Imitating Jesus

In this episode, we continue to delve into the often overlooked topic of singleness within the church. We discuss cultural perceptions, theological perspectives, and the importance of empowering singles in leadership roles. The conversation emphasizes that singles are not less loved or blessed by God compared to married individuals, highlights the need for churches to value and celebrate the contributions of singles, and encourages singles to embrace their gift of singleness and recognize its potential for spiritual growth and community building.ChaptersIntroduction to the Podcast and Theme of Singleness00:55 Cultural Perceptions of Singleness06:11 Theological Perspectives on Singleness12:00 Empowerment and Leadership for Singles18:00 Valuing Singles in Church and Community23:02 Embracing Singleness as a Gift

In this episode of the Imitating Jesus podcast, host Ryan Seibert and guests Lewie Clark and Anna Robinson discuss the essential role of singles in kingdom leadership, as highlighted in Lewie's new book, 'Single-Minded Service.' They explore the unique opportunities and challenges faced by singles in the church, address biases and misconceptions, and emphasize the importance of community and belonging for singles within the body of Christ. The conversation encourages singles to take initiative in creating their own communities and highlights the significant impact they can have on families and the church as a whole.

Ryan and Lewie reflect on a disciple-making conference they recently attended - what they found encouraging and clarifying, and what they thought was missing in the conversations happening there.

Ryan and Lewie reflect on our 20th anniversary, including Icon's origin story, a powerful moment at the anniversary celebration, and how our anniversary and reflection experience informs and inspires us moving forward.

In Part 1 we talked about deconstruction being an intellectual, emotional, and relational process. In this episode we offer thoughts, practices, and encouragement especially for parents, pastors, and friends to those who are deconstructing. We also consider the doubts and failures in Jesus' disciples, and how Jesus orchestrated circumstances perfectly to expose his disciples' limits and offer opportunities for transformation. Therefore, in the disciple-making process we can expect major doubts and failures. As disciple-makers and spiritual leaders, what systems and environments do we create that either incentivize our disciples to hide their fears and doubts or welcome them as a natural part of the journey? Big idea: build muscles that help us hold space for doubt, questions, and dissonance; be curious; create safe places; let go of control; be a loving presence Join Ryan and Lewie and our guests, Jeff Hayden and Anna Robinson, around the table as they share their thoughts and personal experiences with this important and relevant topic. Recommended reading: After Doubt by AJ Swaboda

What is deconstruction? What is it not? Why does it happen? Is it good or bad? What is it about our cultural moment that contributes to deconstruction? What do I do if I (or a loved one) feel an internal dissonance about God, the Bible, church, my faith, etc? What is the role of questions, doubt, and resistance in discipleship? Join Ryan and Lewie and our guests, Jeff Hayden and Anna Robinson around the table as they discuss this important and relevant topic.

This season we're exploring elements of the disciple-making process in our series - This is the Way We Role. Here we talk with our friend and co-worker, Anna Robinson*, about The Role of Culture in Disciple-Making.  In this episode, we explore the questions:  What is culture? How can we recognize the hallmarks of our own culture, both the good and positive contributions as well as the blind spots? How does culture affect spiritual formation and making disciples? *Anna lives in Wheaton, IL and is in the process of completing her Masters of Divinity. Her heart for ministry is especially with those struggling to feel welcome in the church.

This season we're exploring elements of the disciple-making process in our series - This is the Way We Role. In this episode we talk with our friend, Rabbi Zak Michaels*, about The Role of Community in Disciple-Making, specifically the household. In Part 2 Rabbi Zak shows us how rich the Jewish tradition is with symbol, intention, and spiritual significance. The Jewish approach begins with the children in mind. Through Rabbi Zak's stories, it's evident how ritual creates regular opportunities to remind ourselves and teach our children of the story of God to which we belong, the unchanging love He has for His people, and His beautiful and enduring work of redemption in us, around us, and through us. Rabbi Zak explains and illustrates Jewish practices and rhythms (we can read about in the Bible) that occur within the home and how they create an environment for spiritual formation, both for ourselves and our children. We, specifically, explore the weekly practice of celebrating Sabbath. Rabbi Zak defines Sabbath and shares the fullness of how we can practice it as a family and in community with others. Listen to Part 1 here. *Rabbi Zak's hope is to be able to be a bridge between Judaism and Christianity, offering knowledge and understanding that could bring about healing and reconciliation so we can be in the world, together, with God's light and peace shining upon us all.

This season we're exploring elements of the disciple-making process in our series - This is the Way We Role. In this episode we talk with our friend, Rabbi Zac Michaels*, about The Role of Community in Disciple-Making, specifically the household. In this episode you'll hear how we met Rabbi Zac and his journey of coming to faith in Yeshua (Jesus). We ponder why/how the home is a sacred and holy place in Judaism. Rabbi Zac shares the life cycles in Judaism and how the home is a place for prayer, ritual, celebration, teaching, learning, participation, and gathering. Big Idea: The home is a sacred and holy place. The home is where we learn to practice and live out our faith and is a process led by mom and dad. Part 2 with Rabbi Zac will be released next month where we discuss more practical expressions of the family rhythms discussed in this episode. *Rabbi Zac's hope is to be able to be a bridge between Judaism and Christianity, offering knowledge and understanding that could bring about healing and reconciliation so we can be in the world, together, with God's light and peace shining upon us all.

This season we're exploring elements of the disciple-making process in our series -- This is the Way We Role. In this episode we talk with our friend and co-worker, Anna Robinson*, about The Role of Community in Disciple-Making. Some highlights: definitions of spiritual formation a necessary ingredient in the disciple-making process is community Jesus' approach to spiritual formation displayed in him gathering the 12 our culture's emphasis on identity from within and how that can lead to isolation and confusion indicators that we don't have a place of belonging look for opportunities to be love and receive love to those in your circles Recommended resource: With by Skye Jethani *Anna lives in Wheaton, IL and is in the process of completing her Masters of Divinity. Her heart for ministry is especially with those struggling to feel welcome in the church.

As we continue in our series -- This is the Way We Role -- we talk about The Role of Prayer in Disciple-Making with our friend, Ethan - a bible college graduate and leader in our spiritual family who is committed to the disciple-making process and prayer. In Part 2 we discuss intimidation, obstacles and agendas in prayer, praying God's word, prayer as part of our family cultures, and resources to grow our understanding and practice of prayer.

As we continue in our series -- This is the Way We Role -- we talk about The Role of Prayer in Disciple-Making with our friend, Ethan - a bible college graduate and leader in our spiritual family who is committed to the disciple-making process and prayer. We talk about a definition of prayer, praying for your disciple, and praying with your disciple (and how Jesus offered us an example in all of this). 

One of the most acute pressure points in life and culture today is our collective and individual journeys toward mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought we'd take an opportunity to dig a little deeper into this critical and relevant topic that affects us all. This is a four part series exploring topics concerning mental health, disciple-making and community with friends and guests, Dr. Kevin and Dr. David.  In Part 4 we discuss (1) how mental health affects belonging, (2) the difference that connectedness and hope make in our mental health journey, (3) boundaries and enablement, (4) the goal for all people to thrive and flourish, and (5) how Dr. Kevin and Dr David would counsel pastors on how to come alongside those with mental disorders. Dr. Kevin Kevin, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1992 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed professional psychologist since 1994. Dr. Kevin has been a full-time faculty member for 30 years in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas where he currently teaches masters and doctoral students in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology and also serves as the training director for the Mental Health Counseling master's program. Additionally, Dr. Kevin served 20 years as a disaster mental health counselor for the American Red Cross where he has provided disaster intervention in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Dr. Kevin has been a believer and follower of Jesus since college and has served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, house church leader, and Perspectives team member. For the past six years, Dr. Kevin has provided trauma and recovery workshops for volunteer agencies in Turkey, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon working with Middle Eastern refugees and has also provided direct crisis interventions with refugees in Turkey, Jordan, and Greece. Dr. David Wheeler David Wheeler, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1996 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed psychologist in 1997. He is currently the Clinical Vice President at the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home which is a psychiatric residential treatment facility. In recent years, he has led in the development of a curriculum for adolescent residents, The Community Model of Residential Care, that's designed to help youth develop skills required to be an effective member of almost any “community”, including their family, school, neighborhood, church, job, and other communities. Dr. Wheeler also has a small private practice where he primarily counsels adults and adolescents. In the past couple of years, David has been part of a small home church trying to learn and implement the Disciple Making Movement (DMM) concepts. It is his desire to help believers live healthily in spirit, mind/emotions, body, and relationships.

One of the most acute pressure points in life and culture today is our collective and individual journeys toward mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought we'd take an opportunity to dig a little deeper into this critical and relevant topic that affects us all. This is a four part series exploring topics concerning mental health, disciple-making and community with friends and guests, Dr. Kevin and Dr. David.  In Part 3 we discuss (1) a compassion crisis in the church, (2) the role of medication for mental illness, (3) the gift of listening and how we often talk out of our own discomfort, and (4) advocating for our mental health. Dr. Kevin Kevin, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1992 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed professional psychologist since 1994. Dr. Kevin has been a full-time faculty member for 30 years in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas where he currently teaches masters and doctoral students in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology and also serves as the training director for the Mental Health Counseling master's program. Additionally, Dr. Kevin served 20 years as a disaster mental health counselor for the American Red Cross where he has provided disaster intervention in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Dr. Kevin has been a believer and follower of Jesus since college and has served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, house church leader, and Perspectives team member. For the past six years, Dr. Kevin has provided trauma and recovery workshops for volunteer agencies in Turkey, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon working with Middle Eastern refugees and has also provided direct crisis interventions with refugees in Turkey, Jordan, and Greece. Dr. David Wheeler David Wheeler, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1996 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed psychologist in 1997. He is currently the Clinical Vice President at the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home which is a psychiatric residential treatment facility. In recent years, he has led in the development of a curriculum for adolescent residents, The Community Model of Residential Care, that's designed to help youth develop skills required to be an effective member of almost any “community”, including their family, school, neighborhood, church, job, and other communities. Dr. Wheeler also has a small private practice where he primarily counsels adults and adolescents. In the past couple of years, David has been part of a small home church trying to learn and implement the Disciple Making Movement (DMM) concepts. It is his desire to help believers live healthily in spirit, mind/emotions, body, and relationships.

One of the most acute pressure points in life and culture today is our collective and individual journeys toward mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought we'd take an opportunity to dig a little deeper into this critical and relevant topic that affects us all. So we recorded four episodes with two psychologist friends of ours, Dr. Kevin and Dr. David. This is a four part series exploring topics concerning mental health, disciple-making and community with friends and guests, Dr. Kevin and Dr. Wheeler. In Part 2 we discuss (1) how the nature of God and Scripture inform our approach to mental health, (2) the Bible as a psychology textbook describing the depths of the human condition, (3) examples of mental illness and wholeness in the Bible, (4) sinful behavior, impairment and cognitive behavioral therapy, and (5) the importance of presence and getting in the ditch with your disciples and friends. Dr. Kevin Kevin, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1992 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed professional psychologist since 1994. Dr. Kevin has been a full-time faculty member for 30 years in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas where he currently teaches masters and doctoral students in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology and also serves as the training director for the Mental Health Counseling master's program. Additionally, Dr. Kevin served 20 years as a disaster mental health counselor for the American Red Cross where he has provided disaster intervention in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Dr. Kevin has been a believer and follower of Jesus since college and has served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, house church leader, and Perspectives team member. For the past six years, Dr. Kevin has provided trauma and recovery workshops for volunteer agencies in Turkey, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon working with Middle Eastern refugees and has also provided direct crisis interventions with refugees in Turkey, Jordan, and Greece. Dr. David Wheeler David Wheeler, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1996 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed psychologist in 1997. He is currently the Clinical Vice President at the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home which is a psychiatric residential treatment facility. In recent years, he has led in the development of a curriculum for adolescent residents, The Community Model of Residential Care, that's designed to help youth develop skills required to be an effective member of almost any “community”, including their family, school, neighborhood, church, job, and other communities. Dr. Wheeler also has a small private practice where he primarily counsels adults and adolescents. In the past couple of years, David has been part of a small home church trying to learn and implement the Disciple Making Movement (DMM) concepts. It is his desire to help believers live healthily in spirit, mind/emotions, body, and relationships.

One of the most acute pressure points in life and culture today is our collective and individual journeys toward mental health. With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, we thought we'd take an opportunity to dig a little deeper into this critical and relevant topic that affects us all. This is a four part series exploring topics concerning mental health, disciple-making and community with friends and guests, Dr. Kevin and Dr. David. In Part 1 we discuss the intersection between mental health and spirituality, and we walk through a basic approach to mental health (like, what to do next if you (or a friend or your child) are suffering and you've run out of tools to help yourself or help them). Dr. Kevin Kevin, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1992 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed professional psychologist since 1994. Dr. Kevin has been a full-time faculty member for 30 years in the Department of Psychology and Counseling at the University of Central Arkansas where he currently teaches masters and doctoral students in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology and also serves as the training director for the Mental Health Counseling master's program. Additionally, Dr. Kevin served 20 years as a disaster mental health counselor for the American Red Cross where he has provided disaster intervention in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and other disasters. Dr. Kevin has been a believer and follower of Jesus since college and has served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, house church leader, and Perspectives team member. For the past six years, Dr. Kevin has provided trauma and recovery workshops for volunteer agencies in Turkey, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon working with Middle Eastern refugees and has also provided direct crisis interventions with refugees in Turkey, Jordan, and Greece. Dr. David David Wheeler, Ph.D. received his doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1996 from Texas A&M University (APA accredited) and became a licensed psychologist in 1997. He is currently the Clinical Vice President at the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home which is a psychiatric residential treatment facility. In recent years, he has led in the development of a curriculum for adolescent residents, The Community Model of Residential Care, that's designed to help youth develop skills required to be an effective member of almost any “community”, including their family, school, neighborhood, church, job, and other communities. Dr. Wheeler also has a small private practice where he primarily counsels adults and adolescents. In the past couple of years, David has been part of a small home church trying to learn and implement the Disciple Making Movement (DMM) concepts. It is his desire to help believers live healthily in spirit, mind/emotions, body, and relationships.This is a four part series exploring topics concerning mental health, disciple-making and community with friends and guests, Dr. Kevin and Dr. Wheeler. In Part 1 we discuss the intersection between mental health and spirituality, and we walk through a basic approach to mental health (like, what to do next if you (or a friend or your child) are suffering and you've run out of tools to help yourself or help them).

Dr. James Coakley is our guest today. He's a pastor, teacher, author, husband, father, and grandfather. He's been a professor of Bible and Theology at Moody Bible Institute for over twenty years and is a frequent tour leader to Bible lands. Dr. Coakley published a book in March 2023 called 14 Fresh Ways to Read the Bible. Rather than feeling inspired and energized when reading the Bible, we often feel confused, disenchanted, and removed. Dr. Coakley shares invaluable strategies that help us engage God's word and bring color and life to our Scripture study.

We kick off this fresh series by talking about The Role of Scripture in Disciple-Making with our friend, Monica Vanover - a woman who's a part of our spiritual family in Chicago and a bible college graduate committed to God's Word to guide us and bring life to us. In Part 1 Monica shares about her own experiences with scripture as both a disciple and disciple-maker, ways to elevate and incorporate scripture in our relationships, and how to tailor-make the disciple-making experience for each unique person. We had too much to talk about, so we made a Part 2. In this episode Monica answers the question, "If you were speaking to a room full of Christian pastors and leaders, what concerns would you address about how the Bible is represented in the disciple-making process?" We also discuss misconceptions about the Bible, giving people access to your life so they can see scripture come alive and lived out, Bible study and learning disabilities, and using scripture in our families with our children.

As we kick off this fresh series -- This is the Way We Role -- we talk about The Role of Scripture in Disciple-Making with our friend, Monica Vanover - a bible college graduate and woman in our spiritual family who is committed to the disciple-making process and God's Word to guide us and bring life to us. She shares with us how her mentor uses scripture in their relationship, and how she uses scripture in her own discipling relationships. (Secret: it begins with treasuring God's word yourself). We also talk about the importance of tailor-making the way you companion each person, considering their personal and unique story, knowledge, giftedness, learning differences, etc. Therefore, we can't short-circuit the relational component of disciple-making because we can't know these things about someone if we emphasize the transfer of information (knowledge) over doing life together (relationship).

Transitions, celebrations and suffering are often defining moments in our lives and the lives of our disciples. In this episode we talk about (1) God as a suffering God, (2) how our own suffering (rather than a certificate) qualifies us to make disciples, and (3) a Suffering Chart to help you and your disciple discover how God is working to comfort and shape him (and how our presence and empathy is the greatest gift we give our disciples). "I know of no better way to connect with the heart of a disciple than to meet him in the crisis of faith--where he's wrestling to reconcile his pain with God's goodness--and share with him what I've learned about God through my own hardships." (pg 77-78)

The role of a disciple-maker is to learn where the Spirit of God is at work in your disciple's life and join him there. We're able to do this through the art of listening. True listening builds trust and strength into your relationship, and offers you clues as to your discipleship "curriculum" because God is uniquely forming the disciple through their unique circumstances. In this episode, you'll learn about two tools--Timeline and 200 Questions--that help you and your disciple mine the story of his or her life. These tools are discussed in more detail in the book Imitating Jesus. Free PDFs can be found on our website. Four questions to get you started: 1) Who are you and how did you get here? 2) Where do you want to go in life and what's your plan to get there? 3) What's hindering you? 4) What can we do to help you? (Remember, she's coming into a community of disciples.)

"Take even a quick glance at the relationship that Jesus had with the twelve, and you'll know that disciple-making requires more than a weekly Bible study at Starbucks. Discipleship is, to borrow a phrase from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, life together. In practical terms this means that I should become acquainted enough with the life of my disciple to recognize opportunities to serve him." (Imitating Jesus, 53) Chapter 6! Listen to this episode to learn about (1) the Table Illustration, (2) service (rather than knowledge) as the fuel of our discipleship relationships, and (3) Barnabas and Paul's relationship as an example of the power of believing in your disciple. In a reality where we question our lovableness and belonging, acts of service communicate "I love you and I'm in your corner" to your disciple.

In this episode, we explore the idea that hospitality is the very heart and nature of God. And we consider these questions: +What if we moved the sacred place from the church building into our homes? +Could hospitality be an expression of and invitation to my own heart and relationship with God? +Why is a meal part of our disciple-making process? +Could hospitality be our greatest apologetic in connecting with the younger generations? +What's the difference between hospitality and entertainment? +Can hospitality be a family affair? If so, how could we all participate?

Is making disciples a game of 1-on-1? Or is it a team sport? Lewie and Ryan discuss the biblical foundation and practical importance of making disciples in community.

Finding your disciple (location, friendship) A group approach Justin's Story, part 2 Danny's story, pg 101 Q&A

What is the church? What is the goal of disciple-making? What is God like? How can you love your disciple as their intercessor, cheerleader, and advocate?

As the final episode in our series "Learning to Belong," Ryan and Jon discuss how true, deep, and genuine relationships are key to understanding what it means to belong to God's family.

As the second episode in our series "Learning to Belong," Lewie and Doug discuss the experience of shame and how to come alongside those who struggle with it by cultivating places of love and belonging.

As the first episode in our new series "Learning to Belong," Ryan and Lewie discuss why the doctrine of the Trinity matters in cultivating our homes and communities as places where people truly belong.

In this episode we unpack what it means to pursue the person you are discipling, why this is important, and what it looks like practically. The Imitating Jesus podcast, hosted by Ryan Seibert.

Ryan and Lewie discuss how God's love can be known through suffering, especially after a pandemic-stricken 2020. Find us on Instagram @icon.ministries to learn more!

Doug Hunt and the Seiberts (Ryan and Josi) return to talk about homemaking, parenting, and how participating in Christ's call to make disciples must begin in the home, with your kids. Find us on Instagram @icon.ministries to learn more!

Doug Hunt and the Seiberts (Ryan and Josi) talk about homemaking, parenting, and how participating in Christ's call to make disciples must begin in the home, with your kids. Find us on Instagram @icon.ministries to learn more!

Ryan and Lewie talk about how one can make disciples without being discipled before by imitating Jesus through love, fellowship, and hospitality.

Lewie and Ryan talk about disciple-making as imitating Jesus, and how one cannot make disciples without love. Follow us on Instagram: @icon.ministries, and visit our website at www.iconministries.org