Halfway There

Have you ever wondered if God really can turn your pain into purpose? Our guest today shares the peace he felt when he found Jesus after a lifetime of violence and how he uses it now to help others get free. Hector "Lefty" Perez is a mental health and sobriety advocate. He works installing HVAC systems and helps as many people as he can know the love of Christ. Today, Lefty shares what it was like growing up in East Los Angeles among violence, gangs, and drugs. He tells how he got sucked into the life, the moment he decided to get out, and turning his life over to Christ once and for all. Left also shares the difficult times he's experienced including relapse at times and how it led him to a life where he encourages others to give up drugs and live for Christ. Lefty's story reminds us that God loves us no matter what we have done. Listen to Lefty's story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Lefty shared: Moving states to Colorado Being diagnosed with ADHD at seven and how it’s helped him with a career in trades Growing up in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles in an immigrant family His family’s Roman Catholic background Feeling angry as a child at God and his parents The violence he experienced in the neighborhood The neighbor who groomed him to become a criminal Beginning to get involved in crime Working as a bodyguard and making more money than he’d seen before Achieving everything he wanted and feeling anxious about it Attempting suicide and surviving Being given a choice about his future Getting married and struggling with drug addiction Meeting a pastor who shared the Gospel with him Reading John and feeling God’s presence Leading his father to Christ His mother’s disappointing reaction to his new faith Struggling with drug addiction Breakthrough with vulnerability Great quotes from Lefty: Every word I read was like painkiller for my soul and I wanted more. I was searching for peace and I only found it when I allowed Christ in my heart. I prayed, "I've done worse things for a nobody, let me do something good for you, a somebody." Resources we mentioned: Lefty's Instagram (DM him) Related episodes: Christina Dent and Compassion for Others Randy Mortensen and Removing the Stigma of Addiction Mike Bolton and the Power of Yes

You grew up in church but suddenly, you can't tell if God cares about you. What do you do? Our guest today shares the moment when she didn't recognize herself, didn't feel God's presence, and what she did next. Ciara Laine Myers is an award-winning business owner, blogger, and author of Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision Is Gone. Today, Ciara shares with us her reaction to trauma, the moment her secrets became known, and the practices that brought her back to health. Plus, we talk about calling and why it may not mean what you think. Ciara's story reminds us that no matter how far we feel from God, it's only one step back. Listen to Ciara's story wherever you get your podcasts now! Stories Ciara shared: Struggling with calling and asking God for fresh insight Growing up on a little ranch in Texas in a Christian family Getting saved when she was five Being abused sexually by a friend at seven Processing her experience in college Deciding to be “bad Ciara” and where that led her Realizing that she didn’t feel God anymore and how that felt Going to the hospital with severe pain being forced to confess her drug use to her grandma Getting back with a previous boyfriend and getting pregnant Deciding to have a date with God for 60 days Getting “serious” about finding her calling Why humility is so important in an influencer culture The vision of her purpose from the Lord The urgency test and the action you need to take Great quotes from Ciara: If good Ciara is being abused, I’m going to be bad Ciara. There was one moment that I looked in the mirror and thought "I don't really feel God anymore, and it was cold." Calling is not a career. It’s a space on Earth to live out your purpose. Resources we mentioned: Ciara’s website Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision Is Gone by Ciara Laine Myers Related episodes: Mary DeMuth and Her Avenue for Healing Chuck DeGroat and The Invitation to Obscurity Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel

What was the experience for you that changed your faith dramatically? Our guest today shares the moment that moved his faith from his head to his heart and how it changed how he sees everything. Jeff Haanen is a writer and entrepreneur. He’s the founder of Denver Institute for Faith & Work, an educational organization that creates content and experiences around topics related to faith, work, the economy, and modern culture. Today, Jeff shares how he found faith while recovering from an injury, his funny response to praying aloud for the first time, and how he started thinking about faith and work. Plus, Jeff shares his process as he learned humility. Jeff's story reminds us the Gospel is best infused into every aspect of our lives. Listen to Jeff's story anywhere you get your podcasts! Stories Jeff shared: Growing up in a Minnesota without a strong faith experience Getting hurt before his senior year and reading the Bible and other books Praying in a group for the first time Joining a missions organization and going to Ecuador Learning how to pay attention to people Deciding to go to seminary with an insatiable curiosity Starting the Denver Institute for Faith and Work Noticing “cracks” in his armor Realizing that he was looking for his identity in his work Going on a self-awareness journey Deconstruction how he lived his Christian life Leaving Denver Institute for Faith & Work How serving is crucial for work Great quotes from Jeff: My brain was way ahead of my heart and that's been a lot of my own faith journey. We need to go on a journey of seeking deep spiritual health. A critical element of that self awareness journey is simply opening ourselves to what is and noticing what's there and not trying to fix it. Resources we mentioned (Affiliate links): Jeff's website Working from the Inside Out by Jeff Haanen Francis Schaeffer's work The Critical Journey by Janet Hagberg and Robert Guelich The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society by Leslie Newbigin Bernard of Clairvaux Wellspring Church, Englewood With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani Related episodes: Skye Jethani and Eternity Breaks In Laura Flanders and The Mentored Life Matt Fagioli and Beyond Check Box Faith

Sometimes life just doesn't go the way you planned. Give me an amen if that resonates! When the unexpected happens, it's tempting to believe that you did something wrong or that God is punishing you. Our guest today says that community, communion with God, and even medication helped her overcome life's unexpected speed bumps. Sarah E. Frazer is author of several books including her latest I Didn’t Sign Up for This. Today, Sarah shares about her friend from another denomination helped her grow, finding God while struggling through postpartum depression, and the moment she learned God isn't angry with her. Sarah's story reminds us that while we are sometimes surprised by life, God isn't and he's always there with us. Listen to Sarah's story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Sarah shared: Moving overseas in January 2020 and how that inspired her new book How the journey of suffering shapes us Growing up in Charleston, WV in a Christian family Giving her life to Christ at AWANA on a Wednesday night Deciding on following Jesus during college Meeting her husband at church and getting married Finding a friend from another denomination The pastor couple who helped them through early marriage Struggling with postpartum depression Wondering if God was even real How her doctor helped her with medication How Scripture helps her to reframe and Learning that God isn’t angry at her Why we need the whole character of God Great quotes from Sarah: God isn’t angry at me. God is a lot bigger than our black and white. When we face interruptions, we are tempted to question God’s sovereignty and his goodness. We need both as we move forward into a life we didn’t plan. Resources we mentioned: Sarah’s website I Didn’t Sign Up for This: How to Rest in God’s Goodness When Your Story Shifts by Sarah E. Frazer Lessons in the Desert by Sarah E. Frazer The Glorious Ordinary by Sarah E. Frazer A Small Book for the Anxious Heart by Ed Welch Related episodes: Rachel Joy Welcher and the Spiritual Formation of Unmet Longings Jeff Brown and the Exponential Value of Reading Becky Castle Miller and Trusting Your Emotions

How often do you think about the end times? Ever come home to an empty house and wonder if you'd been left behind? If so, you're going to love this episode because our guest explains where that theological belief—and others you probably hold—came from. Dr. Dan Hummel is the director of The Lumen Center in Madison, WI and a research fellow in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He authored The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle of the End Times Shaped a Nation. Dr. Hummel shared his own experiences including how he developed a global perspective as a missionary kid, growing up in a cessationist tradition, and the humility he developed by studying different traditions in Israel. We also talk about dispensationalism, a theological framework that you're probably more affected by than you realize. He details where it came from, how it still influences us today, including how you read your Bible. Dr. Hummel's work and story reminds us that understanding our theological tradition is essential for our spiritual growth. LIsten anywhere you get your podcasts! Stories Dan shared: Growing up as a missionary kid and developing a global perspective How his family of origin shaped his perspective Praying the “sinner’s prayer” as a seven year old How his college experiences in a small church shaped his faith Deciding to study Middle East history The humility he had as he read different traditions Growing up in a cessationist tradition Spending a year in Israel and the experience of being in the minority How studying Christian Zionism led to studying dispensationalism The effect of dispensationalism’s “hermeneutical innovation” Examples of the effects of dispensationalism in America today Great quotes from Dan: Christianity is an inherently eschatological religion. Resources we mentioned: Dan’s website The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle over the End Times Shaped a Nation by Dr. Dan Hummel How Should We Then Live?: The Rise and Decline of Western Thought and Culture by Francis Schaeffer The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate by John Walton With by Skye Jethani Related episodes: Skye Jethani and Eternity Breaks In Peter Englert and Discipleship Ministry and Mentorship Chuck Malott is a Hippy Turned Saint

Have you ever tried to ask hard questions about your faith only to run into a roadblock somewhere? Sometimes it's simple answers. Sometimes it's others who don't want to acknowledge the questions. Sometimes it's your own heart begging to keep life simple. Our guest today says it's worth asking the questions and offers a path through the uncertainty. Angela J. Herrington is a faith deconstruction coach and host of The Deconstructing Faith Summit who helps people break free from toxic religious culture & empowers them to recover from church hurt. Today, Angela shares the situation that caused her to wonder if everyone could be included in her community and the questions that arose from it. She explains how an accepting community can help, and why you can't outrun yourself. Avoiding the questions doesn't work so Angela shares how she helps others release the stigma and follow where the questions lead. Angela's story reminds us that following Jesus isn't always easy but it is always worth it. Listen to Angela's story now in your favorite podcast app! Stories Angela shared: Growing up in Indiana around the church Being a VBS kid, steeped in Christian culture and giving her life to Christ as a young girl Getting involved in youth group in high school and college Deciding to raise her children in church for their good Finding a groundedness in her faith as she got more connected The decisions that started to crack her understanding of faith worked out Why viewing others as “projects” is harmful The Bible study that became a safe place to ask questions Deciding to go to a more liberal church and finding the same problems Feeling weary about finding safe places to discuss and the church that created that space The ten years of deconstruction she experienced Growing wiser about her involvement Why fundamentalism isn’t good on either side of the spectrum Learning how much her pursuit of connection was driven by trauma Why you can’t outrun yourself What she does as a deconstruction coach Great quotes from Angela: Would I have been welcomed? Or would I have been a project? What’s missing is a really humble understanding of how much in the church is influenced by power. The more you try to outrun yourself, the more damage you’re doing to yourself. The longer you've been in an environment that says you're bad, the longer it will take to discover your own goodness. Resources we mentioned: Angela’s website Deconstructing Your Faith without Losing Yourself by Angela J. Herrington Angela’s free Facebook group for people experiencing deconstruction Related episodes: Brian Zahnd and The Beauty of Christ Jacci Turner and Tumbled People Paul Ybarra and Discovering Kingdom Character

Is heaven a far away place that you'll go to someday or an imminent reality? Depending on what you were taught, you might have strong feelings about this. You may even wonder why the question is being asked at all. Our guest today explains how Jesus viewed the idea of heaven and why it's a crucial idea to understand biblically. Skye Jethani is the co-host of one of the most popular podcasts in the Christian space, The Holy Post, and author of some of the best books with the Kingdom of God in mind. His book With is a must read. And now he’s published his fourth in the What if Jesus was Serious? Series with What If Jesus Was Serious About Heaven. Today, Skye discusses common misunderstandings about heaven, how those ideas can malform us, and what the biblical view actually is. He also shares how a biblical worldview of eternity changes our public discourse and decisions. If you're interested in heaven, this episode is for you. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Skye shared: How to join Skye's mailing list The surprising reaction he found when he talked about heaven Where misunderstandings about heaven come from How our theological context shapes our spiritual formation Why training can help us understand much What Jesus meant by heaven How a first century view of citizenship helps us understand heaven How to be a conduit of heaven on earth The antidote to cessationism and spectacularism Why the values of nations are different from those of the Kingdom of God What to call this way of thinking The importance of the Resurrection Great quotes from Skye: When we make that vision of heaven the goal of our faith, it displaces what ought to be the real goal of our faith which is Jesus himself. It's the vocation of every Christian to be a priest, to be that conduit between God's presence in heaven and the reality of the earth. The Kingdom is breaking in all the time and often it's really subtle. The values of any nation state is going to be opposed to the values of the Kingdom of God. Resources we mentioned: Skye’s website What If Jesus Was Serious about Heaven?: A Visual Guide to Experiencing God’s Kingdom among Us by Skye Jethani With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard N.T. Wright's works The Blue Parakeet by Scot McKnight Related episodes: Skye Jethani and Living Life With God Kaitlyn Schiess and Why Everything is Spiritual James Bryan Smith and Loved Beyond Imagination

It's the new year! Were you one of those who made a commitment to read your Bible more frequently and regularly this year? If so, you're not alone. Our guest today offers a resource to help you reach your goal easier this year. Michelle Nezat is passionate about inspiring you to read, study, and understand the Bible. She is the host of the More Than a Song podcast where she helps you use the songs you listen to on the radio to meditate on God's Word. Today, Michelle shares her story including how she felt called to missions, the difficult conversation that shifted her direction, and the church situation that hurt her. Along the way, Michelle shares how it all led to embracing her calling in a way she never anticipated. Michelle's story reminds us that a biblical worldview starts in what we consume and that God is always shaping us if we're paying attention. Listen to Michelle's story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Michelle shared: Growing up in Idaho going to church Her mom’s spiritual journey Believing that the Heavenly Father is enough How her grandfather mentored her The conversation with her professor that shifted her course How she ended up in Louisiana How church trauma confused her Learning not to want the platform anymore Beginning to think more deeply about theology Starting her podcast and how the Lord led her through it What she’s learned about herself through podcasting Great quotes from Michelle: Sometimes it takes the uncomfortable to get us off a course. This was really hard so whatever you want to teach me, don’t let me miss it. You’re not going to have a Biblical worldview unless you actually read the Bible. Resources we mentioned: Michelle’s website Related episodes: Andrew Klavan and The Truth and Beauty Karen Swallow Prior and The Spiritual Practice of Reading Fiction Traci Rhoades and the Case of Holy Envy

Are you afraid to address that one thing in your life, even though you know your life would be better if you did? Our guest today says it's time to open the door to change, no matter what mess waits for us on the other side. Jason VanRuler is the author of Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection. Jason is known for his ability to relate and connect with his clients and offer hope to those who have felt hopeless. Today, Jason shares how he ignored God for many years, the quiet way the Lord spoke to him, and how meeting his wife gave him the willingness to open up. Jason challenges us to find community and within it, the true love of Jesus for the broken hearted. Jason's story reminds us that no matter how far we go from God, it's only one step back. Listen to Jason's story wherever you get your podcasts, right now! Stories Jason shared: Working as a therapist and becoming an author Having a lot of volatility in his childhood Ignoring God for a long time Welding trailers for a living and having it out with God The quiet way the Lord spoke to him The slow opening of his heart and how that led him back to church Getting baptized in the Missouri river Finding his journal with his goals for his life Meeting his wife and how that relationship changed How willingness affects our lives Deciding to go to seminary and become a therapist The community that encouraged him Great quotes from Jason: Life distracts us from the truth. When we become willing, things can change. Community is really the secret sauce to growth and change. Fear is a teacher. Resources we mentioned: Jason’s website Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection by Jason VanRuler Jason’s Instagram Related episodes: Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life Todd Johnson Says Just Say Yes Sarah Symmons and Setting the Captives Free

Does how we think about humanity—ourselves included—really matter? A bad understanding of the human person has led to everything from indifference to unspeakable atrocities. Worse still, some theological camps look at human beings so negatively that it shows in their interactions with others. Fortunately, the Bible gives us a way of viewing humanity through God's lens. Our guest today reminds us how to see humanity as the image of God that the Bible reveals us to be and what it means for us. Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters and Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. Today, Dr. Imes shares with us the deep sense of calling she had as a girl, where it took her around the world, and how she entered biblical studies. She shares what the Bible says about the image of God and why it may not be what you've been told. Dr. Imes' reminds us to treat everyone with the respect the image of God in them deserves. Listen to the episode wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Carmen shared: Growing up in Colorado in a Christian family Having a deep desire to learn new languages as a child Her parent’s sense of stewardship for her heart Feeling called to missions as a girl Preaching the message on a mission trip and getting sick How we lost the idea of the image of God in society Going to the Philippines as missionaries to Muslim communities Returning and going to seminary only to realize she needed a PhD What imago dei really means and why that matters Why we need to recognize ourselves a fully human Great quotes from Carmen: My worth does not come from what I do or what I produce. We are fully embodied, three-dimensional people with loves and desires, and we need to actually attend to our loves and desires; those say much more about us than the doctrinal statements we affirm. There is something that is truer and goes further back [than sin] and that is the imago dei. Resources we mentioned: Carmen’s website Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Joy Imes Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters by Dr. Carmen Joy Imes You Are What You Love by James K.A. Smith Lectio 365 Related episodes: Beth Allison Barr and Christian Curiosity James Bryan Smith and Loved Beyond Imagination Kristin Kobes Du Mez and Knowing Christian History

What does your soul long for? Have you ever been hit with a wave of longing, at a loss for words for what to call it? What if I told you that those moments are deeply formational and there's even special word for it? Our guest today says that those longings of the soul need special attention and calls us to listen up. Jeff Crosby is the president and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishing, and the author of “The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts,” published by Broadleaf Books. Today, Jeff shares how he found mentorship in his father-in-law, the season of life when his faith moved to more spiritual formation focused, and where he discovered the words to describe that soul level longing for Jesus to make all things right. Jeff's story reminds us that our faith is already and not yet but that Jesus can be trusted to meet us in the longing. Listen to Jeff's story in your favorite podcast app today! Stories Jeff shared: Growing up in Indiana and other places Going to Ball State University and meeting his wife Remembering going to church occasionally but not regularly Responding to the Gospel at church camp Hopping on the church bus to keep going to church on his own Being mentored by his father-in-law How the recommended books he received shaped him The moment he looked into the mirror and noticed something changed Discovering spiritual practices and how they helped him What he learned from the psalms Recovering part of his identity as a creator of words The longings we all feel The Portuguese word saudade, and the idea of longing How to identify your longings and invite the Lord into them Great quotes from Jeff: When we are operating out of a strong sense of who God has made us to be, it isn’t hard, it’s joy. "If those are my longings, how has God met me in them, which is different than saying, 'How has God met them?'" Be in touch with the longings of your heart and the ways God is leading you in the midst of them. Resources we mentioned: Jeff’s website The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts by Jeff Crosby The Cross of Christ by John Stott Basic Christianity by John Stott The Universe Next Door: A Basic Worldview Catalogue by James Sire Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster Related episodes: Suzanne Stabile Shares How the Enneagram Helps Relationships James Bryan Smith and Loved Beyond Imagination Douglas Groothuis and The Twilight of the Soul

Have you ever felt pressured to choose a cause over the Lord? Whether it's today's charged political culture or even certain theological camps, fitting in can be more attractive than staying faithful Christ alone. Our guest on Halfway There today reminds us that we're called to live for Christ and his cause, alone. Shadia Hrichi is a Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker who is passionate for seeing lives transformed through the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies as well as a master’s in criminal justice. Today, Shadia shares what it was like growing up in a mixed culture home, how she found Jesus later in life, and the calling she received to go to seminary to become a teacher. She also shares her own moment of feeling separated from God and how that led her to a life-changing insight. Shadia's story reminds us that following the Lord has it's ups and downs but he he never leaves us alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. Listen to Shadia's story wherever you get your podcasts, right now! Stories Shadia shared: Growing up in New York as the daughter of immigrants Having no religious experience as a child Moving from New York to California Going to a Bible study with her husband The question the pastor asked her and working through her faith intellectually Experiencing wonder of God’s creation Getting divorced a few months after becoming a Christian The support she received from her church Deciding to go to seminary after a conversation with her pastor Her dark night of the soul and the song that helped her What breaks the Lord’s heart and her conversation with him What she learned while studying Rahab Great quotes from Shadia: There is no regular life. It’s all with God. We’re not called to live for a cause. We’re called to live for Christ. Having Bible knowledge does not prepare you to teach. Resources we mentioned: Shadia’s website Rahab: Rediscovering the God Who Saves Me by Shadia Hrichi Shadia’s Amazon author page Related episodes: Rob Burns and Crossing Cultures Christy Boulware and Love That Casts Out Fear Jay Kim and Why We Need Real People

Have you ever wondered why the Bible says that Christians are aliens and strangers in this world? How can the Gospel spread through people without power in their land? Our guest today reminds us that the Kingdom of God often operates silently and without notice but is never inactive. Britt Mooney is an author, podcaster, and pastor who thrives on telling great stories. Today, he share how he rebelled against cultural Christianity, discovered what it was like to really be an alien, and the theological truth about God that changed how he operated. Britt works to help believers like you understand just how counter-cultural the faith Jesus calls us to is and how beautiful a story it tells. Listen to Britt's story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Britt shared: Growing up in Alabama and Georgia Being dragged to church as a child Playing the church game and finding a personal relationship at a Christian concert Rebelling against cultural Christianity Becoming a public school teacher Receiving a call to Asia to serve How living in Korea shaped his understanding of living as an alien Calling people to the Kingdom of God Praying against racism, especially in the church Being ready to give up on the church and the group that helped him through Writing We Were Reborn for This Great quotes from Britt: When God accepts you, you don’t need to be part of anyone else’s club. We, of all people, should know that law does not change hearts. Giving up on the Church is the first step to giving up on your faith. Resources we mentioned: Britt’s website We Were Reborn For This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth by Britt Mooney Related episodes: Bill Brown and Waiting on the Lord Gari Meacham and Hitting Life's Curveballs Neil Matthews and Accepting God's Acceptance

Ever wished you had a mentor to guide you through life and faith? Feeling isolated and trying to figure everything out on your own is not what Jesus intended for His church. Our guest today reveals how mentorship can transform lives, including your own. Nancy Lindgren is the Founder and CEO of MORE Mentoring, and author of Mentoring Made Real: The Power of Authentic Connection. In this episode, Nancy shares her journey from a young woman with a calling to the leader of a mentoring ministry. She opens up about learning to listen to the Lord in prayer and the pivotal moment that turned mentoring into her mission. Listen as Nancy shares the trials and triumphs of waiting on God’s timing, and how her story exemplifies the need for intentional relationships in the Church. These connections, spanning different ages and experiences, help us grow in our faith in profound ways. Download now to hear Nancy’s inspiring story on your favorite podcast platform! Stories Nancy shared: Growing up in Nebraska Hearing Christian teaching and music as a child Giving her life to Christ as a young girl The car accident that gave her a sense of calling at 15 Starting a family immediately after college The season when she learned to wait on God Waiting for direction on where to go for two years Learning to listen to the Lord in prayer Learning to wait and be patient The moment when the Lord gave her a mission in 2014 Overcoming challenges in mentoring Writing a mentoring guide in 2016 Making disciples now around the world How to go about engaging the process of mentorship in either direction Great quotes from Nancy: Be a mentor for a season and friends for life. I knew he was a God who speaks. You're absolutely qualified because Jesus qualifies you. Resources we mentioned: Nancy’s website Mentoring Made Real: The Power of Authentic Connection by Nancy Lindgren Related episodes: Laura Flanders and The Mentored Life Harriett Miller and A Fierce Faith Peter Englert and Digital Discipleship and Mentoring

Have you ever wondered about your purpose on this planet? Do you feel destined for more, yearning to accomplish something meaningful, even if you can't quite pinpoint what it is? In today's episode, our guest is Paul Ybarra, a coach dedicated to helping people uncover their gifts and live up to their full potential. Paul's path to becoming a coach wasn't straightforward; it was a winding, sometimes bumpy road shaped by his faith in Jesus. Paul Ybarra's story is one of redemption and empowerment. Growing up in the Jehovah's Witnesses, Paul later turned to a life of drug dealing before a pivotal encounter led him to Christ. This profound change allowed Paul to embrace his true self in Christ, bringing a newfound sense of freedom. Today, Paul is passionate about seeing others win and, more importantly, empowering the younger generation. Paul's story teaches us that no matter where we come from, finding ourselves in Christ opens us to so much more. Listen to Paul's story wherever you get your podcasts right now. Stories Paul shared: The importance of mindset in the Christian journey Growing up in San Jose in a Jehovah’s Witness family Experiencing religion not relationship with Jesus The embarrassment he felt at school Seeing God’s hand looking back Being shunned from the congregation and moving away Selling drugs and living a street lifestyle Praying on Halloween night in 2001 Moving to Ohio and getting clean The coworker who brought him to Christ Learning to sense the Holy Spirit in the moment Backsliding in Texas Sensing an ultimatum from the Lord to choose Realizing that he can be himself Discovering his ministry and discipling others What happened when people started calling him coach Helping people find their assignment within purpose Great quotes from Paul: If I can’t experience the God of the Bible, I may as well go back to San Jose and live the live I want to live. As I submit to Christ, there's a calling on my life and I don't have to hide it anymore. I can still be Paul...except my character is different. Resources we mentioned: Paul’s website Related Episode: Christina Dent and the Spark of Curiosity John Swanger Shares Light in Dark Places Kelly Albright Was Saved in Sin City

Christina Dent is the founder & president of End It For Good and author of Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs & Addiction. She was previously with us on episode #235 which can be found below. Today, Christina shares with us about why she chose to write a book to support her endeavors, the integral link between connection and drug use, and why fear needs to stop being our motivator when addressing addiction issues. Christina paints a vision of creating a health-centric approach to helping people overcome addiction. Hers is a movement rooted in the way Jesus sees them not behavior modification that we can all learn from. Listen to this important conversation with Christian Dent where you get your podcasts right now. Stories Christina shared: The work of End It For Good The effects of three strike laws and why we need to understand it The farmer who has How Jesus treated people and how it’s different than our approach The stigma that people are silently suffering with The Rat Park experiment Why addiction is a symptom of loneliness and other experiences How to influence community by being curious The CRAFT Method of interacting with addicted family members A nuanced, moderate approach to drugs Why fear is the worst motivator Why she chose to call the book Curious What you can do to get involved A health centric approach to helping people overcome addiction Great quotes from Christina: If we want to help people move away from addiction…we have to shift away from Fear is the only thing that’s been used to think about drugs. It doesn’t matter where you fall on the political spectrum. A health centered approach to drugs gets you more of what you want. None of us change the way we think without going through a process of asking how it changes everything else. We are in the image of God and not made to (55) Resources we mentioned: End It For Good’s website Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs & Addiction by Christina Dent Related episodes: Christina Dent and Compassion for Other John Schlitt is a Rock Star Redeemed Rose Ann Forte and Letting Go of Shame

Have you ever found yourself bored with life? Maybe you're going through the motions but just not feeling it anymore? Our guest today was slumbering through his life until a radical encounter with revival changed everything...and him. Scott Brown is an author, historian, documentarian, and entrepreneur. Scott serves as the Director of Development for Globe International, an independent missions sending agency. In this episode, Scott shares how his early years on the farm shaped him, the health issues that became a dark time, and the revival that set his life ablaze for Jesus. Whether you are feeling bright and alive in Christ or need a fresh wind of faith, Scott's story will remind you that the Lord does amazing things if we're open to them. Listen to Scott's story FREE in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Scott shared: The work he does with Globe International Growing up on a farm near Dayton, Ohio Moving to Pensacola, FL as a young man Being baptized in the Church of the Brethren His church and connection to the charismatic movement The dramatic healing his father witnessed and how that influenced his faith Studying history in college Getting married and how changed his trajectory Feeling bored in church The evangelist who brought fresh fire to him Going through health issues in 2013 and the depression that came after Experiencing healing through therapy Becoming the president of the Mordecai Brown Legacy Foundation Great quotes from Scott: If you don’t have the function and function of God’s Spirit…it doesn’t matter how powerful the words are on a page, it doesn’t matter how many miracles you’ve seen. If you’re not active in it yourself, it means nothing. That agrarian community I was part of shaped everything about who I would become. I was a computer and rebooted. Not everything was arranged the same on the screen as it was before. You don't know what other people are going through so we walk with grace and mercy. Resources we mentioned: Globe International Mordecai Brown Legacy Foundation Baseball in Pensacola: America’s Pastime & the City of Five Flags by Scott Brown Three Finger: The Mordecai Brown Story by Scott Brown Psychology Instinct: What About Human Behavior Disorders by Scott Brown Related episodes: Billie Jauss and Home is Where We Are Jason Elam and the Devastating Love of God Michael Woodward and Living a Significant Story

Caris Snider is a speaker, author, coach, and podcaster. Her latest book is There’s an Elephant on My Chest, a picture book for children she wrote to help kids understand what anxiety feels like. Today, Caris shares her story of growing up in a Christian home in the Bible belt feeling like she had to be perfect. Trying to live up to her beliefs led to anxiety and depression until she was willing to accept help. Caris shares with us how she found hope over anxiety and the Lord’s closeness during the process. Caris’ story reminds us that we need community and don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Listen to Caris’ story in your favorite podcast player today! Children's Picture Book- There's an Elephant on My Chest Stories Caris shared: Overcoming anxiety and helping others Growing up in Alabama in a Christian family as a twin Her mom’s example as a prayer warrior Having to overcome cerebral palsy on the left side of her body Trying out for cheerleader and not making it Studying early childhood development Meeting her husband who was in a Christian boy band Buying her own childcare center and realizing that it wasn’t for her The season of uncertainty after giving up the childcare center Trying to pull herself up by her bootstraps and finding it impossible Having anxiety attacks with increasing frequency Trying to numb her pain by not eating Having a miscarriage and how that affected her Realizing she had to accept help to get out of her depression Giving up the idea of perfection for herself Learning the identities that the Lord has for her Writing books about anxiety and helping others Great quotes from Caris: When I looked up the things I was believing were proven to be lies. I had to recognize that help was not bad. I had to stop believing that I had to be perfect to be loved by Him. Those struggles are real but there is real hope. Resources we mentioned: Caris’ website There’s An Elephant On My Chest by Caris Snider Car Line Mom Devotional: 100 Days of Encouragement for the Mama Who Gets Everybody Everywhere by Caris Snider Related episodes: Edith Leland and Intimate Friendship with God Jon Fugler and Ditching Performance Christianity Christy Boulware and Love That Casts Out Fear The post Caris Snider and Hope Over Anxiety appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jacci Turner is an author, spiritual director, trainer of spiritual directors, and a retried trauma therapist. Today, Jacci shares her story of discovering the Lord at camp, serving as a trainer for campus ministers for decades, and how her growing understanding of God’s love changed everything. She lost her position and became an outcast from a community she loved. Jacci shares how she got through that difficult season and how spiritual direction helped her see the way through the spiritual desert. Jacci’s story reminds us that we all get a little tumbled by life but that the Lord makes something beautiful out of us all in the end. Listen to Jacci’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Jacci shared: Growing up as a daughter of a produce Finding Jesus “for the first time” as a child Praying for Jesus to take away her nightmares Forgetting her relationship with God as a teenager Giving her life to Christ as a teenager at camp Going to college and learning Scripture Growing in love for the LGBTQ+ community Leaving her organization by invitation The pain of becoming an outcast because of her position The dreams she had during this painful season Starting a group called Shalom for church wholeness Experiencing Jesus even through the difficult times The identities she had to let go in order to get through the spiritual desert How a spiritual director helped her through her issues with the church What spiritual direction is and why it is valuable at every stage of the journey Spiritual cairns in the desert Great quotes from Jacci: If I never get to Hollywood, I still want to follow you. As we got to know them, they didn’t become our gay friends. They became just our friends. Look to hope. Find hope in people, in God, in the books, in Scripture, in the forest, wherever you can find it. Resources we mentioned (affiliate links): Jacci’s website Tumbled People: Deconstructing and Reconstructing Your Faith by Jacci Turner The Gravity Center The Divine Hours (Volume Two): Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime: A Manual for Prayer by Phyllis Tickle Yes And…Daily Meditations by Richard Rohr Sacred Earth, Sacred Soul: Celtic Wisdom for Reawakening to What Our Souls Know and Healing the World by John Philip Newell Related episodes: Cliff Haddox and The Story that Grows With You Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation Suzanne Stabile and How Enneagram Heals Relationships The post Jacci Turner and Tumbled People appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Sam Black, author of The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography, and Director of Life Change Education at Covenant Eyes. Today, Sam shares how his life changed when he was first exposed to pornography, how it became a crutch for him, and why it’s so destructive. He explains the inner turmoil he felt which often kept him from church but then, he discovered a community that allowed him to be honest about his addiction. Plus, Sam tells us how to get started making your church a place that’s safe, too. Sam’s story reminds us that God’s grace is enough for everyone regardless of what sin they struggle with. Listen to Sam’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Sam shared: Why he wrote The Healing Church Growing up in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida in a “hypocritically violent” home Being exposed to pornography at 10 years old How pornography became an escape for him The messages that he received from his church How his wife came to Christ The relationship between how much pornography and service Believing that he could not live up to a Christian life Going to an event at his wife’s church The marriage class that became a safe space How his life changed as he was able to be vulnerable The spectrum of how the Church handles problems How to be the safe person for your community Great quotes from Sam: No one comes to the Father except through the Spirit. And the Spirit was doing a number on me. What part of James 5:16 do we not believe? What we need is a safe place with a safe process where it’s okay to come as you are. Resources we mentioned: Sam’s website The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong about Pornography and How to Fix It by Sam Black Covenant Eyes – Code for one month free: safeguard Strive Program Related episodes: Rob Lohman and Breaking Addiction Rose Ann Forte and Letting Go of Shame Christy Boulware and Love That Casts Out Fear The post Sam Black and The Journey of Freedom appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Lyndsey Medford is a writer and speaker living with a rare autoimmune disorder in the crumbling empire of the American South. Today, Lyndsey shares what her disorder was like as a child, the pressure she felt to make her story a redemptive one, and the kind response of the Lord who only wanted to be with her. We talk about how to develop a holistic view of yourself and the spiritual implications of doing so. Learning to listen to God, to our bodies, and to one another is a crucial discipline for the spiritual journey. Lyndsey reminds us that doing so means letting go of expectations and learning to simply be with God. Listen to Lyndsey’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Lyndsey shared: Moving and finding herself back with family Her experience of learning to live in her body Growing up in North Atlanta and how church was part of her life Experiencing an autoimmune disorder as a child Praying for healing a lot The pressure she felt to turn her story into a redemptive one What the Lord said about her suffering The idol of productivity and how her time on the couch addressed it How studying theology shaped her faith Asking questions about what it means to be human and vocation Experiencing an intense depression after college Understanding incarnation and empire Great quotes from Lindsey: I did have a strong sense of having a relationship with God and being loved by God and that didn’t depend on being good at suffering or hiding my suffering in the ways I though it did at the time. To turn [suffering] into a nice pretty story while it’s still happening is an unfair pressure we put on people. I’ve been told all my life that there’s things you have for me to do. So when are we going to do them? When we are really still, God is inviting us to let of some of the expectations about ourselves that no longer serve us. Resources we mentioned: Lyndsey’s website My Body and Other Crumbling Empires: Lessons for Healing in a World That Is Sick by Lyndsey Medford Related episodes: Becky Castle Miller and Trusting Your Emotions Skye Jethani and Living Life with God Jim Barnard Finds Hope in Suffering through Community The post Lyndsey Medford and Releasing Expectations appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Matt Fagioli coach, consultant and a serial entrepreneur. His company is called Certain Success and he works with business owners and entrepreneurs to help them grow amazing Christ centered businesses while becoming (as closely as possible to) exactly what Jesus intended for them to be. Today, Matt shares his upbringing in the Roman Catholic church, why he decided to return to church after he had children, and how the pandemic shifted his perspective. He also tells the story of discovering that there is so much more to walking with Jesus than checking the boxes on the Christian to do list. He’s found a new way of relating to the Lord. Matt’s story reminds us that wherever you are now on the journey, the Lord has more to show you. Listen to Matt’s story now in your favorite podcast player! Stories Matt shared: Wrestling with how to be a Christian business owner Growing up in the Philadelphia area in a Catholic school Not thinking very much about the Lord during his 20s Wanting something more at a time in life when he had it all Asking around for a church and going to an Evangelical church for the first time Beginning to investigate Christianity Giving his life to Christ and wanting to change everything Believing that he did all the right things as a Christian Checkboxing his faith How Covid changed his business and life Business events that changed his trajectory How suffering has helped him grow Learning to ask the Lord every day who he is What the experience of listening to the Lord is like for him Leaving his bag at the airport and how God spoke to him Great quotes from Matt: The front door for me was worship. I spend massive amounts of time speaking to the Lord but not a lot of words are said. Resources we mentioned: Matt’s website Dirty Disciple by Matt Fagioli Living Fearless: Exchanging the Lies of the World for the Liberating Truth of God by Jamie Winship Related episodes: James Bryan Smith and Loved Beyond Imagination Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation Brian Zahnd and The Beauty of Christ The post Matt Fagioli and Beyond Check Box Faith appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Beth Allison Barr is the James Vardaman Professor of History at Baylor University and author of the book The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth. Today, Beth shares how she grew up knowing Jesus, learning that there were some things women didn’t do, and how intellectual curiosity is deeply important for her spiritual journey. We also discuss how knowing Church history and taking a curious approach to biblical interpretation can shape our faith in positive ways. Beth’s story reminds us that understanding church history with an inquisitive mind is a vital part of Christian growth. Listen to Beth’s story here or where you get your podcasts. Stories Beth shared: Growing up in a Christian family in Texas Never not knowing faith in Jesus and getting baptized as a young woman Realizing that there were expected gender roles in high school Using her intellectual curiosity and how that clashed with a literal interpretation of the Bible The distinction between man’s interpretation of God and who God really is Meeting her husband Seeing churches regressing in terms of intellectual curiosity Why KJV only is problematic Why historical context is critical to understanding texts How medieval history can help us now Being angry at God and the letters of despair that helped her When God spoke to her after her husband was fired Historical context and how it helps our hermeneutic Great quotes from Beth: My parents were never afraid of me being curious. My story fits into a story that’s a lot bigger than me and I’m thankful to be part of that story. Historical context does not diminish the Bible as God’s Word. It just helps us better understand God’s Word. God does not look like the white, Evangelical church. Resources we mentioned: Beth’s website The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth by Beth Allison Barr The Rise of Christianity by Rodney Stark The Showings by Julian of Norwich Related episodes: Aaron Niequist and Swimming in the Eternal Current Aimee Byrd and Recovering from Biblical Manhood and Womanhood Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer and Becoming an Agent of Good Kristen Du Mez and Knowing Church History The post Beth Allison Barr and Christian Curiosity appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Frank Viola is a bestselling author, conference speaker, blogger, and podcaster. Today, Frank shares how he found Christ, a moment when he experienced the overwhelming love of God, and an encounter with a demon. Frank shares that his calling is to those who want to experience Jesus more fully and he shares multiple stories from his writing. We also explore the idea of the dark night of the soul and how he understands it and whether he’s experienced one. Frank’s story reminds us that the Lord is active even when we can’t directly sense him. Listen to Frank’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Frank shared: Exploring the deeper journey Growing up in New York and then moving to Florida The “two conversions” he experienced The awakening he had when he was 16 years old Sensing a call to ministry at 17 Encountering a demon and asking for help from his church Feeling like God is far away The distinction between the dark night of the soul and the dark night of the spirit What it’s like to have a sense of God’s presence Why you don’t need to have a conversation with God for everything when you know him The value of coincidence in the Christian life The meaning of the word evangelical Great quotes from Frank: You can put yourself in a position to hear from the Lord. When you have the mind of Christ, you don’t have to consult the Lord about everything that comes up. One of the ways God speaks to his children is coincidence. The flesh is nailed to the cross and that’s where it ought to be in the life of the Christian. Resources we mentioned: Frank’s website Pagan Christianity by Frank Viola & George Barna Insurgence by Frank Viola Jesus Speaks by Frank Viola & Leonard Sweet Hang On Let Go by Frank Viola 48 Laws of Spiritual Power by Frank Viola 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene When Christian Leaders Deny the Faith Ministry Mastermind Related episodes: Mike Bolton and the Power of Yes Sara Billups and Moving Toward Community Skye Jethani and Living Life With God The post Frank Viola and the Subtlety of the Kingdom of God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Sara Billups is a Seattle-based writer and cultural commentator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, Christianity Today, Ekstasis, and others. Sara writes Bitter Scroll, a monthly Substack letter. She is completing her Doctor of Ministry in the Sacred Art of Writing at the Peterson Center for the Christian Imagination at Western Theological Seminary. Today, Sara shares about her 90’s youth group kid upbringing, moving to Seattle and finding a devastated church, and the dark season when she compartmentalized her faith. Sara’s story reminds us that while the spiritual desert is isolating, community is the best way through. Listen to Sara’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Sara shared: Growing up in a house where her father converted to Christianity from Judaism Her parent’s relationship and her father’s conversion Celebrating Jewish holidays and how that shaped her How growing up in 80s Christianity influenced her Exploring a Christian counterculture and finding her people Reading creative people in high school Moving to Seattle to start an intentional community The cultural impact of the Mars Hill implosion The season of disillusionment she faced Realizing that her husband was carrying her Writing for believers who feel like they are orphaned by the Church Her church experience as she processed Practices that help when you feel alienated Great quotes from Sara If I actually believed the Christian story, I needed to make a change. There are seasons when the people who love us carry us. It doesn’t do any good to burn things down but I do think we need to talk about this stuff. Being faithful to a congregation through many waves, throughout decades is a really interesting place to sit and I’m grateful that I can. Resources we mentioned: Sara’s website Orphaned Believers: How a Generation of Christian Exiles Can Find the Way Home by Sara Billups This Cultural Moment The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill The Case Against Sermon Centric Sundays by Skye Jethani Related episodes: Brian Zahnd and the Beauty of Christ Brandon Andress and the Controversy of Love Becky Castle Miller and Trusting Your Emotions The post Sara Billups and Moving Toward Community appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Mike Bolton is a husband, father, grandfather, and loyal friend. While he defines himself more by relationships today, he also is an author, podcaster, former pastor, and businessman. Today, Mike shares the story of how he found faith in Christ, the scholarship he lost and how that changed his life, and the ways crisis has shaped him. He tells the story of how he discovered the Lord at work in unexpected places which taught him to say yes to opportunities and see what He was up to. Mike’s story reminds us that while life with God has twists and turns, it’s a beautiful sight to behold. Listen to Mike’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Mike shared: Growing up in Manitoba, Canada Deciding not to go to church in high school Life falling apart and the question it made him ask Deciding to follow Jesus because of the peace he saw in others around him Why we need to ask, seek, and knock Losing his hockey scholarship in school because of his faith How the Lord provided at his church instead The mindset that helps him face adversity Having a crisis in his marriage and digging in to figure it out His wife’s business and living out her faith in it Discovering God at work where he did not expect Learning how to think of others Unlearning the sacred/secular divide Great quotes from Mike: God’s got a great track record. I thought everything had to happen in the church but it seems like God is at work everywhere. What you believe about God and his purpose in your life has to be tested. Resources we mentioned: Mike’s website Ignite Your Mission: The Spark That Empowers Your Purpose by Mike Bolton Related episodes: Todd Johnson says Just Say Yes Shā Sparks and Finding Purpose Andrew Klavan and The Truth and the Beauty The post Mike Bolton and the Power of Yes appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Lisa Lamb is a professor of preaching, a writer, and a pastor working to equip leaders in South East Asia. Her passion is to develop leaders who preach radically good news, deeply rooted in Scripture. The Lord took her and her husband on a surprising pandemic journey to seven countries, where they experienced his amazing provision at every turn. Today, Lisa shares the story of how she fell in love with preaching of the Word, the journey of becoming a professor, and why she wrote a book for pastors. Her story reminds us that the Lord is leading even when the circumstances may not appear so. Listen to Lisa’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Lisa shared: Serving in South East Asia and how that’s different from the US Growing up in California in a Christian family full of prayer How she was shaped by her sister’s disabilities The wholehearted way here sister approached life Reading a lot of four views books in college Going to seminary right after college and leaving Her sense of calling as a child The moment she realized she wanted to help others learn Going on staff with InterVarsity, getting married, and doing campus ministry Her first homiletics class Going to get her PhD in homiletics Graduating in 2008 and how that affected her The spiritual formation of preaching The hope of the preacher for the listener Trying to move overseas during the pandemic Why she wrote a book for pastors Great quotes from Lisa: I still think there’s something really holy and beautiful when we open the Word together. When it’s working as intended, preaching is meant to nourish us. God is still at work through the Church to bless the world, to be a light and a witness. Resources we mentioned: Lisa’s website Resonate: How to Preach for Deep Connection by Lisa Lamb Related episodes: Dan Rudman and Ripples of the Gospel Christy Boulware and Love that Casts Out Fear Markus Watson and How Suffering Transforms The post Lisa Lamb and the Spiritual Formation of Preaching appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Chris Grainger is the founder of The Lion Within Us and has a passion for serving others. He is building a community that provides Christian men encouragement to become the leaders God intends them to be. Chris connects with others by sharing personal stories of professional success, hurdles encountered and how every circumstance is an opportunity to build the Kingdom. Today, Chris shares how he found Christ as a young man, sensed the Lord’s presence during one of the most difficult moments in his life, and the questions he asked when tragedy struck his family. He also shares how suffering catapulted him to a place of service and led to creating the men’s community, The Lion Within Us. Chris’ story reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the Lord is with us. Listen to Chris’ story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Chris shared: Creating a ministry for men Growing up in Virginia in the countryside Started going to church because his girlfriend went to church Giving his life to Christ at 16 Going to college at Old Dominion University and spending a lot of time at the bar Feeling resistant to God as he got into adulthood Believing his life was good before his wife left him The eerie silence that told him he needed people Having his Bible at the custody hearing open to James 1 to help him Beginning to serve others at his church How courting his wife helped him grow Wanting to have children Having a stillborn child and how it challenged him to run to God The additional tragedies that came in a short period Feeling angry at God and how he handled it The emotional intimacy found through struggling with grief Starting a podcast for his company Starting The Lion Within Us as a membership for men Helping men go from lost and along to connected Great quotes from Chris: Anytime we say “I got this” is a moment we are about to be humbled. Most men’s ministry sucks. What you’re really craving in your relationship with your spouse is intimacy. Resources we mentioned: Chris’s website Related episodes: Jerry Dugan and Becoming A New Man Nicole Jacobsmeyer and Joy After Suffering Jon Fugler and Ditching Performance Christianity The post Christopher Grainger and Growing Through Trials appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Melony Brown Author, speaker, and host of the Challenges Won’t Stop Me podcast. Today, Melony shares about the neurological condition she’s had since she was two years old, how living with her condition changed her relationship to the Lord, and the peace she felt leading up to brain surgery. We also talk about the mindset she developed that allowed her to overcome the challenges she faced and help her students as a result. Melony’s story reminds us that two things can be true at the same time: suffering is difficult and the Lord is present within them. Listen to Melony’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Melony shared: Growing up in Atlanta, Georgia Having a stroke at the age of 2 and the health challenges that ensued Her family’s reaction to the stroke and the mindset they instilled in her The family’s sudden decision to return to church Mom’s visit to find a church while she was in college Meeting her husband at the first church she went to Learning to study the Bible Deciding to get baptized as a result of their studies Beginning to have migraines and questioning God The passage that helped her through a dark night Struggling with how much she wasn’t able to accomplish Learning the value of relying on others Beginning to have mini-strokes and struggling with other issues Getting a diagnosis and having neurosurgery The peace that she felt leading up to the surgery The mindset you need to overcome challenges Knowing that God will empower you to meet the challenges you face Great quotes from Melony: It’s hard to pray when it feels like your head is in a vice. I am glad to have gone through the challenges that I did. We’re facing challenges all the time and we have to have the right mindset. Trusting God as your navigator takes a lot of pressures off you. Resources we mentioned: Melony’s website Challenges Won’t Stop Me: An Interactive Survival Guide for Overcoming & Thriving (Journey On!) by Melony Brown The Journey On quiz Related episodes: Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind Jesse Eubanks and Relationships in the Enneagram Dr. Amy Sherman and The God of Shalom The post Melony Brown and Empowered to Meet the Challenge appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Alex Sezer is helping other do business better by transforming their culture. Always a high achiever, Alex led the Texas A&M football team as captain and scaled multiple business in his 20s. Today, Alex shares how he learned the value of hard work, his calling to preach, and the season of doubting his faith that helped shape him along the way. Ales also shares how he knew it was time to leave his fancy job and start something new which is a fascinating look inside his experience. Then, we talk about how to create a culture wherever you find yourself. Alex’s story reminds us that culture is what we create through our treatement of other. Listen to Alex’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Alex shared: Growing up in Orange, TX in a pastor’s family How the Lord came through to get a scholarship to play football How his grandfather and father influenced him Giving his life to Christ at 13 Falling in love with the Lord and reading the Bible voraciously Studying preachers like Dr. Tony Evans and H.B. Charles Jr. Getting involved in apologetics in college What God showed him through apologetics Getting into the SEC to play football Learning the value of hard work Going to work for a consulting firm Deciding to get into real estate How God speaks to him and how he knew it was time to leave his job Questioning his foundation How to build a positive culture Great quotes from Alex: It’s hard when you feel it but nothing in your world looks like it. Everything we are blessed to steward should be If Jesus was here in the flesh, he’d probably be a content creator. Resources we mentioned: Alex’s website On Preaching: Personal & Pastoral Insights for the Preparation & Practice of Preaching by H.B. Charles Jr. Related episodes: Os Guinness and Carpe Diem Redeemed Chris Staron Calls for Truce to the Culture War Felicia Song and Digital Discipleship The post Alex Sezer and Creating Culture appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Julia Gentry is the Founder of The Dream Factory and Co & author of a best-selling book in Christian Leadership, Dream-I Dare You. Today, Julia shares about how her mom’s faith influenced her, the dream that moved her to action, and the beliefs she had to let go in order to embrace the life God had for her. Julia also shares how failure builds endurance and why it was a leap of faith to write her own book. Julia’s story reminds us that God’s dreams for us are bigger than we could imagine if we’ll listen. Listen to Julia’s story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Julia shared: The work she does with The Dream Factory Yearning for something more in her mid-life awakening Growing up in Denver, CO in a Christian family Knowing God at a head level Realizing that God was inviting her to something deeper The dream she had that moved her to action What she had to unlearn in order to grow The moment that she learned her parents were getting divorced as a child and the ramifications for her beliefs The core desire to control her life and be perfect Building endurance through failure The lanes of belief and how you can stay in the right one Great quotes from Julia: Growth is about unlearning what we think we know that isn’t so. He will blow our minds in order to get to our hearts. The hard is designed to be a blessing in our lives. We want the dream. God wants our hearts. The in-between is not designed to break you; it’s designed to make you. Resources we mentioned: Julia’s website Dream – I Dare You: A Wake-Up Call to Greater Alignment in Your Faith, Family, Career, and Community by Julia Gentry Related episodes: Bill Brown and Waiting on the Lord Kate Berkey and The Humility of Honor Ryan George and Living with Courage The post Julia Gentry the Freedom of Dreaming appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Bob Wheatley is a bestselling author, podcaster, and former professional athlete. He serves as a co-host of That Singles' Show a singles ministry sponsored by KCBI Radio in Dallas and his work has been featured on nationally syndicated radio outlets like WAY-FM and THE FISH. After graduating from the University of Southern California, Bob played four years of professional baseball in the Toronto Blue Jays' and St. Louis Cardinals' minor league systems. Today, Bob shares the focus he had to have to become a professional athlete, knowing the right things to say and do, and the moment when the Gospel got ahold of his heart. Bob’s story reminds us that conviction of sin is part of the process when living life with the Lord. Listen to Bob’s story in your favorite podcast app today! Stories Bob shared: Moving to Nashville, Tennessee Growing up in California in a Christian family Getting baptized because it was just time Feeling that God was an umpire in the sky who will make you follow the rules Learning to follow God’s will Feeling conviction of sin and giving his life to Christ Watching everything he dreamed of get taken away Deciding to move to Nashville and finding godly men Reading the Bible cover to cover in 2018 Deciding to become an author Why we love to cheer for the hero in a story How the stories we tell ourselves expand Great quotes from Bob: I know there’s more but back then, I didn’t know. It was casual Christianity; it wasn’t a relationship. My heart was not ignited until I was 25 and it didn’t happen until I was convicted of sin. Resources we mentioned: Bob’s website Our Heart’s Desire: How Our Stories Reveal the Thing We Want Most by Bob Wheatley Related episodes: Karen Swallow Prior and the Spiritual Practice of Reading Fiction Andrew Klavan and The Truth and Beauty Tim Morris and How Your Heart’s Desire Unlocks Your Purpose The post Bob Wheatley and The Moment of Conviction appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Lisa Woolery is a mom, author, and widow. Today, Lisa shares how her life changed when her husband died and the spiritual journey she took as a widow. She tells us the story of finding faith as a teenager, meeting her husband in high school, putting her faith on hiatus and living the “good life,” and how adopting children changed all that. Then, Lisa relays how the Lord was with her through the valley of the shadow of death even when she was mad at him. It took small steps of faith and courage to find herself and her faith again. Lisa’s story reminds us that the Lord cares about the widow and so should we. Listen to Lisa’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Lisa shared: Growing up in a Christian family in Southern California The moment in 4th grade when she gave her life to Christ The mentor who helped her learn to read the Bible and pray Meeting her husband at youth group for the first time Becoming a teacher at a Lutheran school and struggling Leaving church and going into public relations How her faith went on hiatus for a season Waiting for children and praying for them Adopting children and the weird things people say How the Lord feels about us as his kids How marriage changed and got harder after adopting children Deciding to grow together and do things that enhanced their faith Moving to get stress out of their lives How her husband passed away and how it changed her life Taking care of her kids and the experience of grief A season of being mad at God Realizing that she could walk through the valley of the shadow of death Learning how to be her own person What she’s learned about herself through this process Great quotes from Lisa: I’ve never had a problem trusting God. I decided not to do the why and to do the acceptance instead. I realized that my acceptance was actually submission. Resources we mentioned: Lisa’s website Lisa’s Instagram Related episodes: Harriet Miller and A Fierce Faith Tricia Lott Williford and How God Works in the Waiting Lisa Appelo and The Lord’s Mercy The post Lisa Woolery and The Widow and the Orphan appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Thom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers. With nearly forty years of ministry experience, Thom has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of the local church and its leaders. He has been a pastor of four churches and interim pastor of ten churches He is the author of numerous books, including I Am a Christian and I Believe. Today, Thom shares how he ended up in ministry instead of banking, the difficulty of losing his father, and his thoughts on the changing nature of the American church. He reveals what he’s seeing as churches struggle to come back from the pandemic and the problems pastors are asking to be solved. Thom has been steeped in American Evangelical churches for decades and has a finger on the pulse of the local church. His story reminds us that the local church is still a vital institution for growing in Christ. Listen to Thom’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Thom shared: Hearing the Gospel from his high school football coach Why it took a couple of days for him to become a Christian Dropping out of church almost immediately Deciding to get closer to Christ when he started dating his wife Going into banking when they got married and getting immersed in church Watching a five year old die and how that led him to a sense of calling Losing his father and how that became a dark night of the soul Becoming the CEO of Lifeway and how that affected him The issue of glass houses for people in the pastorate Why he started Church Answers How churches can get healthier Whether the digital church counts as “being in church” The problem with “consumer Christianity” The issue of expectation in churches Great quotes from Thom: I was probably my pastor’s both best and worst church members. One of the surprises since Covid is that digital attendance has fallen off the cliff. With expectation should come equipping and empowering. Resources we mentioned: Thom’s website for Church Answers I Believe: A Concise Guide to the Essentials of the Christian Faith by Thomas S. Rainer I Am A Church Member by Thomas S. Rainer Church Equip Related episodes: Jonathan Carone and Unlearning and Relearning Michelle Ferrigno Warren and Life on the Jericho Road Loren Hicks and the Practice of Discipleship The post Thom S. Rainer and The Changing American Church appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Becky Castle Miller is a PhD student in New Testament at Wheaton College with Esau McCaulley, researching emotions in the Gospel of Luke. She did her master’s thesis on emotions and discipleship under Scot McKnight. She writes and speaks on emotional, mental, and spiritual health in the church. She and her husband and their five kids and cat returned to the US in 2020 after living in the Netherlands for eight years, where she served as a discipleship director at an international church. Today, Becky shares about growing up homeschooled, the moment God loved her and the belief she had to let go of, and some practices to try when church gets difficult. Plus, she encourages you to learn and understand your emotions because Jesus cares about them, too. Listen to Becky’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Becky shared: Moving back to the US during the pandemic Studying emotions in the Gospel of Luke Tracing the history of teaching on emotions in the American church Growing up as a military kid all over Being homeschooled using Abeka curriculum Forcing herself into the box of American fundamentalist Christianity Realizing that she believed God loved her less because she was a woman Experiencing an emotional breakdown and what she learned about herself Practices for interacting with the Bible Talking out her ideas in real time Discovering church icons and why they are valuable Great quotes from Becky: If we’re suffering under legalism, that’s not an easy yoke. I had to face the fact that I had believed that God loved me less because I was female. When Scriptures are used against you, it is hard to read the Bible. Retraumatizing yourself is really unhealthy. Resources we mentioned: Becky’s Substack Becky’s Instagram The Blue Parakeet, 2nd Edition: Rethinking How You Read the Bible by Scot McKnight A Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering Her Head, and Calling Her Husband ‘Master’ by Rachel Held Evans Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women by Sarah Bessey The Wisdom of Your Heart by Marc Alan Schelske Truce Podcast by Chris Staron Creating Space for God by Jodi Niznik Related episodes: Noble Gibbens and Emotional Healing for Growth Marc Alan Schelske and The Wisdom of Your Heart Tim Morris and Why Your Heart Matters The post Becky Castle Miller and Trusting Your Emotions appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Kent Sanders is a ghostwriter who helps leaders grow their impact and influence through books and other content. He is the host of the Daily Writer podcast and the founder of the Daily Writer Club, a membership community that helps writers build a business with their skills. Today, Kent shares how his faith was shaped by spending time in Ukraine, the season of doubt and searching he had while pastoring others, and how learning about the history of worship shaped him. Then, Kent tells us how he ended up as a creative and writer including the work he does today to support writers. Kent’s story reminds us that while the Lord provides at every step, some of where they lead will surprise you. Listen to Kent’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Kent shared: Growing up in Missouri in the woods Going to church with his mom as a kid Participating in Bible Bowl Giving his life to Christ as a middle schooler Travelling with a music team in college Spending the summer in Ukraine Coming back to the United States and realizing the complacency of the culture Feeling a strong pull to vocational ministry Struggling with his faith in his late 20s What he learned about himself on the other side of his questions Teaching the history of worship and how it shaped him Experiencing different Christian traditions Discovering blogging and podcasting Beginning to write and get clients Leaving his professor job and starting his own business Why you should write a book Great quotes from Kent: As a kid, you don’t appreciate the sacrifices adults make for you. The more challenges you have the more opportunities you have to grow. I was starving for beauty but didn’t know it until I experienced it. Resources we mentioned: Kent’s website The Daily Writer website The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God by Lee Strobel The Faith of Elvis by Billy Stanley, Kent Sanders Related episodes: Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life Gregory Gillam and The Road of Healing Jon Fugler and Ditching Performance Christianity Andrew Klavan and The Truth and Beauty The post Kent Sanders and The Beauty of the Written Word appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Christy Boulware suffered a nervous breakdown caused by severe panic and anxiety disorder in 2011. Today, Christy shares the story of her first panic attack sitting on a beach when everything should have been fine. Then, the anxiety got worse and changed her life. Christy tells us bout her holistic approach to healing, the passages of Scripture that helped her, and the moment she understood God’s love for her for the first time. Plus, we discuss what you can do to redefine success and pay attention to your body and heart when you need to. Christy’s story reminds us that while we may have anxiety, fear does not equal a lack of faith and God is still with us. Listen to Christy’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Christy shared: Growing up in Missouri in a Catholic family Getting into life as an achiever Having an anxiety attack on the beach Getting checked out for serious health issues and being diagnosed with anxiety The science behind stress and anxiety Experiencing back to back panic attacks for three weeks Contemplating suicide because of the darkness she was experiencing Praying with her husband for the first time Her holistic approach to get back to normal The passage of Scripture that helped her Understanding God’s love for the first time Learning that her identity was shaped by her understanding of God’s character Redefining success as faithfulness to the Lord Practices that help you navigate anxiety Paying attention to your body to avoid anxiety Why fear does not equal a lack of faith Great quotes from Christy: Surrender is a daily choice. When fear is operating, love can’t freely flow. Fear is an indicator not a dictator. Anxiety will isolate you more if you are not vulnerable about it. Resources we mentioned: Christy’s website Nervous Breakthrough: Finding Freedom from Fear and Anxiety in a World the Feeds It by Christy Boulware Related episodes: Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind Ryan George and Living with Courage Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life Marc Schelske and The Wisdom of Your Heart The post Christy Boulware and Love That Casts Out Fear appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Collin Hansen serves as vice president for content and editor in chief of The Gospel Coalition, as well as executive director of The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. His new book is a biography of Tim Keller titled, Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation. Today, Collin shares how studying theology shaped him, his grief at sin and struggle to grow, and the consolation of knowing Jesus as a friend. We also talk about his friend and mentor Tim Keller including his influences from a variety of traditions and writers. Learning from across Christianity’s traditions helps us grow to be more well-rounded, empathetic, and joyful. Collin’s story shows us that follow the steps of the greats of the faith leads to our growth, too. Stories Collin shared: Growing up in South Dakota in a Methodist family The revival that changed his life Being thrust into leadership in youth group Going to college at Northwestern University and the Trinity Evangelical Divinity School The theological development of seeing Christ in the Old Testament Pursuing rhythms and patterns of behavior for transformation How his perspective changed after conversion Experiencing grief at his own sin and trying to understand why nothing changes Going to therapy and how that helped him Jesus as a friend and the disciples Writing as part of his life as long as he can remember Getting to know Tim Keller through the Gospel Coalition Why he decided to write a book about Tim Keller’s spiritual formation Why it’s important to learn from diverse sources A Kingdom of God view of suffering in this life Great quotes from Collin: Unless I’ve tasted His goodness for myself, then clearly something has not happened. None of us has a friend like Jesus. If it’s not a faith that I’m willing to lose my life over, it can’t be the faith that’s in the Bible. We’re more likely to see blind spots today if we’re learning from a hundred people than if we’re learning from two people from a specific era. Resources we mentioned: Collin’s profile Timothy Keller: His Spiritual and Intellectual Formation by Collin Hansen A God-Sized Vision: Revival Stories that Stretch and Stir by Collin Hansen and John Woodbridge Related episodes: Marc Schelske and the Wisdom of Your Heart Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation Tim Morris and How Your Heart’s Desire Unlocks Your Purpose The post Collin Hansen and A Library of Influences appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Dr. Amy Sherman directs the Center on Faith in Communities at the Sagamore Institute. She’s the author of seven books, most recently, Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society. Today, Amy shares how her diverse denominational background shaped her worldview, what she learned from health challenges that have affected her productiving, and what we need to know about shalom and human flourishing. The Kingdom of God that Jesus taught and brought has room for every human being to thrive with the Lord and we get to participate in it’s unfolding. Amy’s story reminds us how that works and encourages us to show up and pursue a life of flourishing. Listen to Amy’s story now! Stories Amy shared: Working as a minister to ministries at the Sagamore Institute Why she wrote Agents of Flourishing Growing up near Buffalo, NY in a liberal Methodist church Learning about the social Gospel in her church growing up Finding Christ and being discipled by a young family in a charismatic church Going to Messiah College and discovering Christians like C.S. Lewis and Francis Schaeffer Working at a think tank with George Waggle Deciding to get her PhD at University of Virginia Working at her church as director of ministries Experiencing chronic pain since a bad accident Health challenges that have limited her productivity Reading a devotional during a season struggling with lyme disease Reframing productivity as fruitfulness How flourishing and shalom are beyond circumstances Believing that God desires your flourishing Great quotes from Amy: Flourishing involves resting. The biblical concept of flourishing is not contingent on circumstances. Shalom is the world as God wants it to be. God desires your flourishing. Resources we mentioned: Amy’s website at Sagamore Institute Agents of Flourishing: Pursuing Shalom in Every Corner of Society by Dr. Amy Sherman Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good by Dr. Amy Sherman The God Who Is There by Francis Schaeffer When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert Related episodes: Amber Cullum and the Journey to Grace Peter Englert and Digital Ministry and Discipleship Lori Ann Wood and Questions in the Silence The post Dr. Amy Sherman and The God of Shalom appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Thorsten Moritz is a theology and hermeneutics professor who started Warehouse Theology. Today, Thorsten shares his story of growing up as “a good Lutheran” in Germany, going to the United States in high school, and studying theology at a fundamentalist school. As he began to question the institution, he knew he needed more perspectives and pursued theology until he got a PhD. He shares his philosophy and practice of interpreting the Bible and why it’s so vital that each believer learn how to move beyond proof texts to interpretation. Now, Thorsten shares about what he’s doing with Warehouse Theology and why he’s working to decentralize theological education. Thorsten’s story reminds us that how we read is a critical skill for all of us. Listen to Thorsten’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Thorsten shared: Growing up in Germany in a picturesque town in the Black Forest His family who were survivors of WWII and good Lutherans Leading a church youth group and starting to studying Coming to the United States as an exchange student Going to theological school in Germany and realizing the philosophical commitments Choosing to get his master’s in England The opposite of good hermeneutics Why how we interpret matters How he thinks of the dark night of the soul Interpreting for Grant Osborne in Germany Why interpretation is so vital for the Christian Great quotes from Thorsten: Christians apparently have decided by majority that they want to go for a managed humanity and that’s the opposite of what I saw in the New Testament. Interpretation requires imagining of oneself into the other including the implied author. No matter how intellectual my approach might be, I know my limits. We need to start reading each book as one thing. Resources we mentioned: Thorsten’s website Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation by Grant Osborne Related episodes: Noble Gibbens and Emotional Healing for Growth Jen Rosner and Finding Messiah Andrew Klavan and the Truth and Beauty The post Thorsten Moritz and Created to Interpret appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Rose Ann Forte, Best Selling Author and Founder of The Plans He Has For Me Coaching Program which focuses on how to put alcohol to the side for 12 consecutive weeks. Today, Rose Ann shares how she began going to church during her difficult marriage, realized her drinking was out of control, and found a twelve week program that worked for her. We also discuss the reasons people become addicted to substances and why there is hope if you want to stop. Rose Ann’s story reminds us that Jesus is with us even when we do things that we’re not proud of and invites us to trust him. Listen to Rose Ann’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Rose Ann shared: Writing a book called The Plans He Has for Me Growing up in New Hampshire going to a Catholic school Being in a difficult marriage and going to church Choosing to drink to deal with her problems Using alcohol over time and how it developed Her gratefulness for never hurting anyone Suffering in silence hoping to solve the problem for herself Why she didn’t want to go to Alcoholic Anonymous Why a 12 week program is better for recovery The shame she felt while stuck in her relationship and drinking The joy she feels now every morning Great quotes from Rose Ann: I already had a higher power. His name is Jesus. Shame comes from the inability to forgive yourself. My story is the collision of God’s Word, personal suffering, and the science of the brain. Resources we mentioned: Rose Ann’s website The Plans He Has For Me: A 12-Week Daily Devotional for Freedom from Alcohol by Rose Ann Forte The Biology of Belief: Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter, and Miracles by Bruce H. Lipton PhD Related episodes: Christina Dent and Compassion for Others Rob Lohman and Breaking Addiction Alicia Michelle and the Renewing of Your Mind The post Rose Ann Forte and Letting Go of Shame appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Keith Ferrin is an author and speaker who has been speaking at conference, churches, universities, and banquets for 25+ years. His passion is helping people not just read and study the Bible, but deeply enjoy it! He uses live events, books, and online courses to equip individuals and families to not just read and study the Bible, but deeply enjoy it! He is also the founder of the BibleLife Community, an online community where people read, study, and discuss the Bible together. Today, Keith shares how he discovered this relational practices, the events that led him to start a membership, and why psycology is important in Bible study. Keith’s story reminds us that God wants to live with us and that’s a beautiful thing. Listen to Keith’s story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Keith shared: Growing up all over the United States before settling in Washington State Never knowing a time without faith Going to youth group as a kid and having an active faith Realizing that he had never talked to anyone about Jesus while playing soccer Heading to college to study psychology Using psychology to learn the Bible His father’s call to tell him that he was leaving his mother Solidifying his relationship with God through college Serving as a youth pastor when his personal journey with the Bible was rocked April 18, 1993 when he saw a presentation of Luke being recited Deciding to read Philippians every day for the summer Presenting the Gospel of John as an entry point for studying the Bible Seasons that were difficult with the Lord Starting BibleLife Community during the pandemic Great quotes from Keith: The living word of God went from being a phrase to a reality. God is good even when I’m confused. The more relational our approach, the more information we will learn. Resources we mentioned: Keith’s website Try BibleLife Community for only $4 Related episodes: Skye Jethani and Living Life with God Jodie Niznik and Creating Space for God Marjorie Gunnoe and Integrating Faith and Science The post Keith Ferrin and Relational Bible Study appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Michelle Ferrigno Warren is an author and president of Virago Strategies, which provides strategic direction and project management community support. Today, Michelle shares her journey from a fundamentalist church to leading as a social activist. She shares what it was like to realize her success in ministry was limited by her gender, how she and her husband were led to found an important ministry in Denver, and how she learned about the systems that silently oppress in our society. Plus, she shares about her latest b0ok, Join the Resistance: Step Into the Good Work of Kingdom Justice. Michelle’s story reminds us that proximity always develops our empathy. Listen to Michelle’s story in your favorite podcast player now. Stories Michelle shared: Working in community development and advocacy Growing up in an Italian family with Roman Catholic roots Landing in a fundamentalist Bible church as a child Learning to love and study Scripture How her neighborhood made her aware of diversity Realizing that she had a ceiling because she was a woman Moving out to Colorado in high school and noticing cultural differences Getting married and moving to Dallas while living in a diverse community Teaching in middle school and what she learned there Meditating on the prophets one summer Working at Open Door Ministries Having a son who was very sick resulting in a step back from ministry Going back for her masters degree Realizing that there are systems that oppress some in our society Great quotes from Michelle: I was taught to love God, love my neighbors, and be a good Pharisee. Most of my early adult life was alarmed discovery. When you’re living in community, love is reciprocal. Injustice does not just happen and does not just repair itself. Resources we mentioned: Michelle’s website Join the Resistance, Step Into the Good Work of Kingdom Justice by Michelle Ferrigno Warren The Power of Proximity: Moving Beyond Awareness to Action by Michelle Ferrigno Warren Open Door Ministries Christian Community Development Association Related episodes: Karen Gonzales and Beyond Welcome Craig Greenfield and Good News for the Poor April Diaz and Power and Justice in the Kingdom Christina Dent and Compassion for Others The post Michelle Ferrigno Warren and Life on the Jericho Road appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jesse Eubanks is a certified Enneagram coach and host of The EnneaCast, a podcast exploring personality and relationships through the lens of the Enneagram. Jesse is also the founder and executive director of Love Thy Neighborhood,a discipleship and missions agency mobilizing people to follow Jesus and serve the poor in modern culture. Today, Jesse shares how he discovered his love for social action, his difficult path to relational health, and the contentious moment that led him to spiritual formation. Plus, we discuss why rightly knowing yourself is a deeply Christian thing to do and how the Enneagram helps on that journey. His new book How We Relate: Understanding God, Yourself, and Others through the Enneagram is out now. Jesse’s story reminds us that Jesus loves and calls us to be our true selves in Him. Listen to Jesse’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Jesse shared: Writing a book to help people understand how they relate to others How our personality changes our relationship with God Growing up in a broken home in a divorced family Going to a conference in DC that changed his concern for the poor Studying about other perspectives in the world and how it hurt his faith Why social action, relational health, and spiritual formation became really important for him What happens to people in positions of power without spiritual formation Why self-awareness is important for growth Working at a shelter for nine years and what he learned Learning the truest and deepest thing about us is love Entering spiritual direction and how it helped him grow Reading about the Enneagram for the first time Launching Love Thy Neighborhood when he was funded Writing How We Relate and what people will get from it Why empathy is critical for relationships Great quotes from Jesse: The antidote for fear is God’s presence. You can have all the right theology, your Gospel will be seen as bankrupt unless you are relationally healthy. It is impossible to have spiritual maturity without self-awareness. While I was surprised by some of my shortcomings, Jesus was not. Empathy plus authority equals trust. Resources we mentioned: Jesse’s website How We Relate: Understanding God, Yourself, and Others Through the Enneagram by Jesse Eubanks The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey The Relational Soul by Richard Plass and James Cofield StoryBrand by Donald Miller Me on the Enneacast Related episodes: Suzanne Stabile Shares How the Enneagram Helps Relationships Jim Gum and Healing Through Enneagram Drew Moser and Enneagram Type is Just the Beginning The post Jesse Eubanks and Relationships in the Enneagram appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Lori Ann Wood is a Christian author and heart failure survivor. Today, Lori Ann shares her beginnings in a Christian family doing all the right things, how her life was rocked by a heart failure diagnosis, and what she learned about God when he seemed silent. Her faith took a turn from doing to relating with the Lord in intimate ways. Plus, she shares the three main questions that she asked and the practices that helped her thought them. Lori Ann’s story reminds us that even when our lives don’t look how we’d like, God is still there, working, and loving us. Listen to Lori Ann’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Lori Ann shared: Growing up in Kansas on a wheat farm Realizing the blessing of her childhood in a secure family The note her dad gave her while walking her down the aisle Feeling peace for the first time in her faith Running her faith and life through lists Focusing her life on her kids and doing the right things Receiving a medical diagnosis of heart disease Having heart failure and landing in the hospital three weeks later Not praying or experiencing God during 16 months Learning that it’s okay to borrow words to pray Getting better at entertaining questions with her kids as a result Discovering the three questions she was asking in different ways Great quotes from Lori Ann: I heard the voice of God first from the lips of my mother. God was silent and I gave him the silent treatment right back. I equated the goodness of God with how well my life was matching this plan I made. Resources we mentioned: Lori Ann’s website Divine Detour: The Path You’d Never Choose Can Lead to the Faith You’ve Always Wanted by Lori Ann Wood Related episodes: Chuck Malott is a Hippie Turned Saint Traci Rhoades and a Firm Foundation Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation The post Lori Ann Wood and Questions in the Silence appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jonathan Carone is the host of two podcasts and an entrepreneur of a marketing and website design company helping churches, nonprofits, and ministries. Today, Jonathan shares how he resisted going to church, gave in to the Lord’s leading after a difficult season, and ultimately landed on a church staff. Just when he thought he was thriving, his time in ministry ended. He also shares how the Lord used that season of doubt in himself to teach him trust and changed his faith significantly. Jonathan’s story reminds us that we often have to unlearn what we’ve learned in order to move ahead. Listen to Jonathan’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Jonathan shared: Creating his own marking company Growing up in North Carolina in his grandpa’s church Leaving church after 15 Moving to Myrtle Beach and realizing he didn’t ask God if he should go Hearing from God to get training Discovering a church that spoke his language Hitting rock bottom after a break up and other challenges Praying in surrender to go to seminary Growing his first youth group in Tennessee Working on the church staff in a creative role Leaving church staff after being hired over The identity crisis that his being “coached out” led to Wondering what it would look like to serve the global church not just the local church How working with Christians around the world changed him Learning to stick with principles over methods What he’s learned from his podcasts Great quotes from Jonathan: While the situations are all different, the feelings are the same across the board. Because we’ve been so dogmatic on some issues, we’ve run people away from following Jesus. I’m okay with knowing that sometimes faith takes actual faith. Resources we mentioned: Jonathan’s website Unlearning Youth Group Unlearning Church Staff Carone Designs Related episodes: Shá Sparks and Finding Purpose Peter Englert and Digital Ministry & Mentorship James Bryan Smith and Loved Beyond Imagination The post Jonathan Carone and Unlearning and Relearning appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Kate Berkey is a writer, speaker, and missionary living on the north side of Chicago where she works with refugees and immigrants with Devon Oasis Ministry. Today, Kate shares about doubting her faith in high school, the unique way God called her to Thailand, and finding a ministry that fits her heart for the marginalized. She also shares how learning from other cultures can help bring much needed humility especially when the family with a foreign culture lives right next door. Kate’s story reminds us that when we honor the imago dei in our fellow humans, we become the Father’s ambassadors of friendship. Listen to Kate’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Kate shared: Growing up in a Christian family in rural Indiana Deciding to figure out why she believed in Jesus as a high schooler Wrestling with doubts about whether to trust the Bible Her mentor Kristy Mikel who helped her through wrestling with faith Going to Taylor University and looking to the future Experiencing the kindness of God Quitting her job and becoming a missionary to Thailand The moment God directed her to Braverly Raising money to become a missionary Creating resources for women in Thailand Deciding to publish their book in the United States as well Experiencing the micro-culture shocks that happen in new cultures Learning about herself through interaction with another culture Humility and honor in other cultures Great quotes from Kate: You can’t underestimate the value of dignity and the image of God in people. The number one need of refugees is friendship. Your courage matters to the Lord. Resources we mentioned: Kate’s website A Place Called Braverly: Daring to Live Courageously, Dream Boldly and Influence Bravery by Kate Berkey and Kristy Mikel Devon Oasis Ministry Related episodes: Ty Wyss and the Kindness of God Amy Fritz and the Community of the Broken Karen Gonzales and Beyond Welcome The post Kate Berkey and the Humility of Honor appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Dan Luigs is the founder of The Journey of a Christian Dad Podcast and FB Community. Today, Dan shares how he found faith, the moment he decided to stop keeping his appointment with God on Sunday, and the gentle way he led his family back to church. Dan is passionate about showing up for the people in your life and encourages men do the little things well and faithfully. Dan’s story reminds us that a life of faithful service is a life worth living. Listen to Dan’s story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Dan shared: Growing up in a Christian family in St. Louis, MO Feeling like his dad was working a lot Deciding that he didn’t have to go to church anymore as a young man Choosing to go to church ten years after he was married Conversations with God as a child and the vision he had in church Hearing about leadership in his family Realizing that he needed to love his wife better Finding people who he could model his life after Learning how to serve other people Listening to the Lord before every service How to love your wife better Great quotes from Dan: When you want to build a habit, find people whose normal behavior is your desired behavior. You need to put your wife as a priority in your day. Resources we mentioned: Dan’s Facebook group Related episodes: Lori Morrison and God’s Compassion for the Hurting Jon Fugler and Ditching Performance Christianity Courtney Lowman and Building a Culture of Discipleship The post Dan Luigs and Faithfulness is Enough appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Licensed private investigator, podcast host, author, and speaker Lori Morrison. Today, Lori shares about being around church and slowly drawn to the Lord, working in the justice system to learn compassion, and how she became a private investigator. She also gives us tips about personal safety and some deep thoughts about God’s love for all people, including those who commit crimes. Her book is called How to Kick Fear to the Curb where she explains the biblical case for being strong and not afraid. Lori’s story reminds us that the Lord loves justice even when it doesn’t look how we want it to. Listen to Lori’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Lori shared: Working as a private investigator and what that means Growing up in Indiana but not going to church Slowly being drawn to Jesus as a young woman Beginning to read and do Bible studies How getting involved with helping others helped her Learning compassion for others by working with inmates at the jail Being a stay at home mom while her children were little Working in the domestic violence court and how that opened her eyes Becoming a private investigator Learning to depend on the Lord as she helps families Understanding God’s heart for justice Realizing that God love perpetrators as well Connecting with the Lord when she’s working a case How to have situational awareness Great quotes from Lori: There’s a lot of different ways you can get justice. As Christians, we can be too trusting. We trust in titles and positions as opposed to trusting in character. God wants to be in every part of our lives. In God we trust. Everyone else gets a background check. Resources we mentioned: Lori’s website How to Kick Fear to the Curb: Private Investigator Approved Personal Safety Tips with Biblical Evidence to “Fear Not” by Lori Morrison The Unlovely Truth Podcast Related episodes: Christina Dent and Compassion for Others April Diaz and Power and Justice in the Kingdom Craig Greenfield and Good News for the Poor The post Lori Morrison and God’s Compassion for the Hurting appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jon Fugler is the Chief Content Officer with Trans World Radio and has been writing for Christian audiences for 40 years. Today, Jon shares how he found Christ through sports and then applied his performance based mindset to his faith. He was good at it but, as with all performances, it crumbled eventually. That’s when a friend shared a powerful book that redefined his life with Christ and set Jon on a path of enjoying the company of Jesus wherever he goes. Jon shares the strategies he uses to find peace, accept himself, and experience the Lord. Jon’s story reminds us that you can’t work your way into relationship with God even if you’re doing good things. It’s all about the joy of knowing Christ. Listen to Jon’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Jon shared: His ministry and radio experience Growing up in Rochester, NY Hearing a college football coach speak and hearing the Gospel Applying his performance practices to his faith Getting hurt and realizing that a baseball career wouldn’t happen Deciding to go into radio and Christian ministry Being plagued by anger and not knowing why Reading With by Skye Jethani and learning about living with Christ Learning to reset with a half day retreat of silence Learning rhythms and appropriate pacing in his life Developing the desire to know Christ Great quotes from Jon: The longer we perform for God and the more we do, the closer we think we are. I was believing the lie that if I was serving Jesus well, I also had a good relationship with him. We need rhythm in our lives. Resources we mentioned: Jon’s website With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani Related episodes: Skye Jethani and Living Life with God Nicole Jacobsmeyer and Joy After Suffering Jill Baughn and the Adventure of Joy Laura Padgett and Ambassadors of Joy The post Jon Fugler and the Ditching Performance Christianity appeared first on Eric Nevins.