Halfway There

Engel Jones is a podcaster and the best networker you’ve ever seen. He has to be because his podcast is all about 12 minute conversations and he’s done 2460 of them. Last year, he and his wife traveled the continental United States and Canada throughout the summer. I was privileged to sit down with Engel and his wife at Red Rocks park in beautiful Colorado while they were on that epic journey. Today, Engel shares with us how growing up in an extended family influenced him, finding Christ in the religious melting pot of Trinidad, and how the Lord led him through divine connections. Engel sets tremendous goals and depends on the Lord to get them done. Even when he misses his target, he is still doing incredible things. Give Engel’s story a listen! Stories Engel shared: Growing up in an extended family in Trinidad Experiencing community of a large family Going to church every Sunday as a child The spiritual smorgasbord of Trinidad Experimenting with marijuana as a teenager Speaking in tongues for the first time Starting a business and getting off of marijuana How Gospel music and preaching helped him grow How God uses divine connections in his life How his podcast was inspired How his show has changed his life Setting tremendous goals to see what God will do Great quotes from Engel: I have never felt that God has left me. Sometimes we need just one thing, one person to speak to us, to help us, to guide us to so much more. Humanity is beautiful. Resources we mentioned: Connect with Engel on LinkedIn Engel’s website Engel’s YouTube channel Thou Shall Prosper: Ten Commandments for Making Money by Rabbi Daniel Lapin The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey Waking the Dead: The Secret to a Heart Fully Alive by John Eldredge Other episodes about community: Gunnar Falk and Grace Extended in Community Trevor Kapralos and the Power of Community Laura Flanders and the Mentored Life The post Engel Jones and the Power of Connection appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Laura Flanders is the Associate Lecturer and Chair of Training and Mentoring Curriculum and one of my personal mentors. Today, we talk about mentoring, what mentoring is, and how to go about it as both a mentor and a mentee. We take questions from my friends on Facebook about mentoring, and Laura reaches to her bookshelf to share the books and resources that have shaped her ministry in mentoring. Listen to our conversation now! Stories we talked about: Her role as a mentor at Denver Seminary How knowing and community relate Definition of mentoring that we can share Different kinds of mentors Being interdependent as a mentee How to take ownership of your own learning Discovering your bent in mentoring The mentors you probably didn’t know you had Questions and answers from the audience Boundaries in mentoring Resources for mentoring Great quotes from Laura: The way we learn changes as we age. It’s not easy to practice being known. Mentoring is a relational practice in which there is intentional pursuit towards growth and transformation. Listening is a peacemaking activity. Resources we mentioned: Laura’s original appearance on Halfway There The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life, 20th Anniversary Edition by Parker Palmer With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani The Uncommon Individual Foundation Trust in the Slow work of God – Pierre Chardin Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. by Brene Brown Spiritual Mentoring: A Guide for Seeking and Giving Directionby Keith R. Anderson and Randy D. Reese Big Questions, Worthy Dreams: Mentoring Emerging Adults in Their Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Faith by Sharon Daloz Parks The Mentee’s Guide: Making Mentoring Work for You by Lois Zachary The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich Laura’s website, The Colorado Backyard Gardener The post Laura Flanders and the Mentored Life appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Dave Ebert is a comedian and founder of Well Versed Comedy, and a fellow podcaster. Today, Dave shares the story of how he learned improv in professional wrestling, faced depression and suicidal thoughts, and found a new start in comedy. Dave is transparent about going through the dark seasons and we spend a few minutes talking about why the funniest people are sometimes the most depressed. It’s a tragedy that needn’t persist. Dave is passionate about helping those on the brink while also bringing some laughter and cheer. How the Lord brought him here is a fun story. Listen to Dave’s story now! Stories Dave shared: Growing up in Illinois and moving to Virginia The lack of discipleship he had as a child Dealing with depression and contemplating suicide Why he used humor to cover up his real feelings What to signs of depression to look for in your funny friends Getting into professional wrestling How professional wrestling set him up for improv Learning how to not treat God like a genie Getting mad at God when he didn’t show up Starting over again in Illinois Starting Well Versed Comedy and finding himself Using his “sacred scars” to help others Great quotes from Dave: We’re too afraid to get our hands dirty and find out the truth. On the mountain there were two choices, I can take my life or I can give my life. I’ve got quite a few of those sacred scars that I’m using through various things I’m involved in. Take that next breath. Take that next step. Live that next hour. Live that next day. Because it’s worth it and God will use it once you’re ready to give it over to him. Resources we mentioned: Dave’s website Well Versed Comedy The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren My appearance on Dave’s show Gifts4Glory Reach out to Dave if you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts: [email protected] Related episodes: Mike Savage and God’s Great Self-Sacrifical Love Julie Court and the Power of Forgiveness Jim Barnard Finds Hope in Suffering through Community The post Dave Ebert and A Funny Way to Overcome Depression appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Kelly Albright is a friend from long ago. We used to be coworkers and at the time, she did not know Jesus. A few months ago, she got in touch on LinkedIn and mentioned that she was now following him. Well, I couldn’t possibly miss the opportunity to learn how that happened so I invited Kelly to come on the show to share her experience. Today, Kelly shares that she was always somewhat curious about the Lord but a little afraid. She sought a medium, had a dream about Christ’s love, and suffered spiritual attacks she after. Now, Kelly is following the Lord and growing in her faith step by step and it’s a beautiful thing. Listen to Kelly’s story now! Stories Kelly shared: Growing up in a non-Christian home, a little fascinated by the Bible but afraid of it Living her live life as an atheist and a “blasphemous God-hater” Visiting a medium in 2012 Her wild past with drugs and how she now understands some of this as demonic Moving to San Diego and going to an a cultic church The dream of Christ that convinced her of his love Asking the Lord to show himself as the Way, Truth, and Life Throwing out her dreamcatchers, crystals, and new age items Praying for deliverance for weeks Getting some Biblical counseling Feeling like the Lord called her to stay in isolation for a period of time Great quotes from Kelly: The one thing that stood out about me as a little kid was the number of tears I cried. God comes after you; you’re not coming after him. God’s love language is sacrifice. Resources we mentioned: The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman Related episodes: Patrick Meyers and the Kind Initiator Tony Weedor and The Cost of of the Gospel Tonya Jewell Blessing and the Servants See the Miracles Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. The post Kelly Albright was Saved in Sin City appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Subscribe to Podcast Magazine where I’m the Category Director for Religion & Spirituality Cody Dakota Wooten is a coach, teacher, and speaker with a passion for leadership. Today, Cody shares how growing up without his father affected him, the night a coyote led him to Jesus, and why he loves helping people find their true selves. Cody tells us about how learning the lives of the saints gave him something to aspire to in the faith. His story reminds us that even when things look bleak, if you’re waiting for the Lord to lead, he always will. You just need to pay attention. Listen to Cody’s story now! Stories Cody shared: How he coaches people to find their heroic potential Being raised by three women as a child without a father figure When his mother gave the religious choice to him as a child Expecting God to speak to him Deciding to be baptized as a young man Pursuing relationships in difficult ways Choosing a Catholic college Learning about the saints and how that shaped him Learning to cultivate an attitude of prayer How a coyote led him to Jesus A relationship that went wrong The dark night after his fiance broke up with him and dated his best friend How this dark time helped him grow closer to the Lord Getting into personal development Great quotes from Cody: In seeking God, I learned how to value myself. You are infinitely valuable. God is going to speak to you in a way that you will understand, that is meaningful to you. He may not use words; he may not use dreams; he may not use compulsion but he’s going to use something that will speak to you. Resources we mentioned: Cody’s website Connect with Cody on Instagram Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy Podcast Related episodes: Chuck Malott is a Hippie Turned Saint Doug Eisenbrandt and Jesus Found in the Long Run Sarah Ehambe and Faith as Action The post Cody Dakota Wooten and Listening & Leading appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Sarah Geringer is a blogger, speaker and author of Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus. Today, Sarah shares how the Lord helped her overcome depression, why being a child of divorce stinks, and how she invested in her dream to become a writer. Sarah’s practice of Christian meditation using Scripture is a wonderful tool that will help you focus your thoughts in productive directions. If you are struggling with run away thoughts, Sarah’s story will encourage you because victory is possible. Listen to Sarah’s story now! Stories Sarah shared: Growing up in the middle of the Bible belt The heritage of faith in her family How her church and school class became her family after her parent’s divorce The shock of public school Giving her life to Christ and experiencing the peace of the presence Losing her best friend when she moved away Hearing the Spirit tell her she didn’t have to think suicidal thoughts anymore Experiencing relationship with Jesus The battlefield of the university classroom Giving up her scholarship to go to a different school Realizing marriage does not solve loneliness How being a child of divorce affected her Deciding to invest in herself with a writing Publishing her first traditionally published book Great quotes from Sarah: I knew his presence felt warm and comforting. If you start with his Word then you start recognizing his voice. Then you can grow a very close an intimate relationship with him. His Word is the doorway to a deeper relationship with him. I realized marriage is not the solution for loneliness and that was a crushing disappointment. Become a Patron! Resources we mentioned: Sarah’s website Sarah’s blog on divorce as Living Death Transforming Your Thought Life: Christian Meditation in Focus by Sarah Geringer Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit by Charles Stanley The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World by Michael Hyatt Chandler Bolt’s Self-Publishing School blog She Speaks Conference Related episodes: Caroline Abbott and Coming Home to the Lord Marc Schelske and the Wisdom of Your Heart Sharon Swing and How to Listen to Your Life The post Sarah Geringer and Transforming Your Thought Life appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jeffrey Tacklind is a pastor, spiritual director, and author. Today, Jeff shares his journey from trying to be his dad to serving a congregation as Jesus intended him to. Jeff shares how he chose a small church to serve, discovered spiritual masters, and why he wrote a book on the process of transformation. We also discuss the tension between the longing for glory and the humility of submission to the Lord. Along the way, Jeff shares plenty of personal experiences and I know you will be drawn deeper into God’s heart for you as you listen. Listen to Jeff’s story now! Stories Jeff shared: Pastoring in Laguna Beach, CA Growing up in Orange, CA in a Christian family The question someone asked him that changed how he sees people Trying to be his dad as he went into ministry How seminary affected his journey Finding his church and enjoying the community and diversity Wrestling with insecurity in his journey How God spoke to his heart The surf trip that served to remind him of the growth process How vulnerability sets the tone for relationship Being introduced to Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton’s work Why he wrote The Winding Path of Transformation Understanding the tension between glory and humility Great quotes from Jeff: I was just this kid growing up always asking questions and would kind of make everybody uncomfortable like I was asking the question we agreed not to ask. It’s not that I left that story behind; it’s that the story just got bigger. People don’t need my advice right now. They need good questions. To ask the right question unlocks things for people. Resources we mentioned: The Winding Path of Transformation: Finding Yourself Between Glory and Humility by Jeffrey Tacklind Jeff’s website After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory, Third Edition by Alasdair MacIntyre Little Church by the Sea The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition by Janet O. Hagberg & Robert A. Guelich Related episodes: Richard Jacobson and Unchurching Laura Flanders and Her Bleeding Heart Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. The post Jeff Tacklind and The Winding Path of Transformation appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Karen Gonzalez is a native of Guatemala and is a speaker, writer and immigrant advocate. Karen works for World Relief and attended Fuller Theological Seminary, where she studied theology and missiology. Her first book is The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong. Today, Karen shares what it is like moving to a new country, how Christians can help immigrants, and what the Bible really says about how immigrants should be treated. While immigration is a political hot potato of a topic, Karen helps us take a fresh look at those around us and see them with God’s eyes. Listen to Karen’s story now! Stories Karen shared: Growing up in Guatemala in a Roman Catholic home Always being interested in faith and seeing different ways of interacting with God Leaving Guatemala due to war The difficulties of integrating into life in the United States Going to church with her grandmother and giving her life to Christ How to handle undocumented people in a Christian way Moving to Florida after receiving Green Cards Losing her mother to cancer The tug and pull between the two cultures she found herself in Discipleship as a college student Questioning things like the death penalty Discovering that the Gospel doesn’t “work” everywhere Going to seminary to get a more robust Why she wrote the God Who Sees using immigration stories Great quotes from Karen: Migration is a really traumatic experience. What’s morally right and the right thing to do as a Christian is often at odds with the right thing to do as a U.S. citizen. Seminary saved my faith. Nobody’s faith is static. Resources we mentioned: The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong Karen’s website When Life and Beliefs Collide by Caroline James Related episodes: Download my free ebook on Habakkuk (you’ve heard of him but do you know why he’s important?) when you join our mailing list. Plus, I’ll send you the show notes to your inbox every Monday! Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. The post Karen Gonzalez and the God Who Sees appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Steve Bremner is an author, sometime podcaster, and Supreme Galactic Emperor? We had a good laugh about that one! Today, Steve shares his journey from a conservative denomination to a charismatic one. You’ll hear his heart to see God and be inspired by his following the next right step even as it led him around the world. Steve currently has an online business while he serves in Peru – that’s modern tentmaking! Listen to Steve’s story now! Stories Steve shared: Working as a tentmaker in Peru helping authors publish their books Growing up in Ontario, Canada Giving his life to Christ around 15 years old Devouring tapes of teaching Connecting to the Brownsville revival Speaking in tongues for the first time Praying for people in the line Going to Holland as a missionary and feeling frustrated Realizing that Peru was the next place he would live Writing a blog and his books Great quotes from Steve: God doesn’t have a box that he works in and doesn’t do things according to our expectations. That thing to focus on helped get through the dark night of the soul. Resources we mentioned: Steve’s website Fire School of Ministry Playing With Holy Fire: A Wake-Up Call to the Pentecostal-Charismatic Church by Michael L. Brown From Holy Laughter to Holy Fire: America on the Edge of Revival by Michael L. Brown Jonathan Edwards: On Revival by Jonathan Edwards Streams of Living Water: Celebrating the Great Traditions of Christian Faith by Richard Foster Related episodes: Michael Woodward and Living a Significant Story Patrick Meyers and the Kind Initiator Aaron Walker from the Valley to the Mountaintop Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. The post Steve Bremner and God Outside the Box appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Gill Bentham is an author and journaler and a nurse for over 30 years. Today, Gill shares the story of how she found life in Christ as a young woman, how the Lord was faithful through a difficult divorce, and the redemptive role of writing in her life. Gill shares with us why she wrote her latest book As If: Steering Your Life Without Strife, Navigating from Fantasy into Faith and Rising from Delusion into Destiny. As she wrote and lived alongside the canals in her town, she realized what a brilliant metaphor they are for walking with the Lord. And she shares with us how getting stuck waiting in the lock can be a good time for us even if it’s hard to wait. Gill has such a wonderful heart for helping others see themselves from the Lord’s perspective that I know you will be changed just by listening to this conversation. Stories Gill shared: Growing up in a Methodist house in Northern England How she got into palliative care as a nurse Giving her life to Christ at an outreach Studying Scripture through devotionals and Bible reading on her own Experiencing community at university Her hunger for the Lord during this time The mentor who built her trust in the Lord Pastoring and the struggles with the church The restlessness she lives with How God helped her through a difficult marriage and divorce The role of writing in her life Writing her book As If Great quotes from Gill: Learning to be at rest in the moment, in the day, and take joy in the small events and blessing is a very big lesson in the last 10 years of my life. He loves the institution of marriage. He was really clear to me that he was saying “I love you more than the institution of marriage.” God stands at the completion of our lives and he sees that whole golden strip across our lives even when we can’t. Resources we mentioned: As If: Steering Your Life Without Strife, Navigating from Fantasy into Faith and Rising from Delusion into Destiny Disentangling Genius: Unravel the Seven Knots of Frustration so you can Align Desire with Creative Expression Gill’s website Gill’s Facebook and Instagram Walking in His Ways: Every Day With Jesus One Year Devotional by Selwyn Hughes Related episodes: Os Guinness and Carpe Diem Redeemed Kristen Kludt and the Art of Life with God Mike Savage and God’s Great, Self-Sacrificial Love Notice: JavaScript is required for this content. The post Gill Bentham and Living in the Locks with the Lord appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Karl Forehand is an author, former pastor, and podcaster. Today, Karl shares the story of his deconstruction, an idea that has been bantered around a bit lately. But what is it? Deconstruction is simply the process of letting go of false beliefs about God, the world, and yourself and discovering the reality of all three. As Karl shares in his story, it can be painful and you can lose friends when you ask questions. But the process is also liberating and Karl found new practices, places of inspiration, and even wrote a book called Apparent Faith. This part of the journey can feel lonely and if you’re there, listen to Karl’s story and know you are not alone. Stories Karl shared: His current season of deconstruction Writing a book and his current work and situation Growing up in Oklahoma in a relatively spiritual home Struggling to fit in with his personality and feeling underestimated Feeling called to ministry and planting a church Realizing he could no longer fake his faith Learning from his children through conversation Finding contemplative practices to help him Learning centering prayer Learning about the shadow parts of himself What this season of dark night has taken out of him Why he wrote his book Apparent Faith The tea shop encounter that convinced him to be on the journey Great quotes from Karl: I think people underestimate me. It makes people uneasy when you start to grow. When I deconstructed as far as I did, Jesus was still compelling to me, the way of Christ was compelling to me. That was the part I couldn’t give up. Resources we mentioned: Karl’s website Apparent Faith: What Fatherhood Taught Me About the Father’s Heart by Karl Forehand Heart Connexon Richard Foster’s books Celebration of Discipline and Prayer Related episodes: Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation Richard Jacobson and Unchurching Cari Jenkins and Who You Really Are The post Karl Forehand and the Experience of Deconstruction appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Julie Court is an author, speaker and motivational coach. Today, Julie shares how she gave up on God after it seemed like he never came through, the friend who loved an angry girl, and how she learned to forgive. Julie has a very intimate relationship with Jesus and often talks with him and listens to where he wants her to go. She shares why she went to Kenya after an uprising to speak on forgiveness and how powerfully the Lord worked through her. And, we talk about her book, Incredible Life Makeover, as well. If you have a few things you need to lay down and forgive (isn’t that all of us?), this episode is for you! Listen to Julie’s story now! Stories Julie shared: Growing up in a home with alcoholism and divorce How the situation got worse when her mother remarried Giving up on God after suffering repeated abuse Meeting Miriam, the girl who loved her and answered her questions Joining campus ministries in college Getting married and choosing a life of family Learning forgiveness from mentors The stages of forgiveness Choosing to homeschool her children Going to Kenya after an uprising to speak about forgiveness Losing her husband when he abandoned the faith The five battle cries she writes Deciding to write a book about the process of forgiveness Great quotes from Julie: Not everyone will love someone who is as angry and dysfunctional as I was. When God asks us to do something extraordinary, he’s going to do something extraordinary. Only you can destroy your life. Resources we mentioned: Julie’s website where you can get a free chapter of her book Incredible Life Makeover: Step-by-Step Transformation to Wholeness by Julie Court Related Episodes: Evan Money Loves Getting Married and Other Joys Vicki Proffit and the Encouragement of God Tracy Winchell and the Power of Starting Over Caroline Abbott and Coming Home to the Lord The post Julie Court and the Power of Forgiveness appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Os Guinness is an author, speaker, and prominent social critic whose work has profoundly affected many including me. Today, Os shares the story of his rich spiritual heritage. He came to faith as a young man while reading C.S. Lewis, learned from Francis Schaeffer, and has written many books. We also discuss what a Christian view of time looks like and his new book Carpe Diem Redeemed. This is a conversation sure to give you a deeper appreciation for the long lineage of historical faith in Christ and encourage you to trust the Lord with everything, even your time. Listen to Os’ story now! Stories Os shared: How to respond to loss of Christian consensus Descending from the Guinness family of stout fame Being born in China to missionary parents Fleeing a famine that killed his brothers Going back to England to live without his parents Finding Christ through reading C.S. Lewis and others Why he wrote Carpe Diem Redeemed The issue of doubt and how he thinks of it How character is shaped Great quotes from Os: Every generation is just one more pulsebeat in the life of humanity. There’s a saying here in Washington, “Jesus plus nothing,” which when you think about it is stupid. It’s Jesus plus everything but under the lordship of Jesus. As we come to know God we become partners with him in fulfilling his purpose in his world and working as his partners to restore the world. Doubt is a halfway house. Resources we mentioned: Carpe Diem Redeemed: Seizing the Day, Discerning the Times The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God’s Purpose For Your Life A Free People’s Suicide: Sustainable Freedom and the American Future In two minds: The dilemma of doubt & how to resolve it Os’s website Related episodes: Douglas Groothuis and Walking Through Twilight Chris and Joi Copeland Say When God Calls You Go Thomas Umstattd and Untwisting the Gospel The post Os Guinness and Carpe Diem Redeemed appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Dr. Corinne Weaver is a chiropractor helping patients get healthy through holistic methods. Today, Corinne shares the story of the bicycle accident that damaged her health seemingly permanently, how the Lord directed her to chiropractic care, and why it’s important to take care of our bodies. She also teaches us her technique for how to breathe properly and why that is so important for good health. Her books, Learning How to Breathe, and No More Meds, will take you deeper into a natural healing journey. Whether you are healthy, could use a little refresher, or just need to recover from illness, Corinne’s story will inspire and educate you to begin the journey. Listen to Corinne’s story now! Stories Corinne shared: The accident that dramatically damaged her health How she discovered chiropractic care as a young child Leaving church because of her health problems Giving her life to Christ at camp and the vision that led to her career Why she is convinced the mind/body connection is important The breathing techniques she teaches, the 4-7-8 method Why she wrote No More Meds How diet affects our well-being Great quotes from Corrinne: If we don’t take care of our physical being, it’s going to affect us spiritually, too. I make time everyday for quiet time whether it’s reading Scripture or just breathing. I love helping parents that are motivated to make some lifestyle changes for their families. Resources we mentioned: Corinne’s website No More Meds Movement No More Meds by Dr. Corinne Weaver Learning How to Breathe: Trace almost every single ailment we face today to improper breathing by Dr. Corinne Weaver Related episodes: Dr. Joe O’Tool is Creating a Culture of Care Jill May and Wrestling Truth and Reality J. Parker and How the Gospel Applies to Sex Mary DeMuth and Her Avenue of Healing The post Dr. Corinne Weaver and Learning to Breathe appeared first on Eric Nevins.

In this bonus episode, we catch up with Steve Simms, an author, pastor, and previous guest on Halfway There. Steve’s heart for relationship with Jesus will inspire you to walk a little more closely to him, too. Steve writes books and in this conversation, we talk about his last two books, one about a Christian response to racism, and the other about returning to early Christianity. I think you’ll be inspired by Steve’s heart and words. Become a Patron! To hear our entire conversation, consider becoming a Patreon supporter. It’s safe, reliable, and a great way to support the show. If you’ve ever been encouraged by anything we do here, let us know by subscribing at the $5 level. It will mean the world to us. See you next month! Stories Steve shared: Leaving his Salvation Army church Why he wrote his book The Joy of Early Christianity How resisting negativity is spiritual warfare What true abundant life is How to engage different styles of prayer How to interact with Jesus all the time The ice cream analogy Why we need to practice our faith not just learn about it Why he wrote a book on race Great quotes from Steve: Church hurt, hurts. When people are allowed to have a role in Sunday morning, they grow so much faster. I want to live what they did in the book of Acts. You can grow as fast as you seek him. Resources we mentioned: Beyond Church: The Lost Word Of The Bible- Ekklesia The Joy Of Early Christianity Off the RACE Track: From Color-Blind to Color-Kind Steve sharing his story on Halfway There The post Steve Simms and the Joy of Early Christianity appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Joseph Agliata is an IT guy and podcaster. Today, Joe shares his story of mental illness, being close to suicide, and potentially hurting others. But his story doesn’t end there. Joe was seeking the peace of Jesus and you can see the Lord’s faithfulness to bring it to him even in a mental ward where Joe clung to his Bible. If you struggle with mental illness, listen to Joe’s story and know that there is hope. If you don’t, you know someone who does (even if they don’t share that with you). Listen to Joe’s story, hear God’s faithfulness to lead him into health, and ask the Lord for the same. Listen to Joe’s story now! Stories Joseph shared: Why he loves stories and their power Growing up in an Irish Catholic family in Boston Exploring religions as a teenager even though he was an atheist Getting into fights and feeling like his mental health was slipping away The moment he almost became a school shooter Being placed into a mental institution for months Reading the Scriptures during this time Praying that God would prove his existence to him Getting baptized and knowing God had answered his prayer How Teen Challenge helped disciple him Going through serious depression in the last year How compassion in his character began to shine through Serving in Israel and returning to his Messianic roots Great quotes from Joseph: I was a crazy person and now I’m not. Nobody told me don’t do that, don’t do those laws. I just read it and I did it. Maybe God knew that’s exactly what I needed. I don’t want to hide things anymore. I want to show what God has done. Resources we mentioned: Connect with Joseph on Facebook National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 1-800-273-8255 Related episodes: Wesley Ross Harris and Growing Faith and Mental Illness Shari Malott and Fighting for Hope Marie White and How God Turns Tragedy into Trust The post Joseph Agliata and Finding the Peace of God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Laura Padgett is an author, dancer, and public speaker, and sometimes an elf. Today, Laura shares how she found the Lord after resisting him for years, the woman who invested deeply in her, and why she started to write stories. Laura is a passionate believer who reminds us of the power of solid mentor relationships and the joy that’s possible if you just trust the Lord. By the end of this episode, you’ll want to dance with the Lord and I wholeheartedly recommend you accept the invitation. Listen to Laura’s story now! Stories Laura shared: How she became an elf and the joy it Growing up in a nonreligious home knowing there must be a higher purpose Feeling like there was something wrong with her Running away from Denver to escape her parents The shouting match and dream that led her to the Lord Learning to forgive her parents and accept the Lord as Father Going to church kicking and screaming Meeting Dolores, who would mentor her in the faith Learning to dance for the Lord Why we should learn to dance and be connected to our bodies How she got her masters degree Why Laura started writing Great quotes from Laura: I went a good deal fo my life wondering what’s wrong with me, even after I met Jesus. I’m that child that learned no early and uses it frequently. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could not be so self-conscious all the time? God does not give unusable gifts. We have a subscription – lifetime – to humanity. Resources we mentioned: Laura’s website Laura’s blog posts Little Drummer Girl, Some Gave All, Dolores, Like the River Jesus in Shorts: Twenty-five Short Stories of Life-Changing Jesus Moments Related episodes: Tim Voss is on a Playful and Fantastic Adventure Jan Costas and Step by Step on the Camino Jill May and Wrestling Truth and Reality Steve Simms and the Joy of Letting Jesus Lead The post Laura Padgett and Ambassadors of Joy appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Ryan is a Pastor at Tenth Church in Vancouver BC. He is the author of Being is Greater than Doing, and an Enneagram Coach. Today, Ryan shares how the Enneagram helped him discover and accept himself including the unique ways he contributes to the Kingdom of God. We also talk about how the spiritual practices we are drawn to may differ based on our personality and why we need to embrace ourselves that way. Ryan is a gifted writer and speaker and I know you’ll connect with his story. Listen to Ryan’s story today! Stories Ryan shared: Growing up in Vancouver, BC Leaving church after his parent’s divorce but still with an idea of God The books that inspired Ryan to take his discipleship more seriously How he began to understand God’s larger mission Discovering imaginative prayer and how it gives him life Learning that play is delightful to God Discovering that he can be on mission in unique ways How finding the Enneagram helped him discover himself How he wrestles with God over a desire Writing on his blog and ebooks Great quotes from Ryan: When we play, when we try new things, our parent God as our Heavenly Father, delights in that. Community is important to balance these ideas. The Enneagram can really help toward church unity at a time when we need it. Whoever God has made you to be, own it and know that God is pleased with you. Resources we mentioned: Ryan’s website and his free ebook on the Enneagram, 9 Kinds The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Treasure Principle Bible Study: Unlocking the Secret of Joyful Giving by Randy Alcorn The Next Evangelicalism: Freeing the Church from Western Cultural Captivity by Soong-Chan Rah The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World by Peter Scazzero Related episodes: Suzanne Stabile and How the Enneagram Helps Relationships Jim Gum and Healing through Enneagram Cliff Ravenscraft and Finding Yourself in Christ Marc Schelske and the Wisdom of Your Heart Practice the spiritual discipline of lectio divina: Jesus is Willing: An 8 Day Experience Jesus is Willing: An 8 Day Experience is short so you can fit it into your schedule. Read the days consecutively or even once a week and still get enormous value. It's full of questions that I guarantee will make you think. $7.97 Buy Now The post Ryan Lui and Embracing Your Uniqueness appeared first on Eric Nevins.

If the MeToo movement has shown us anything, it’s that the problem of sexual abuse is not just something for others to handle. It’s easy to pretend that the problem belongs to Hollywood or the Roman Catholic Church. But now, Evangelicals also admit to covering up and shuffling around predators in the name of forgiveness. What are the guidelines for redemptive handling of sexual abuse allegations and situations? Mary DeMuth is an author and sexual abuse survivors advocate. Today, Mary shares her latest book, We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis. We talk about the how far reaching the problem really is, why every Christian should consider themselves a mandatory reporter, and redemptive strategies for handling abuse for churches. Mary’s heart for justice comes from her own story of surviving abuse and working toward healing. She will not settle for cliched grace and forgiveness. Rather, with clarity and wisdom, calls us to discernment and to err on the side of justice and righteousness. Listen to our conversation today! Stories Mary shared: The problem of sexual abuse in the church The astounding amount of sexual abuse in the Bible Why abuse is more widespread in Protestant churches than others The trail of victims if we don’t take responsibility to report How churches should deal with sexual abuse situations What sexual abuse victims need The long-term love of her husband for her Why our definition of spiritual maturity shapes our responses The difference between legal guilt and spiritual discernment God’s heart for both grace and mercy throughout the Bible How to appropriately apply the Gospel to abusers What you can do for sexual abuse victims What warning signs you can be looking for A better plan than the Billy Graham Rule Why forgiveness isn’t always completely restored relationship Do certain theologies enable abusers? Great quotes from Mary: The Church is supposed to be a place for the wounded and the broken and we don’t heal in isolation. Any Christ-follower is obligated to be a mandatory reporter. We need to err on the side of the weak. We have to remember that righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne. One of the greatest gifts you can give your loved ones is a healed heart. Resources we mentioned: Mary’s website full of resources for sexual abuse victims and those caring for them We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis 21 Days to Healing for Sexual Abuse Survivors The post Mary DeMuth and The Safest Place for Sexual Abuse Survivors appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Caroline Abbott is an author, domestic violence advocate, and counselor. Today, she shares the story of how she found the Lord, walked away, and found him again. Along the way, Caroline found herself in an abusive marriage but found little help from the people who she turned to including her church. She recounts some of the misguided things her pastors did and said and gives us tips and resources for bringing the Kingdom of God to abusive relationships. Caroline’s mission now is to help others get out and find themselves again. Listen to Caroline’s story now! Stories Caroline shared: Why she became a domestic violence advocate Missing church as a child and wishing she was there The longing to know Jesus she has felt her whole life How her parents punished her for being baptized Sowing wild oats and getting married The Bible study that turned on the lights for her Why she submitted to an abusive husband How she drew strength from the Lord during this time The mentors who cared for her How counseling made the situation worse Researching abuse and where it led her Getting out of the abusive marriage What to look for in situations of domestic violence Why she decided to write a book Great quotes from Caroline: Something in me wanted to know the Lord. The people around me may have abandoned me but the Lord hasn’t. It’s a beautiful thing to be able to turn something that’s really dark into something that’s really lovely. Resources we mentioned: Caroline’s website Connect with Caroline on Facebook The Verbally Abusive Relationship, Expanded Third Edition: How to recognize it and how to respond by Patricia Evans Domestic Violence Guide for Churches A Journey through Emotional Abuse: From Bondage to Freedom by Caroline Abbott A Journey to Healing After Emotional Abuse by Caroline Abbott Denver Seminary 8 Day Experience is the process of spiritual reading that I have been using for ten years and the church has used for centuries longer. In this beautiful 30 page digital download, I guide you through reading and reflecting on Mark 1:40-45 bringing your own questions to the surface so you can bring them to the Lord. Your experience will be unique based on your life and relationship with the Lord. Buy it today! The post Caroline Abbott and Coming Home to the Lord appeared first on Eric Nevins.

It’s time, my friends, to let go of some bad beliefs. This episode is a special bonus edition with Cliff Ravenscraft that will challenge you to reconsider the idea of beliefs. Cliff often says “All beliefs have consequences” but what is a belief exactly? And how do bad beliefs affect us? And, what if some of the Christian doctrines we consider important are actually holding us back from enjoying life with God? Well, that’s what this conversation with Cliff is all about. I hope you enjoy it and adjust some beliefs because of this conversation. Cliff’s conference, Free the Dream, takes place in Franklin, TN on September 13-15, 2019. I went last year and it proved to be a pivotal moment in my life. I couldn’t recommend it more! The post Cliff Ravenscraft and the Trash Heap of Bad Beliefs appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Hey friends! This month’s bonus episode is with Chris Copeland. Chris and his wife Joi appeared on Halfway There episode #98 back in July 2018. They had been raising support to go to Ireland as missionaries for four years at the time. Yesterday, they shared a special update that they finally reached 100 % of the funding they needed to begin the process of moving to Ireland. If you’re wondering why reaching 100% is only the beginning, well, I was too. Listen to the conversation to find out what the process is like from here. Once I heard they finally reached the goal, I just had to have Chris on to talk about the perseverance it takes, how that shaped their family, and what they see the Lord doing now. You can hear the entire conversation by supporting Halfway There on Pateron at any level starting at just $5 per month. Have you ever had to wait way longer than expected for something? The post Bonus Episode with Chris Copeland appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jim Bowman is a missionary to people who learn orally which makes sharing the Gospel a different process than most of us in the West are used to using. Today, Jim shares the story of learning to trust God as his father because his own father was less than trustworthy (hint: he stole a diamond later worn by Elizabeth Taylor). He also shares how he and his wife discovered that written words are not always the best way to communicate the Gospel and the methods they developed to share it instead. Turns out, the Gospel is still a great story from the greatest Storyteller ever. Listen to Jim’s story today! Stories Jim shared: Growing up in San Diego in a troubled background Learning his father was a famous diamond thief Going to a Billy Graham meeting and deciding to follow Jesus Missions trips that began to foster a love for missions His calling to missions in Mexico where he discovered the oral nature of learning Learning how to minister to Mexican tribes Discovering that many oral cultures have great memories The method he developed to help oral cultures learn the Bible How is wife died quickly from breast cancer Dealing with God as his father Great quotes from Jim: I was tired of the excuses my father was giving me and I wanted to obey that voice from within. We need to find a way to share the Gospel without using technology. We teach people that Jesus first was a storyteller. Resources we mentioned: Building Bridges to Oral Cultures: Journeys Among the Least-Reached by K. Carla Bowman with Jim Bowman Scriptures in Use Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. 8 Day Experience will refresh your relationship with the Lord. The post Jim Bowman and the Heart of the Father appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Amy Jackson is founder and director of The Perch, which provides space and skills for soul care. She is a former publisher at Christianity Today and has served in pastoral ministry. Today, Amy shares how she went from kid who didn’t think God was worth it to all in on him. Her story teaches us how faithful the Lord is to lead even when we question whether or not he knows what he’s doing. If you have more questions than answers, this episode is for you. Listen to Amy’s story here or in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Amy shared: Growing up in Aurora, Illinois in a family that didn’t go to church Asking too many questions in her confirmation class Going to testimony night at her friend’s youth group Giving her life to Christ in that youth group and quickly becoming a leader Quickly outgrowing formulaic expressions of her faith The Christian Campus House where her discipleship deepened Discovering her pastoral skills through ministry Running a small group ministry at her church Losing her job and looking for new ones Getting an internship at Christianity Today The gratitude she had to God for her heart The shift that changed her trajectory Venturing out to produce her first two events Launching the Perch full time as her job Great quotes from Amy: Small groups have always been part of my faith walk. He is more loving and more graceful than we could ever comprehend. Resources we mentioned: The Perch Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. 8 Day Experience will refresh your relationship with the Lord. The post Amy Jackson and Trusting God with the Questions appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Wesley Ross Harris is an author and personal trainer. Today, he shares his story struggling with mental illness. Wes began to give up his identity as he joined the football team in high school. In time, the Lord began to reorient him toward others which slowly changed his perspective. Things really began to change when he decided to write his story and share it to help others. Now, he writes to destigmatize mental illness and assist others who suffer with it. Listen to Wesley’s story today! Stories Wesley shared: Growing up as a military kid moving all over Moving to Austin, TX and experiencing culture shock Struggling with depression for the first time Beginning to reach out to God for help How helping others helped Wes to grow How reading the Bible resurfaced his interest in writing The discipleship relationship that helped him grow Deciding to write his story Why he wrote about OCD and depression Practices that have helped him deal with OCD Breaking the stigma of mental health in the church Great quotes from Wesley: If I hadn’t been knocked around a bit, I don’t know if I ever would have turned to the Lord. I started reading the Bible and that opened my intellectual life again. You can follow God through it. Resources we mentioned: Anxiety and Depression Are (Not) Always Sins by W.R. Harris Obsessions: Hell and Back Again: The True Story of My Battle to Find Hope in the Midst of OCD and Depression by W.R. Harris Wesley’s website Persevering Hope Wesley’s personal website WRHWriting.com The post Wesley Ross Harris and Growing Faith and Mental Illness appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Kristen Leigh Kludt is co-creator of Field Guides for the Way and author of A Good Way Through: My Journey with God from Disappointment into Hope. Today, Kristen shares how art brought her closer to the Lord in a time that she didn’t understand what he was doing. Through her struggles with infertility she grew deep friendships and found a relationship with God more connected than ever before. Now, she inspires others to find their own connection with God using her experience and love for art. Listen to Kristen’s story today! Stories Kristen shared: What Field Guides for the Way is about Growing up in a Christian family in Wisconsin What her relationship with God was like early in her life Wrestling with God through infertility The reflection her therapist gave her about God How discovering creativity helped How the Spirit works through the Bible Learning to live in God’s love for her Waking up and deciding to write a book How Field Guides for the Way was born Great quotes from Kristen: I was afraid of the darkness inside of me. For me, meditation looks a lot like art. Art is less about creating a product and more a language with which I can speak and listen to God. The beauty of God’s faithfulness was not in the fact that I got what I wanted I got what I wanted. Resources we shared: Field Guides for the Way Kristen’s website A Good Way Through: My Journey with God from Disappointment into Hope by Kristen Kludt Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. 8 Day Experience will refresh your relationship with the Lord. The post Kristen Kludt and the Art of Life with God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

This month’s special episode is with my friend and fellow podcaster Chris Staron. Chis is the creator and host of Truce Podcast, a show that uses journalistic tools to look inside the Christian church. Chris has made two Christian movies and talks about the filmmaking process. In this conversation, Chris explains the difficulty of making a Christian film, why he supports the industry, and we talk about his podcast Truce. This episode is only part of the story. To hear the entire conversation, support Halfway There on Patreon. It’s only $5 per month for more thought-provoking ideas. Stories we shared: Why he started Truce Why he wants to use journalistic tools in the church The kinds of issues he likes to address The Christian film industry What it takes to make a film The difficulty of getting a message across in a movie The question of whether a Christian film has to be clean Why audiences have to invest in order to have better films Strategies Christian filmmakers are using to create more lucrative movies How God uses many things to reach people Why subjective opinions are okay when it comes to art Great quotes from Chris: It’s a tough calling to love your enemy. I got into Christian films because in film school, I couldn’t decide if I wanted to make movies or be a pastor. Resources we mentioned: Bringing Up Bobby Truce Podcast Donate to Chris if you can The post Chris Staron and Working Out the Knots appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Leonard Olivares is a podcaster, father and Christian man living for Jesus. After getting involved in gangs and drugs from a young age, Leonard saw no hope for his future but when he called out to God he realised that while he may have given up on himself, God never gave up on him. God brought him back from the edge and showed him the community and goodness in his people. God turned his life around and now works through him to help others in the community through his work uniting Christians in the singular name of God. Listen to Leonard’s story now! Stories Leonard shared: Growing up the child of immigrants His mother’s pentecostal roots Being molested as a child and the behavior that followed Getting into a gang Hearing the voice of God all his life Forming his identity in lock up Going to boarding school and washing his mind of the world The prayer when he called out to God for salvation How hard it was to find a church looking like a gangster The dream that convinced him to leave the Mormon church Deciding he needed to be more authentic Learning the Bible for the first time Becoming himself in Christ and studying on his own Getting custody of his children How he started his podcast Great quotes from Leonard: I always used to say, “All my friends either kill, steal, or deal.” The only people who would open their doors to me was the Mormons. If your truth can’t handle the questions you need to question your truth. You don’t have to be filled with the Holy Spirit to have a motivational speech. Resources we mentioned: Leonard’s podcast Connect with Leonard on Facebook Refresh your relationship with Jesus by changing your relationship with the Bible. Try my brand new Bible experience, Jesus is Willing: An 8 Day Experience. The post Leonard Olivares and the Large Community of Faith appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Lisa Kohut is a faith-based counselor/psychologist. Today Lisa shares her story of learning to surrender herself to God in order to truly experience all that he is. After a dream that changed her life she decided to take both her degree and her connection to the Holy Spirit into the world to bring others closer to God and all that he wants for them. God showed Lisa how close he really is all the time and wants use her to spread his love. Lisa’s story pushes us to give more of ourselves in order to receive more of God. Listen to Lisa’s story today! Stories Lisa shared: Growing up in a non-christian family Meeting a friend who operated in her gifts Asking God to experience him fully Having a dream and receiving an interpretation from her friend Speaking in tongues for the first time Learning to interpret dreams for people How to know interpretations are from God How she learned to yield to God constantly Moving from Ohio to Chicago during a divorce and how that affected her relationship with God Starting her own practice and the trust it took Great quotes from Lisa: Once I realized that there is more, I was not settling for the crumbs. The question I’m always asking the Holy Spirit is “What does the heart of God want to reveal to this person?” Healing is in the connections. Let love be the foundation. Resources we mentioned: Healing Connections: Reconciling a Broken World to a Holy and Loving God Lisa’s website Holy Spirit Camps Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. It will refresh your relationship with the Lord. 8 Day Experience The post Lisa Kohut and Clarity Through Surrender appeared first on Eric Nevins.

David Jacob serves as the missionary in residence and chair of the intercultural studies department at Trinity Bible College and Graduate School in Ellendale, ND. He is also the author of It’s Your Call: To a Missional or Missionary Life. Today, David shares his calling to the mission field, wrestling with God’s silence, and the burning desire that led him to the classroom. Along the way, we discuss why our mission is to pursue the Lord not merely the next step he wants us to take. David’s story reminds us that if we will trust the Lord, he will make the path straight. Listen to David’s story now! Stories David shared: What it’s like being a missionary in residence Growing up in a nominal Christian family going to church on the bus Rededicated his life at a Wednesday night group Discipleship with his youth pastor Becoming the midwest director of Operation Christmas Child Wrestling with God’s silence while he sensed a call for more The vision he had of Jesus in the car with him Starting to sense God’s call to Asia Fundraising as ministry for missionaries Learning to depend on the Lord in a foreign culture The desire to teach introduction to missions Why he wrote It’s Your Call: To a Missional or Missionary Life Great quotes from David: God, I don’t understand why you’re not speaking. I have been seeking God’s will instead of God himself. Fundraising and speaking to other Christians…is an incredible privilege to promote the cause of missions and God’s Kingdom. Every believer has a role to play in the Great Commission. Resources we mentioned: It’s Your Call: To a Missional or Missionary Call (Snapshot Series Book 2) by David Jacob Center for Missionary Mobilization and Retention Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. 8 Day Experience will refresh your relationship with the Lord. The post David Jacob and Seeking After God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Deanna Won is the Founder of Keynotes to Life, international bestselling author, speaker, leadership consultant, and holistic health coach who inspires people to reach their highest potential through integrating faith and leadership principles with purposeful and healthy living. Deanna shares the story of how she overcame adversity in the Air Force Academy, cancer through holistic practices, and learned confidence in herself and God through suffering. Time and time again, Deanna found God working on her behalf even before she knew it. Her story reminds us that God is truly a loving father and working for our good. Listen to Deanna’s story now! Stories Deanna shared: Becoming a holistic health professional Growing up in a Christian family believing in Jesus Getting into the Air Force Academy with God’s help The conflict between creativity and “solid” careers Learning to draw strength from the Lord in the Air Force Academy while facing opposition Developing ovarian cancer Deciding she would treat cancer holistically The first time she was able to sleep after her diagnosis Deciding to not do chemotherapy and how the Lord spoke her How God provided a medical missionary when she needed it Learning confidence through her suffering Deciding to become a health coach to share what she learned How to get a free chapter of Deanna’s book Great quotes from Deanna: I saw during this time that God is a provider. I have learned through the experience I’ve gone through to always trust God no matter what it looks like, no matter what the situation is no matter how difficult or challenging it may be. God can really take what seems like a really horrible situation and just bring so much good out of it. Resources we mentioned: Connect with Deanna on her website Deanna on Facebook Free chapter of Deanna’s book The Hallelujah Diet : Experience the Optimal Health You Were Meant to Have The post Deanna Won and the Confidence of Providence appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Patrick Meyers is a spiritual director, counselor, and coach. Today, Patrick shares the story of God’s kind pursuit of his life. He shares how he initially rejected the Lord’s work in his life, how God finally got a hold of him, and the process the Lord used to make Patrick dependant on him. Patrick works in his ministry, Vector Ministries and helps others experience the relationship God has given him. Patrick’s story teaches us that God is always in hot pursuit of our hearts even when we doubt him. Please listen to Patrick’s story today! Stories Patrick shared: Growing up in a dysfunctional home in Nebraska Asking God if he wanted the money in his pocket Developing a relationship with God while in rehab Finally finding Jesus in his life His career in the Marine Corps and how his life unraveled The season of loss after he was discharged How Jesus healed his beliefs over time Going to seminary as trusting God Learning about the dark night of the soul and the spiritual journey How the Lord introduced him to his wife The season of joy and restoration Founding Vector Ministries and his work today Great quotes from Patrick: I definitely see God as the initiator of every good thing in my life. Each period of my life has its own testimony. It felt like my life was over but God was saying, “No, it hasn’t even begun yet.” My passion with Victor Ministries is to introduce him to people and introduce them to the goodness I’ve experienced first hand. Resources we mentioned: Patrick’s website, Vector Ministries Patrick’s Facebook page The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel The Business of Soul Care Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. It will refresh your relationship with the Lord. 8 Day Experience The post Patrick Meyers and the Kind Initiator appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Keith Giles is an author and previous guest on Halfway There. Today, Keith stops by to discuss his latest book, Jesus Unbound. We talk about some of the problems with an overemphasis on the Bible and how it may be keeping you from the kind of relationship with God he desires for you. Keith will challenge your ideas, make you think, and lead you closer to God’s heart as a result. If you want to hear the entire conversation, become a Patreon supporter at just $5 per month. Our conversation covers: Why he wrote Jesus Unbound: Liberating the Word of God from the Bible Why we doubt our experiences and what God’s intention is for us The heart of the New Covenant and how it applies to us today Why we’re not disparaging the Bible The problems with how we have been trained to approach Scripture How to interpret “All Scripture is God-breathed…” in 2 Timothy 3:16 How translation into English is interpretation The difference between Jesus and the Bible The relationship from which we read Scripture Great quotes from Keith: We are so stuck on what God was doing 2000 years or more ago that we are incapable of taking a step back and seeing what he might be saying and doing in our lives today. One of the things we’re putting between us and God for this little safety net is the Bible. As much as I love the Bible, I love Jesus a million times more. Your picture of God needs to be Christ-shaped. I don’t want a more biblical world; I want a more Christlike world. Resources we mentioned: Jesus Unbound: Liberating the Word of God from the Bible Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics to Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb Jesus Unveiled: Forsaking Church as We Know It for Ekklesia as God Intended Keith’s website Bible Gateway If you enjoyed the beginning of this conversation, you can hear the entire hour long conversation by becoming a supporter on Patreon. It simple, secure, and inexpensive. You can hear the whole conversation for as little as $5 per month and cancel at anytime. The post June 2019 Bonus Conversation with Keith Giles appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Misty Phillip is a speaker, blogger, author, and podcaster. Today, Misty shares her story of falling in love with Jesus over and over again throughout her life. Sounds charming, right? Would be except the way God often leads us to himself is through suffering and Misty is no different. She describes the seasons of her life when one thing after another seemed to go wrong and how she learned to trust God during it all. Misty tells us how she learned joy through sorrow which catalyzed her into a career of writing, speaking, and ministering to others. Listen to Misty’s story today! Stories Misty shared: Realizing she had opportunities after her children started leaving home Growing up in the rural Midwest Giving her life to Christ as a young child How her brother’s death affected her family Why she considered suicide after a break up Learning she was pregnant a month after meeting her husband How their not being married led them to pursuing other churches Having a son with medical issues How her community helped her trust God through multiple crises Learning she was pregnant just before her 40th birthday Carrying that baby until he was stillborn The effect her joy through sorrow had on her mother and others How she started speaking about her experience Attending the She Speaks Conference Starting her blog, speaking, and podcast with her husband Great quotes from Misty: The Christian walk is not an easy walk but is those difficult, painful things that we experience in life that show us our desperate need for God and he’s there to comfort us and to guide us. The Word of God was the only thing that I could count on; it was the salve to my soul. I was truly able to count it all joy even though it was one of the worst experiences of my life. Resources we mentioned: Connect with Misty on her website The Struggle is Real: But So is God Misty’s podcast By His Grace and my appearance on her show Dear Wife book with contributions from Misty One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp Christian Podcasters Association Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. It will refresh your relationship with the Lord. 8 Day Experience The post Misty Phillip and the Counterintuitive Ways of God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Caesar Kalinowski is an author, speaker and coach. Today, Caesar shares how he discovered the gospel that really is good news for the weary. He shares the story of how he got into full time ministry, how he served an elderly neighbor, and overcoming doubt in his daily life. Caesar’s story reminds us how important it is to live in community and to experience the grace of God from one another. Listen to Caesar’s story today! Stories Caesar shared: Helping people with their walk with God through writing, speaking, and coaching Growing up in the church getting saved a million times Experiencing the difference between church services and being the church Discovering the house church movement Going to school to learn ministry How the truth will set you free and discipleship are related What the Good News really is Meeting old man Hal while cutting his grass Living with doubt in various ways Caesar’s writing about his experience in communities Great quotes from Caesar: Discipleship is, in fact, the mission. Discipleship is the process of moving from unbelief to belief in every area of life. Treat people like family instead of guests and they’ll act like family. Resources we mentioned: Caesar’s podcast, The Life School Podcast Caesar’s website Email [email protected] with the word “Gospel” in subject line for a free audio series. 8 Day Experience The post Caesar Kalinowski and Discipleship as Mission appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Phileena Heuertz is a founding partner of Gravity, a Center for Contemplative Activism and the author of Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation. Today, Phileena shares her journey from Bible belt roots to learning from some of the last century’s greatest contemplatives. The journey made her confront great suffering, the masks she was wearing, and her own feelings that drove her work. Phileena works as a spiritual director and you will hear her care for those who need a light in the darkness to find themselves in Him. Listen to Phileena’s story today! Stories Phileena shared: Growing up as a pastor’s kid in the Midwest The assumptions she made about God, herself, and the world living in the Bible belt How witnessing suffering caused her to question God’s goodness Realizing that she experienced a lack of love Wrestling with finding herself in Christ The difference between participation with God and trying to be Jesus in the world Realizing some of the masks she was wearing The work she does with the Gravity Center Why she wrote Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation Meeting Thomas Keating Great quotes from Phileena: I had a lot to learn as I made my way out of the Bible belt in the middle of America into a world with great suffering. Jesus is not limited to words on a page. Those words are a gateway to the very living presence that is from the beginning and will be forever and ever. It’s that presence that we want to connect with. We have to move from the head to the heart to the body. Resources we mentioned: Mindful Silence: The Heart of Christian Contemplation The Gravity Center for Contemplative Activism Videos for Mindful Silence Step by Step on the Camino episode of Halfway There Pilgrimage of a Soul: Contemplative Spirituality for the Active Life Are you a Christian podcaster trying to grow your show? I've got great news for you! The first ever, Christian Podcast Summit is happening on June 15, 2019! It's a virtual summit so no need to pay for flights, hotel, rental cars, etc. Just log in and watch from the comfort of your own home, office, or coffee shop. What will we be talking about? Glad you asked! Michael Woodward of JumbleThink on Getting Great Guests Andrew Rappaport on Truth in Podcasting Tracy Winchell on Growing Your Email List Anna Scheller on Using Twitter Party Christel Kurr Taylor on Creating Your Podcast's Media Kit Bryan Entzminger on Steps for Great Audio Eric Nevins (me!) on Streamlining Your Guest Process How do you get access to this summit? Click here for more information. Just click All Access Passes to register. Can't wait to see you there! The post Phileena Heuertz and Christian Contemplation appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Alex Lombard is an entrepreneur and Instagram expert. Today, Alex shares the story of the people who invested in him, how he was almost pulled away from Christ, and why he dove head first into entrepreneurship. Alex shares how personal development can be dangerous and almost took him in a direction he did not want to go. We also talk about the importance of apologetics for building a solid understanding of what Christian faith is based on. Alex is both young and successful with a heart for the honoring the Lord with both. Listen to Alex’s story today! Stories Alex shared: Born in St. Louis and growing up in Michigan Growing up in the Lutheran church Discovering other denominations and finding a “cool factor” in church Connecting with Pastor Bob Being pulled away from faith through personal development How he realized he was on the right path Getting into apologetics and how that grounded his faith The morality and DNA arguments for God Diving into entrepreneurship especially Instagram What he would like the next three years to look like Great quotes from Alex: The Bible is the greatest personal development book in the world. 99% of what you’re learning is true but you always have to remember who your Daddy is. Live life by design. Resources we mentioned: Impact Church in Scottsdale, AZ Alex’s website Alex’s Instagram The Case for Christ: A Journalist’s Personal Investigation of the Evidence for Jesus by Lee Strobel Are you a Christian podcaster trying to grow your show? I've got great news for you! The first ever, Christian Podcast Summit is happening on June 15, 2019! It's a virtual summit so no need to pay for flights, hotel, rental cars, etc. Just log in and watch from the comfort of your own home, office, or coffee shop. What will we be talking about? Glad you asked! Michael Woodward of JumbleThink on Getting Great Guests Andrew Rappaport on Truth in Podcasting Tracy Winchell on Growing Your Email List Anna Scheller on Using Twitter Party Christel Kurr Taylor on Creating Your Podcast's Media Kit Bryan Entzminger on Steps for Great Audio Eric Nevins (me!) on Streamlining Your Guest Process How do you get access to this summit? Click here for more information. Early bird pricing is at $49 and available until May 19, 2019. After that the price goes up. Just click All Access Passes to register. Can't wait to see you there! The post Alex Lombard and Sticking to the Truth appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Cari Jenkins is an author, spiritual director, and Executive Director of Urban Skye. Today, Cari shares how hard it was to find a mentor who listened to Jesus, her five years of undoing, and learning to sing the song of identity in Jesus. She found Jesus to be completely faithful, even accounting for her unwillingness to listen. Cari’s tender love and experience of him will encourage you to seek his love and your identity in him, too. Listen to Cari’s story today! Stories Cari shared: Becoming the Executive Director of Urban Skye and their work Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska in a strong, Christian family Deciding she wanted to love Jesus back at four years old Asking someone in her church how to hear God’s voice Meeting a woman who would hear from the Lord and making her a mentor How John 10:10 helps us listen to God’s voice Examples of how she has heard God’s voice and taken action Paying attention to the what Scripture says about Jesus Praying God would take away anything she placed identity in besides Jesus How she learned her identity is in Jesus Great quotes from Cari: I want to invest in people who want to invest in people. I am untethered much of the time from the things that at one time I put my identity. Identity is the song I’m meant to sing. When we begin to know the voice of the shepherd, we can actually begin to know what does he say about who we are; it will always lead to goodness, truth, and beauty. Always. Resources we mentioned: Listen and Live: Through the Gospel of John by Cari Jenkins Urban Skye Cari’s website where you can connect with her Are you a Christian podcaster trying to grow your show? I've got great news for you! The first ever, Christian Podcast Summit is happening on June 15, 2019! It's a virtual summit so no need to pay for flights, hotel, rental cars, etc. Just log in and watch from the comfort of your own home, office, or coffee shop. What will we be talking about? Glad you asked! Michael Woodward of JumbleThink on Getting Great Guests Andrew Rappaport on Truth in Podcasting Tracy Winchell on Growing Your Email List Anna Scheller on Using Twitter Party Christel Kurr Taylor on Creating Your Podcast's Media Kit Bryan Entzminger on Steps for Great Audio Eric Nevins (me!) on Streamlining Your Guest Process How do you get access to this summit? Click here for more information. Early bird pricing is at $49 and available until May 19, 2019. After that the price goes up. Just click All Access Passes to register. Can't wait to see you there! The post Cari Jenkins and Who You Really Are appeared first on Eric Nevins.

In this bonus conversation, Marc Schelske talks with Eric about his journey of discovering what is really in his heart and why emotions matter. We also talk about the body and how learning to listen to our bodies is an essential skill for flourishing but somewhat neglected among Evangelicals. If you enjoyed this brief clip of our conversation, you can get access to the entire conversation by supporting the show on Patreon, a platform that allows listeners like you to support their favorite content creators. Any amount of support helps and helps keep us running. Bonus conversations will be available each month for all tiers and Halfway There t-shirts are available for supporters of $25 or more per month. Hear the rest of the conversation. Or get Marc’s book, The Wisdom of the Heart here. The post Bonus Conversation with Marc Schelske appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Marc Alan Schelske is a husband, dad of two, writer, speaker, hobbyist theologian, recovering fundamentalist who drinks tea & rides a motorcycle. He grew up in Ohio, but he's lived in the Northwest long enough to feel like a native. After almost 15 years in ministry, Marc's life took an unexpected turn as he came face to face with depression and near burn-out, nearly losing his family and ministry. With the help of some trusted friends he began the arduous process of emotional and spiritual recovery. This unfolding process has shifted Marc's priorities, resulting in an intense interest in the connection between emotional growth and spiritual growth, and how God works in and through our internal brokenness and trauma. Marc serves as the teaching elder at Bridge City Community Church in Milwaukie, Oregon where he has served for 18 years. Marc writes about intentional spiritual living at www.MarcAlanSchelske.com. He's also the author of The Wisdom of Your Heart: Discovering the God-given Purpose and Power of Your Emotions. Stories Marc shared: Growing up as a Seventh Day Adventist pastor’s kid which required a lot of moving The spiritual climate and the identity it created in him How his dad’s death changed everything in his life The emotional space he held after his dad’s death Realizing that working as an architect wasn’t fulfilling him Helping people find freedom in the Gospel Taking a lead pastor role too early in his spiritual development How being so driven impacted his church Entering depression for six months The retreat for pastors with burn out that was a watershed moment Telling his board know his role needed to change How changing his church’s structure changed the church How being honest about his brokenness gave his church permission to also me authentic Great quotes from Marc: I’m in a place where my belonging is settled. I was living on credit in relation to my family. The reality that I was living based on performance pulled the rug out from under me. Asking for help is the opposite of performing. Resources we mentioned (all links to Amazon are affiliate links that send a portion of the sale back to me): The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Wisdom of Your Heart: Discovering the God-Given Purpose and Power of Your Emotions by Mark Alan Schelske Discovering Your Authentic Core Values: A step-by-step guide by Marc Alan Schelske Marc’s website Are you a Christian podcaster trying to grow your show? I've got great news for you! The first ever, Christian Podcast Summit is happening on June 15, 2019! It's a virtual summit so no need to pay for flights, hotel, rental cars, etc. Just log in and watch from the comfort of your own home, office, or coffee shop. What will we be talking about? Glad you asked! Michael Woodward of JumbleThink on Getting Great Guests Andrew Rappaport on Truth in Podcasting Tracy Winchell on Growing Your Email List Anna Scheller on Using Twitter Party Christel Kurr Taylor on Creating Your Podcast's Media Kit Bryan Entzminger on Steps for Great Audio Eric Nevins (me!) on Streamlining Your Guest Process How do you get access to this summit? Click here for more information. Early bird pricing is at $49 and available until May 19, 2019. After that the price goes up. Just click All Access Passes to register. Can't wait to see you there! The post Marc Schelske and the Wisdom of Your Heart appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Michelle Shaeffer is an award-winning blogger, podcast host, international speaker, author, marketing consultant and human psychology junkie. She grew up a missionary kid in rural Alaska, became a pastor’s wife, and then the picture-perfect life fell apart…and along the way discovered that even when we walk away from God, He never gives up on us. Michelle inspires us to keep looking for God in unexpected places because you never know how he will answer your prayers. Listen to Michelle’s story above or in your favorite podcast app! Stories Michelle shared: How she helps people start businesses that align with their values Growing up in very rural Alaska How she learned to see the world from other perspectives Getting married at 18 and moving to West Virginia and the struggles they had early on The moment her business was born in a prayer The UPS delivery she didn’t expect The bubbles that proved God’s love to her Asking about the very nature of God Discovering herself while starting her business Starting her podcast to help people do what they care about Great quotes from Michelle: The biggest thing I was looking for was who accepted you. There are people out there like you who want to do business differently. The fact that somebody I had never met…had listened to God to that degree of preciseness to know not only what I needed but what I wanted, that was the moment that I went, okay, God must be real, he must love me, and there must be more than what I’ve been taught. When we’re willing to open up and share our stories, other people look at it and go “If you made it through then so can I.” I’m glad people didn’t give up on me. Resources we mentioned: Michelle on social media: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn Michelle’s website Michelle’s podcast, The Art of Actually Giving a Damn Wiersbe Bible Commentary NT (Wiersbe Bible Commentaries) Do you enjoy Halfway There? Consider making a small, monthly donation to keep the show running. I’ll be deeply grateful to you! Are you a Christian podcaster trying to grow your show? I’ve got great news for you! The first ever, Christian Podcast Summit is happening on June 15, 2019! It’s a virtual summit so no need to pay for flights, hotel, rental cars, etc. Just log in and watch from the comfort of your own home, office, or coffee shop. What will we be talking about? Glad you asked! Michael Woodward of JumbleThink on Getting Great Guests Andrew Rappaport on Truth in Podcasting Tracy Winchell on Growing Your Email List Anna Scheller on Using Twitter Party Christel Kurr Taylor on Creating Your Podcast’s Media Kit Bryan Entzminger on Steps for Great Audio Eric Nevins (me!) on Streamlining Your Guest Process How do you get access to this summit? Click here for more information. Early bird pricing is at $49 and available until May 19, 2019. After that the price goes up. Just click “All Access Passes” to register. Can’t wait to see you there! The post Michelle Shaeffer and One Answered Prayer appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Cliff Ravenscraft is a motivational speaker, coach, and podcaster who taught podcasting to thousands of people. If you know Cliff, you’ve probably heard his business journey but I was curious about his spiritual journey. Today, Cliff shares how he was exposed to many streams of Christian faith as a young man, how his characteristic zeal led him on a search for what God required of him, and how he learned to accept and love himself because Christ already did. Cliff’s story reminds us that finding ourselves means being in Christ. Please listen to Cliff’s story now! Stories Cliff shared: Cliff’s mission in life His diverse exposure to various churches as a child His obsession with having a relationship with Jesus and staying out of hell December 9, 1991 as the moment he gave his life to Christ (kinda) Dating Tammy and her parent’s requirements Trying to live a perfect life Finally giving up in college and living it up Meeting his future wife Stephanie and sensing the presence of God at her church Receiving a word from God through Bill Grim Becoming an associate pastor in the Nazarene church Giving up on church meetings Meeting David Foster and the advice that changed Cliff’s life What living in the freedom of Christ looks like daily Great quotes from Cliff: I’m already enough today to instantly start adding value to other people’s lives according to the purpose that God has planned for me. If they’re wrong about all this stuff, I wonder if maybe this whole God thing is not as complicated as they’ve led me to believe that it is. From the time I was a kid I had a passion and a desire to know God and to be known by him, to be accepted and loved. Our faith is not a segment of our life; our life is derived by our identity in Christ. I found myself in Christ and it freed me up to love me. Resources we mentioned: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers Cliff’s website Are you a Christian podcaster trying to grow your show? I’ve got great news for you! The first ever, Christian Podcast Summit is happening on June 15, 2019! It’s a virtual summit so no need to pay for flights, hotel, rental cars, etc. Just log in and watch from the comfort of your own home, office, or coffee shop. What will we be talking about? Glad you asked! Michael Woodward of JumbleThink on Getting Great Guests Andrew Rappaport on Truth in Podcasting Tracy Winchell on Growing Your Email List Anna Scheller on Using Twitter Party Christel Kurr Taylor on Creating Your Podcast’s Media Kit Bryan Entzminger on Steps for Great Audio Eric Nevins (me!) on Streamlining Your Guest Process How do you get access to this summit? Click here for more information. Early bird pricing is at $49 and available until May 19, 2019. After that the price goes up. Just click “All Access Passes” to register. Can’t wait to see you there! The post Cliff Ravenscraft and Finding Yourself in Christ appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Idella Kercher works with women spreading the gospel overseas. Today she shares her story of God’s great provisions after the death of her child and divorce. Throughout her life God has given her everything that she needed in miraculous ways, helping her to grow and trust in him. He taught her about generosity and brought her to where she needed to be. Listen to Idella’s story now! Stories Idella shared: Growing up in the family that was at church whenever the doors were open Working with ministries overseas Losing a baby and finding trust in the Lord again Discovering the cracks in her marriage The wise advice Vernon Grounds gave her Going through the fear of cancer and leaving her husband Eating up the Psalms as her marriage was ending How the Lord provided a job for her after the divorce The abundant provision through the software industry The company owner that taught her about generosity Seeing her grandchildren as her legacy Great quotes from Idella: When you go through hard times you may not be happy but you can have joy that God gives you. If you think about your purpose and passion, it kind of comes out of your pain. He knows what is necessary to weave a wonderful pattern of our lives Old, boring, and long Bible studies getting you down? Try my brand new 8 Day Experience series designed to get you thinking about the Lord beyond quiet time. It will refresh your relationship with the Lord. 8 Day Experience The post Idella Kercher and God’s Abundant Provision appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Seth is the host and conversation curator of the Can I Say This at Church Podcast. He started the podcast as a way to work out his own doubts and questions and quickly found that he was not alone in them. Today, Seth shares how his faith began to unravel after his kids were born, how his friends held space for him to question, and how those questions deepened his trust in the Lord. His story shows us that as long as our goal is to know God, we should never be afraid of questions or their answers because God is always big enough to handle them. Listen to Seth’s story now! Stories Seth shared: Being involved in his church Growing up in the Texas Bible belt Attending Liberty College and doing community service How his faith began to unravel after his children were born The friends who held space for him to be openly doubtful Taking his questions to his pastor who gave him permission to wrestle Starting his podcast, Can I Say This at Church Learning patience with people who don’t believe the same as he does Shifts in the church and people who influenced us Great quotes from Seth: Agreement is not necessary to be a follower of Jesus. I realized how badly I was following Jesus…I’m either a really bad Christian or I’m not one at all. As far as the world, I’ve become way more patient especially with those who don’t hold the same views as me. Whatever it is you’re questioning, question it. Resources we mentioned: Seth’s Website: Can I Say This at Church by Phyllis Tickle The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle The post Seth Price and a Bigger God appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Brandy Goebel is host of the Road Home to You podcast. Today she shares her story of healing and loss, humility and redemption and God’s plan through all of it. After trauma and trials, she trusted God to hold her above the waves, even if she didn’t quite know how. Those experiences put Brandy into a place to learn more about who he really is and what he wants for her life. Listen to Brandy’s story today! Stories Brandy shared: Growing up in a church and giving her life to Christ at age 10 Rebelling when she got to college Joining Youth With a Mission (YWAM) so her parents wouldn’t cut her off How she came face to face with her pride in YWAM Forgiving a prisoner in Perth, Australia and how it helped her heal from her own trauma Marrying her high school sweetheart How her dad’s death rocked her world Learning that her secret affair became public How her husband’s response changed her understanding of Jesus Going to the “triage church” and her healing process Learning about her husband in a new way Starting her podcast The Road Home to You Great quotes from Brandy: I’m going to travel the world, do theater, and ignore God. God had me there for a reason and he was not going to let go Instead of rejection, he just gave me love. Resources we mentioned: The Road Home to You Podcast Brandy’s Instagram The Challenge of the Disciplined Life: Christian Reflections on Money, Sex, and Power by Richard Foster The post Brandy Goebel and Running Back to You appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Millie Cline is a spiritual director for groups and individuals as well as an Enneagram trainer and consultor. Today, she shares her journey of finding her place in the world and discovering God’s steadfast love. As she advanced in her career she found herself never feeling like she was where she was meant to be. After giving up on trying to chase God’s love through actions, he reminded her that she isn’t loved because of what she does, she’s loved because she’s his child. We all have our doubts about where we belong, but Millie’s story reminds us that God always has a place for us, even if we can’t always see his plan. Listen to Millie’s story now! Stories Millie shared: Serving as a spiritual director at Urban Skye What the practice of spiritual direction is about Walking down the aisle at 9 years old in her Southern Baptist church Her “tame version” of rebellion in college The crisis that made her question the Lord and her direction in life Learning to take more risk and let the Lord use her The mentors who listened to her and taught her to pray Moving to Denver to attend Denver Seminary The crisis of faith that helped Millie understand she didn’t have to earn God’s love How she felt called to South Africa Learning how to minister to others and honing her gifts Discovering spiritual formation and direction Practicing as a spiritual director and discovering the Enneagram Great quotes from Millie: What does it mean to follow Christ not just be a Christian? God speaks loudly, clearly, and all the time. The sad part of our lives is that we are rarely listened to. I believe God is good but I’m not sure God is good to me. Resources we mentioned: Millie at Urban Skye Millie’s Facebook Page where you can connect with her Get your 8 Day Bible Study now! The post Millie Cline and Being God’s Beloved appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Mike Savage is a fellow podcaster, author, and former criminal mastermind. After being caught and sentenced to 15 years in prison he dealt with the constant certainty that his wife would leave him. Today he shares how he came to Christ and made a shocking discovery that helped him understand just how much God loves him. His story proves that even when we think everything’s lost, he still works, if not always precisely how we’re expecting. Listen to Mike’s Story today! Stories Mike shared: Growing up in a religious family at Southern Baptist churches The moment in the prison chapel when he gave his life to Christ How he ended up in prison in the first place His prison Bible reading habits as he learned the Scriptures The contrast between his learning and his certainty that his wife Cynthia was going to leave him How he learned of his wife’s sacrifice Walking out of prison and seeing his wife waiting Getting a job as a professor Great quotes from Mike: I didn’t know how un-peaceful I was until the moment that the peace of God hit me I understood the self-sacrificing love of God through the self-sacrificing love of my wife. Resources we mentioned: A Prisoner’s Perspective: The Redemption of a Criminal Mastermind by Mike Savage Mike and Cynthia’s Podcast, A Savage Perspective My appearance on A Savage Perspective The post Mike Savage and God’s Great Self-Sacrificial Love appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Tricia Lott Williford is an author, speaker, and teacher. From a young age her life was set in God, but when the sudden death of her husband flipped her world upside down she had to re learn how to talk to God and put her life back together again. Today, she talks about raising two boys; finding the steady, little things; and growing into who God made her to be. With God and writing as her firm foundations, she has experienced pain and loss, but also joy and love and kept pushing on. Her story is a reminder that no matter what happens, God has a plan for you, you just have to wait. Listen to Tricia’s story today! Stories Tricia shared: Growing up in a Christian family Moving from being a teacher to a stay at home mom Losing her husband, Robb in 12 hours of illness Finding solace at Starbucks with the Psalms Two years of winter Working at Starbucks and meeting her current husband Her book coming out this year and her writing process Great quotes from Tricia: I was born loving Jesus. One of the greatest graces of God is how he numbs us. Our prayers do not have expiration dates Suffering isn’t scary. Worrying is scary. Resources we mentioned: Tricia’s next book: Just You Wait Tricia’s Website Tricia’s Facebook The post Tricia Lott Williford and How God Works in the Waiting appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Joseph Warren is the host of two podcasts, and a spiritual coach. Today, he shares how he started out a successful businessman but soon found his life spiraling until he hit rock bottom. Joseph climbed out of the pit – with the help of important people in his life – and reclaimed his faith. His honest and raw story will show you that no matter where you are in your life, God will still guide you home. Listen to Joseph’s story now! Stories Joseph shared: How his parents’ divorce changed his life The view he inherited from his parents of God The three things he wanted out of life at 19 Running from everything he knew to pursue fortune Burning out and retiring for five years to party How his sister took him in and showed him love Trying new things when he was bored with success and almost being murdered Rebuilding his life slowly in Tampa The constant inner nagging to spend time with the Lord Deciding to sit with the Lord an hour a day for two weeks How the Lord led him into listening prayer through circumstance Great quotes from Joseph: I made a decision never to love again. I’m in control of nothing. The sooner I get that and release control over to God, the sooner things work out. I said one of the best prayers of my life, “What? What do you want?” Stop talking when you pray. Faith is not a solo sport. Resources we mentioned: Surprise by the Power of the Holy Spirit by Jack Deere Joseph’s Website Daily Holy Hour Eric’s appearance on Broken Catholic Refresh your relationship with Jesus by changing your relationship with the Bible. Try my brand new Bible experience, Jesus is Willing: An 8 Day Experience. The post Joseph Warren and Faith as a Team Sport appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Sharon Swing is the co-author of Listen to My Life; Maps for Recognizing and Responding to God in my Story. Today she shares how listening and life maps aided her in her own journey and how she adapted it to help others in their journeys as well. Through multiple experiences she found where she was meant to be and how she could help people push on from where they are right now. She gives some of her tricks to life mapping and encourages us all to reflect on our own journeys. Listen to Sharon’s story today! Stories Sharon shared: Growing up in the NW suburbs of Chicago in a Christian family How a baptism service captured her heart The experience that brought her to tears after college A charismatic experience that changed her life Why experiences needs to be added to how we learn about God Her first lesson in listening to the Holy Spirit Entering ministry at Willow Creek Association and then having to leave How she was inspired to create Listen to My Life The story that made her cry and helped her realize why she has to keep going Great quotes from Sharon: My experience was God was a cosmic line judge waiting to tell me if I was in or out of bounds. Our box for God is so small and so confided… and God kinda blows the sides off of it on a regular basis. God always met me very invitationally, lovingly and humorously. It’s a seismic shift in perspective from discontent to contentment. Resources we mentioned: OneLife Maps website OneLife Maps on Facebook The Critical Journey, Stages in the Life of Faith, Second Edition by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert A. Guelich A Listening Heart by David Steindl-Rast One Life Maps Podcast Refresh your relationship with Jesus by changing your relationship with the Bible. Try my brand new Bible experience, Jesus is Willing: An 8 Day Experience. The post Sharon Swing and How to Listen to Your Life appeared first on Eric Nevins.