people. Is it life giving or limiting? Is it filled with a ‘wait for God’ focus, or a ‘fullness in Christ’ focus? If single, what aspect of your identity and overall happiness is based on ‘some day’ getting married? Have you placed limitations on all that God wants to do in and through your life as you wait for some possible future union?”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Kutter Calloway’s book: Breaking the Marriage Idol: Reconstructing our Cultural and Spiritual Norms Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: How to Pray for Your Child's Future Spouse 5 Steps To An Awesome Date Night With Your Spouse  

The church was once the premier creator of art and beauty within culture. Christian artists throughout history saw it as their honor, and even their duty, to portray Christ and his Kingdom in ways that spoke to the hearts of people. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, Caesar talks to Heath about art, identity, and the importance of letting your true self be known and loved and why artists need to be embraced in our churches. (This is a very special episode!) If we can learn anything about God’s character from looking at the world around us, it is that he is creative and diverse and is fascinated with detail and beauty. And then you look at people and see the result of his handcrafted pleasure! We could live in a black and white boring world with just enough grayscale to provide the very basics of existence, but we live in the massive detonation of beauty and awe and diversity. In This Episode You’ll Learn: A little about art, music, and the Church throughout history. How pragmatism has taken over and is killing the beauty of art in the church today. Why the way we have been taught to read scripture has contributed to this loss. Why Heath decided to write a book that explores art and identity. Ways to recapture and promote our role as “artistic image bearers” within our own churches. Get started here... From this episode: “The reason that this is so important to me is that our ultimate meaning stems from the fact that God has invested and imparted in us the very essence of himself. We are image bearers of this fascination and wonder. And so to not constantly look out and admire, we are missing a big part of what it means to be human…”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Heath’s book: The Holistic Artist: An Exploration Into Art + Identity Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources In light of today’s topics, you might find these resources helpful: The Story of God Why You Should Stop Hiding Your Imperfections  

Discipleship is not a series of classes. Discipleship is the process of moving from unbelief to belief in every area of life... It must be done life on life, life in community, and life on mission. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk about a form of discipleship that includes cigars, fireplaces, and an occasional glass of fine spirits. Some of you will LOVE this… some will be freaked! There is a level of intentionality that must be employed in order to actually disciple a person in all of life. And there is no way to model and observe people actually living out the life of Jesus unless we do normal life stuff with them and roll discipleship and training into it. In This Episode You’ll Learn: A little about the environment that Jesus discipled in. (Hint: it was never a classroom.) Why it’s vital to disciple and model the gospel in normal, everyday rhythms of life. Why “everyday discipleship” methods translate and reproduce better and more naturally. Caesar and Heath’s personal experience and model for doing “Cigars & Theology” as a part of their community life and discipleship. Alternatives that may work better in your church and context. Get started here... From this episode: “The Good News is just as good (and some times better) experienced with a cold beverage and friends. Don’t think that God somehow looks down on your efforts of discipleship if they are not done in a church building. Your old school board members may, but God does not. Jesus went into all the places participating in the customs that the people he loved did. You can too...it’s okay.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Join Caesar and Heath for Cigars & Theology at Caesar's house! In light of today’s topics, you might find this video helpful: Should You Focus on Discipleship or Evangelism? Surprise! You Are the Missionary In Your Neighborhood  

A new(er) building. The nicer children’s ministry wing. The best preacher. Comfy seats and a great band. Many Christians approach their churches, and their faith, as consumers. Even the term “church shopping” betrays the reality of our spiritual consumerism. This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we expose and articulate the ways that consumerism is killing the church today. And how you can identify and stop it in your own life and church. We think that the problem with our lagging “spiritual fervor” may be a problem with our church. That’s why we start “shopping around”. But we are the church–you and I–so moving our family to another spiritual mall across town only brings the same issues and problems with us. And when that doesn’t solve the issue beyond the first month or two, we slide further into a spiritual boredom. We may have been chasing the wrong tail all along, and our churches trained us to do so... In This Episode You’ll Learn: A startling and familiar definition of consumerism that will alarm you. 3 examples of how consumerism can creep into our ways of thinking about church. What Jesus teaches about consumerism and materialism. Ways that your church can stop feeding the consumerism beast. Get started here... From this episode: “When we approach our Christian faith, experience and responsibilities as consumers rather than seeing it as an all-encompassing way of life, a lifestyle... and a fully interpretive set of beliefs and values, then our church and Christianity becomes just one more brand or product we consume along with Amazon, Apple, Starbucks, Facebook… and all too deeply, it’s how we express our identity too.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources In light of today’s topics, you might find this video helpful: These 3 Things Are True Discipleship Killers Be The Church  

Global warming: it's one of the hottest scientific and political issues of today. But we've all found ourselves asking… It's freezing outside—where's global warming now? The climate is always changing—how do we know this isn't just a cycle? Why should Christians care about global warming when we know the world won't end that way? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, listen to Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist and evangelical Christian, who absolutely blew Caesar and Heath’s mind on this topic with her grace and wisdom. This will change you! Katharine says she gets slammed every day on social media for her contributions to establishing that climate change is human-made. But she’s learned that most people don’t really have a problem with the science or even the theology of climate change. People’s real objections are based on the fact that they believe the solutions to climate change conflict with their ideology and even identity. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The difference between climate change and global warming. Some hard statistics (and truth) about our weather patterns. What the Bible teaches about stewarding the environment. Why Christians are the perfect people to care about climate change. First and next steps to get involved in the solutions (these are easy!). Get started here... From this episode: “I don’t accept global warming on faith: I crunch the data, I analyze the models, I help engineers and city managers and ecologists quantify the impacts.” ~ Katharine Hayhoe   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Katharine’s video: “What is Global Warming?” Katharine’s book: A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources In light of today’s topics, you might find this video helpful: What’s the Big Deal With Gay Marriage?   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

It is hard to sustain a missional lifestyle! Things get messy, and I start to wear out. Personal preferences and old habits creep back in to destroy things. And it’s not like life is getting any less busy. Today on the Lifeschool Podcast, you’ll find out what is really messing you up and keeping you from living on mission. In many ways, this ongoing life on mission with God is a call to die to self. It begins by simplifying your life as God rearranges your priorities, and you spend more and more of your time living with God’s mission at the center of your life. In This Episode You’ll Learn: A traditional and classic definition of “true discipleship”. 10 things in your life that may need to be put on the altar. How leading your family on mission as a way of life needs to start in your heart. A funny story from Caesar’s life that hilariously illustrates a process for breaking old habits. Practical steps for removing the clutter and idols that keep us from living on mission. Get started here... From this episode: “Ask God to show you things you may need to “die to” as well as new attitudes and rhythms you need to embrace. This is an important step, but it doesn’t happen overnight. You’ve got to start by counting the cost of discipleship before heading out into open waters.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar’s book: Small is Big, Slow is Fast (Use this link to get the Kindle version for only $3.99) In light of today’s topics, you might find these posts and videos helpful: Surprise! You Are the Missionary In Your Neighborhood How to Lead Your Small Group or Church Toward True Missional Living   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

There was a time when neighbors knew each other’s names... when children and old folks in the neighborhood had more than their families looking out for them. What happened? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk with author, Lance Ford, as we ask the question: can you really love your neighbor as much as you love yourself? We live in an age when it feels like we have very little time for new and trusting relationships–and it’s hard to trust people! So we tend to isolate or stick closer to home and keep to ourselves. But people are dying for real relationship, and isolation only breeds further distrust. Maybe it’s time to change the narrative. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What the Bible really says about loving your neighbor. How God created you for relationship–not isolation. What we have lost as a society through hiding away and loving ourselves. Why incarnational presence is the “Jesus Model” for loving your neighbor. (This is awesome!) Practical steps to restoring our actual neighborhoods to being communities filled with love and redemption. Get started here... From this episode: “People are dying for relationship and connection. We can choose to push back against the consumerism and individualism that is so toxic. Let’s not let our affluence buy the very walls that keep us apart from real gospel centered relationship.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Lance’s book: Next Door As It Is In Heaven In light of today’s topics, you might find these posts and videos helpful: 7 Ways to Be a More Generous Person How to Share Your Faith in a Non-Creepy Way   .cf-scroll-wrapper { background: #00000075;}

Can all knowledge, sex, affection, and every other need be found just a click away? For a few dollars? Are we letting online companies replace and fulfill the most basic needs God has built into our lives? This week on the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk about 4 companies that we all know, love, and use that are replacing God and changing our lives… This is pretty amazing. New York University academic, marketing guru, and entrepreneur Scott Galloway recently gave a talk about this, and he laid out some pretty amazing theories that really stopped me in my tracks. I have to admit… I’ve been sucked in too. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The 4 HUGE companies that are part of most of our daily lives in a powerful way. How our basic needs, created to draw us to God, are being replaced by these companies. Why this is dangerous and leads down a dead end road. How our natural desire for instant gratification has made us susceptible to this. Why this is really a problem connected to a false understanding of the Gospel. Get started here... From this episode: “We've taken God, we've taken love, we've taken consumption, we've taken sex, we disarticulated those four things and reassembled them in the form of the enterprise with shareholder value and have created more economic value across the small number of people than ever before.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

More and more people are questioning the validity of the relevance of the Bible in today's culture. Is it all true... is it literal or figurative… does it apply to our lives today? On the Lifeschool Podcast this week, we’ll walk you through the most common misunderstandings about the Bible and the ways people read this unique document that are leading to confusion or distrust. We’ll give you the tools to properly read the Bible in context to the divine author’s original intent. To study the Bible in a straight comparison to any other book in history starts us off on the wrong foot. And to slice and dice out the parts we don’t like or understand leaves us with an incomplete picture. But you can learn to understand this beautiful, powerful, and important book! In This Episode You’ll Learn: How the Bible was originally, for thousands of years, an oral document. Why the Bible should not be viewed simply as a history book. How scripture was originally read together in community and why. Why understanding the genre of each book in the Bible changes everything. The importance of reading and understanding the Bible in chronological order. Get started here... Quote from this episode: “The Bible is best read and understood as a series of stories, narratives, that God has given to us humans to best understand who he is and what he is like. He proves this over and over as the Story that unfolds really does repeat itself from a zillion angles. All of this shows us what is true about us, our identity and how God sees us and how we get to live in this world and rightly interact with God and care for his creation, which includes other humans.”   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Why do most Christians suck at partying? Shouldn’t we be known as the most celebratory people in the world… where everyone we know is really trying to get invited to our parties? In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we dig deep into historical and biblical proof that our God loves to party. And he is good at it and loves when we celebrate. No more weak excuses that keep us separated from the fun, we’ll talk about how to celebrate according to the gospel. Jesus wants us to see that any picture of his Father we have that does not have at its core, as our central understanding, a celebration where God is our provider, caregiver and protector, is twisted. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How God built celebration into the very rhythms of life for us. Why who or what is the focus of our celebrations changes everything. Why a weekly church service alone was never Jesus’ idea of “partying”. How abstinence is a misunderstanding and possible rejection of redemption. How we get to live as a “reminder and demonstration” in the ways that we party. Get started here... Taking things that God created “good” (and he created everything good) and then using them for our own glory, or abusing them, is at the root of all sin. But fearful abstinence misses the heart of God by a mile. You can learn to celebrate in light of the Gospel... Let’s have some fun!   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started.Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Someone wearing a name badge smiles, opens the door, and greets you. You’re shown to a seat and given some information. And you wonder, “Why is my sister acting this way at Dad’s house?” That may be how people act, but in this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we ask the question: do the people coming to your church each Sunday, or the folks coming to your home, feel more like guests or like family? Guests never do any work or preparation; family members always pitch in. We try and impress guests with our hospitality; family members expect to be “part of the flow” and help themselves to whatever they need. Are you treating people like guests or like family? In This Episode You’ll Learn: The difference between treating people like guests or like family. Why treating everyone like family in your home is a picture of the gospel. What people really need… and it’s NOT your perfectly clean house. How your Sunday church services can help people feel like family rather than visitors or guests. How our language connected to all of this reveals our true heart and intentions. Get started here... Helping others feel like part of a family, rather than guests to a program, is the key to really experience the gospel in action. Whether at home or at a church service, it is important to remember: these people are your brothers and sisters. Do they feel like they are at home and are needed?   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar’s book: Transformed: A New Way of Being Christian Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Imagine your pastor addressing the congregation’s growing waistlines from the pulpit. Or your faith community helping you heal your fears and past hurts. Is Christianity only about our spiritual health, or does the Gospel speak to mental and physical health as well? In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk about the beautiful results of having and believing in a more holistic gospel... One that speaks into all of life: mind, body, and soul. It can seem scary at first to lovingly address the health of others. But we live in a world that is literally sick and dying for a greater love to show up and offer hope. Will you allow the gospel to bring you into those places in others lives? In This Episode You’ll Learn: How the overarching story of God’s interaction with mankind in the Bible is completely holistic in nature. Jesus’ surprisingly succinct and holistic explanation of the Law and Commandments. Why having a more holistic experience of the gospel sends us out on mission. How caring for yourself is often necessary when caring for others. Practical steps to begin caring for your physical, spiritual, and mental health (in light of the gospel) right now. Get started here... The gospel addresses and redeems ALL areas of life. Do you love people enough to speak the truth in love to them in connection to their health? How about their work life and pace, or parenting, etc? This episode will unlock new avenues of faith-life understanding and freedom.   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar’s book: Bigger Gospel: A Practical Guide to Growing in Gospel Fluency Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Does generosity flow from our pockets and purses... or does it flow from our hearts? In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk to author and cool brother Marty Duren about how we can be more generous people that live lives of blessing. What is it that keeps us from living with the grace and extravagant generosity that we’ve received as Christians? None of us were born with a single possession. We all started off naked. Everything we have in life—family, intelligence, education, money, homes… EVERYTHING—has been added to our lives by God. What we do with all of it, that’s another story. Amazingly, God leaves that in our hands. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How the gospel is a picture of generosity... and vice versa. What lurks in our hearts that keeps us from being more generous people. Our unbelief and fear connected to giving and generosity. Why seeing generosity only connected to money falls way short of the truth. Ways to begin to live less selfishly in all of life today. Get started here... Most people do have forms of giving, benevolence, and generosity they engage in throughout their lifetime. Let’s let the Gospel shape our intentionality and give us new eyes to connect all of this to God’s glory. And… it is a BLAST to bless people when they least expect it!   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Marty’s book: The Generous Soul: An Introduction to Missional Giving Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

After 30+ years of marriage that includes the raising of three healthy, Christian adult children, Caesar (and his wife Tina) have learned some valuable lessons to pass on to your kids–or live by yourself–when it comes to creating relationships that last. In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast we’ll help parents and their kids understand the important differences between dating, courtship, engagement, and marriage. This will help you avoid untold, unhealthy relationship threats. Asking God to give you his heart and mind on this, as you prepare yourself or your kids for marriage someday, will help ensure that false hopes and unrealistic expectations aren’t brought into your marriage. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Simple distinctions between dating and courtship. (And it doesn’t look like marriage-lite!) The real purpose of an engagement period prior to marriage. 7 key areas of married life that should be addressed before setting the “date”. How marriage is a powerful picture of the Gospel. Why biblical marriage is between a man and a woman. Get started here... God has given us marriage as a gift and blessing! And his desire has always been to show what he is really like in the world and magnify his image and glory–not ours. Trusting in his timing for his purpose is the beginning of a long and healthy relationship.   Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

The way of the world is: we do things (perform, serve, work, etc) to have value in the eyes of our family, friends, parents, spouse, siblings, boss, pastor, and so on. Out of this activity, we often form our identity and perceived value. But who God says you are is very different. In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we’ll talk about where your real identity comes from and ask the question: who are you, and why do you matter to God? If we are in Christ, then the Bible teaches we have been transformed and given a new identity. We have become part of a family of missionary servants, sent to serve the world and make disciples of Jesus. This is who we are. This is our new identity. This is the secret. In This Episode You’ll Learn: A surprising and powerful truth about you contained in Matthew 28. What it really means to be “created in God’s image”. Who God says you were created to be and why you matter. The dream God has for you and how the Church has often gotten this wrong. The authority and privilege you now possess as a Christian. Get started here... A new way of Being. As you live out of your true, transformed identity and birthright, you will begin to experience the life you were created to live. And you will truly show others what God is like and what life in his kingdom is all about! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

The heartache, brokenness, and ongoing challenge of addiction affects millions of families every day. But there is hope. In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we talk about this disturbing topic and how to move from addiction to freedom with our special guest, Todd Wermers. No one truly beats their addiction merely by stopping the use or abuse of substances. The underlying issues, emotions, and beliefs that caused the abuse must first be understood and addressed. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The 8 emotions and feelings that we all experience. Why feelings that God created in us as good can lead to addiction. The importance of understanding our own story when dealing with addiction. How the Gospel rewrites our stories and restores our lives. Why a loving community is crucial for recovery and freedom. Get started here... There is hope and freedom beyond addiction. Discovering the truth behind the lies that have led to and fed an addiction is the first step to recovery and lasting life change. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The 8 Feelings Bible Study and Info Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Here comes another opportunity to grow… change… improve our lives and relationships again. The New Year. Are you getting started on resolutions, planning or goal setting to make sure you don’t just sorta slide into another year? In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we’ll give you some immediate steps to help you live with greater intentionality in the areas of your life that are really important. Most people spend a lot more time planning their vacation each year than stewarding the areas of life and ministry that are truly important. Learning to evaluate and intentionally grow in the “5 Treasures” of life will transform the way you look at goal setting and new year’s resolutions forever. In This Episode You’ll Learn: 3 Things to Avoid as you turn an eye toward next year. 5 Areas of your life that are more important than anything else when planning. Why we often measure and set goals for the wrong things each year. Immediate steps to help you start the New Year on the right foot. Caesar’s ‘5 Treasures Evaluation Tool’ [Free Download] Get started here... Time is unlike any other resource in the world: once it’s “spent” you cannot get it back. You can’t get more of it. Being serious about what you truly value and stewarding your time and treasures is honoring to God, and a big part of our discipleship and the discipleship of others. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Download this 5 Treasures Evaluation Tool to set you up for future planning. Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

On this very special “unplugged” episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, Caesar and Heath share a bit of their own family stories connected to Christmas when growing up. They’ll also talk about Christmas this year and what they love(d)!Grab a warm (or cold) drink, get comfy, and let’s get to know each other a little better! We want to thank you for being a part of this amazing Lifeschool journey with us this year. What a ride! And we sincerely hope that this holiday season is a blessing and that the good news of the Gospel, and the love of our heavenly Father, becomes bigger and more real for you in the year ahead.Happy Birthday Jesus!Thanks for Listening!Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion!If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below.Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and ResourcesCaesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources 

As Christmas and all of the holidays roll around once more, you have to wonder... checking off the box of church services, gift giving, meals, and then back to life as usual... are we missing something? In this episode of the Lifeschool Podcast, we offer hope and suggestions on how your holiday traditions can shape your life going forward throughout the rest of the year. The holidays are a time when the traditions we enjoy become more and more important with each passing year. And these traditions help shape our family and community identity and how we live the rest of the year. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Some fun and powerful family traditions that Caesar and Heath practice. Why these traditions are an important part of our identity as a family. How these traditions have shaped the lives of our adult children in cool ways. How our family traditions are a HUGE picture of what God himself is like. Ways to have your holiday traditions be a picture of the Gospel. Get started here... What will be the “aroma and taste” that others experience when they are spending time with your family–during the holidays and throughout the rest of the year? Will it be a foretaste of Heaven and the Kingdom? Remember, that is why Jesus came–so that we would know our Father! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Are you hearing voices in your head? I’m not suggesting you’re crazy, but you may be listening to people—from your past or present—that are shaping your self-image, value, and worldview in not-so-helpful ways. What voices are shaping your life the most? How do we discern what voice to listen to, which voice to follow? Are we even aware of which and whose voices are most dominant in our lives? There are voices out there telling you who you are, what you should want, who you should be. Who should you trust? In This Episode You’ll Learn: How to sort out all of the chatter coming your way each day. How to discern if God is speaking to you. The importance of other trusted friends “listening” with and for you. Why the voices you listen to shape your own voice in the world. How Jesus gave us his perfect filter to apply to all of these voices. Get started here... Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me…” Whose voice are you listening to? Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

In the past few weeks, we’ve seen a lot of public officials and celebrity types faced with accusations of wrongdoing, misconduct and unethical behavior. We would hope that all of these people would start with a good old-fashioned apology, but many don’t. It is doubtful that you’ll ever be faced with such public accusations, but hurts in relationships come up for all of us. In this episode of Lifeschool, we’ll show how to apologize the right... and wrong ways. An apology is not always, or necessarily connected with sin against God or another person...but often it is. An apology might be for something that you did, unintentionally, that ended up hurting another person or costing them something. How do you know the difference? In This Episode You’ll Learn: When you need to offer an apology. A biblical basis for apologizing, and what’s really behind it. The three "core" elements of a good apology. 4 things that can torpedo even your most well-intentioned apologies. The “big difference” for Christians when we apologize. Get started here... Putting off making an apology, when you know that you are the offending party, is selfish. And it is probably the result of self-love and/or fear of man issues. Ask God to give you the humility to go and make an honest and full apology, trusting him for the results. This episode will encourage you and help you move toward true reconciliation. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Video of UCLA students “apologies”: A wrong way and two right ways to apologize. Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

We all have those people in our lives that we’d rather not be around, but the holidays have a way of forcing us to deal with them–or not. In this episode of Lifeschool, we talk talk about how to handle those family members that you would rather not have to be around at the holidays. What is it about certain people that they just bug the heck out of us… or everyone? Is there a way to actually handle annoying people this holiday, or is it just best to avoid them altogether? In This Episode You’ll Learn: 10 behaviors that toxic people often display. 7 practical steps for dealing with annoying people this holiday. What the “thing behind the thing” is with their words and actions. How to avoid having your holidays ruined this year. How Christians can use these hard situations to display the gospel. Get started here... God loves those people that offend you as much as he loves you! Believe it or not, these types of hard situations within our family dynamics are often fertile ground for healing and restoration. This episode of Lifeschool may be one you need to hear–and share–before it’s too late! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Love him or hate him, he’s a polarizing figure these days for sure. On this episode of Lifeschool, we talk about the President of the United States, Donald Trump. We ask the question: Is Trump killing the Church in America? Are you Republican… Democrat… conservative or liberal? Christian? However you identify yourself politically and spiritually, it is important to understand where all government and leadership gains authority. Who gives it to them, and who will they answer to for their use or misuse of power? In This Episode You’ll Learn: Does God authorize all leadership in government? What scripture really says about our national and local leaders. How Christians possess and enjoy a different and higher citizenship. The difference between “nationalism” and “patriotism”. If Trump and his leadership is killing the Church in America. Get started here... It is super important to remember that Jesus’ Kingdom stands above America and every nation of the earth. It is set apart and is an internal kingdom. One day, America and all its presidents will be a footnote in history, but God’s Kingdom will never end. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Consistently we use male pronouns to refer to God… and that’s accurate. But maybe there's more to this amazing God and our understanding of him? Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we talk about the feminine aspects of God and his nature. This may surprise you! “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Right there in Genesis 1, God gives clues to the nature of the Trinity when describing how humans were created. “Let us create humans in our image to be like us…” In This Episode You’ll Learn: How in masculinity we get a sense of what God is like. How in femininity we get a sense of what God is like. Why God is both above/beyond gender, while embracing all of it. How the Holy Spirit is presented as feminine in nature throughout scripture. How Jesus used mothering imagery to describe his feeling for people. Get started here... At the heart of the public debate over gender and feminine equality issues is a gospel issue. God created the world AND US to fill the world with his glory, not with our glory. Much of the arguments and rage around all of this leaves identity coming from God completely out of the conversation. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

If you are unsure of what or exactly who the Holy Spirit is, then this episode is for you. Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we talk about this least known and most misunderstood member of the Trinity, and we’ll show you why you need to get to know the Holy Spirit. Depending on your upbringing or past church experience, you may be “all about” the Spirit... or you may see the Holy Spirit as the weird uncle of the Trinity; he shows up once in awhile to utter some strange words, and you sorta politely wait for him to leave. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Who the Holy Spirit is (a person). The role the Spirit played throughout scripture. How Jesus was led and empowered his entire ministry by the Spirit. Why most pastors try and assume the role that the Spirit should have in their churches. Natural ways to begin to have a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit. Get started here... God has given you himself so he can always be with you! And so you can walk closely with him and live in his ways. If you are a believer in Jesus, the Bible teaches that you have been given God’s own indwelling Spirit. He wants to daily, moment-by-moment speak with you, guide you and remind you of his love for you. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Join us on Facebook and take part in the discussion! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Halloween… that time of year when kids all go nuts, eat too much candy, and then crash after their sugar buzz wears off. But there’s more to it than all that. Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we talk about what may be the lowest hanging fruit of the year when it comes to relationship building and intentional missional engagement with your neighbors. Halloween has some “dark history,” and many of us were taught that this was a holiday you were supposed to avoid if you are a Christian. But the truth behind this annual event may surprise you. There’s no reason to miss out on this HUGE chance to bring redemption to your ‘hood. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The history of Halloween and how the church may have actually invented it. How the Gospel redeems culture instead of avoiding it. Why Christians can and should participate with radical generosity. How to move beyond the costumes and “trick-or-treat” with your neighbors How discipleship and mission will be showing up at your doorstep this Halloween. 7 ideas on ways to be more intentional and missional this year. Get started here... Regardless if you really love this tradition and go all out, or if you’re less into the whole dress-up and party thing, and whether you call it Halloween, trick-or-treat, Harvest Party or whatever, you can leave a lasting impression on people and really prime the pump for future missional opportunities. What “divine appointments” may show up on the other side of your front door? Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 7 Ideas for being missional this Halloween that Caesar and Heath share. Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

It’s easy to point fingers at “the culture” and think that it includes everyone else outside of ourselves. But we are the culture... and the culture is us. Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we talk about how every culture is woven together in some pretty similar ways worldwide, and we’ll look for clues from this so that, as Christians, we can find natural ways to engage “culture” and change the world… or at least your corner of it! Historians and sociologists for decades have defined and classified society and culture by what is commonly referred to as “The 7 Pillars of Society”. Not so surprisingly, all of us already live in and have influence within at least one or more of these 7 Pillars. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How all societies throughout history share the same 7 Pillars of Society and are organized around them. The role that Christianity and organized religion plays in society worldwide. How to look at God’s plan to restore all things through the lens of the 7 Pillars. Why disciples making more disciples is all wrapped up in, and perfectly fits in every culture. How you can begin to bless others and change your culture though intentionally engaging people within one of the Pillars in a way that already fits your life. Get started here... God has uniquely and sovereignly placed you right where he wants you within one or several of the Pillars. He has gifted you and given you relationships of trust within this segment of your culture already. The level of intentionality you bring to this will determine how effective you’ll be at engaging and transforming this part of your culture. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources  

Starting a missional community is not about tossing a rope around a few of your closest friends and trying to talk them into living more “missionally” together. Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we’re talking about some very basic, but super-important steps on how to start a missional community from scratch. Let’s get you started... Nobody wants to live out their Christian faith in isolation, or just sitting in rows in silence once a week. Hopefully that’s true for you too! Maybe you’ve been a part of small groups or community groups in the past, but now you feel ready to live out your faith in a missional community with others. More like a family. In This Episode You’ll Learn: The difference between a true missional community and all of the other “small groups” you’ve been a part of. Why a missional community is not just another weekly meeting. How a missional community starts in the mirror and with your own family rhythms. 7 Simple steps on how to start a missional community from scratch Free Start-up Guide to get you going quickly. Get started here... Mission happens in the normal stuff of life, with new friends and disciples in tow with the Good News dripping out of your mouth and being proclaimed in every step, bite of food, and breath you take. You will love this new lifestyle! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today’s BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others… Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: “How to Start a Missional Community From Scratch” Start-up Guide (Free) Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

Has your missional community gotten stuck in a rut or become a “holy huddle” of mostly Christians hanging out once a week? Healthy things always grow… and multiply! Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we’re gonna talk about bringing intentionality and multiplication into everything you do within your missional community. Growth brings change. Everything God created has the seed of multiplication built into it: plants, animals, humans, families, communities, and even the Church. This in many ways is the storyline of the Bible. And it’s still happening today… In This Episode You’ll Learn: The biblical pattern of growth and multiplication. How Jesus’ discipleship commands fulfill this same biblical pattern. The difference between “splitting” your community and multiplication. Ways to prepare your community for growth and sending off. How to talk about the change and grief associated with growth. Get started here... We need to expect growth and multiplication to happen in our communities while letting everyone involved know that this is normal and good. And just like when our children leave home and become adults who start families of their own, there is a grieving process that rightfully occurs when we send “family members” off on mission to start new works. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar Kalinowski’s Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

Many in our churches have spent years listening to sermons, studying theology and reading the Word of God, yet still feel intimidated or unable to naturally express the good news of the Gospel into normal life, conversations, and circumstances. Today on the Lifeschool podcast, we’ll give you a proven way to make the gospel beautiful, relatable, and reproducible. We’ll discuss a method and resources designed to help any group of people (church, small group, MC) cultivate a practical understanding of the gospel and how to continue to grow in gospel fluency—the ability to proclaim and demonstrate the gospel in absolutely every area of life. You’re going to want to listen to this episode all the way to the end. In This Episode You’ll Learn: How your upbringing shapes the way you see and articulate the gospel. How your Church and pastors may not be giving you the full gospel. Why Christians often hate talking about spiritual things or faith. How an 8-week experience together in community can change your life! How to get the resources you need to transform your church for FREE. (The free offer has expired, but there are great resources here!) Get started here... As church leaders around the world have started forming new mission-focused, incarnational communities, they have consistently discovered that they need a greater grasp of the transforming Gospel of the Kingdom. When we get this right, everything else changes. Life together in community becomes possible–not out of obligation, but out of a gratefulness and confidence that the Gospel alone can give. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get your FREE copy of the Gospel Primer [OFFER EXPIRED] Free Download of the Big 3 For Episode #130  

Happiness is not something you achieve once and for all. Happiness is a muscle, a skill, a way of being that can and must be exercised. In this episode of Lifeschool, we talk with author, theologian, and pastor, David McDonald, about the pursuit of happiness: what it is, how we can get it, and why more Christians aren’t happier people. David tells us we are happy because of what we do and because of who we are becoming. Happiness is increasingly available to us as we shift from lives of passivity to activity, from thinking to accomplishing, and from defending to “being”. In all this, we are not restrained by history, association, birth, personality, or circumstance. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What true happiness is and how the Bible defines it. Some surprising truths about happiness and happy people. Why Christians aren’t typically happier. Why Jesus was probably the happiest person who ever walked this Earth. Steps toward finding more joy and happiness in your life–today! Get started here... As Christians, knowing that we are “saved” doesn’t always produce a life full of happiness. But the Gospel speaks grace over us and into our lives and produces fertile ground for a truly happy life. Will you embark on the pursuit of happiness? Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: David McDonald’s book, The Adventure of Happiness Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

Last week saw one of the greatest natural disasters to ever hit America. Thousands of families have lost everything they own, and lives were lost. In times like this it is understandable to wonder, or ask, “Where was God during hurricane Harvey?” In this episode of Lifeschool, we discuss this question and what our response as God’s family might look and sound like when disaster strikes. We’ll also suggest a way to give financially to help the victims of this horrendous tragedy. Why didn’t God cause the hurricane and heavy rains to turn back out to the ocean and miss all those people? Is he not in control of this world that he created? Or maybe God is punishing someone or some group of people as many in the media suggest. UPDATE: Since we recorded this special episode a few days ago, sadly, the death toll from hurricane Harvey has risen from what we discussed.   In This Episode You’ll Learn: How the devastation caused by Harvey is affecting Caesar, Heath and their families Their thoughts and answer to the question of, “Where was God in the hurricane?” Does God simple react to disaster and the forces of nature or is he truly sovereign? How we can speak to others about this tragedy when they ask similar questions. A way to give financially to help the men, women and children ravaged by the storm. Get started here... When we stand face-to-face with God, some day, we will get a fuller answer and understanding to his ways and ultimate purposes in this world. Today we see through a mirror dimly and pray for wisdom, strength and the desire to truly embrace those in need. Right now we have a great opportunity to show God’s great love and generosity in light of those in great need. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Give to Samaritan's Purse and help the victims of hurricane Harvey today!  

Do you ever feel like if you have to answer one more question or make another decision today your head is going to pop off? Does it seem harder to remain patient with others as the day wears on? In this episode of Lifeschool, we talk about the concept of “decision fatigue,” why it may be the culprit for many of your bad decisions, and why we often find it hard to stay on mission. Author and Science Editor for the New York Times John Tierney says, “Decision fatigue helps explain why ordinarily, sensible people get angry at colleagues and families, splurge on clothes, buy junk food at the supermarket. No matter how rational and high-minded you try to be, you can’t make decision after decision without paying a biological price.” In This Episode You’ll Learn: The difference between lacking will-power and decision fatigue How to know if you’re suffering from decision fatigue How decision fatigue affects our best discipleship and missional efforts How to reduce decision fatigue on a daily and lifestyle basis Get started here... If you’ve ever wondered why you have not had success with certain things you hoped to get done, it could be related to decision fatigue. Instead of hoping each day that you’ll make the right decision (get up early for the gym, write that book, call your parents more often, etc.) you will find hope in this week’s episode! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.   Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Gospel in Everyday Life FREE Webinar Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

Jesus talks about money and related issues of the heart more than he talks about heaven and hell or pretty much anything else. Pretty interesting, huh? In this episode of Lifeschool, we look at how our ultimate understanding of the gospel affects how we view and use money, and how our generosity flows from our understanding of grace. Who sets your priorities when it comes to money? Whose money and resource is it–really? If you lost all of your money tomorrow, how would your IDENTITY and security change? In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why Jesus connected money with the desire of our hearts How money can affect our significance and our sense of security in life How to determine if you are living as a “conduit” or a “barrel” when it comes to God’s provision and endless supply of resources What “gospel tipping” is and how small acts of generosity affects our hearts A perspective on retirement and leaving an inheritance that may surprise you Get started here... All of us can break free from our slavery and attachments to money by trusting and treasuring Jesus, who was willing to pay the ultimate price. His generosity and sacrifice guarantee our significance and security–forever! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.   Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: The Gospel in Everyday Life FREE Webinar Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

How different do you think your schedule and calendar would look like if God managed it for you? Crazy, right? In this episode of Lifeschool, we talk about how we prioritize our time and focus in life...not so much how we squeeze more out of our work day or schedules. Sort of time management for the rest of your life. Personal capacity, the environment we were raised in, or our season of life can all affect how much we get done or accomplish. Everyone is unique. But it’s important to see time as a finite resource that we have to “spend” and it has to be managed and spent like any other resource. In This Episode You’ll Learn: What God’s priorities are when it come to how we use our time How to determine our primary motivation behind how we spend our time Should Christians calendars look different than non-believers? 5 categories of life that require time and intentionality if we want to flourish How to get our free priority evaluation tool Get started here... There are plenty of websites, courses and gurus out there who can help you get more productivity out of each day, but what we’re talking about this week is getting more life out of LIFE. You know what? You get to! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: My FREE Gospel in Everyday Life Webinar The Gospel is the starting point to being rightly motivated and finding right priorities in all of life. Caesar Kalinowski's Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

We still hear a lot of “missional” talk these days… It’s the sexy phrase in the church world. But what is truly missional? What does it mean, and is your church or small group really all that missional? In this week’s episode of Lifeschool, we’ll define it for you–what it is and is not–and we may pick a few scabs and pour a little salt into some wounds… Let’s get started! Many of our friends (like you) are working in churches, or a part of a small group or “missional community” that are trying to figure out if they are really doing this right? Can you relate? Is this whole “missional” thing just a passing church fad, or is there really something more to it? In This Episode You'll Learn: Where this term missional comes from, and a true definition (from the Bible) Why all of this scares A LOT of pastors and elders to death! What “missional” is NOT Is being a missional church really a new thing? Steps to take to begin to move your church or community toward an abundant missional life and ministry. Get started here... You really can get the equipping that you need to break old patterns and lead others on mission. If you’ve never been discipled in a way where the gospel was applied and transformed every area of your everyday life, you will need to humble yourself and start slow. It’s ok... the journey starts now. Your family, neighbors and your church will thank you! Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.   Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: My FREE Gospel in Everyday Life Webinar The Gospel is the starting point to being missional and rightly motivating yourself, family and community on mission. Caesar Kalinowski's Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources  

Almost no one I know has a lot of extra time on their hands. And you were never created to sustain the pace you may be living at! In this episode of Lifeschool, we are talking about the often neglected, but super-important, concept and practice of taking a sabbath day of rest. Remember those?! Taking a consistent time every week (or month!) to rest and “sabbath” has not been either of our (Caesar and Heath’s) strong suit when it comes to obedience to God’s commands and walking in his ways. We wish it weren’t so. But we’re learning that the heart and intent behind WHY God gave us the sabbath is so much bigger than just taking a day off of work. And the benefits that are built into the creational order of things that await us are HUGE. In This Episode You'll Learn: How God actually created us to work from rest–not the other way around What a modern-day sabbath might look like What sabbath time restores relationally with God Some of the powerful roadblocks that keep us from sabbath rest Steps to take to begin to have meaningful times of rest and sabbath with God and in community Get started here... Your times of sabbath should be fun, restorative and a “reset” button for your heart and life. If it’s been a while, or you’ve lost the rhythm of rest/work from God’s perspective, you can begin again. Each week the Big 3 will give you immediate action steps to get you started. Download today's BIG 3 right now. Read and think over them again later. You might even want to share them with others... Thanks for Listening! Thanks so much for joining us again this week. Have some feedback you’d like to share? Leave a note in the comment section below! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons you see at the top of this page or right below. Also, please leave an honest review for The Lifeschool Podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show, and we read each and every one of them.   Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Caesar Kalinowski's Website and Blog with Loads of Resources Missio Publishing – More Missional Books and Resources