Craft & Character

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews author, minister, rapper, and stand-up comedian Jelani Greenidge about the use of humor in preaching. Jelani does an incredible job breaking down how to discover humor in the text, how to use humor effectively, and what humor brings to a sermon. Also, they spend time unpacking Jelani's latest book called Undercover Prophets that breaks down how to pursue stand-up comedy to talk about what matters most. BIO Jelani Greenidge is the missional storyteller for the Evangelical Covenant Church and ministers in and around Portland, Oregon, as a worship musician, cultural consultant, and stand-up comic. EPISODE LINKS Social - @jelanignatural https://jelani-greenidge.square.site Book: Undercover Prophets Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Tyler Gorsline about his love for preaching and staying put in Seattle. Tyler shares about what he's learned along the way as he and his incredible team lead A Seattle Church. The leaders they have been able to develop, empower, and release as well as having this missional desire for people to learn and practice the way of Jesus. BIO Tyler Gorsline's is living to love God and love people. He helps lead A Seattle Church community and also hosts a podcast. Tyler is passionate about: Seattle Relational Discipleship Teaching Serving the Marginalized Emerging Leaders Writing Everyone knowing that Jesus loves them beyond comprehension For fun, Tyler obsesses about the Portland Trailblazers, explores Seattle, travels when possible, and break-dances ... no seriously, he does! EPISODE LINKS @tylergorsline @aseattlechurch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Diane Langberg about how a pastor must pursue truth, care for the wounded, point people to Jesus above themselves, and to resist abuse at all costs. For 50 plus years, Langberg has been a leader in the unfortunate field of church abuse and trauma. An incredibly wise guide who deeply loves the church so much that she continues to call out the best for what it can be in our world today. BIO Diane Langberg is globally recognized for her 50 years of clinical work with trauma victims. She has trained caregivers on six continents in responding to trauma and to the abuse of power. For 29 years, she directed her own practice in Jenkintown PA, Diane Langberg PhD, and Associates. Now in partnership with Dr. Phil Monroe, Langberg, Monroe & Associates continues this work which includes seventeen therapists with multiple specialties. Langberg's newest book is When the Church Harms God's People: Becoming Faith Communities that Resist Abuse, Pursue Truth and Care for the Wounded.  EPISODE LINKS: Social Media: @dianelangberg Website: www.dianelangberg.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Jon Thompson from Sanctus Church in Toronto, Canada about the importance of perseverance in pastoral ministry. Jon is one of Canada's most thoughtful and insightful shepherds and he shares about a book he wrote that unpacks 15 different observations at the halfway point about how to finish well. Bobby Clinton, the legendary Fuller Professor once said only 30% of leaders finish well. How do you become one of the 30%? Reading and mediating on Pastor Thompson's observations are definitely a gift for those starting out in ministry, at the midway point, or closing in on the finish line. BIO Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church – a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area and online – where he has served for 25 years. He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary. After spending his childhood in Ecuador with his missionary parents, Jon began his ministry as the Youth Pastor before assuming his current role as Senior Pastor at Sanctus Church. Jon is married to Joanna and has three kids. EPISODE LINKS https://jonthompsonresources.com @pastorjon_t on Instagram @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Mike Goldsworthy around the topic of plagiarism and the crafting of sermons. Mike shares ways we can easily give credit to an idea or author without slowing down the flow of the teaching. He also unpacks what's happening in a pastors life that makes them believe this is ok. The character required to give proper credit actually communicates the time, effort, and learning into a message. BIO For over 20 years, Mike has helped people approach their life with more wholeness, intentionality, sustainability, and fulfillment. Helping people both engage more fully in the life that's right in front of them while also discovering the unlived life that's within them, he creates a safe space to be challenged towards action. Having served as a non-profit leader, adjunct professor, and executive consultant and coach, Mike puts his Masters Degree in Transformational Leadership to work as he helps leaders and organizations recognize the impact that a transformed leader can have not only on themselves, but also on their team and in their organization. Utilizing his certifications in Working Genius, Transformational Coaching, and Primal Question Coaching, he has worked with leaders and teams, both large and small, in corporate as well as nonprofit spaces. EPISODE LINKS @mgoldsworthy www.mikegoldsworthy.com @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with author, spiritual director, and founder of the Transforming Center, Ruth Haley Barton about the importance of spiritual formation for pastoral care. Ruth Haley Barton offers up so many moments of pure gold as she talks about the soul, the art of discernment, and how she came to discover the goodness with spiritual formation decades ago. This is an important episode for any pastor and leader. If you haven't read her work, please check out Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Sacred Rhythms, Pursuing God's Will Together, or Life Together in Christ. BIO Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary) is founder of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors, Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve (www.thetransformingcenter.org). A sought-after teacher, retreat leader, and trained spiritual director, Ruth is the author of numerous books and articles on the spiritual life. Educated at Northern Seminary, the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and Loyola University Chicago Institute for Pastoral Studies, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches including Willow Creek Community Church and is Professor of Spiritual Transformation at Northern Seminary. EPISODE LINKS @transformingctr on Instagram www.ruthhaleybarton.com www.transformingcenter.org @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews pastor and thought leader Brian Lee about healing from church hurt. Brian has a heart for those who feel like wanderers looking for a safe place to land. He has created an incredible community for anyone who has felt cast aside, betrayed, or hurt from religious institutions. Brian is hosting a conference for pastors to learn how to be better trauma informed and how to create a safe place for their congregation and staff. Also for any congregant looking to find healing and community he is hosting a gathering in late September (2024) which is going to be powerful. BIO Brian Lee is a pastor, coach, and speaker. As a survivor of spiritual abuse and religious trauma, he has spent his time since leaving vocational ministry in 2021 working to provide recovery and resources for fellow victims and survivors. He has worked with individuals, churches, teams, and denominational groups. He offers coaching in areas of recovery and healing from spiritual abuse, deconstruction and reconstruction, discerning how to stay or leave an organization, and more. He has also led team workshops, seminars, and trainings, and has facilitated mediations. EPISODE LINKS Conference Website: https://www.brokentobeloved.org/conference Brian's Website: https://www.brokentobeloved.org Social Media: @brokentobeloved @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with pastor, founder of Capable Life, and author Steve Cuss about the tiny gap for preachers between our beliefs and experiences of God. Steve Cuss unpacks why this matters from theological, emotional, and character fronts, so we can begin to confront these gaps with curiosity and openness. Steve Cuss offers us a way forward to not just help the pastor's spiritual well-being and experience of God, but to also invite your congregation into newfound depth and honesty with the Lord. BIO Steve Cuss is a pastor, former chaplain, and founder of Capable Life which helps people lower internal and relational anxiety in the work place and home place. Steve, his wife, Lisa, and two sons and a daughter live in Erie, Colorado. EPISODE LINKS @stevecusswords on Instagram, X and threads www.stevecusswords.com @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There is a discipleship opportunity right now that pastors and preachers must take advantage of. Pastor Daniel Im and Steve Carter discuss how we must understand the audience is different in our congregations than from 10, 20, 40 years ago. They're asking different kinds of questions. They're more cynical in some ways and wildly curious in others. When our messages can invite people into the deeper streams, challenge them in the right ways, and truly wrestle with the questions they're wondering about, we have a chance, a grand opportunity to disciple more and more people than ever before.  BIO Daniel Im is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. He is the Lead Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, Alberta, and the author of several books. His latest book is The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World. He has also written No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry, Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply (2nd Ed), and You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love. Daniel has an M.A. in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and has served and pastored in church plants and multisite churches ranging from 100 people to 50,000 people in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Korea, Edmonton, and Nashville. EPISODE LINKS New Book: The Discipleship Opportunity @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews the Win Today Podcast host Christopher Cook about how leaders can transform their mental, emotional, and spiritual health from the inside out. Christopher shares wisdom he has learned, how the reliance on the Holy Spirit is everything, and what courage looks like as you face past trauma. This episode explores key insights from Cook's new book Healing What You Can't Erase and will give you some practical steps to partner with the Holy Spirit to take your next right step in your personal spiritual formation. BIO Christopher Cook is a leadership coach, author, and podcast host focused on transformation and wholeness. With an aptitude for strategy and execution, his ability to unearth clarity out of complexity drives his mission to help individuals and organizations thrive in their true identity. His work has appeared in outlets such as SUCCESS Magazine, and he has spent over a decade coaching leaders in both the marketplace and non-profit sectors. His weekly podcast, Win Today with Christopher Cook, equips wellness-minded listeners to move beyond the limitations of self-help, and instead, toward an integrated life of wholeness from the inside out. Pulling from his own experiences with adversity and personal transformation, these efforts, embodied by his passion for mental health, emotional health, and spiritual maturity, along with his educational credentials in business administration, leadership, and ministry, have led to helping people experience healing and transformation in their spirit, mind, and body. EPISODE LINKS @wintodaychris Wintoday.tv New Book: Healing what You Can't Erase @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews leader, coach, and author Alan Briggs about avoiding burnout and finishing the race well. Alan recently released a new book called AntiBurnout that will help you lead for the long haul by sharing practical steps that he has learned advising pastors and business leaders. This episode is so practical and will help you take a good hard look within to see if how you are working today is actually going to work well for you in the seasons to come. BIO Alan Briggs helps CATALYTIC LEADERS leverage CATALYTIC MOMENTS for SYSTEMIC CHANGE. He serves businesses and nonprofits as a Leadership Coach, Sabbatical Coach, team consultant, podcaster, and speaker. He founded and leads Stay Forth Coaching to help leaders experience deep health and impact and create healthy cultures around them. He curated the "Right Side up Journal" as a three-month journey to find healthy and proactive rhythms, and he uses it every day. His latest book AntiBurnout; a lighter way to live and lead in a heavy world invites leaders in any field to resist the pull toward exhaustion and overwhelm and experience lighter leadership. The principles, frameworks and tools in this book stem from 13 years of coaching leaders. Alan's past books, Staying is the New Going, Guardrails, and Everyone's a Genius focus on specific areas to be faithful to your creative wiring and unique calling. EPISODE LINKS @alanbriggs on Instagram Stayforth.com New Book: AntiBurnout @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Westover Hills Senior Pastor Luke Norsworthy about having the internal character to meet the six demands of life. It can be so easy to give time and energy wondering if my life would be better if I was in a new role or at a new church; but Luke beautifully articulate to love the life you already have isn't about changing your circumstances but being the version of yourself that inhibits your life. Luke walks us through each of the six demands that he writes about in his new book How To Love The Life You Already Have. BIO Luke, his wife Lindsay, and their three daughters live in Austin, TX where Luke is the senior minister of the Westover Hills Church. He is the author of God over Good, Befriending Your Monsters, and How to Love the Life You Already Have. For a decade, he has hosted Norsworthy, a podcast that helps his listeners navigate faith in the modern world. EPISODE LINKS Luke's New Book: How to Love the Life You Already Have Podcast: Norsworthy Website: www.lukenorsworthy.com His Church: Westover Hills Church @lukeanorsworthy @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, the host of the Craft & Character, Steve Carter, unpacks how holy weekend is an incredible gift to anyone walking out a grief journey. Steve opens up about what led to him writing these words, what his hope is for Grieve, Breathe, Receive, and how to honor what comes up when change shows up. This is a book that will help you know what to do when life shocks us or we experience hurt, loss, death, an end to a relationship, or any form of change. Give this episode a listen and may it show you how to grieve with hope. BIO Steve Carter is the bestselling author of The Thing Beneath The Thing, host of the Craft and Character podcast, a coach to communicators who are looking to find their unique voice or take their next step of growth in speaking and teaches regularly at churches, conferences, and various businesses around the country. His next book Grieve, Breathe, Receive releases on May 7th, 2024. He is the former lead teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and currently serves as the lead pastor at Forest City Church. Steve lives outside Chicago, Illinois, with his wife and two kids. EPISODE LINKS Books: Grieve, Breathe, Receive and The Thing Beneath The Thing Social - @steveryancarter on IG, Twitter, and Threads www.stevecarter.org @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews author and youth pastor Micha Boyett about her new book Blessed Are The Rest Of Us. Micha talks about how she discovered the slow way when her son was born with Down Syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, she was drawn into the ancient teachings of the Beatitudes. In a culture that values performance, perfection, and strength, Micha found in this small passage of ancient text a new language to honor the worth of her son and to push against the intrinsic ableism in our culture's response to disability: blessed—whole—are the weak ones, the grieving ones, the ones who long for peace, the misunderstood. In other words, blessed are the rest of us, who will never live up to the world's exacting standards. Micha shares what this could look like fully embodied in our churches today. BIO Micha Boyett is an award winning podcaster, as well as a writer and speaker. In addition to Blessed Are The Rest of Us, she is the author of Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, and Everyday Prayer and a contributor to the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer, edited by Sarah Bessey. She cohosts The Lucky Few podcast and is the creator and host of The Slow Way podcast. EPISODE LINKS Book: Blessed Are the Rest of Us @micahboyett on Instagram and Threads @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews author and pastor Jay Kim about how to hear God's voice and communicate truth in a noisy world. Jay unpacks what led him to write his new book that comes out on April 16th called Listen, Listen, Speak. He talks about how discernment, mastering the art of listening well to God and one another, and also being able to clearly speak to the times is important for every preacher. Jay is one of the wisest, most thoughtful and accessible pastoral voices of our day. His insights will help you in your time alone with God, leading one-on-one meetings with staff, congregants, elders as well as helping to best engage, respond, and speak order into the chaos. BIO Jay Y. Kim serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley of California and is the author of Listen, Listen, Speak (Faithwords, 2024), Analog Christian (IVP, 2022), and Analog Church (IVP, 2020). Jay is also host of the Digital Examen podcast and the Making Space podcast. EPISODE LINKS Jay's new book: Listen, Listen, Speak: Hearing God and Being Heard in a Noisy World Jay's other books: Analog Church, Analog Christian Website: jaykimthinks.com @jaykimthinks @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The relationship between a worship pastor and the preacher is crucial, especially on holiday weekends. In the latest episode of the Craft and Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews the worship pastor at Forest City Church, Carrington Gaines about how to work well together. Steve and Carrington serve together and breakdown how they planned out the Good Friday and Easter services around the song “Alive in You.” They talk about the trust required between preacher and worship pastor, how to dream, push each other, and bring out the best in one another. Carrington shares his process of writing a song as they break down the lyrics of "Alive in You." BIO Carrington Gaines is a husband, father, artist, songwriter, and a lover of all things Buffalo Bills related. He is the worship director at Forest City Church in Rockford & Elgin, Illinois, where they create spaces for anyone and everyone to encounter Jesus in the most authentic way they can! EPISODE LINKS: Worship Page: https://linktr.ee/forestcityworship Website: https://www.carringtongaines.com IG: @forestcityworship IG: @carrington_gaines @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews pastor and author Jay Hewitt about finding strength in our deepest need and weakness. A few years back Jay was diagnosed with brain cancer and during his chemo treatment he decided to train for an Ironman to show his young daughter what resilience looks like. Jay ended up completing the Ironman and wrote an incredible book called “I Am Weak, I Am Strong” about what God has taught him during this fight with cancer. Steve and Jay stood in each other's weddings, are dear friends, and this episode is one of the most moving because of how personal, tender, and difficult as Jay shares the reality that the brain cancer has returned. BIO Jay Hewitt is a pastor, author, and motivational speaker whose life journey is an awe-inspiring testimony of courage and faith. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at thirty-seven, he found strength through God, embracing his purpose as a storyteller. In his memoir, I Am Weak, I Am Strong, Jay shares his extraordinary quest to become an IRONMAN while battling cancer. EPISODE LINKS Book: I Am Weak, I Am Strong Website: www.jayhewitt.org Social: @jayhewitt @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft and Character, Steve Carter interviews Justin Davis about how transparency leads to transformation. Justin details the hard lessons he had to learn and what God has redeemed and refined because of it. They also unpack Justin's latest book entitled Being Real > Being Perfect and how to embody that from the pulpit, in our leadership, marriage, and with the deepest friendships. BIO Justin is an author, speaker, and pastor and has dedicated his life to helping people experience life change through the power of authenticity. He co-founded RefineUs Ministries and is the author of the Being Real > Being Perfect: How Transparency Leads to Transformation and co-author of Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn't Good Enough, which he wrote alongside his wife, Trisha. EPISODE LINKS Sermon Series - https://www.refineus.org/greatersermons Book - Being Real > Being Perfect: How Transparency Leads to Transformation Instagram - @justindavis33 Website - www.refineus.com @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Craft and Character, Steve interviews author Jenn Kautsch, who is the founder and creator of the SoberSis community. They talk about the season of Lent, what being sober curious is all about and how to renegotiate our relationship with alcohol. Jenn opens up about showing up to church many Sunday mornings a little foggy from the night before. You would have never known this was an issue, but Jenn knew she was relying on something other than Christ to help get her through. Jenn shares practical wisdom for what pastors can say and embody to help people in their congregation walking through this season. BIO Jenn Kautsch is the founder and creator of the SoberSis community and leader in the "Sober Curious" movement. SoberSis was "born" Christmas Day of 2017 and since then more than 200K women have downloaded her free "Happy Hour Survival Guide" and over 30K have participated in the 21 Day Reset Challenge. Those numbers are growing every month as she works hard to get the message out to more women! She is a motivational speaker and author of Look Alive, Sis. EPISODE LINKS Website: https://www.sobersis.com/home38426642 Blog: https://www.sobersisblog.com/ IG: @sobersis Free Happy Hour Survival Guide Jenn's Book: Look Alive, Sis! @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The majority of pastors are not looking forward to this 2024 presidential election season. The division between parties. The vitriol online. The angst within the congregation. The last few elections have been so difficult to navigate. There has to be a better way! In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Michael Wear who is the President of The Center of Christianity and Public Life as well as the author of The Spirit of Our Politics. Michael shares how Dallas Willard's teachings helped him understand a better way to engage with politics. This interview will help pastors reframe the conversation of politics as an invitation for spiritual formation and how our depth with Christ will help us heal, bring hope, unite, and showcase the kind of goodness that Christ embodied. EPISODE LINKS Website: MichaelWear.com IG: @michaelwear X: @michaelrwear Michael's Book: The Spirit of Our Politics @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As we kick off 2024, Mark Scandrette offers up profound wisdom from the nine sayings of Jesus from the Beatitudes. It's what Mark writes about in his latest book, The Ninefofd Path of Jesus. This episode is an invitation to the postures that the beatitudes provide us personally but also how to communicate these from pulpit. Mark unpacks his preaching methodology, how he arranges a sermon to be practice focused to help the congregation try on the concept.  EPISODE LINKS Mark's book: The Ninefold Path of Jesus Website: www.markscandrette.com The Ninefold Path website: https://ninefoldpath.org/ IG: @scandrette @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do you ever feel like the tyranny of the urgent runs your life? Do you ever feel shame for wanting to take a day off or go on a vacation? As pastors, the needs are great and time is limited. Sadly, for many this means neglecting the things that matter most: our relationship with God, family, and the health of our souls. In this episode, Mark Dance, Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources, explains to Steve Carter that orienting our lives around the two greatest commandments一loving God and neighbor一can be a joyful, restful experience. To deny yourself, as Jesus commands, doesn't mean you should neglect yourself. In his new book, Start to Finish, Mark explains how to reclaim the life God wants for you as a leader一a life defined by balance, peace, friendship, rest, and wisdom. Every dollar from book sales go to Mission:Dignity, an organization that honors retirement-age ministers, workers, and widows struggling to meet basic needs through advocacy and financial assistance. EPISODE LINKS Mark's books: Start to Finish: The Pastor's Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry Website: https://markdance.net Guidestone: https://www.guidestone.org/ @markdance @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much does your upbringing influence your life now? The answer for all of us is ... more than we realize. In today's episode, Ike Miller一who pastors Bright City Church alongside his wife Sharon一shares about his new book called Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. Growing up in a dysfunctional family impacted by alcoholism and divorce, Ike shares firsthand wisdom about: Cultivating a regular rhythm of counseling. Why saying no is necessary to stay healthy. How to stop editing our identity to please others. How to prioritize rest and resist the idol of success. How to build a healthy church and home culture. During the holidays一a season laden with complex family dynamics and packed schedules一let this episode remind you that God is with you, loves you, and is working through your story. EPISODE LINKS Ike's book: Good Baggage Website: https://ikemiller.com Church: Bright City Church @ikefmiller @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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As the world continues to progress technologically, how do we begin to approach this theologically. Jason Thacker, a professor of ethics and author joins Steve Carter on the craft and character podcast to help us better understand what is at stake and what we can do about it. Technology is not a net neutral conversation; but rather one we must approach with greater wisdom and discernment. With the advent of AI and other technological advancements, we as preachers have an opportunity to help our people understand what formation, ethics, and life in the kingdom truly looks like Jason Thacker serves as an assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a senior fellow in Christian ethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is the author of several books including Following Jesus in a Digital Age and The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. He also serves as the editor of The Digital Public Square: Christian Ethics in a Technological Society and co-editor of the Essentials in Christian Ethics series with B&H Academic. He is the project leader and lead drafter of Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles. EPISODE LINKS Website - jasonthacker.com Books - Following Jesus in a Digital Age, The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity @jasonthacker @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As headlines convulse with the latest news about the Israel-Hamas war, how should followers of Jesus respond? Jon Huckins, professor, author, and founder of Journey Home, shares with Steve Carter about what peacemaking looks like一first in our own hearts, then in the world God calls us to love. This convicting conversation point us toward the way of Jesus, helping us see the image of God in people on all sides of the conflict. Jon and Steve, who recently hiked the Camino de Santiago together, reflect on the lost art of pilgrimage and how it helps us relinquish control, reawaken to the Spirit's movement, forgive, and rest in the love of God. This inner work, in which we allow God to calm the storm inside, is the first step toward spreading peace around us. Ultimately, the conflict is not a call to coldly evaluate political and religious “sides.” It's an invitation to pray fervently for all people, inviting the Spirit to transform us in the process. EPISODE LINKS Jon's organization Website: https://jonhuckins.net Journey Home Jon's books: Mending the Divides, Thin Places, Teaching Through the Art of Storytelling @jonhuckins @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a leader, how well do you know your people and city? As a preacher, how much does your context shape your content? For Micah Davis, the pastor of teaching and vision at a new church plant, The Sanctuary in Indianapolis, there's a deep connection between who he serves and how he leads. After hearing God whisper “pastor your neighborhood” during a prayer walk, he's ignited by the realization that God raises up particular people in specific places一a vision that excites and fuels his church plant. In this conversation with Steve Carter, Micah highlights some key aspects of planting a church, especially in a Gen Z, urban context: How to lead people into spiritual formation, not just more information. How to choose your first sermon series. The profound role of prayer一something that's easy to overlook. Why it's important to exegete your city一to know its hurts and strengths. This conversation will rekindle your heart for the place and people God is calling you to lead and teach. Also, check out Micah's forthcoming book: Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God's Purpose For Your Life. EPISODE LINKS Micah's books: Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God's Purpose For Your Life Website: https://www.micahedavis.com/ Church: https://sanctuaryindy.com/ @micahedavis The book Micah mentions: Joshua Becker, The More of Less @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're a parent, how do you nurture and guide your children? If you're a pastor or leader, are you truly creating an environment that draws kids to Jesus? The responsibility of stewarding young hearts can feel immense, but the good news is: you don't have to figure it out alone. Today's guest is author Kayla Craig, whose new book, Every Season Sacred, is a collection of practical tools and reflective prayers to help families build a culture of discipleship in the ebb and flow of everyday life. Kayla speaks candidly with Steve Carter about the chaos of family schedules and the mystery of finding God in the midst of daily commutes, fast food drive-thrus, and the scattered moments of the day一all of which are opportunities to be intentional with our kids. This episode will inspire and equip you to lead your children well, in a way that works best for your stage of life. EPISODE LINKS Kayla's books: Every Season Sacred, To Light Their Way Website: https://kaylacraig.com/ @kayla_craig @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do we call out injustice and seek shalom without becoming self-righteous? In their new book, Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church Into a Tov Culture, father-daughter duo Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer follow up their previous book, A Church Called Tov一charting a course for those seeking to create a healthier church culture. In this episode, they share with Steve Carter: How healthier churches exist when leaders listen to the Spirit and surrender to his leading. How to build a church culture in which power is stewarded, not abused; where people are shepherded, not manipulated; where leadership is accountable, not untouchable. How to diagnose the health of your heart and team, even when everything looks “put-together” externally. How to respond thoughtfully to abuse and scandal in the digital age. This book is a must-read for any pastor, leader, discipler, human, who aches to see the church become tov. EPISODE LINKS Scot and Laura's co-written books: Pivot, A Church Called Tov Laura's website: https://www.laurabarringer.net/ Scot's Substack: https://scotmcknight.substack.com/ https://www.churchcalledtov.org/ @scotmcknight @laurambarringer @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Want to become a better preacher? Listen to hip hop.  That's the advice of Dr. Theon Hill一an enthusiastic hip hop fan who serves as Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College. As an expert in rhetoric, Dr. Hill explains to Steve Carter: The three primary ways to reach an audience  How to anticipate and teach to diverse perspectives in your audience Why preaching is about transformation, not just information  Why hip hop is a great primer for preaching in our cultural moment Throughout this episode, Dr. Hill walks Steve Carter through Dr. King's “I Have a Dream” speech, highlighting simple principles every preacher can put into immediate practice. As the 60th anniversary of King's famous address arrives on August 28th, Preaching Today invites you to celebrate “Share the Dream Sunday.”   EPISODE LINKS The Jazz of Preaching by Kirk Byron Jones Share the Dream Sunday resources from Preaching Today @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Teaching kids about God is one of the greatest tasks of our lives. Even with good intentions, It's easy to slip into behavior-driven moralism that emphasizes good behavior while neglecting the heart of God. This disconnect一between head and heart一is why Meredith Anne Miller wrote her forthcoming book, Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From. In this episode, she explains to Steve Carter some of the simple shifts that can help you disciple kids better: Simplify: limit the amount of info and the length of the lesson Age appropriate: emphasize ideas kids can actually grasp developmentally Make God the focus more than “what kids should do” Kids are not an afterthought in our ministry; they are first in line to the Kingdom. Does your ministry reflect Jesus' heart to disciple children? This episode will help you get there. EPISODE LINKS Meredith's book: Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From Website: meredithannemiller.com Church: Pomona Valley Church Ask Away podcast @meredithannemiller @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world is broken. When we see and feel that brokenness, it sometimes feels impossible一even illogical一to cling to faith. In this episode, Jason Miller, lead pastor of South Bend City Church in Indiana, describes his own journey with loss and how it led him past hollow platitudes into a deeper, more sacred space with Jesus. His new book, When the World Breaks: The Surprising Hope and Subversive Promises in the Teachings of Jesus, is a refreshing reminder that God's love sustains us in life's darkest seasons. Weary of injustice? Aching for renewal, in yourself and the world? Wondering why you can't shake the sting of loss or disappointment? In this conversation with Steve Carter, Jason unpacks how the beatitudes opened his eyes afresh to the wonder of Jesus. This podcast, along with Jason's book, will remind you that you can bring your full self to God, knowing that一in Jesus, Immanuel一you always have his full heart. EPISODE LINKS Jason's books: When the World Breaks Website: jasonadammiller.com Church: South Bend City Church @jasonadammiller @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Carter chops it up with his best friend Tommy Nixon一CEO of the Urban Youth Workers Institute一about how to reach the next generation for Christ. Tommy unpacks 20+ years of urban ministry, including: What to do about the 1.2 million young people leaving the church every year How to communicate effectively to a church that's increasingly young, urban, and multiethnic The two key ingredients for communicating to urban youth Why suffering must shape our lives and message How to use humor to connect with your audience, deliver hard truths, and show humility Why honest feedback is crucial for your soul Tommy's voice is punchy and prophetic, courageous and catalytic. This episode will equip you to love your neighbor and communicate the gospel like never before. EPISODE LINKS Website: www.tommynixon.org Urban Youth Worker Institute: uywi.org Tommy's Church: www.onelifecitychurch.org Where Tommy got his stats: www.greatopportunity.org @tommyuywi @uywi @onelifecitychurch @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every communicator must decide: Am I going to be the person pretending I don't have flaws, or am I going to be someone with something to say? For Michele Cushatt一author, speaker, and communication coach一three bouts with tongue cancer, which left her with only two-thirds of her tongue and a permanent lisp, have taught her it's the foundation of her life, not a polished facade, that makes her a transformative communicator. Michele's conversation with Steve Carter explores the unwanted pain life inevitably brings and the healing work God does in the midst of it. Drawing from her own story, vulnerable about her own weakness, Michele usher us onto the holy ground between despair and denial一where we can lament, rejoice, and speak with conviction that only comes from abiding in Jesus. How can you build a stronger faith foundation? Pick up a copy of her book, A Faith That Will Not Fail, which unpacks ten simple practices to connect you with God. EPISODE LINKS Michele's books: A Faith That Will Not Fail, Relentless, I Am, Undone Website: https://michelecushatt.com @michelecushatt @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you've ever felt creatively fatigued from the demand to preach week after week, meet Bravingbird: a go-to resource to help you communicate the gospel story with more clarity, beauty, and authenticity. In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Nick Benoit (creative director) and Paul Johnson (executive director) about why the art of storytelling is a powerful communication tool for churches and organizations: Storytelling makes room for artists in the church who are often overlooked and undervalued. Storytelling pierces our defenses, moving truth from head to heart. How preachers can tell stories with more impact. The lingering potency of stories in an age of information overload. Jesus told a lot of stories一to answer questions, field criticism, and teach profound truth. If compelling narratives flowed from the greatest teacher in human history, shouldn't pastors today be experts in the craft of storytelling too? EPISODE LINKS Website: https://www.bravingbird.com @bravingbird YouTube channel Watch Nick performing “Stronger Stuff” at Willow Creek @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sex is designed by God to be a gift, but tragically, it's horribly misused to objectify women一not only in the world at-large一but also in the church. In this episode, Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue, She Deserves Better, and The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex, explains some heartbreaking trends in evangelicalism: Why sex has become about male entitlement and female obligation, rather than an mutual expression of intimacy and pleasure How gender stereotypes about sexual drive and wiring have damaged women What many of the prominent evangelical books and curriculums about sex get terribly wrong (and the cost of those mistakes) Based on years of extensive research, Sheila also explains to Steve Carter how the church can recover from the blunders of purity culture: How the church can talk about sex in a healthy way Tips for pastors offering premarital counseling Advice for honeymooning couples who feel crippled by pressure to perform on their first night together Five essentials to help align a couple's libido in a way that's considerate, not manipulative God's heart for us, sex included, is to find healing and wholeness. So listen well. Learn. Pray that God's Spirit will transform the broken perceptions and practices we subconsciously (or intentionally) embody. It's only when we recognize (and repent of) what's marred and broken that we can savor what's beautiful. EPISODE LINKS Sheila's books: The Great Sex Rescue, She Deserves Better, The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex Her ministry: Bare Marriage Website: https://sheilawraygregoire.com @sheilagregoire @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Arndt had an airtight plan for his life: keep preaching at the same church as lead pastor until his final breath. But when God led him out of his small, artsy community into a megachurch, while grateful for his new assignment, he found himself disoriented and mourning the loss of his former role. That's when a friend recommended, “You should read the Desert Fathers and Mothers.” So he did, and it changed everything. The Desert fathers show us that in the midst of disorientation is an invitation一not to suppress what's inside, but to welcome God into it. Andrew explains to Steve Carter some of his key learnings, which will help anyone struggling through a disorienting season: How simple gratitude reconnects us to God Why embracing the mystery of God frees us from ego-driven expectations How to preach deeply and supplant the superficiality of our age How to replace perfunctory preaching with Scripture-sparked fire Many of us long to benefit from the wisdom of the Desert Fathers, but aren't sure where to begin. This episode, along with Andrew's book, Streams in the Wasteland, will plunge you into their world. Chances are, like Andrew, you'll never be the same. EPISODE LINKS Andrew's book: Streams in the Wasteland, All Flame The book he read about the Desert Fathers/Mothers: Sayings of the Desert Fathers Website: https://andrewarndt.com Church: https://north.newlifechurch.org @theandrewarndt @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Every time James Forsyth preaches, his goal is to set hearts ablaze一like Jesus in Luke 24, when he opened the scriptures with his disciples and their “hearts burned within them.”  As the senior pastor at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN, James is not interested in conjuring a response in himself or his people but wants to genuinely encounter the living God through Scripture.  In this episode, James explains some of his best preaching practices一from prep to delivery一with Steve Carter:  ●     How and why to schedule your preaching calendar for the whole year ●     How to use your theological chops without getting too technical in the pulpit ●     How to preach with clarity so people can follow you ●     Why the last 10% of message prep makes all the difference ●     Why preaching is just as formative for the preacher as it is for the congregation   EPISODE LINKS  James' podcast: Live Deeply Church: Cedar Springs Presbyterian @jameswforsyth @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Prayer is the one thing we know we're supposed to do, but often the thing we don't know how to do一or if we're 100% honest一the thing we don't always want to do. In this episode, Steve Carter talks with Addison Bevere, who's forthcoming book Words with God tackles questions like: How should we pray? Why isn't God answering? Why do other Christians seem to hear from God daily, while we experience silence? Drawing from the prayers of Jesus himself, he also offers practical pointers: our prayers should be specific, steadfast, and surrendered. And yet, Addison reminds us that prayer is not a formula, but rather an invitation to wrestle with the God who loves us. This conversation will equip and encourage you to seek God in new ways, trusting that he is for you. EPISODE LINKS Addison's new book: Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection Other books: Saints: Becoming More Than “Christians” Website: addisonbevere.com @addisonbevere @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Knowledge often produces hubris, not humility, which is why Joel Muddamalle is such a refreshing theological voice. As the Director of Theology and Research for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a preaching pastor at Transformation Church in South Carolina, his passion is to show how theology can be lived out in everyday life. With grandparents who were missionaries in India, and parents who immigrated to the U.S., Joel grew up learning how to toggle between two social-ethnic worlds. He masterfully brings this cultural sensitivity to the Bible一a Book which feels foreign to many people一and helps translate the ancient world of Scripture into modern terms people can understand and apply. Joel was part of a feedback forum for Steve Carter's most recent book, The Thing Beneath the Thing, where they discovered a mutual love for Scripture and communication. In this episode, they chop it up about how to responsibly approach historical context in a passage, balancing confidence with humility, and why it's important to surround yourself with people who know and love you apart from any platform or achievement. EPISODE LINKS Website: https://muddamalle.com Church: https://transformationchurch.tc Proverbs 31 Ministries: https://proverbs31.org @muddamalle @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back by popular demand, author and therapist Aundi Kolber shares about her forthcoming book, Strong Like Water. This book debunks stoic, soul-depleting platitudes like “No pain, no gain,” instead showing that healing from trauma is only possible through freedom, safety, and compassion. Aundi masterfully integrates psychology, neurology, and theology, and explains to Steve Carter three categories of strength: situational, transitional, and integrated. Steve and Aundi also reflect on how Jesus dignified pain一and entered into it himself一rather than denying it. If God himself engaged with the full spectrum of human emotion, as the church we must follow his example. Whether navigating your own trauma, or as someone who longs to love people more deeply, Aundi is a seasoned guide who offers brilliant insights, along with practical resources and rhythms to implement in everyday life. EPISODE LINKS Aundi's new book: Strong Like Water Other books: Try Softer Website: aundikolber.com @aundikolber @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UPDATE: Audio has been updated from the previous version. So, if you were only able to listen to the first 7 minutes, now you can hear the entire episode. For Ricky Jenkins, lead pastor at Southwest Church in Indian Wells, CA, preaching is “an exchange between heaven and earth.” He explains how diligent prep overlaps with sensitivity to the Spirit during the sermon一just as jazz music riffs freely while still submitting to the key to a song. Growing up in the black church taught him how to lean into the text while also leaning into the room. Like Paul, Ricky strives to not only share the gospel with his people, but also his very life (1 Thess. 2:8). As a fourth-generation pastor, Ricky explains to Steve Carter the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy for your children一not a legacy built on likes, livestream stats, or church size一but one of simple, consistent fidelity to God's Word over decades. At the end of his race, Ricky hopes to hand his children a Bible saying, “Here you go. I've kept it intact. Your turn.” Also, check out a special worship song: "Imagine" by Carrington Gaines. May this song bless you, as we eagerly anticipate Easter. EPISODE LINKS Church: Southwest Church @rickyjenkins @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some people transport us beyond our blind spots and comfort zones一introducing us to a chorus of diverse voices echoing across God's kingdom, from both church history and our own age. Jared Alcantara is one of those guides. Growing up in a bi-cultural home in a diverse low-income neighborhood, and now as Professor of Preaching at Truett Theological Seminary, his homiletics classes prominently feature Black, Latino(a), and Asian North American preachers. He's written two books on one of his preaching heroes, Gardner C. Taylor. Jared talks with Steve Carter about his book, The Practices of Christian Preaching, which offers four practical ways to grow as a communicator: Focused Attention Concrete Goals Constructive Feedback Willingness to Take Risks Jared explains that, although receiving feedback is vulnerable and humbling, no preacher, regardless of pedigree, can avoid plateauing without it. Ultimately, growth is not about accruing accolades or platform building: it's so listeners will see and savor the beauty of God and the gospel. EPISODE LINKS Jared's books about Gardner Taylor: Learning From A Legend: What Gardner C. Taylor Can Teach Us About Preaching Crossover Preaching (his dissertation) Preaching Today article on Gardner C. Taylor: "Learning from a Legend" Jared's other books: The Practices of Christian Preaching: Essentials For Effective Proclamation How To Preach Proverbs Book by Matthew Kim & Daniel Wong: Finding Our Voice: A Vision For Asian North American Preaching Book by K. Anders Ericsson: Peak: How All of Us Can Achieve Extraordinary Things Truett Seminary @jaredealcantara @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, Steve Carter talks to one of his mentors, Dr. Joe Grana, a longtime professor and dean at Hope International University, and currently a teaching pastor at The Refinery Christian Church in Arizona. Dr. Grana explains the importance of hermeneutics (the process of interpreting Scripture) and how it rescues teachers from the highly subjective “reader's response” approach to Bible study. Rather than shoehorning a passage into what we think it means, preachers can discover its original (and timeless) meaning by following three basic steps: Observation Interpretation Application After showing these three steps in action, using Luke 4:14-21 as his anchor text, Dr. Grana shares his vision for 2023: to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. EPISODE LINKS Church: The Refinery Church Books recommended by Dr. Grana: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes @steveryancarter @craft_character RELATED PREACHING TODAY RESOURCES Human Authors, Words of the Spirit, and Preaching Christ, by David E. Prince A Preacher's Temptation: Forgetting or Neglecting Basic Hermeneutical Practices, by Douglas Sean O'Donnell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“Ministry to men is on their time, their turf, and their agenda.” Steve Sonderman first heard those words from a mentor, and after pastoring at Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin for 34 years, serving as a chaplain for the Milwaukee Brewers, and launching No Regrets Men's Ministry, he's spent over three decades equipping the church to effectively disciple men. He currently serves as the president of No Regrets full-time, and this year marks the 30-year anniversary of the organization's annual men's conference. Steve Carter listens to the fascinating story of how the conference began, and how its impact reaches far beyond a single day, through a leadership cohort designed to disciple men for a whole year after the event. Steve Sonderman also drops some time-tested wisdom on how to engage men from the pulpit, including things like: relevance, relatable stories, authenticity, and application. Ultimately, his goal is to reach men for Jesus, root them in Jesus, release them for kingdom impact, and reproduce them as leaders in life. You can find info on how to host or attend the No Regrets Men's Conference here. EPISODE LINKS Steve's books: How To Build a Life-Changing Men's Ministry, Mobilizing Men for 1-on-1 Ministry @noregretsmen noregretsconference.org @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What topic is on every page of the Bible? The answer is MISSION: God's heart to seek and save those who are not yet a part of his family. This mission is not just something we read about in Scripture一it's happening right now, and you can be a part of it! In this final episode of 2022, Steve Carter, along with his friends at Food For the Hungry (FH), ask you to donate to the severe famine impacting 36 million people in Africa. Every 36 seconds, someone will die from hunger-related causes. As God's people, we can make a difference! Donate to FH's Africa relief efforts HERE. Steve Carter talks with Jordan Gustafson (Director of Organizational Partnerships) and Andrew Richards (Organizational Partnerships Manager) about FH's mission to help impoverished communities around the world become self-sustaining. This episode is packed with practical wisdom about how to love and help those in need, whether they live next door or across the globe. EPISODE LINKS Donate to Africa here. Website: www.fh.org @food4thehungry @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most communicators know the agony of staring at scattered notes, wondering how to shape them into a compelling message. Enter Jarrett Stevens, lead pastor Soul City Church in Chicago, who has spent 25 years honing his writing and outline process into what he now affectionately calls the “funnel of love.” Rather than a predictable formula, the funnel is like a trellis, undergirding messages with a thoughtful structure, while also letting them thrive in the freedom of the Spirit. Steve Carter asks Jarrett about how to balance levity and gravitas: When should we use humor in sermons? And when should we hold back? They also chat about Jarrett's helpful training course: The Communicator's Masterclass. EPISODE LINKS Website: jarrettstevens.com Church: soulcitychurch.com @jarrettstevens @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For a lot of people, the holidays are physically frenetic, emotionally overwhelming, and spiritually distracting. Few slow down long enough to ponder what's happening in their own souls, or to give more than a passing thought to the significance of this season: God coming to earth. That's why Steve Carter is excited to introduce you to an incredible Advent devotional, written by his good friend Vanessa Stricker, who is the Pastor of Peacemaking and Justice at One Life City Church in Fullerton, California. Advent Reflections earnestly reminds individuals and families that hope, love, joy, and peace come from the God who does not shrink back from lament or suffering, but willingly embraces it to bring light into darkness. With Advent just days away, this is a great resource to guide you through the coming season, so that you might experience his nearness. EPISODE LINKS Buy Vanessa's Advent Reflections here. Vanessa's blog: onthesideofgrace.com Church: onelifecitychurch.org @onthesideofgrace @steveryancarter @craft_character PREACHING TODAY CHRISTMAS RESOURCES My Favorite Christmas Theme: Create Meaningful and Memorable Christmas Services, by Bri Johns Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem: As a Christian I love Christmas; but as a Preacher I dread it, by Paul Hoffman Preach Nothing New This Christmas ... And It Will Be Novel: Do we always have to find a new spin on the Christmas story?, by Mandy Smith Christmas and the Minor Prophets: For Advent let the 12 Minor Prophets lead us to Christmas, by Taylor Turkington Mary Christmas!: Exploring the lives of the 4 Marys in the Christmas story, by Scott M. Gibson Christmas Holiday Resource Page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2022 midterm elections, like most political events in our age, will undoubtedly spark new fires of division in our country一not only in the nation at large, but sadly, within the church. Enter Paul A. Hoffman, the lead pastor of Evangelical Friends Church in Newport, Rhode Island, and co-author of a new book: Preaching To A Divided Nation: A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity. Steve Carter asks Paul to walk through the seven crucial steps every Christian can take to live out the reconciliation-filled power of the gospel. In this click-bait-laden, polarized cultural moment, these steps help us start conversations rooted in what bonds us, not what divides us. EPISODE LINKS Paul's books: Preaching To A Divided Nation, Reconciling Places Church: efcnewport.com @pastorhoffman @steveryancarter @craft_character Paul's Christmas Preaching Article: Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In his new book, Fan the Flame: Let Jesus Renew Your Calling and Revive Your Church, Jim Cymbala distills the Spirit-fueled, Bible-saturated ethos of his 50+ years in ministry. As Steve Carter affectionately quips, "Jim is like a firehose of passion and wisdom." In this episode, Jim explains why Acts 20 is the “spiritual selfie” every pastor should aspire to. He pushes back against the church growth movement一which is consumeristic in its mission and methods一instead imploring pastors to preach the full counsel of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the singular purpose of pointing people to Christ. Jim offers a practical picture of his daily devotions, which includes a mixture of devotionals, Scripture, singing, and prayer. Rather than formulaic, his routine reminds novices and veterans alike that, above all, the call of every pastor is to spend time with God. EPISODE LINKS Jim's new book: Fan the Flame Jim's other books: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, Spiritual Warfare Is Real Church: brooklyntabernacle.org Jim's Facebook @steveryancarter @craft_character Preaching in the Power of the Holy Spirit - Preaching Guide on Preaching Today Preaching Today's Christmas Article: "My Favorite Christmas Theme," by Bri Johns Christmas Resources Page on PreachingToday.com Advent Resources Page on PreachingToday.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erwin McManus has spent decades honing his skill as a communicator, at Mosaic (the church he founded in Hollywood, CA), at conferences around the world, and in living rooms filled with a handful of friends. Wherever he goes一even in places where he doesn't speak the native language一he's able to communicate in a profound way. Why? Erwin explains to Steve Carter that it's all about “frequencies,” a concept he unpacks in his recent MasterClass titled “The Art of Communication.” Frequencies are the key to understanding your own voice, as well as intuitively sensing the needs of your audience in real-time. Until you develop this awareness of self and listener, you're likely to communicate as ineffectively as “the loneliest whale in the world.” Want to know what that means? Listen to the episode! EPISODE LINKS Erwin's books: The Genius of Jesus, The Last Arrow His masterclass: The Art of Communication Website: thegeniusof.com Church: Mosaic @erwinmcmanus @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices