Inhabit

Benj has been on a journey, planting a new church called Greenhouse in Long Jetty on the Central Coast of NSW. Along the way, he began to rediscover the significance of habits formed in community, around the way of Jesus. In this episode, Will asks Benj about this process, and they open up the beginning of an ongoing conversation about why habits matter, how they are formed and what they have to do with following Jesus.Books recommended in this episode are:The Spirit of the Disciplines, Dallas WillardPracticing the Way of Jesus, Mark ScandretteThe Life You've Always Wanted, John OrtbergThe Power of Habit, Charles DuhiggThinking Fast and Slow, Daniel KahnemanHosts: Will Small and Benj GouldMusic: Josh CorkillEditing Support: Sienna AloisioThis podcast is a joint project of Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.

What do our habits have to do with good news? We explore this question, and then have a conversation with someone whose life provides a pretty powerful answer: the amazing (and extremely humble) Janette Mardunovic.Hosts: Will Small and Benj GouldMusic: Josh CorkillEditing support: Sienna AloisioThis podcast is a joint project of Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.

So you tried forming some new habits. And very quickly you ran into a familiar but unwanted friend...GUILT. In this episode we talk about the importance of understanding grace as we seek to create habits that help us follow Jesus. It's a banger. Hosts: Will Small and Benj GouldMusic: Josh CorkillEditing Support: Sienna AloisioThis podcast is a joint project of Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.

It's all fine and dandy to talk about habits until the cows come home. But how do we actually change them? How are our habits created, and what are some things we can do to reform them? At a practical level Benj has a habit Will is a little jealous of. Benj shares wisdom from his own experience and the books he's been reading that explore the psychology of habits and change. This is the end of part 1 of our conversation about habits that help us follow Jesus. But don't worry, we'll be dropping season 2 very shortly, and there might just be a special treat between now and then. Stay posted.Hosts: Will Small and Benj GouldMusic: Josh CorkillEditing Support: Sienna AloisioThis podcast is a joint project of Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.

The first part of our conversation about habits wrapped up in Episode 4, and we're currently hard at work on a second Season dropping Mid-May. All about the life-changing habits of rest/sabbath rhythms in our busy, modern world.We know it's going to be hard to wait though, so here's a little tool to help you develop a habit we're really loving right now: the Examen. It's an Ignatian prayer practice for finishing the day contemplatively.Give it a go, and if you like it, you can use this every night before you go to sleep.Here's an Examen iPhone app we've been using and finding really helpful. Go grab it if you want to keep dabbling with the Examen: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/reimagining-the-examen/id1065042173?mt=8Intro music from Josh Corkill. Music used during the guided Examen was from Rohan Parry, AKA Midi Machine (you can check his stuff out here: https://soundcloud.com/midimachine)Until our conversation continues, grace and peace to you friends.Will & Benj, on behalf of Narara Valley Baptist Church & Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.

What's the deal with 'sabbath'? Is it just for Jewish people and Seventh Day Adventists? Or does it have something radical and life-giving to offer the rest of us? In this first episode of Inhabit Season 2, Benj and Will discuss what sabbath is and why it matters. Our friend Olivia Wolfe paints a beautiful picture of what sabbath means to her. This is a collaborative project between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty. Hosts: Will Small and Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill, Rohan Parry (aka Midi Machine)Connect with us at: nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.online

Last episode we laid the foundation for the revolutionary practice of sabbath.BUT. There are buts.Objections.Excuses.Things that may be stopping you.This episode we talk through the common objections people have to developing a practice of sabbath.Including a pretty powerful conversation with friend Keith Ward. And maybe even a sneaky poem at the end.Big thanks to Keith for your vulnerability in speaking with us. Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill & Rohan Parry (Midi Machine)

So, we've convinced you about the value of sabbath and broken down some common objections. Once you decide you're into it, how do you actually do it?Just kick back and watch netflix? Or is there a little more to it?In this episode we first lay the foundations for developing a regular sabbath practice, and then we talk to two people in different contexts (a shift worker and a parent of young kids) about developing their own unique sabbath rhythms.Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

For a conversation between two Baptist pastors we've really held off on our tendency towards three-point lists that alliterate. That all ends now. In this episode we talk about three helpful ways of understanding the power of Sabbath and the ways it can change us from the inside out. Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

So far this season we've really focused on this one 'set apart' day of the week AKA 'sabbath'. But what about the rest of the time? If we rest well on one day each week, can we then push ourselves to the limits every other day? What does it look like to live lives that are full but not hurried? We chat to an absolute legend when it comes to this subject, Andrew Ranucci, founder of SoulLife Ministries.Check out Andrew's work here: https://www.soullife.org/biographyInhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

Burning the candle at both ends, filling every moment with stimulus, juggling various competing roles and responsibilities...if this sounds like your life, this episode is for you. We spoke to someone who plays a significant role in our own journey of health and self-awareness: Barney Weir. Barney is a counsellor, with a deep sense of calling to support people through journeys of healing and integration. In this conversation Barney is authentic about his own tensions, while dropping truth bombs left, right and centre about the importance of finding healthy rhythms and finding space in our busy lives. This is basically a free counselling session. Enjoy. Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

Do you know the feeling of trying to rest or relax and being interrupted constantly by the thought of unticked items on your to-do-list? Or feeling like you're missing something important? Does it have to be like this? We believe how we engage in work has a huge impact on how well we set ourselves up for rest. So this episode is a practical conversation about the systems and practices we have implemented in our own lives to keep work at work when it's time to rest. In particular, we talk about David Allen's 'GTD' system: https://gettingthingsdone.com/ If you're interested in this stuff, it's worth reading David's book or perusing the resources on his website. Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

In our final episode of Season 2 we talk about one of the major obstacles we face to creating rhythms of sabbath and rest in the world today - our 24/7 technology, and the billions of dollars being spent to keep our eyes looking at screens all the time. We invited our good friend Larissa Jones to share some of her story as a small business owner who both relies on social media for her income, while consciously and intentionally resisting the urge towards excess.We all share our practical tips and ideas on how to use technology constructively while keeping it in its right place in our lives. Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

We're back again. With a complete disregard for our previously scripted intro.When we were trying to work out what to discuss in our third season of inhabit, we realised that all the habits we could choose to focus on (eg. prayer, meditation, study etc...) have one thing in common. We practice them as a unique self. With a unique story. And set of assumptions. And shadow. And strengths. So, we're going to dive into developing the habit of self-awareness....this season we'll be asking questions like:How do we become more self aware?How do we follow Jesus as a unique self?How do we work through our ‘shadow side’ and how do we lean into our strengths?How do we move through different stages of growth and development, rather than getting stuck and failing to grow beyond where we are right now?Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

Life changes whether we like it to or not. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. How can we move through seasons of life and stages of faith well? In this episode we talk about when things fall apart. About deconstruction. About the hard seasons of faith. But we also talk about what's on the other side if we do the work. Renewal. Reconstruction. Growth. We'd love to hear your stories. What's helped you through these changes? What's been your experience of moving through stages of faith? Hit us up on instagram: @benjgould and @williamsmallInhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

So often when we try to improve our selves or our lives we want to start with a renewed burst of will-power and motivation, or the latest and greatest book, TED talk, diet etc....There's nothing wrong with this stuff. But the way of Jesus leads us to confront the darkest parts of who we are. Our shadow side. And sometimes coming to the end of ourselves is really just another beginning. In this episode we talk about coming face to face with our limitations, our shadows, our self-sabotaging tendencies, as well as the liberation and new life that is offered when we are so radically honest with ourselves.Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

We were lucky enough to speak with the amazing Jo Saxton, leadership coach, host of Lead Stories podcast and author of multiple books, most recently 'The Dream of You'.Jo shared so openly and generously with us around the lessons she has learned about the significance of self-awareness, and what holistic leadership looks like. We're so grateful we got to have this chat. It's full of gold. Enjoy. Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

Carolyn Corkill & Ian Berry are two great humans who both know firsthand what it feels like when faith changes. When it moves through pain, doubt, joy, confidence, confusion and everything in between. So Benj and I asked them to join us for a conversation. It also happened to be in a tent with a crowd of friends. There was some real wisdom and beauty in this conversation. So join us in the tent.Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

Dr. Rod Pattenden has spent his life at the intersection between theology and the arts. He's an artist, art historian, and educational facilitator interested in the connection between spirituality and the arts. He has written and lectured widely on these aspects of the arts and creativity in Australia and overseas. He's also a minister at Adamstown Uniting Church. In our season on self-awareness, this conversation is a great example of bringing together seemingly disconnected spheres and finding a 'whole of life' approach to spiritual formation.Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

You might have heard people talk about the Enneagram. Maybe you're sick of hearing about it. Maybe you wonder what all the hype is about? Maybe this is your first time ever seeing this strange looking word. Whatever your experience has been, for both of us the Enneagram has been an incredibly helpful tool for developing self-awareness and learning what our lives look like in greater health and unhealth, integration and disintegration. So. Join us for a basic overview of this ancient personality profiling system, and hear why we are both big time Ennea-fans.Inhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.onlineHosts: Will Small & Benj GouldMusic: Josh Corkill

We had the delightful opportunity to chat to our friend Joel McKerrow who has just released a book called 'Woven: a Faith for the Dissatisfied'. In this season of episodes on self-awareness, there are few guests we can think of who could speak better into this than Joel does. This conversation is filled with powerful stories, deep truths and grace for all who find themselves walking through difficult seasons of faith. You can grab the book here: https://www.joelmckerrow.com/woven-bookInhabit podcast is a collaboration between Narara Valley Baptist Church and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty.nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.online

New year, new you baby. Great in theory, but not always so simple in practice. We have a conversation about how to start the year well and set your eyes on who you want to become, not just what you want to do. Thanks to the Hercus' for setting up beautiful chairs and a fern where we recorded this episode in the presence of a group of friends. Inhabit is a collaboration between NVBC and Greenhouse Church, Long Jetty. nvbc.infogreenhousechurch.online

Amidst the pandemic, your faithful pod-pastors got together to have a conversation about how this disruption might bring new opportunities to follow the way of Jesus here and now.

Our COVID-19 episode last week had the most listens we've ever had in the first few days. So we've decided to do a series of episodes exploring habits for this unique moment of time we find ourselves in. Healthy rhythms while navigating a global pandemic and things like social isolation etc.

This episode is a special walking meditation experience for you this Easter. So grab your earbuds, head out for a walk, and re-trace the final steps of Jesus with us.

We recently started a Facebook group for all our Inhabit Fam. We asked what you wanted us to chat about. This is a special question and response episode where we go through some of the questions and reflections posted in the Facebook group and share our thoughts. Major themes included how to survive/form healthy habits during COVID-19, and a couple of Enneagram related reflections. Our next couple of episodes we'll be digging deeper into the Enneagram and spiritual formation in the time of COVID-19.

We're going to do a series of episodes digging deeper into the Enneagram and how it can help us understand our best and worst responses in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. For this episode, we asked a couple of Enneagram 2s to join us for a case study on how they have responded so far. Big props to Melanie Gould and Aliesha Carreno for joining us for a chat. Even if you aren't an enneagram 2 this will really help you understand how some of the people around you may be feeling and what they need in order to be healthy during this season. Join our online community ('Inhabit Fam') on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1335728789947353/

So you've been hanging around on this podcast feed (or the internet) long enough to know the 9 Enneagram types and which one you are. But are you familiar with the three intelligence centres? This episode is a deeper dive into how the different types approach decision making, which is really helpful to think about at any point in time, but perhaps more than ever when the world is going through major change like it has been lately?

Knowing your Enneagram number makes for fun party talk, but until you start using it as a map for growth you're missing out on the real value this model has to offer. So we continue our mini Enneagram series with a discussion on wings and movements in stress and relaxation, and how these can help you grow in your self awareness and spiritual formation.Cookie the dog doesn't actually say anything during this episode, but she was present and it will probably make your listening experience better if you imagine her sitting on Benj's lap and nodding along to all our deep insights.

So, we're obviously two white guys. White, christian, male, middle class....we tick all the boxes of privilege. But, both of us are grappling with the question, what does it look like for us to follow Jesus, in our unique contexts? If Jesus was to live in our time and place, how would he respond to issues of racial injustice? As followers of Jesus how can we participate in long-term, sustainable change that lasts beyond the news cycle? We don't necessarily have the answers...but if you're processing questions like we are, we hope that this can spark good conversation, and deeper listening where it's needed.

We talk a big game about habits....so how are we actually going with our own ones? In this episode, we interview each other about some of the habits we've been working on and finding helpful in the current season of our lives. There are some great tips along the way and very simple habits that you may want to have a go of yourself! We touch on things like: fixed hour prayer, journalling, and some reflections from the film 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood'. As always, we'd love to hear from you. What habits are you working on right now? What would you like us to explore on future episodes? Connect with us in our 'Inhabit Fam' facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1335728789947353/

We asked members of our Inhabit Fam Facebook group to hit us with some questions for a Q&R episode. Here it is. Questions we discussed included: Conspiracies, corruption from a biblical perspective... eg New World Order, coronavirus etc!Can someone have multiple "calling"s? How to discern if it is from God or just a really exciting idea? What to do when your "calling" doesn't mix with your family/ former or current beliefs/ monetary situation/ work situation?Why has a movement of radical inclusion and love (Christianity) been so exclusionary, both historically and currently? For example, to queer folk.

This is our LAST episode in this strange season loosely united by COVID-19 and our experiences over the last couple months.We talk about how hard it is to keep good habits going in Winter, how to clean your heart like a monk and the season of Inhabit we are working on next.There are at least two occasions in this episode where Benj burns Will.

Prayer: basically everyone agrees it's important. Basically everyone finds it difficult. How do different people think about it, including different streams of Christianity? Why do people do it? What does research show about the benefits of it? We look at these and a bunch of other questions in our introduction to this season of Inhabit, which is all about prayer - both at a philosophical level and a practical level.

What stops you from praying? We take a deeep dive in this episode as we consider all the philosophical challenges we face when it comes to prayer.

Full disclosure, at the beginning of this episode we got distracted and followed some banter-iffic rabbit trails. BUT, that kind of illustrates one of the points at the heart of this episode. We are highly distractable beings. And we're busy. And we get bored. And these are just some of the practical obstacles we face when we are trying to develop a prayer habit. In this episode we have a conversation about these practical obstacles, and how we can begin to overcome them and get some skin in the prayer game.

We've been speaking about prayer - but our desire is to help you pray. So, for the rest of this season, we're going to be releasing mini episodes like this one as resources to help you experiment with new ways to pray. In this one, Benj shares something he's personally found really helpful: 'circle prayer'. Listen in to learn how it works, then give it a go and let us know how you find it! Connect with us through our 'Inhabit Fam' group on Facebook.

"Jesus, teach us how to pray." This week, we explore the OG prayer, straight from the mouth of Jesus himself, AKA the Lord's Prayer AKA the Our Father AKA the hexagon. Ok, so you may not have heard it referred to as a hexagon. Listen to the episode and find out why we do. Discover the incredible yet simple model this prayer gives us which can be used uniquely in your context. This model comes from Mike Breen and the 3DM team. Check out the book 'Building a Discipling Culture' if you are interested in learning more.

In this episode we explore liturgical prayer through the book 'Common Prayer: a Liturgy for Radicals'. We talk about the power that can be found in written prayers developed for specific occasions, and the helpful place liturgy can have in developing our prayer life. Get the Common Prayer app here: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/book-of-common-prayer/id1138857966

Benj has walked past and prayed for every house in Long Jetty. Barefoot. What a boss.You don't have to start with a challenge at that level, but in this episode we explore how powerful it can be walking the neighbourhood in prayer.

We chat to our good friend Olivia Wolfe about her experiences of prayer as relationship and her creative practices. Olivia shares about the blurred lines between praying, journaling and writing poetry and gives some great insights into how you can develop these practices in your own life.