Fuel: A Friends Southwest Podcast

In this installment of FUEL we share a podcast originally produced by Tony Morgan and The Unstuck Group in the fall of 2021. In this podcast, Tony interviews Andy Stanley from North Point Community Church outside Atlanta, GA on “How to Lead a Divided Church.” The podcast is nearly 60 minutes in length, so we encourage you to listen to it in its entirety even if you have to do it in two parts. You won't want to miss any portion of the podcast, especially the wisdom and insight in the second half.   We believe you will find this podcast helpful for three specific reasons: 1) it normalizes your experience as a pastor in our current climate, 2) it provides language to help process and work through the issues pastors are currently facing, and 3) it is grounded, most importantly, in a Gospel perspective.

FSW has created this devotion podcast for the morning of October 6, 2021 during our Pastoral Staff Retreat. We hope that you enjoy this time of reflection and prayer through the 23rd Psalm.

In this installment of FUEL, the official FSW Podcast, we share a recent sermon given by one of our very own, Jay Hewitt, Teaching Pastor for Friends Online. In this episode, Jay shares about what it means to find your purpose no matter what your circumstances.

In this installment of FUEL, the official FSW Podcast, we discuss stewarding our physical bodies as part of our spiritual discipline and lifestyle of worship. Our guest is Sean Foy, internationally renowned exercise physiologist, behavioral coach, author, and coauthor of the New York Times #1 bestseller, The Daniel Plan - a widely used biblically based guide to creating a healthier life. Throughout this episode, with grace and honesty, Sean shares his journey in coming to understand how we treat our physical bodies impacts us spiritually and he encourages us to do the same.

In the first episode of our second season of FUEL, the official FSW podcast, we interview Dr. Peace Amadi; author, professor, speaker, and coach. Daughter to Nigerian immigrant parents, Dr. Peace knows firsthand the struggles of being a black person in America. In light of events across the nation over the past year, racial reconciliation as well as unity and diversity are topics we want to faithfully discuss within a gospel context as Christ followers. In this episode Dr. Peace helps us understand the difference between personal racism and systemic racism, challenges us to consider what it means to be truly reconciled to each other,  as well as give us practical steps to take in our desire to support our brothers and sisters of color in Christ.  Dr. Amadi is the founder of Influencing Well, a wellness company which prioritizes inner healing for ministry leaders, entrepreneurs and influencers. Inspired by her own personal journey, Dr. Peace recently authored, Why Do I Feel Like This?, which focuses on mental and emotional health and it’s convergence with faith. To hear more from Dr. Peace Amadi check out http://peaceamadi.com/influencingwell/ and learn about her latest book at https://www.ivpress.com/why-do-i-feel-like-this.

Prayer Stations and soul care podcast for Fall Equipping Day, September 29, 2020. 

It has been a while since we’ve posted a new edition to FUEL the official FSW podcast. In this December installment of FUEL, we appropriately tackle the subject of Pastoral Burn Out. Our guest is Dr. Wes Beavis, pastor, clinical psychologist, and author of "Let's Talk About Ministry Burnout".  As a pastor, Wes has himself faced burnout. Thus, when pursuing a doctorate, he chose for his dissertation to research the elements that contribute to this all too familiar storyline.  In my conversation with Wes, he tells us his story and outlines for us the 6 stages of burn out. He offers help to identify these stages in our own lives, as well as point to pathways of recovery.

On this month’s edition of FUEL, our official FSW podcast, our guest is Alan Amavisca. We asked Alan to come and share with us what Gospel Conversations ( i.e. Evangelism) look like in the sociological context in which we live. Alan is effectively engaging the culture and has many stories of incredible encounters with non- church and de-churched people. In the podcast, he gives us simple but profound thoughts on how to connect with those around us who do not know Jesus or have left the church wounded and disillusioned.

This podcast is filled with moments of reflection, meditation on God’s word, and directed prayer. It’s not long and is meant to give you a few moments of respite out of what we imagine is a very full schedule. It is our offering to you as we pray for your peace and joy as you prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth and lead others to the mystery and beauty of the manger.     Music Used in this Episode of Fuel: “Sleigh Ride,” Acoustic Christmas Songs performed by Chris Richter (https://open.spotify.com/track/2LFBoyNmaNMT4EoY8dW3LK) “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” Acoustic Christmas Songs performed by Chris Richter (https://open.spotify.com/track/1yVDYiyWlTg17ikCG9YXOc) “Silent Night,” Christmas Classics on Guitar Vol. 2 by Julyan Brynn (https://open.spotify.com/track/1npZEWXTMv9S4twJ9tKJzl) “O Come O Come Emmanuel,” Christmas Classics on Guitar Vol. 1 by Julyan Brynn  (https://open.spotify.com/track/5SnfBCzQuFdVYnHDIl6csn) “A Christmas Alleluia- Live,” Adore: Christmas Songs of Worship by Christ Tomlin, Lauren Daigle and Leslie Jordan (https://open.spotify.com/track/55vH0EDZI8IIUHN3Z6ZjzQ) “Joy to the World,” Christmas Classics on Guitar Vol. 1 by Julyan Brynn  (https://open.spotify.com/track/28nY8rlscgFSA6QOfvD5lA )   Story Used in this Episode of Fuel: “A Walk One Winter Night” by Al Andrews Published by Worthy Inspired www.awalkonewinternight.com

In this month’s edition of FUEL, our FSW Podcast, we address the topic of depression in Pastor’s with Dr. Chris Adams of the Vocational Center for Ministry at Azusa Pacific University.  A former pastor himself, Dr. Adams brings research-based insights on the unique challenges pastor’s face regarding depression as well as practical ways to recognize and deal with its impact on our lives. While not everyone’s favorite topic, nor everyone’s struggle, I hope you will take time to listen to Dr. Adams insights as there are many within ministry and in our churches, who are struggling.

Our second installment of FUEL is a recording of a conversation between Heidi Matson and Brady Shearer, founder of ProChurch Tools. Brady is a millennial communications guru with valuable insights to offer us regarding both millennials and communications! Brady has some ideas that will, without doubt, challenge you and cause ideas to percolate in you as you make plans to reach those in search of Jesus and a church community.

In this first installment of FUEL, we interview Lance Witt, author of Replenish, about caring for our souls. Lance tells his own story of recovering his soul after many years as a Pastor and what he has learned about living healthy, holy, and humble.