Generation 2 Generation

Persecution of Christians is on the rise worldwide, especially in majority Muslim countries. Churches are bombed or burned, property is confiscated, individual believers are harassed or imprisoned, and in some places even the act of trying to share the gospel is illegal. In this episode of the podcast we are joined by Andrew Brunson. His story of faithfulness despite threats, persecution, and imprisonment in Turkey is an inspiration for us to live our lives for Christ in the face of difficulty.

What does it look like for us as men to live a wholehearted life in a world that invites us to run after trinkets and plastic trophies. In this episode of the podcast author Morgan Snyder, whose new book Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of Man, paints a picture of masculinity showing what it looks like to grow as a man in the gospel and to love well. Morgan's words will be a source of encouragement to both men and women. As always thanks for listening.

For many churches, security is only a passing concern.  Today's churches face threats from a myriad of sources, ranging from natural disasters to active shooters, and everything in between. What responsibilities do leaders have to care and protect the flock not just spiritually but physically as well. In this episode we talk to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. He addresses the need for the church be alert. Dave offers important insight to those who love the church.

What questions are our kids verbalizing and pondering in this season of COVID-19? With fear of the unknown replacing the normalcy of their everyday routines, our kids are primed and ready to listen and learn if we are willing to use this time to help them view and navigate our current health crisis through the lens of God’s Word. Author Tim Kimmel walks us through what it looks like to graciously love our kids during this time, pointing them to Christ as we ourselves fix our eyes on Him.

What does it look like for us to navigate this season well? In this episode of the podcast I share with students at Davidson College about the importance of grieving, our need to be honest about where we're at emotionally in light of Covid-19, and processing the and other traumatic events so we can be more fully human. 

How do we respond in this moment as leaders. Do we rush in with big ideas, big vision, and a bigger burden to rise to the challenges in this moment of crisis. Where do our hearts go if attendance drops or giving declines? Joining us on this episode is pastor and author Karl Vaters who reminds us of the finished work of Jesus Christ, and how God also chooses the small and ordinary things to advance his Kingdom.

Anxiety and fear. It's something that can stir in all of our hearts. As we look to God's word we see Jesus and the biblical writers speak into one of our biggest struggles. During this season of pandemic and economic downturn it's easy to go to anxiety and fear. In this episode I share a talk given at Grace and Peace Church on March 8th during the early stages of the outbreak. The talk covers the different types of anxiety and where we can fix our eyes in the midst of life's storms. Thanks for listening.

Where do we fix our eyes in a season of suffering and affliction. Pastor and author Scotty Smith joins us to talk through practical ways we can center our hearts and our hope in the midst of the chaos that surrounds us all.

As cases of Covid-19 continue to climb, and as we look at the growing economic crisis, fear and anxiety can quickly rise in our hearts and our minds. Counselor Mike Sense who is the co-founder of The Global Counseling Network (GCN) joins us to talk about the importance of counseling and the use of online technology to care for those in need.

As global cases of Covid-19 continue to climb, and as we look at the growing economic crisis, fear and anxiety can quickly rise in our hearts and minds. Many believers have rightly pointed out that we should not be living in a state of fear and panic — that our Heavenly Father is still in control amid the apparent chaos of life in a fallen, and broken world.  In our conversation today pastor David Cassidy of Christ Community Church and I look at how we as the church can love in a way that brings transformation not only to our families, and churches, but to those in our communities.

On this episode we're talking with author and counselor, Dan Allender. We talk through some of the dynamics and complexities of leadership whether you're pastoring a church, a licensed counselor, leading an organization, or simply living with some level of influence in our own families or communities. Dan offers great insight into leading for the long haul.

In this episode we talk with Laura Charanza, author of Ugly Love: A Survivor's Story of Narcissistic Abuse. Our conversation looks at the impact of narcissism on the church, how to care for those who are experiencing narcissistic abuse, and the path to healing. 

We live in a fast paced world. The average American checks their phone 80 times a day. In a culture constantly barraged by information at a frantic pace, it's no wonder people feel numb and burnt out. Going me on the podcast today is author and teacher John Eldredge. We talk about his upcoming book Get Your Life Back, and look at what it means to have our hearts restored and being more fully human.

In today's episode we're talking to author, counselor, and teacher at the Allender Center, Wendell Moss on the issues of race, trauma, and masculinity. We cannot ignore the traumatic effects of racism in our country, our communities, and in our own lives. our conversation covers a wide range of topics including what it means to be an anti-racist, racial trauma, and the importance of empathy.

What can we do in our churches to create a place where those who have been sexually abused can find healing and experience Christian community as a safe place? As we talk to author Trillia Newbell, we look at our responsibility as leaders in the church to shepherd with gentleness and care women who have experienced sexual abuse. Trillia offers great wisdom and practical steps for the church.

In this episode Bob Flayhart discusses the importance of growing in grace as a ministry leader and how the gospel in so many ways is like a dance. We talk through a number of issues such as temptations to perform throughout the different seasons of ministry and the importance of being called to a place. 

On this episode we continue our conversation on narcissism in the church. It's easy to throw the term around and diagnose others from afar. But what is narcissism really? And how does it impact the church? In this episode I talk with author and professor Chuck DeGroat. Chuck has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders, for over twenty years. Chuck offers compassion, wise counsel, and great advice on ministry.

Enneagram experts Beth and Jeff McCord join me on the podcast today to talk through the enneagram as a tool for us as we live the Christian life. We cover a wide range of topics including emotional and spiritual health, as well as the importance of becoming more aware of how others experiences us as we lead.

Jesus warned of wolves carefully disguised as shepherd and those that would prey upon the flock. Narcissism is one of the most destructive and least treatable of all mental health disorders, but is often hidden well especially in the context of the church. In this episode author and professor Darrell Puls joins us to talk through the issue of narcissism and its impact on the church.

Politics is often considered a dirty word. It brings to mind lies and manipulation, accusations and scandals. In this episode author and professor Tasha Chapman joins us to talk through that politics is simply the everyday activity of getting things done with other people, understanding their interests. All ministry is political. As for servants of Christ's kingdom, we are called to navigate the politics of ministry with grace, wisdom, and charity.

How do you know if you're in relationship with a narcissist? What might the relationship feel like? In this episode author and therapist, Les Carter joins us to talk about the issue of narcissism and its impact on the church. Les is the author of several books including, When Pleasing You is Killing Me, and the co-hosts a youtube channel called Surviving Narcissism.

In this episode Dan Zink joins us to talk through the importance of counseling in healthy leadership. We cover a wide range of topics including the pressures of serving in the local church, and pursuing those we're in relationship with while having a non-anxious presence. Dan offers great advice on ministry that I think will be a source of encouragement. I hope you enjoy.

What does it take to have fruitful ministry over the long haul? The stresses of pastoring are well known and can be a match for even the best-prepared, most experienced in ministry - multiple tasks, long hours, taxing responsibilities and, yes, some challenging personalities. In today's podcast Bob Burns talks about sustainable ministry and what it looks like to survive and thrive in the church.

In this episode Zack Eswine discusses the Mattering Things of the Christian life and vocational ministry. We talk through a number of issues such as maintaining our humanity while serving in pastoral ministry and how to respond in the face of criticism. I was greatly encouraged by the conversation and I think you will be too.

Scotty Smith in our conversation today articulates the importance of having a "Gospel Posse" for sustainable ministry. We also talk through the importance of counseling in the life of those serving in ministry and turning to Christ in the face of discouragement.