The Mere Disciple Podcast

What is the role of doubt in a Christian's life? When does doubt become poisonous and destructive? Can it be leveraged in such a way that it strengthens and deepens one's faith? If so, how? In this episode Pastor Jeff reflects on some of the insights on how to "do doubt well" offered by Shelby Abbott, evangelist and author of numerous books, including 'DoubtLess: Because Faith is Hard'. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Pastor Jeff Strong sits down with Megan Beck, a registered clinical counsellor with Mercy Seat Ministry (www.mercyseatministry.ca). Megan specializes in connecting with individuals to help them find healing from personally painful experiences. She desires to provide opportunities for personal growth in the areas of emotional, mental, relational and spiritual health. Mercy Seat Ministry is a collective of skilled therapists who strive to integrate Christian faith with excellent counselling techniques to support wholistic healing and freedom. This interview addresses the following questions: Who and What is Mercy Seat Ministry? What does a faith-integrated approach to counselling look like? What are some of the barriers for Christians that create a hesitancy in reaching out for support through counselling? What's the first step to take if you're interested in arranging a session with someone from Mercy Seat Ministries?

A short episode to highlight www.christiansandthevaccine.com, an important resource that thoughtfully and wisely addresses the questions many Christians have regarding the pandemic, vaccines, and our response as disciples of Jesus. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong shares some in-process reflections on the ideological challenges facing Christians seeking to respond to racism and injustice courageously, faithfully, and biblically. Resources cited in this episode: Dr. Thaddeus Williams: "Questions Christians Should Ask About Social Justice" Monique Duson (Center for Biblical Unity) Critical Race Theory with Neil Shenvi Photo: Black Lives Matter (IG: @clay.banks) Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

The Canadian government just announced an extension of the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (i.e. CERB) for an additional eight weeks. It will be tempting for many to delay/avoid going back to work and instead take advantage of this program. However, Pastor Jeff shares a vision for the kingdom call to work that should animate every Christian who can work to do so. In Christ, work/service becomes one of the most powerful means through which Christians can honour God, bless their communities, and strengthen themselves.

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Strong interviews the charismatic and whimsical Preston Pouteaux on the importance of imagination, neighbours and neighbourhoods, and what it's like to be a pastor in a pandemic. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Strong interviews fellow pastor Tom Greentree (www.tomgreentree.com), discussing the nature of life-giving growth, the things that keep people stuck in damaging patterns, and which perspectives and practices Tom has found to be especially formative in facilitating growth in himself and others. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode, Pastor Jeff Strong explores the practices of lament and thanksgiving, sharing why he believes these can serve Christians especially well in the strange days in which we find ourselves. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode Image: "Alone" by Kilarov Zaneit

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong and Pastor Jason Ashley discuss the importance and priority of generosity during times of financial uncertainty and instability for those who desire to be faithful disciples of Jesus. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode Image: "Generosity" by Yasir Eryılmaz.

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong sits down with his colleague Pastor Jason Ashley from Balfour Covenant Church. Jason shares pastorally and practically around the question, "How do I grow in my faith during this time of isolation?" Pastor Jeff's contact info: jeff@nelsoncovenant.com Pastor Jason's contact info: jason@balfourcovenant.com Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong shares five important insights from a recent article on forgiveness by Brad Hambrick. Original article by Brad Hambrick here: http://bradhambrick.com/forgiveness02/ Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode cover photo credit: Anthony Tori (via unsplash.com)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong sits down with Enneagram enthusiast Susan Bernhardt for an extended discussion on how the Enneagram opens up new and deeper pathways to personal and interpersonal growth, change, and transformation in Christ. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode cover photo credit: Matt Botsford (via unsplash.com)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Nines. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode cover photo credit: Priscilla Du Preez (via unsplash.com)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Eights. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode cover photo credit: Timothy Eberle (via unsplash.com)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Sevens. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode cover photo credit: Christian Bowen (via unsplash.com)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Sixes. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0) Episode cover photo credit: Joseph Pearson (via unsplash.com)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Fives. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Pastor Jeff's shares his thoughts on the idea that the Enneagram isn't compatible with genuine Christianity.

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Fours. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Threes. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Twos. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of Enneagram Type Ones. Sources: www.eclecticenergies.com https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/ https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com/ https://theenneagramatwork.com/ http://drdaviddaniels.com/ The Road Back to You The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective Becoming Us Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Pastor Jeff Strong introduces a new series that will explore the Enneagram, a typology of personality that can be used to increase self-awareness, facilitate inner healing, foster stronger relationships, and deepen spiritual vibrancy. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Round 3 is always the toughest. It's when doubts and discomforts amplify. But there is bread for the journey.

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides an overview of traditional Conservative principles and values, the 2019 Conservative platform, and to what extent these are aligned heading into the federal election on October 21st. Conservative Party of Canada: www.conservative.ca Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides a quick overview of the Liberal Party of Canada, its platform priorities, and shares his thoughts on the challenges faced by the Liberals as the incumbents in this election. Liberal Party of Canada: www.liberal.ca Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong sits down with Basil McLaren, adjunct speaker for Ravi Zacharias Ministries (Canada). Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is a global team of speakers with offices throughout the world in: the United States, Canada, Latin America, Africa, the United Kingdom, Spain, Romania, Turkey, the Middle East, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia. The primary mission of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries is to reach and challenge those who shape the ideas of a culture with the credibility of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode: +Getting to know Basil and his ministry. +"What are the big ideas shaping our current cultural moment?" +"How do these ideas present new challenges for all of us?" +"In light of these realities, what does faithful discipleship to Jesus look like?"

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides a quick overview of the New Democratic Party (NDP), its platform priorities, and shares his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the party's policies. NDP https://www.ndp.ca/ Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides a quick overview of the Green Party of Canada, its platform priorities, and shares his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the party's policies. Green Party of Canada: https://www.greenparty.ca/ Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong interviews Youth Pastor Rick Penner of the Nelson Covenant Church. -Who are you? -What does a youth pastor do? -What does faith mean to you? -What would you say to a student who thinks exploring faith or Christianity is a waste of time?

In this episode Pastor Jeff Strong provides a quick overview of the People's Party of Canada (PPC), its platform priorities, and shares his thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the party's policies. People's Party of Canada: https://www.peoplespartyofcanada.ca/ Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

The next 40 days leading up to the Canadian Federal election gives us an excellent opportunity to think about how Christians can and should participate in the political sphere. How do we understand the message of Jesus and its implications for our political life together? How does faith challenge us into a political vision that looks beyond our own interests to include the interests of others (Philippians 2:4) What questions should Christians be asking in order to evaluate each party's platforms and priorities? In this podcast, Pastor Jeff Strong introduces the issues at play at the intersection between Christian faith and politics, and shares his desire to see more Christians engage politics through the lens of serving and loving their neighbour. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Next to reading the Bible, prayer is often experienced as one of the most intimidating, confusion, and sometimes awkward spiritual practices. But it doesn't have to be! In this podcast, Pastor Jeff Strong looks at Jesus' teachings on prayer, exploring how Jesus' conception of prayer can benefit and challenge anyone seeking to deepen their own understanding and practice. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Have you ever thought about the distinction between being nice and being kind? In this episode I share what I'm learning about the importance of distinguishing between the two. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

Whether you're a believer, seeker, or skeptic, having first-hand knowledge of the Bible is critical. But the Bible can be intimidating to crack open and confusing once you do! What's the best way to begin reading it? Where should you start? In this episode, Pastor Jeff Strong offers a few different "on-ramps" for those who want to begin the journey of understanding the Bible. The Story of the Bible (The Bible Project): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_CGP-12AE0 Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)

A brief introduction to The Mere Disciple Podcast. Is it an episode? A podcast "trailer"? You decide! Let's follow Jesus together. Music Intro/Outro: "Enthusiast" by Tours used under a Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)