Straight to the Heart

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt meets with Dan Alger who is the Canon for Church Planting for the Anglican Church in North America, through which he leads the Always Forward Church Planting Initiative. They discuss the important topic of liturgy in the normal Christian life.DAN ALGER ONLINEDan's WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEWord and SacramentAlways Forward PodcastFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:30 - Intro4:31 - What are people most curious to know about the Anglican Church?7:26 - How does the modern culture see a more liturgical approach to church?13:59 - Tell me more about what led you to write Word and Sacrament?20:24 - How would you describe the role of liturgy in the Christian life?29:23 - What is the potential for good liturgy to impact the Christian life?35:16. -How can Christians not in a liturgical church start using liturgy in their daily life?39:16 - Describe how liturgy changed your day already on this Wednesday.43:28 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt talks with Mike Emlet who practiced as a family physician for over ten years before becoming a counselor and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). They talk about difficult topics like intrusive thoughts and Scrupulosity, and the biblical wisdom that helps us overcome them.MIKE EMLET ONLINEMike's WebsiteMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEAutism Spectrum Disorder (minibook)Saints, Sinners, and SufferersFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:21 - Why do you describe yourself as a cup half empty kind of guy?4:25 - What's the most recent cup-half-empty moment you've had?6:45 - What do you mean when you refer to emotional buoyancy?10:44 - The Intrusive Problem of Scrupulosity14:49 - Why are we prone to intrusive, unwanted thoughts?17:54 - When you counsel scrupulosity, what is the central approach you take?23:54 - What does growth look like in the area of intrusive thoughts?27:12 - How do we turn down the volume on intrusive thoughts?33:55 - In what ways does our embodied nature affect us?38:35 - Is Mike Emlet a hugger?41:50 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt talks with Eliza Huie, Director of Counseling at McLean Bible Church in Vienna, VA. They discuss Christian self-care, the relentless pressure to keep up with modern life, and the concerning problem of burnout among adults and children.ELIZA HUIE ONLINEEliza's WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Whole LifeTeens and AnxietyI'm StressedFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:30 - Welcome4:00 - What interested you about the topics of self-care and counseling?9:23 - How can the average person find the best pace for life?16:00 - Isn't it selfish to practice self-care?18:30 - Keys Parents Can Use To Build Margin Into Their Kids21:28 - What are some big emotional struggles parents should watch for?24:50 - Eliza shares her own story of panic.31:06 - What reminds you to give better attention to your stress?35:05 - What have you done to encourage others toward self-awareness?37:21 - When do I need intensive help for my stress?41:29 - Farewell

Preview Season 3 of Straight to the Heart, a podcast from New Growth Press, hosted by Rush Witt. Each episode includes thought-provoking conversations with leading Christian writers and thinkers. We hear who they are, what they believe, how they approach their work and ministry, and the moments and people who have changed their lives. In "Straight to the Heart," we go beyond the books to connect with the remarkable people behind them.Join us for Season 3 conversations with Randy Alcorn, Joni Eareckson Tada, Adriel Sanchez, Paul Tripp, and more. Learn more about the podcast here.

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt talks with Dr. Curtis Solomon. They dive into the hallmarks of the PTSD experience, key ways biblical counseling has been effective in helping those suffering from PTSD, and they also touch on a fascinating historical perspective, discussing PTSD in the context of World War II and the lessons learned from that era.CURTIS SOLOMON ONLINECurtis' WebsiteBiblical Counseling CoalitionFacebookInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEI Have PTSDRedeem Your MarriageReclaim Your MarriageFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:50 - Welcome3:28 - Can you give a brief overview of the BCC and your role in it?10:03 - Where did your interest in PTSD begin?17:16 - What are some of the hallmarks of the PTSD experience?24:57 - Does PTSD usually result from physical trauma?32:05 - How do you help a person see a difference between hardship and trauma.37:28 - What are the key ways you've seen biblical counseling help people suffering with PTSD.47:37 - A Final Question About PTSD and WWII57:11 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt down with Dr. Jeremy Pierre, Dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions, Evangelism, and Ministry, to talk about the daily help of the Gospel. They discuss the common misunderstandings of the Gospel, and how taking small steps to make the gospel central to life gives freedom from pressures to perform for God and comfort during hard times.JEREMY PIERRE ONLINEJeremy's WebsiteInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEShepherding the PastorThe Gospel-Centered Life SeriesThe Dynamic Heart in Daily LifeFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:38 - Intro3:42 - How does the Gospel relate to your very busy life?5:40 - When do you remember first hearing the gospel?9:12 - How did the Gospel become "present tense" for you?12:22 - The Gospel Gap17:10 - Law and Gospel in Daily Life19:18 - What would you like to say to little Jeremy in 1987?22:06 - How can I make basic movements to be more in tune with the daily help of the Gospel?25:02 - Which personal struggles do you think are driven by our struggle to embrace the Gospel?31:44 - The Gospel gives freedom and comfort to parents too.34:30 - How do I counsel myself when I feel the pressure to perform?38:24 - The Importance of Close Friends for Gospel Encouragements41:30 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt enjoys a conversation with Juan and Jeanine Sanchez, coauthors of a new book called Reaching Your Child's Heart: A practical Guide to Faithful Parenting. Juan and Jeanine share wisdom about the value of reading aloud as a family, the importance of being present in our parenting, and finding a balance in our parental discipline–not too much and not too little, lest we provoke our children to anger.JUAN AND JEANINE SANCHEZ ONLINEWebsiteFacebook - Juan and JeanineInstagram - Juan and JeanineTwitter/X - Juan and JeanineMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEReaching Your Child's HeartThe Treasure by Marty MachowskiFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:56 - Juan and Jeanine Fall In Love In Florida6:07 - The Journey of Differences Between 5 Daughters11:52 - A Key Message Shifted Juan to Be More Present at Home16:23 - How did reading aloud as a family assist your parenting?25:37 - What were the discipline influences in your own upbringing?28:35 - How should parents balance their discipline to avoid provoking children to anger?36:55 - How can parents model presence and positive instruction?41:21 - You should not be alone in parenting.44:04 - There are so many parenting books. Why another?45:15 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt discusses with Adriel Sanchez how the Lord's prayer can be used as a fresh and helpful guide for those of us who struggle in our prayer lives. Adriel also shares practical principles which will help you to pray faithfully, as well as the not-so-well-known National Day of Prayer, on Thursday May 2.ADRIEL SANCHEZ ONLINEAdriel's WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEPraying with JesusWhy Should I Pray?I Prayed and Nothing ChangedFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:53 - Welcome4:11 - Intro to the Book Praying with Jesus AG5:55 - Adriel's upbringing and conversion8:31 - Expecting God's Goodness in Prayer14:32 - What to do when you don't feel like praying AG21:50 - Tools which help us pray personally or at church31:51 - How the prayers of a homebound saint moved D.L. Moody across the ocean36:22 - The National Day of Prayer AG41:16 - How the Gospel connects to daily prayer AG45:13 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our guest is Julie Lowe. She and Rush Witt discuss a an important topic that is on the minds of parents, teachers, pastors, and anyone who cares about the souls of kids—bullying. From her experience of counseling children, Julie shares practical, biblical wisdom for recognizing bullying, navigating the influences of social media in our digital world, and how we can bring the gospel to bear on this important issue.JULIE LOWE ONLINEJulie's WebsiteFacebookInstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEChild ProofSafeguardsBuilding BridgesHelping Your Child with A BullyFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:34 - How might we define bullying?4:20 - What was your introduction to biblical counseling?7:54 - What key lessons did you learn in the early days of counseling?9:32 - How does the Bible speak to the problem of bullying?14:36 - Bullying and Social Media20:22 - What about the influence of social media on parents and adults?26:52 - How to recognize when your child is bullied30:14 - Advice for helping kids learn to handle bullying32:50 - What should families and churches do to intervene in bullying?38:42 - How do you encourage Christians to see the gospel as central to bullying?40:28 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, talks with Mike McGarry about some of the friends and enemies of theologically-minded youth ministry, the importance of team-based ministry among students, and Mike's advice to new, green youth ministry leaders.MIKE MCGARRY ONLINEWebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODELead Them to JesusDiscoverA Biblical Theology of Youth MinistryFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:33 - Welcome2:47 - What's Your Story?7:08 - Tell me about Youth Pastor Theologian11:21 - How theological is youth ministry really?16:19 - What's youth ministry like in a strong culture like Boston?21:35 - What youth ministry misunderstandings do you see among adults? 33:15 - Are fun and games the enemies of theological youth ministry?40:35 - The importance of team-based youth ministry46:57 - Mike McGarry's advice to brand new youth ministers49:10 - Farewell

Joni Eareckson Tada discusses her life and ministry in the present moment, where she finds grace to persevere through difficult challenges, and how students can become involved in summer internships with her ministry called Joni and Friends.JONI EARECKSON TADA ONLINEJoni's WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Gospel for Hard TimesThe Gospel for Hard Times (Students)God Made Me UniqueFor more about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:2:16 - Welcome3:56 - How are things at Joni and Friends today?6:01 - Joni and Rush Tell Their Stories8:12 - A Powerful Shift Toward Joyfully Glorifying God.13:42 - How has friendship help you through your suffering?17:04 - What is making you happy in life now?23:18 - Young people can serve in the Joni and Friends internship.25:02 - What are some ways serving has helped students find joy in future ministry?27:42 - How are you personally doing in daily life?30:04 - What are some ways people can pray for you?31:34 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, talks with bestselling author Randy Alcorn about the recent death of his beloved wife, Nanci, and how his faith in Christ and familiarity with the Bible's teaching on heaven has comforted him and deepened his walk with God. His testimony and encouragement is helpful to any one who faces serious loss and needs God's help to grieve with heaven in view.RANDY ALCORN ONLINERandy's Website Facebook Twitter InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEGod Made Me for HeavenSomeone I Know is GrievingThe Small Book Devotional SeriesThe Ask the Christian Counselor SeriesMore about the podcast at New Growth Press online.Timestamps:1:48 - Welcome2:23 - Life Since Nanci's Death6:09 - Tell me about Nancy9:29 - How have heaven given you peace in Nanci's death?15:51 - Randy paints a picture of the life to come.21:42 - How has your relationship with Jesus grown over recent years?24:58 - What surprised you in your grieving the loss of Nanci?30:11 - The Story of Eternal Perspective Ministries37:02 - How have Charles Spurgeon and C.S. Lewis influenced you?41:13 - What's one big truth you gained from reading C.S. Lewis?43:50 - How would you comfort someone who is grieving the loss of a loved one?48:34 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, talks with Joe Hox, the talented illustrator behind the Good News for Little Hearts series. They discuss the struggle to find our worth in Christ, moving forward in usefulness to the Lord when the path is unclear, and how artistic world-building brings imaginations to life.JOE HOX ONLINE Website Instagram Facebook X/TwitterMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Good News for Little Hearts Series Who is Jesus? by Kate Hox (Illustrated by Joe Hox)Learn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:40 - Intro 3:22 - Were you artistic as a child? 10:30 - Joe starts painting murals 14:00 - How were you shaped by a struggle to find your worth18:36 - What was your breakout moment into successful illustrating24:14 - The joy of working with NGP and the Good News for Little Hearts series 26:00 - A powerful perspective on finding worth in Christ 32:54 - Advice to aspiring artists and illustrators 34:36 - What's your process for building an imaginative world? 40:48 - Joe's joy of creating with his wife Kate 47:08 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, talks with Bob Lepine, an author, pastor, and radio host whose recent book, Build a Stronger Marriage helps married and engaged couples to apply the gospel to their relationship. They discuss resolutions to marital conflict, key problems couples face, and the signs of a healthy marriage.BOB LEPINE ONLINEWebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBuild a Stronger MarriageReclaim Your Marriage by Jenny SolomonRestore Your Marriage by Curtis SolomonTable for Two by Dave and Krista DunhamLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps:1:35 - Intro3:20 - What's your advice to a couple moving toward marriage?7:20 - Is there a common issue most couples face?10:40 - How have you seen conflict at work in your marriage?15:25 - The central goal of marriage18:45 - Practical examples of building a stronger marriage23:10 - How to know when to overlook or confront a marriage problem28:05 - Habits are key in healthy marriages35:35 - What have marriage taught you about yourself?39:30 - How can we help or teach other married people when we have our own marriage problems?43:30 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, talks with Camille Cates, a biblical counselor, speaker, and author who works with post-abortive women. Camille shares her story of hardship and suffering as a young woman, including her own history with abortion. From experience, she reaches out to those who are desperately seeking hope and healing from their own personal tragedies. Camille's story is an incredible testimony to God's grace and help in the face of sin and suffering.CAMILLE CATES ONLINEWebsite Instagram Facebook Twitter/X MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Moving Forward After Abortion Pregnancy Crisis (Minibook) Ask the Christian Counselor Series SetLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:35 - Intro and Camille's upbringing and abortion story7:13 - Camille's experience in church before the abortion8:34 - What was your understanding of abortion at that young age?19:02 - We are all on even footing at the cross22:16 - How Camille found healing in the Gospel30:18 - The ministry of other Christians helped Camille heal34:38 - How anyone can help post-abortive parents39:47 - Comforting help from the Book of James41:53 - What can churches do to help in the pro-life movement?44:27 - How can listeners of this podcast be involved in the movement today?50:30 - Farewell

Our host Rush Witt, sits down with Jonathan Holmes, a biblical counselor, author, and Director of Fieldstone Counseling Center in Cleveland, OH. Join them as they discuss Jonathan's adoption, his Korean heritage, growing up in the Deep South, and how these experiences shaped his life, counseling, and ministry.JONATHAN HOLMES ONLINEWebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEChild Proof by Julie LoweThe Life Counsel BibleHelping Your Adopted Child by Paul David TrippLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps:0:25 - Intro 0:55 - Jonathan talks about his new book on identity issues6:05 - How have you gained such an appreciation for poetry?10:15 - Jonathan shares how biblical counseling changed the course of life and ministry16:15 - What's the most obvious lesson of counseling and ministry you couldn't learn from a book?22:20 - The Holmes family finds comfort and growth in the kitchen together24:30 - How would you describe your upbringing and the impact of adoption on your life?39:00 - How does your culture/heritage influence your family now?47:10 - Who have been your strongest influences?50:55 - What makes you especially happy today?55:45 - Farewell

Rush Witt spends the hour with Chris Moles, a leading pastor and biblical counselor who helps churches and families confront the evil of domestic violence and promote healthy, God-honoring, relationships. They talk about domestic abuse ministry, how pastors and church members can grow in this ministry, and whether or not abusers can really change.CHRIS MOLES ONLINE Website Facebook Twitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Caring for Families Caught in Domestic Abuse Something Scary Happened by Darby StricklandMiles the Lamb (Plushy)Trauma and Abuse Minibook Sample PackLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps:1:27 - Intro 3:28 - Chris shares his story of domestic abuse ministry11:38 - How prevalent is domestic abuse?19:40 - An abused person's experience provides a key entry gate for ministry22:17 - How does abuse ministry look different in various situations?26:36 - What does "safety plan" mean in domestic abuse ministry?29:19 - What can a pastor do to begin growing in usefulness for abuse ministry?38:53 - Christ coaches Rush43:42 - Can abusers really change, and how often do you see change happen?56:00 - How might other people help and encourage your ministry PeaceWorks University?58:30 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, sits down with Sally Michael, co-founder of Truth78. They discuss how to help children know, love, and memorize God's Word, and how her new Bible Verses to Remember series for children assists parents, teachers, and church leaders in this important ministry.SALLY MICHAEL ONLINE Website Instagram Facebook Twitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Give God Your Worries Good Gifts Come from God Our Great God The Treasure: Ancient Story Ever New of Jesus and His ChurchLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:28 - Intro 2:19 - The Biggest Joy of Sally's Current Ministry Role 2:58 - Sally's New Children's Series, Bible Verses to Remember 5:27 - What are the best practices and goals of Scripture memorization?8:27 - How Memorizing Bible Passages Rescued Sally from Trouble 13:25 - What has been you path into developing so many resources for children? 21:11 - How can we help children across a broad age range love memorizing Scripture? 32:18 - Finding Moments to Emphasize Biblical Virtues in A Busy Family 36:35 - In what ways has John Piper influenced your time at Bethlehem Baptist Church? 39:51 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, enjoys a conversation with pastor, author, and blogger, Tim Challies. They talk about Tim's prolific work, his family, and the death of his son Nick, which Tim discusses in his book, Seasons of Sorrow. Tim's faith and hope in God shine as a comfort and example to all of us.TIM CHALLIES ONLINE WebsiteInstagramFacebook Twitter/XMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God Someone I Know Is Grieving by Edward T. Welch A Small Book for the Hurting Heart by Paul TautgesLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:35 - Intro 3:10 - Worship Around the World 7:30 - Tim Challies and Church Life 9:20 - Trusting God in The Death of Nick Challies 22:20 - How Seasons of Sorrow Helped Tim Challies Grieve and Hope in Christ 29:25 - How the Challies Family Stays Strong In Hope 33:00 - Tim Challies' Broader Life and Interests 37:55 - Farewell

In this episode of Straight to the Heart, our host Rush Witt, talks with Lifeway's Bible Publisher Andy McLean. They discuss how Bibles are developed, published, and printed. And they give special attention to a new edition called the Life Counsel Bible, which contains numerous articles and other tools for life and counseling. This episode provides an encouraging reminder of the invaluable ways the Bible speaks into daily life.ANDY MCLEAN ONLINE WebsiteInstagramFacebookXMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Life Counsel Bible by Lifeway and New Growth Press Personal Growth Minibook Sample PackLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:30 - Intro5:46 - What exactly is a Bible Publisher?6:44 - The Amazing Process of Bible Development13:10 - How and where are Bibles created before they reach our hands?16:24 - Why do we have so many different Bibles?22:22 - The Life Counsel Bible27:20 - What Andy McLean Hears from Readers of the Life Counsel Bible30:06 - Gratitude and Farewell

In this episode, Rush talks with author and mother Jackie Gibson. Jackie and her husband Jonnie have four children. She serves alongside him at Westminster Seminary and most recently published her book “You Are Still A Mother.” In this episode Jackie shares her journey through the still birth death of her daughter Leila. And they talk about the unique challenges of grief in the loss of a child, how caring friends can comfort and help, and the precious ways in which God meets us in our darkest grief and loss. JACKIE GIBSON ONLINEInstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEYou Are Still A Mother by Jackie GibsonThe Moon Is Always Round by Jonathan GibsonHelping a Hurting Friend by Garrett HigbeeSomeone I Know Is Grieving by Edward T. WelchLearn more about the podcast here. Timestamps:1:20 - Intro1:39 - Moving from Australia3:37 - Life and Ministry Now6:08 - The Story Behind the Book "The Moon is Always Round"16:37 - The Commonality of Loss17:35 - What voices of friends and Scripture shined lights of hope?24:40 - The Comfort of Psalm 13917:49 - Advice for Helping Those Who Grieve31:56 - Thinking About Leila Now34:34 - Farewell

Season Two continues as our host, Rush Witt, sits down with author and Pastor Jerome Gay. Rush and Jerome talk about the challenges of ministry in our current culture, the important art of being winsome in conversation, and how pastors and Christians can productively engage others in discussion about difficult social topics like race. JEROME GAY ONLINE Jerome's Website Facebook X InstagramThe Urban Perspective (Youtube) MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE African HeroesTalking to Your Children about Race Learn more about the podcast here. Timestamps: 0:20 - Intro1:25 - There are many good things keeping Jerome busy in life and ministry.3:50 - Jerome founded a ministry called the Urban Perspective.6:25 - What has been your point of view on keeping the gospel central in our highly charged societal issues.9:10 - How to be winsome in conversation with others17:00 - What are some ways individuals and churches can wisely engage in social issues?25:55 - Jerome shares two helpful books he agreed with and two he disagreed with28:00 - What would Jerome do with a $10 million inheritance?31:05 - Farewell

We kick off the anticipated second season of "Straight to the Heart," as Rush Witt meets with counselor and author Ed Welch.Rush asks Ed about the early years of Ed's life and faith in Christ, what it means to make counseling beautiful, and how to help people in the midst of grief and suffering. Join us for this wonderfully insightful start to Season 2. CONNECT ONLINECCEF's WebsiteFacebookXInstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Someone I Know Is Grieving: Responding with Humility and CompassionThe Small Book Devotions Bundle Learn more about the podcast here. Timestamps:0:38 - Intro 2:52 - Ed's Conversion and College Story8:33 - Ed's Introduction to Biblical Counseling10:51 - What big shifts most impacted your work with people? 15:37 - How do you make counseling beautiful?24:49 - Tell us more about your new book, Someone I Know is Grieving.34:00 - What have you learned most about humility and compassion?41:28 - Has there been a central theme to your over 40 years of counseling?44:29 - Farewell

Preview of the second season of "Straight to the Heart," a podcast from New Growth Press, hosted by Rush Witt. Each episode includes thought-provoking conversations with leading Christian writers and thinkers. We hear who they are, what they believe, how they approach their work and ministry, and the moments and people who have changed their lives. In "Straight to the Heart," we go beyond the books to connect with the remarkable people behind them.Learn more about season 2 of the podcast here.

Rush Witt meets with Daniel Henderson, Vice-President of Strategy for Publications Chrétiennes, a French publishing house based in Quebec, Canada.In this bonus episode, they talk about the importance of book translation around the world and how churches and Christians can make a missional impact by supporting the translation of great Christian resources through publishing ministries like Publications Chrétiennes.DANIEL HENDERSON ONLINE Daniel's WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Publications ChrétiennesNew Releases at New Growth PressLearn more about the podcast here. Timestamps:0:15 - Intro1:25 - Daniel travels the world5:35 - How do books become translated to reach the world?16:15 - How did you and the publishing company become focused on biblical counseling?18:35 - Foreign publishing impacts thousands of people20:40 - What are the biggest needs in your work?32:35 - Farewell

Rush talks to Jared Kennedy who is the co-founder of “Gospel-Centered Family,” and an editor with The Gospel Coalition. Jared and Rush talk about his ministry Gospel-Centered Family, his important work with The Gospel Coalition, and some of the key challenges every family faces to become disciple-makers at home. Jared shares helpful tools for your family, and what raising chickens in suburban Louisville taught him about parenting.JARED KENNEDY ONLINE Jared's Website Instagram Twitter MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Faith Builder CatechismShow Them JesusThe Beginner's Gospel Story BibleGod Made Me for WorshipLearn more about the podcast here. Timestamps:0:20 - Intro1:43 - Tell us about Gospel-Centered Family and TGC5:00 - How did you get into family ministry?12:09 - What are two or three central issues with which every family needs help?20:16 - What tools have been most helpful to your family?28:10 - What's going on with all these chickens you raise?31:25 - How is God working in your life now?34:01 - Farewell

Rush spends a rewarding time with author and counselor Kristen Hatton. Kristen has written a number of great books for teenagers, and has recently shifted focus to helping parents through her book, Parenting Ahead: Preparing for the Teen Years. Parents of teenagers will be helped by Kristen's calm and focused approach to parenting teens. They talk about the difference between fixing our teens and parenting with grace, interesting ways to keep family life fun, and how to patiently walk through the pressures both parents and teenagers face today.KRISTEN HATTON ONLINE Kristen's Website Facebook Instagram Twitter MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Parenting Ahead Social Media Pressure Alongside Jesus Get Your Story Straight Learn more about the podcast here. Timestamps:0:30 - Intro 2:15 - Empty Nesting 7:30 - Time for Writing and Counseling 11:30 - How have you shifted to writing for a new audience? 15:00 - What are the biggest needs express by parents of teens? 17:10 - Teen Pressures 23:00 - Helping Teens Navigate the Big Pressures 27:20 - Kristen Help Parents Know How to Help Teens 33:30 - Why Should Teens “Get Their Story Straight?” 37:00 - Farewell

Rush enjoys a helpful conversation with Darby Strickland to learn more about her family and ministry in trauma and abuse care. They discuss important questions about the challenges of abuse ministry, how her own story has brought to her to this place of valuable ministry, and how God has grown her through it all, as well as how any Christian can learn to care for troubled souls.DARBY STRICKLAND ONLINEDarby's WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitterMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODESomething Scary HappenedWhen Children Experience TraumaCaring for Families Caught in Domestic AbuseLife Counsel BibleLearn more about the podcast here.TIMESTAMPS:0:30 - Intro1:30 - Welcome and Recent Conference Update4:38 - The Psalms Were Not Written In A Day6:40 - How do you help parents talk to kids about abuse?9:18 - Learning to Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable15:14 - When We Feel Inadequate for Ministry21:20 - Maintaining Compassion for Abusers28:55 - How does Darby keep up with so much ministry?33:42 - New Books on Abuse35:58 - Farewell

Rush spends a fun and freeing time with Jared C. Wilson. They talk about how owning up to our imperfection as Christians is both frightening and immensely comforting. And yet it is the only way we can overcome the fear and enjoy the comfort is by daily embracing the gospel in deep, fresh ways.JARED C. WILSON ONLINE Website Facebook InstagramTwitterMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Ruth: Redemption for the BrokenFriendship with the Friend of SinnersGospel WakefulnessThe Gospel Mystery of SanctificationLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:41 - Intro3:03 - Jared's Story of Ministry16:52 - Why Do You Feel Like An Alien?25:54 - Understanding Gospel Wakefulness33:07 - The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification37:01 - Farewell

Rush sits down with Irene Sun, author of God Counts and Taste and See. Irene is an intentional and thoughtful mother, and she shares invaluable keys for making the most of reading to our children. Irene and Rush talk about why kids' books are effective to change the way they think, and how to know if certain books are too scary or sad or mature for young readers.IRENE SUN ONLINEIrene's ChurchFacebookInstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEGod Counts: Numbers in His Word and His WorldTaste and See: All About God's GoodnessThe Acrostic of SalvationLearn more about the podcast here.Timestamps: 1:26 - Irene shares about her family and church in Pittsburgh.3:45 - What are some of the best habits you've cultivated in your family?5:37 - Irene and Rush discuss the value of reading aloud with kids.10:12 - How are kids books powerful to shape their hearts and minds?19:30 - What about balancing spiritual depth and pure enjoyment of reading in the lives of our kids?28:39 - Irene explores the instrumental role of reading with children in the most intentional ways.32:17 - What books have your sons enjoyed most over the years?37:30 - Farewell

Daniel DeWitt and Rush Witt discuss the impact of C.S. Lewis on generations of Christians, the unique opportunities for discipleship on college campuses, and the importance of clear and biblical truth. Listeners will be helped and encouraged by Daniel's down-to-earth way of helping students make sense of the world in creative ways.DANIEL DEWITT ONLINEDaniel's WebsiteFacebookTwitterInstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODESketchy Views: A Beginner's Guide to Making Sense of GodPressure Points: Guide to Navigating Student StressDoubtless: Because Faith in HardLearn more about the podcast here.

Brad Hambrick and Rush talk about an exciting season of launching kids into the world, and hopefully into college baseball. And they also talk about counseling, the art and ministry of walking with people through hardship, and the beauty and freedom of real friends to whom we can entrust even our secrets. BRAD HAMBRICK ONLINE Brad's Website - Facebook - Twitter - InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEAngry with God: An Honest Journey through Suffering and Betrayal Mobilizing Church-Based Counseling: Models for Sustainable Church-Based CareLearn more about the podcast here.

Champ Thornton and Rush talk about raising kids who are in sync with reality, the good gift of coffee, and learning to write fiction. Champ also shares encouragements to think clearly about family devotional time, and helping rather than harping on our kids about their own devotional life.CHAMP THORNTON ONLINE Champ's Website - Facebook - Twitter - InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Serpent Slayer and the Scroll of RiddlesThe Radical Book for KidsThe Really Radical Book for KidsLearn more about the podcast here.

Lainey talks about her writing ministry and podcast, and returning to her hometown of Knoxville, TN. And most importantly, she helps us think more clearly about our theology of the body and the importance of body stewardship.LAINEY GREER ONLINELainey's Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - LinkedInMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEBe Well: Learning to Steward Your HealthThe Whole LifeLearn more about the podcast here.

Marty Machowski shares how telling stories to his own children progressed into writing stories to teach the children in his church about the gospel, and eventually turned into writing books for families across the country and around the world. He also talks about his writing process, setting goals, and influences on his writing journey.MARTY MACHOWSKI ONLINEMarty's Website - Facebook - Twitter - InstagramMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODELong Story ShortOld Story NewThe OlogyGod Made Boys and GirlsLearn more about the podcast here.

Preview Straight to the Heart, a new podcast from New Growth Press, hosted by Rush Witt.Learn more about the podcast here.