The Shock Absorber

SERVICE TEAM MINI-SERIES: Strategy of ArtsJoel, Stu and Brayden begin with a light-hearted yet thoughtful conversation about how music listening has changed over the decades—from records and tapes to CDs and streaming. They share memories of burning CDs and crafting the perfect mixtape, reflecting on how streaming has opened up access to a wider range of music than ever before.But the discussion quickly turns to a deeper question: What does it mean to serve from the front of church—especially in music? The hosts unpack the difference between producing a polished product and building authentic Christian community. Drawing parallels to hospitality teams, they explore why churches rely on volunteers, not professionals, and how serving together in music and other arts is an act of friendship and worship—not performance.They consider how Christian ministry can be counter-cultural in a world that prizes individualism and professionalism. Instead of treating music as a product, the Shock Absorber team frames it as a way of serving others and participating in the shared life of the church.The second half dives into Soul Revival's intergenerational approach to Arts ministry, where tradition meets cultural context under the authority of God's word. They talk about how liturgical elements like the Book of Common Prayer provide a theological grounding that allows people of all ages to express their faith together in reverent, meaningful ways.Brayden shares insights from his role leading Arts at Soul Revival—how involving young people in roles like handing out communion or leading youth bands deepens cross-generational discipleship. They explore how a team-based ministry structure, built around relationships and scalability, allows every arts-related role (from music to tech to preaching) to be integrated and sustainable.Finally, they reflect on the freedom Soul Revival's strategy offers gatherings like Yarrawarrah, where the absence of a music team doesn't limit the ministry but creates visibility and missional engagement in a new way—offering a fresh model of what church can look like.00:00 What have you been listening to?04:18 From tapes to streaming: music access over time15:34 Why we don't pay musicians at church24:54 Intergenerational Arts ministry & liturgy44:25 Youth bands and bottom-up leadership52:48 Building and scaling team structures1:03:46 Music-less gatherings & redefining church viabilityDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:CONTACT US:Shock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auWebsite: https://www.shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: https://www.soulrevivalchurch.com/shopExplore more: https://linktr.ee/JesusChangesEverything

SERVICE TEAM MINI-SERIES: Theology of ArtsStu, Joel, and guest co-host Brayden (Soul Revival's Arts pastor) explore the significance of the Arts service the context of church ministry  and how it moves beyond music to a broader theological vision. They open with reflections on why communal singing has declined in modern culture, despite its historical and emotional power. Drawing from history, village life, and the COVID-era sea shanty revival, the hosts highlight the rich tradition of singing as a bonding and memory-shaping activity.They link this to the church's continued practice of communal singing, reflecting on how music has evolved from communal to individualised consumption and how this shift impacts church gatherings. The conversation critiques the reduction of “worship” to just music, asserting that worship encompasses all of life.From there, they unpack the theological and cultural reasons behind Soul Revival's use of the term “Arts” rather than just “music team.” This encompasses up-front roles like preaching and prayer, as well as behind-the-scenes elements like sound and tech—all contributing to church.They concludeswith a discussion of how songs can shape doctrine and memory, the growing trend of writing more scripturally faithful songs, and the value of including elements like confession and liturgy. The team reaffirms their aim to build a culture of worship rooted in community, theology, and creativity—not just a roster of roles.00:00 Intro07:40 Why we don't sing in groups anymore (outside church)17:00 Singing in historical and cultural context—UK, wars, villages30:15 How technology changed music from communal to individual43:00 Church music as counter-cultural, creating community52:10 What the “arts team” includes—beyond just music1:00:00 Why worship is more than just singing1:13:00 The importance of Bible reading, prayer, and preaching as worship1:24:30 Corporate experience vs. individualism in worship1:35:00 Singing psalms, not just poetic lyrics—scripture in song1:47:00 Emotional vs. theological focus in music1:56:00 Ending on the richness of gathering together and sober joyDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEKing Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard's publishing live performancesNugs.net live concert platformMichael W. Smith – “Our God is an Awesome God”Rich MullinsAnglican Liturgy and Prayer BookSea shanty revival during COVIDCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auWebsite: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevivalchurch.com/shopExplore more here

Starting with a quick take on “Italian brain rot” (yes, it's a real AI meme phenomenon), Joel and Tim quickly shift into a deeper critique of internet culture, generational shifts, and the loss of long-term creative effort in favor of instant gratification. What does the rise of AI-generated content, TikTok trends, and nostalgia-fueled memes say about our society's priorities?From there, the conversation takes a turn into why memory matters—not just as nostalgia, but as a cornerstone of identity, faith, and flourishing communities. Tim unpacks key ideas from sociology and anthropology, weaving in concepts like vicarious memory, collaborative remembering, and mutual participation to explain why intergenerational ministry works and how churches can preserve meaning across generations, stories—sacred and silly—shape who we are.00:00 Intro01:18 – Italian brain rot and the decline of creative effort21:00 – Memory, ministry, church34:10 – The role of collective and vicarious memory49:10 – Mutual participation: Becoming part of the story55:10 – What shapes church culture1:01:35 – Inclusive memory: How storytelling welcomes everyoneDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODELearning Fast and Slow: Why AI Won't Revolutionize EducationRemembering to Believe: How Collective Remembering Shapes Faith FormationPerennial Seller, by Ryan HolidayThe Life and Death of Australian Soccer, by Joe GormanA Season with Verona, by Tim ParksCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Stu, Tim and Joel hosts dive into a discussion sparked by Stu's recent visit to Texas, where he observed the strong sense of identity, friendliness, and open expression of faith that characterises much of Texan culture. They compare this with Australian cultural values like egalitarianism and mateship, examining how national myths shape the way communities live and relate to one another.From there, the conversation explores how Christianity functions as a movement rather than a rigid institution—one that adapts to cultural contexts while maintaining universal principles such as love for neighbour, kindness, and human dignity. The hosts discuss how these principles have historically contributed to the flourishing of societies and continue to do so today, often through everyday people rather than powerful institutions.They touch on how Christians can thoughtfully engage in politics without being co-opted by partisan agendas, referencing thinkers like Christopher Watkin and historical figures like Dietrich Bonhoeffer to illustrate a balanced, gospel-centred approach. They finish with an encouragement from Stu to "get on the bus".00:00 "God, family, and state"10:28 Christianity and tolerance19:31 The influence of Christianity on Western Civilisation34:49 Christianity as a movement vs. institution46:56 Political engagement, Bonhoeffer, diagonalisation1:00:00 Get on the busDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Years of Lyndon Johnson, by Robert CaroWe Are Repaganizing, by Louise PerryDominion, Tom HollandThe Book that Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization, by Vishal Mangalwadi: Preston SprinkleMichael BirdRichard Dawkins says he's a cultural ChristianJan HusThe Quiet Revival: Gen Z leads rise in church attendanceBiblical Critical Theory, by Christopher WatkinCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Is Christianity really in decline — or is something deeper happening beneath the surface?In this episode, the guys take a break from their recent mini-series' on Soul Reviaval's service teams to unpack a fascinating new report from Christian research group McCrindle on the state of Christianity in Australia. While headlines often focus on the drop in people identifying as Christian — from 61% in 2011 to 44% in 2021 — the data reveals a surprising undercurrent: over 784,000 Australians have moved from having no religion to identifying as Christian.They explore what might be behind this shift, especially among older Australians where crisis moments like divorce or bereavement can lead to renewed spiritual searching. Meanwhile, Gen Z is showing a greater openness to spiritual conversations than any other generation — and a stronger link between belief and practice, with more regular church attendance than their parents or grandparents.The episode also dives into the gap between cultural identity and active faith, why church attendance as a percentage of population is actually rising, and the growing need for intergenerational ministry. They reflect on how young people are searching for meaning, and why many are walking away from Christianity — often because the vision presented to them isn't compelling or connected to real life.With regional areas shifting faster than the cities, and the population dividing into categories like prodigals, nomads, and resilient disciples, the team considers what this means for mission, discipleship, and the future of the church in Australia.

MINI-SERIES: The Practice of Community GroupsThe episode opens with a quick sidestep into Fantastic Four before diving into Joel's latest read, The Death and Life of Australian Soccer by Joe Gorman. The book prompts a rich conversation about the origins and development of soccer in Australia, highlighting the deep roots migrant communities have in shaping the game. The guys explore the longstanding tension between preserving those ethnic identities and the commercial push to "de-ethnicise" the sport. This sparks a deeper reflection on how communities—whether around sport or faith—are shaped by identity. For Christians, that identity is grounded in Jesus. Just as football clubs became expressions of cultural belonging, our church gatherings and community groups become expressions of who we are in Christ. Every time we meet together, we reinforce that identity and remind one another of what Jesus has done for us.The discussion then turns to the practical outworking of community groups: how they each approach it, what elements they include (meals, kids, Bible study, prayer), and how different life stages and leaders bring richness to groups. These variations are made possible by being anchored in a strong theology and strategy that gives flexibility to the form.Returning to Colossians 2, they discuss the connection between spiritual growth and mission. When the gospel remains central, it naturally overflows into everyday life—equipping us to live as lights in the world and ambassadors for Christ. Small groups become places where people can share their joys and struggles, pray for friends who don't yet know Jesus, and encourage each other to keep living out their faith in practical ways.They also tackle an important question: can mission happen within groups? While most groups are designed to help believers go deeper, what's the best way to love and welcome those who are still exploring faith?Finally, they explore the idea of missional communities—groups with a more outward-facing focus, designed to create neutral spaces where non-Christians can spend time with believers, build trust, and explore faith in a relational way. They share the story of how Grace's missional efforts with friends eventually led to the Ryde church plant—an example of how mission and community can go hand-in-hand.The episode wraps up with a key insight: when you're clear on the why (theology) and the how (strategy), the what (practice) can be both adaptable and impactful, shaped to fit the people and the moment while remaining grounded in gospel truth.00:00 Fantastic 4 education04:01 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: The Death and Life of Australian Soccer25:32 How you do community group?38:26 The more we grow, the better we are at mission47:44 Can mission happen with groups?59:59 Missional communitiesDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Death and Life of Australian Soccer, by Joe GormanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: The Strategy of Community GroupsJoel, Tim, and Joey take a deep dive into the strategy of community groups, exploring how different churches structure them and why they are a vital part of discipleship. They begin with a cultural artefact from Freya India's appearance on Modern Wisdom, discussing Gen Z's shifting views on faith, the gender divide in religious engagement, and the loneliness crisis—especially among men. With more people searching for meaning and connection, they consider how the church can offer genuine community and firm foundations through small groups.From there, they examine various approaches to small groups, including Saddleback Church's 5Cs model from the church growth movement and Soul Revival's intergenerational approach. Does going smaller always mean going deeper? How do different age groups enrich or challenge group dynamics? They explore the value of moderate intergenerationality, where both mixed-age and demographic-specific groups play a role in spiritual growth.Finally, they unpack the process of planting and leading community groups, emphasising that leadership carries weighty responsibilities in teaching, pastoral care, and discipleship. What makes a good community group leader? How do character, conviction, and competency shape leadership? By fostering strong, intentional communities, small groups become more than just midweek meetings—they become vital spaces for people to grow in faith and serve together as the body of Christ.00:00 Intro and discussion of the Beilharz name02:03 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Freya India on the Modern Wisdom podcast24:14: Different churches have different strategies with small groups35:59 Making small groups intergenerational51:38 A process of group leadershipDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEWhy Modern Women Feel More Lost Than Ever - Freya IndiaGIRLS (Freya India Substack)The Atlantic's Editor Jeffrey Goldberg on How He Was Texted Secret War Plans on SignalThe Need for Adults, by Freya IndiaCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: The Theology of Community Groups. While Stu is away, Joey joins Joel and Tim to chat about the Theology-Strategy-Practice of Community Groups...They kick things off with a discussion on Cantopop and Mandopop, as Joey shares his experience attending Eason Chan's Fear & Dreams concert. From there, they shift gears to explore small groups—how they have developed in churches and what their names reveal about their purpose. They consider the influence of the seeker-sensitive movement from churches like Willow Creek and Saddleback, as well as missional communities from the UK. The key question emerges: What are small groups actually forming? Is it about the activity itself, or something deeper?They then dive into the theology of community groups, questioning whether small groups are truly the only way for Christians to grow deeper in their faith. Joey draws from Colossians 2:6 to highlight the role of God's Word in spiritual growth, while Tim challenges the assumption that weekend church and midweek groups are the only effective pattern. If the gospel is inherently corporate, then mission and discipleship should go hand in hand.This leads into a discussion on Soul Revival's core values and how they influence small groups, starting with The Bible is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12). Rather than treating Bible study like a book club, they emphasise that the same Spirit who inspired Scripture is alive in the hearts and minds of believers today. They also explore Prayer & Evangelism (Colossians 4:2) and Discipleship to Maturity (Matthew 28:19), emphasising how the smaller group setting creates space for deeper conversations that help people grow in Christ.Finally, they ask: Why might Christians hesitate to go deeper? Small groups act as a holy interruption to our weeks, encouraging accountability and fellowship. When people prioritse the time, they not only grow as disciples but also as friends. They conclude with another of Soul Revival's values—Worship as All of Life (Romans 12:1-2, Luke 9:23-24), reflecting on how meeting together regularly helps believers resist the patterns of the world and live out their faith more fully.00:00 Intro03:15 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Eason Chan's Fear & Dreams tour08:45 Small groups and their name17:20 The theology of small groups28:10 Meeting together means something37:26 Growing deeper with others48:25 Worship as all of lifeDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEEason ChanMary's Chip Lunch:Episode 161Episode 162Seeker sensitive movementSoul Revival Church's valuesCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Part 2 of our sneak peek of Berea as Stu continues the first tutorial from the Berea Internship.Churches may share the same faith, but their theology, strategy, and practice often differ. They begin by using the Wesleyan Quadrilateral (Scripture, Tradition, Reason, and Experience) as a diagnostic tool to assess how churches develop their ministry frameworks. What does it truly mean to build a ministry that is based on the Bible? And when tough decisions arise, what do churches and individuals default to—what is their ultimate authority?They then explore the different strategies of churches by looking at how different churches raise up young people using Mark Senter III's Four Views of Youth Ministry. From there, they examine how churches move from theology to practice. Stu draws on Little Country Church by Lovesong to illustrate how churches can come together around Jesus through the Word of God, rather than rigid institutional programs. They discuss how some churches institutionalise practice, while others, with a theological authority and a strong strategy can have a flexible practice.Finally, Tim challenges listeners to assess their own ministry framework—send in your responses!!00:00 Recognising churches are different11:10 What authority do you default to?18:23 Thinking through strategic differences among churches25:09 Examining different practices of churches37:25 Tim's challenge to our listenersDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Wesleyan QuadrilateralThe Four Views of Youth Ministry, by Mark Senter IIICONTACT USShock Absorber EmailShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Get a taster for what Berea is like as Stu runs the first tutorial from the Berea Internship.As Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th anniversary, the guys explore how institutions evolve, questioning how ideas can be institutionalised while still remaining relevant over time.Stu then starts up the Berea tutorial with a deep dive into ministry frameworks, beginning with Berea's spiral method of learning—where content is introduced in layers, revisited, and explored more deeply over time. The key question: What does it look like to develop a ministry framework? Rather than prescribing what to think, he emphasises how to think about ministry, recognising that every church—whether intentionally or not—operates within a particular framework.The question is what is Jesus' Theology-Strategy-Practice. Looking at Matthew 22:37-40 and the parable of the Good Samaritan, we get an insight into how the Soul Revival ministry began. Instead of running a culturally relevant program, they shifted to a countercultural model—prioritising deep, relationships that have been won for us by Christ. It led to an important realisation: rather than institutionalising programs and ideas, their ministry should institutionalise friendships. Drawing from Bonhoeffer's vision of expanding friendships, they explore how discipleship flourishes when relationships are at the core of Christian community.Looking at history, they discuss how discipleship and mission thrived in multi-generational settings and critique the Homogeneous Unit Principle, which often led to generational gaps and people leaving the church. Instead, they advocate for a ministry framework rooted in inclusivity, relational discipleship, and a mission that extends across all ages and life stages.00:00 Intro01:21 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Saturday Night Live turns 5011:20 Berea begins: What is your ministry framework?19:15 What is Jesus's Theology-Strategy-Practice?34:56 Challenging the paradigm of friendship40:53 Generation gaps and losing people from churchDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE“SNL50” Brought the Stars, Nostalgia, and More Questions About the FutureMore Cowbell SketchMonty Python and the Holy GrailBlack Jeopardy with Tom Hanks - SNLCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: The PRACTICE of in-house ministry training with Joel, Tim and Stu.As the next Federal election approaches, political leaders in Australia have started appearing on podcasts to connect with voters in a more direct and unfiltered way. But how does this approach compare to political campaigning in the United States? They explore the differences between the Australian and US election strategies, looking at how media engagement, party structures, and voter outreach shape the way campaigns unfold in each country.Shifting gears, they take a deep dive into the Practice of Berea, Soul Revival Church's internal training ministry that has recently undergone a re-structure. Designed to help people grow in faith, theological understanding, and leadership capacity, the re-tooling of Berea has been developed through collaboration while building on the strong foundations of previous training efforts. The new structure consists of three delivery elements—Essentials, Next Steps, and Deep Dives—which function as a kind of catechism for Soul Revival Church. The goal is to create a clear and accessible pathway for people to deepen their faith, understand the church's theological distinctions as an Anglican community, and find meaningful ways to serve.They also break down what the Next Steps stage looks like in practice, which is focused on training for service teams and developing practical skills that enhance leadership and ministry involvement. By creating a structured system that supports people at all levels, Berea aims to help individuals know where they are in their faith journey and providing an accessible point of entry.Looking to the future, they discuss how this new approach will strengthen relationships, grow the church community, grow a cohesive leadership culture and expand leadership teams00:00 Intro01:21 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Australian political leaders on podcasts15:49 Breaking down the new Berea structure28:39 Building a training system for all service teams34:24 Growing a cohesive leadership cultureDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE'If you think it's biased, it is biased': Albanese and Dutton turn to podcasts ahead of electionStraight Talk - Anthony AlbaneseStraight Talk - Peter Dutton1960 U.S. Presidential Debate (JFK v Nixon)John Howard & Mark Latham handshakeJeremy's Chip Lunch episodeCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Tim, Joel and Stu use Berea as a way of investigating the strategy of in-house ministry training.This episode begins with the launch of Tim's book, The Child in God's Church, which explores theologically integrating children into the life of the church. Rather than seeing young people as a future project or a problem to solve, the discussion emphasises that they are already part of the church today. This shift in perspective shapes how discipleship and involvement of children and young people in the body of Christ take place.A key aspect of the discussion is Berea, Soul Revival's internal ministry training hub, which was designed as an affordable and flexible model to supplement further theological study, disciple people publicly, and foster a collaborative approach to ministry. Berea was where the idea of the Shock Absorber originated, and embraces a teaching model that de-emphasises the expert and allows both top-down and bottom-up contributions. It creates a space where younger people can actively shape ministry while also learning alongside their leaders. By prioritising relationships over rigid institutional structures, Berea ensures that Soul Revival's culture is passed through generations while remaining firmly rooted in biblical truths and traditional church expressions.The discussion explores the importance of the third place strategy and engaging in training content within the context of community. Ministry is not only about imparting knowledge but also about creating spaces where people can wrestle with and apply theological ideas together.This approach has shaped Soul Revival from its early days, where the permission to explore new ideas became foundational. Berea now functions as the Shock Absorber of the church, balancing tradition with innovation. Drawing inspiration from movements like L'Abri, the 1960s social revolutions at Berkeley, and the Jesus Movement, it fosters an environment where young people's desire and ability to enact change can be harnessed within a biblical framework.Through an emphasis on Christian conviction, character, and competency, Berea unites generations in an ongoing conversation about what it means to be faithful Christians in today's world and acts as a safeguard for the church's teaching. Rather than simply replacing thought leadership over time, this model sustains it—preserving the gospel while allowing each generation to engage with it in meaningful ways.00:00 Intro and Tim's recently launched book: The Child in God's Church14:29 A strategy of in-house ministry training27:40 Embracing third place community in training32:53 The designer of holistic church strategy43:01 Continuing thought leadership rather than replacing itDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEGet The Child in God's ChurchYouthworksKoorongThe Wandering BooksellerAmazonAppleThe Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry, by Mark Senter IIIBerkeley in the SixtiesCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Tim, Joel and Stu chat Theology-Strategy-Practice for internal ministry training, based off Soul Revival's which is called Berea. They explore why teaching how to think—rather than what to think—is essential for Christian discipleship.They begin by unpacking Apple's controversial Crush ad for the iPad Pro, which sparked backlash for its destruction of cultural artefacts. The discussion moves beyond the ad itself to the broader issue of cultural erasure—how progressive movements often attempt to reset culture by dismissing the past. Historically, new ideas were met with skepticism, but in today's world, rapid cultural shifts are often embraced without question. Has Apple, once the disruptor, now become just another institution enforcing its own version of progress? And how do we prevent against the institutionalisation of ideas in the church?From there, the conversation shifts to the importance of internal training ministries within churches. Why should churches invest in spaces where people can wrestle with ideas rather than simply be told what to believe? This leads to the story of Berea, a ministry that began in Stu's house over 20 years ago. Inspired by the Jesus Movement of the 1960s, social movements out of Berkeley, and the intellectual community of L'Abri in Switzerland, Berea was built on the idea of setting aside time to ask, What does it look like to be a Christian today? and How should that shape ministry?The hosts then explore the core idea of Berea—focusing on how to think biblically while remaining grounded in Christian convictions. They discuss how bureaucracies often spread ideas while losing sight of founding principles, a problem that applies just as much to ministry as it does to government. Instead of institutionalising church practices, what if discipleship was built around relationships with God and each other? What if, rather than relying on structured courses and programs, churches created spaces where Christians could sit, read, and think deeply about Scripture? By reclaiming the pre-industrial revolution model of learning through apprenticeship, Berea has helped many rethink their theological convictions—sometimes even leading them to leave Soul Revival in love.Finally, they reflect on the ongoing nature of spiritual growth. Christians are called to continually expand their thoughts, affections, and feelings toward God. Learning doesn't stop—it's a lifelong pursuit.00:00 Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Apple's iPad Pro ad: Crushed18:47 Why even have an internal training ministry?20:42 The genesis of Berea43:06 How to think, not what to think01:28:00 We are called to never stop growingDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODECrush! | iPad Pro | AppleSocial media minimum age legislation passedThe Coming Revolution in Youth Ministry, by Mark Senter IIIThe Great Evangelical Disaster, by Francis SchaefferCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Theology-Strategy-Practice for ministry teams. Stu, Tim and Joel look at the practice element of ministry teams. They explore how friendship fuels the heart of ministry.They kick things off by reflecting on Wes Huff's appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience and the cultural shift toward appreciating Christianity's influence on the West. Is this a Bob Dylan or a Jesus Christ Superstar moment?From there, they dive into the often-quoted observation that 20% of the people in church do 80% of the work. Why is it critical to talk about who is serving in the body of Christ, and how can churches value people beyond just their contributions?They share how Soul Revival Church has intentionally moved away from a professionalised or approach to ministry teams and instead embraced the idea of “ministry as mates”—where friendship is foundational to serving together. When inviting someone to join a ministry, the question isn't “Can you fill this role?” but “Do you want to be friends with us?”They discuss how Soul Revival's 10 service teams operate across seven gatherings, balancing a hybrid model of generalist and specialist pastor ministry models. They explain how this structure—organised by the Soul Revival Council—creates a space for volunteers to serve well without turning church into another workplace. At Soul Revival, friendship is the cultural engine that powers everything from preventing burnout to building a vision of Christian community that loves and serves together.Finally, they take a deep dive into the logistics: how the coordinator model and ministry pairs allow service teams to grow organically, scaling from small beginnings to larger expressions of ministry. They also highlight how the Soul Revival Council ensures all ministries, big and small, have a voice.00:00 Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACTS: Wes Huff on Joe Rogan20:33 Who is serving the body of Christ?28:58 Friendship, service over professionalism34:52 Love being sincere. Creating something bigger than ourselves49:39 "Don't ask me to be friends with people"55:48 People don't want to turn up to work again1:08:20 Reducing frustration in churchesDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEJoe Rogan Experience #2252 - Wesley HuffAlex O'Connor on Wes Huff's episodeGavin Ortlund Wes Huff's episodeJoe Rogan Experience #2219 - Donald TrumpJoe Rogan Experience #2221 - JD VanceBob Dylan Recalls Moment He Met JesusAmy Grant Reflects on Christian Music Beginnings, Mainstream BreakoutThe Rest is History: ChristmasDominion: The Making of the Western Mind, by Tom HollandThe Purpose Driven Church, by Rick WarrenCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Theology-Strategy-Practice for ministry teams - this time it's strategy behind church ministry teams.The guys delve into Soul Revival's Strategy of ministry teams. Starting with cultural artefacts, debating the depiction of AI in fiction versus reality and sharing stories about our favorite libraries, setting the stage for a discussion on deeper societal reflections.Next, they explore insights from a chapter of Stu's PhD, focusing on how the church can influence each other's social life by allowing Jesus to guide our friendships and placing the Bible at the forefront. This leads them to reflect on the explicitly Christian approach of partnering with Jesus as He grows the church, emphasising spiritual growth over mere social or organisational efficiency.The discussion then shifts to church strategy. Are churches open to reevaluating their methods and finding their 'light bulb moment'? They explore the idea of embracing 'otherness'—building friendships across differences rather than settling in being pleasant strangers. By leaning into the concept of church as a 'third place' community, they consider how such inclusivity can bring glory to God. Instead, they propose a relational approach to ministry—doing it as friends—which, in today's culture, might seem counter-cultural to even Christians.Finally, they look at whether efficiency should be the core metric in measuring Christian ministry. and offer an alternative that has served Soul Revival well, where 70-80% of the congregation actively serves in it's 10 ministry teams: serving together as friends. They conclude with practical thoughts on fostering relational ministry, emphasising spending time together and building something greater than ourselves beyond just having efficient rosters at church.00:00 Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACTS: AI fact or fiction? Your favourite library09:44 Allowing church to influence social life18:35 Are churches open to considering their strategy?28:17 Ministry as friends is counter-cultural40:14 Is efficiency a good metric for Christian ministry?52:52 Something bigger than ourselves over efficient rostersDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE:Joel's episode on the Aspire podcastAaron Smith on The Shock AbsorberDonald Robinson Library at Moore CollegeState Library VictoriaNational Library of AustraliaThe Great Good Place, by Ray OldenburgL'AbriCONTACT US:Shock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Theology-Strategy-Practice for ministry teams, kicking things off by diving deep into the theology behind church ministry teams.Drawing from Ephesians 4 and Acts 6, Joel, Tim and Stu explore the Biblical foundation that shapes our understanding of ministry teams and the essential role of pastors as leaders who raise up others — both paid and unpaid — to serve and love the church community.They also tackle some pressing challenges facing modern churches: the decline of volunteerism, the professionalisation of ministry, and the misconception that paying someone to "do the job" will solve the problem. In many ways, churches have become so concerned with appearing professional and successful that there is a fear of appearing amateur.This episode raises critical questions: Is the decline in serving due to church structure or a symptom of cultural shifts? Why do we expect pastors to be experts at everything, and how does this align with the vision of the body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12? We discuss the pressures on pastors, the tension between generalist and specialist roles, and the emerging dynamic where churchgoers act more like consumers than active participants.Tim wraps things up with a powerful metaphor, likening ministry teams to dragon boating: everyone pulling together in rhythm, with the pastor beating the drum to keep the pace.

MINI-SERIES: Young People in the Church [PRACTICE]In this episode, Joel and Tim dive into the critical importance of practice in youth and children's ministry, exploring its role within Soul Revival's Theology-Strategy-Practice framework. They discuss how churches can be an essential pillar of stability for young people, providing relationships and networks that foster genuine community.They unpack the ways Christians have uncritically adopted industrialised models of faith formation and psycho-social development within church. They challenge the notion that children's faith is "incomplete" and argue that we're not waiting for kids to become Christians — they are fully part of the Kingdom and have a faith of their own.They also explore three of Soul Revival's key practices in youth and children's ministry as examples, youth leadership, leadership training and Kids Chill. These practices illustrate how fostering relational stability and a village-like community can help form faith more effectively. Ultimately, they emphasise that it takes a village not just to raise children, but to raise all of us, highlighting the need to reclaim community and relational stability within the church through Shock Absorber principles.00:00 Intro02:40 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Primary school concerts07:57 Institutionalised transition points created by schooling16:58 Faith formation has been uncritically mapped onto our industrialised society35:03 Breaking down some of Soul Revival youth and children's Practices58:30 Recapturing "It takes a village to raise a child"DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEIt Takes a Church to Raise a Parent, by Rachel TurnerCONTACT US:Shock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Young People in the Church [STRATEGY]In this episode of The Shock Absorber Podcast, Joel, Stu, and Tim explore the critical importance of strategy in youth and children's ministry as part of our Theology-Strategy-Practice framework. Strategy isn't optional—it's essential for creating meaningful, lasting ministry impact. Without it, churches risk creating transient, hollow experiences for young people, with disastrous consequences.After briefly reflecting on the movie Hidden Figures, the team delves into why having a clear strategy is often overlooked and why its absence can have a devastating effect on both young people's faith and the wider church community. A major issue is the transience often modeled to young people, which can destabilize their sense of commitment and support during transitional periods of life.The episode concludes with a discussion on how an intergenerational approach, including age-specific and family ministry, can bring stability. They explore how the Shock Absorber model of top-down and bottom-up ministry empowers young people to contribute to the church while drawing on the Biblical wisdom of older generations.00:00 Intro04:08 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Hidden Figures08:00 Strategy matters, it's not incidental18:47 No youth strategy can result in disastrous consequences27:22 Modelled transience is the problem32:48 Avoid a transient, hollowed out expression of church44:51 Age specific and family ministry belongs within church strategy51:19 Ministry that's top down and bottom up [The Shock Absorber]DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Rest is History, America in '68The Trial of the Chicago 7Hidden FiguresSteve John video on youth pastorsCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

MINI-SERIES: Young People in the ChurchTim, Stu, and Joel are back with a brand-new mini-series, exploring Soul Revival's framework of Theology, Strategy, and Practice.This series kicks off with a sneak peek into Tim's upcoming book, The Child in God's Church. Using it as a launchpad, the team dives into the theology of children and young people, reflecting on why God designed our growth and development the way He did. Could it be that He wants us to learn from young people? And why has He chosen for us to mature differently at each stage of life?Next, they delve into the concept of play and its integral role in discipleship. They explore the theological implications of embodying what we learn from God and His people through playful interactions and relational growth.Finally, the episode wraps up with personal anecdotes and a teaser for next week's discussion, which will focus on the Strategy of engaging young people in the church.00:00 Intro03:13 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: The Child in God's Church (Tim's upcoming book)10:05 Childness is not a deficit21:46 Does God want us to learn from young people?32:31 Theological consequences of living out what we learn47:38 Children are the church of today, not just tomorrowDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Spanish ArmadaDr. Jean Twenge booksJeremy FrischCONTACT USShock Absorber EmailShock Absorber WebsiteSoul Revival ShopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

What began as a quick dive into a cultural artefact evolved into a full episode exploration. Stu, Tim, and Joel examine the result of the 2024 U.S. election and the shifting dynamics of political ideas and class across the globe. They discuss how new media is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping election outcomes and public opinion. Together, they reflect on a Christian perspective that transcends political upheavals: no matter the power shifts on Earth, nothing can remove God from His throne.00:29 Class, ideas or identity politics?09:35 New media rules22:06 The ideas v class split has flipped33:07 How could you vote for...?46:57 There is nothing that can take God from His throneDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODETrump's America: His Comeback Victory Signals a Different Kind of CountryJoe Rogan Experience #2219 - Donald TrumpJoe Rogan Experience #2221 - JD VanceJoe Rogan Experience #2223 - Elon MuskKamala Harris Should Have Gone on Joe Rogan's ShowWTF with Marc Maron: President Barack Obama:May 68 Riots in ParisJohn Hewson - The GST InterviewCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In the final episode of their mini-series on meals, Joel, Tim and Jai discuss the implementation of meals at each Soul Revival gathering.Firstly, they explore the industrialisation of food production and increase in the number of scientifically backed meal replacements and productivity drinks. Drawing from their experience in church ministry, they discuss how a strong strategy with a flexible practice is required is the key to serving meals to over 500 people each week at church.This includes building teams to serve together, how meals are about sharing in the abundance of the Christian life together and how meals help Soul Revival members better live out the prescriptive elements of the Bible.00:40 CULTURAL ARTEFACTS: 2024 World Series, meal replacement drinks and food production15:01 Practice of meals in Jai and Tim's ministry (flexibility)19:27 Strong theology and strategy creates flexibility in practice24:43 The answer to feeding 500+ people a week at church34:51 How do you build teams to serve?49:25 Meals help us live out the prescriptive elements of the BibleDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE2024 World Series Game 5 highlightsHuelThe Man ShakeNeutonicAG1Ultra-Processed People, by Chris van TullekenIn the shadow of the fenceSlow Food MovementSpotify playlist: White Girl Music For The BoysCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim, Stu and Joel get together to discuss Soul Revival's strategy behind having meals at every Soul Revival gathering.After reminiscing on some food memories, namely finger food and meals at Soul Revival when it was a youth community, they get into the "how" of meals. They explore what it means to spend meaningful time together—by preparing and sharing meals, which feels counter-cultural in today's fast-paced world and most churches. The theology of serving in response to the Gospel is the heart of the strategy, where preparing and serving a meal is an example of being a living sacrifice, putting into practice the command of “love in action” from Romans 12.As church attendances in Australia continue to decrease and interactions become event-focused and short-lived, they examine how meals are an expression of church where non-Christians can be invited to rather than exporting discipleship off the main gathering through Bible studies and mission via courses.They wrap up the discussion with some thoughts on the joy of serving together as friends under Jesus.03:11 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: 70's finger food and fellowship teas12:32 Memories of sharing meals together20:34 Preparing meals requires costly discipleship34:07 Meals an expression of church to invite non-Christians to (Acts 2)46:45 Mix of regulars and irregulars form a community 55:27 The joy in service under JesusDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEStop Googling, Let's Talk (7 minute conversations)Oldenburg's Third Place TheoryAustralian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry [Tim on Oldenburg's Third Place Theory]CONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In this episode of the Shock Absorber, Stu, Tim, and Joel delve into the theology behind incorporating meals into all Soul Revival gatherings. They explore the practical and spiritual significance of sharing meals, grounded in the spiritual calling that we are called to be living sacrifices, expressing unity in Christ and serving one another. What begins with a discussion on the Hindenburg (05:23) turns into the question of whether the theology of meals is prescriptive or descriptive in Scripture (15:15). This leads to an examination of Paul's exhortation in Romans 12 to offer ourselves as living sacrifices and the role of meals in expressing that calling (21:45). This includes how sharing meals is not about satisfying hunger, rather about fostering unity and carrying each other's burdens (31:49). Finally, they close with a call to transform our thinking to be living sacrifices, prioritising serving others over being served at church (46:51).DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Hidden Hindenburg: The Untold Story of the Tragedy, the Nazi Secrets, and the Quest to Rule the Skies, by Michael McCarthy V-1 flying bombV-2 rocketHindenburg DisasterThe Anxious Generation, by Jonathan HaidtPatch AdamsCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Stu and Joel are back to discuss where the Shock Absorber will be heading in the next few months (00:00).As the 2024 Presidential Race heats up (02:46), they take a look at the candidates embracing new media in the lead up to the vote. Then, Stu shares insights from his recent overseas trip, offering a fresh perspective on global issues (30:38).They shift gears to explore what's next for the Shock Absorber (33:37), including exciting plans for future episodes followed by a theological underpinning of Soul Revival's approach to church, drawing from Romans 12 to connect theology, strategy, and practice (35:12).DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODELex FridmanMusk Is Going All In to Elect TrumpThe Reputation of Roger AilesGround NewsThe Bill Simmons PodcastWTF Pod with Marc MaronJoe Rogan Experience #1330 with Bernie SandersJoe Rogan Experience #1999 with Robert F. KennedyHistory of podcastingMamamiaCall Her Daddy podcastCall Her Daddy with Kamala HarrisEric Weinstein on kayfabeWWE Battle of the Billionaires: Trump v Mr McMahonPaul Keating's best momentsRecollections Of A Bleeding Heart, by Don WatsonSeinfeld Trump on wind turbinesBreaking Points Matt Taibbi SubstackGlenn Greenwald SubstackBreaking out of the legacy media's death spiral, by Joel McMasterCenter Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City, by Tim KellerCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In this episode of the Shock Absorber, the guys dive into a range of topics that related to church planting given Joey (Ryde gathering) and Jai (Yarrawarrah and Cronulla gatherings) were on the episode.They start with a number of cultural artefacts—including a discussion on the new Extremely Large Telescope in Chile, a documentary on WWE's Mr. McMahon, and the biography of John Paton (01:04).The guys then focus on iterative church planting and its role in shaping long-term growth (19:28), then highlight the struggles church planters face, particularly when reaching out to diverse demographics and adapting to varying contexts (32:49).As the conversation progresses, they share thoughts on what lies ahead for the church plants they are responsible for in 2025 (43:23). They episode concludes with practical advice aimed at current and aspiring church planters, emphasising the importance of perseverance and flexibility (48:23).DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe ReplacementsThe Extremely Large TelescopeThe RingerAndre the Giant documentaryMr McMahon documentaryLogan Paul's Best WWE MomentsJohn G Paton: Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary to the New HebridesEmpire podcastSilk Roads: A New History of the World, by Peter FrankopanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In this episode of the Shock Absorber podcast, Tim and Joel they explore key cultural and spiritual issues affecting the modern world. We begin by discussing how sub-cultures that used to be characterised by rebelliousness and aggressiveness are becoming less tribal (01:28). Next, inspired by Jonathan Haidt's post, they delve into the hypocrisy of tech CEOs changes how we are thinking about technology and smart phone use (06:53). Such use can turn into another form of addiction, which is counter-formative to a life in the Spirit (21:20). They also return to two books (Crisis of Confidence and Scandal of the Evangelical Mind) and one new book (The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind) to tackle hyper-individualised self-expression and its impact on community (35:14), followed by a discussion on how a lack of an agreed-upon evangel is stymying evangelical thought leadership (51:45). Finally, they close with the critical need for curiosity and conviction as Christians navigate the world (1:02:08)DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEAfter Babel: The Worst Argument That Social-Media Companies Use to Defend ThemselvesTristan Harris on the need to change the incentives of social media companies2021 Common Sense CensusCrisis of Confidence, by Carl TruemanRise & Triumph of the Modern Self, by Carl TruemanThe Hives' Howlin' Pelle Almqvist and Nicholaus Arson in Studio QThe Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, by Carl TruemanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim and Joel dive into the world of football, ministry, and evangelical thought!They start with wide-ranging discussion on football, from the history of Adidas and Puma, World Cup Finals, the Danubian effect on football's development as well as the unique ownership structures of German clubs.They then chat about Tim's Book Club, where they are exploring Children's Ministry and the Spiritual Child. We talk about moving from children's ministry controlling behaviour to fostering relational discipleship. The importance of “holy curiosity” and how to create a ministry environment where kids develop a lasting love for Jesus.Finally, they dive into Mark Noll's classic work, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, and its exploration of evangelical thought leadership. They discuss how the evangelical community has excelled in certain areas but has often lacked intellectual engagement in fields like business, biology, and economics, and how fundamentalism and Enlightenment thinking have shaped this.00:00 Intro01:42 Tim's running app, Adidas/Puma split, football chat21:37 A relational model becomes more attractive to children in the long term44:14 The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind and integrating evangelical thinking54:34 Have Christians become more nuanced?DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE1954 World Cup Final1974 World Cup FinalSC Freiburg2001 FA Cup FinalSt. Pauli sausage trainExplaining the Bundesliga's 50+1 ruleWhy RB Leipzig is the most hated soccer team in the BundesligaThe issues with multi-club ownershipThomas Piketty and the decline of footballChildren's Ministry and the Spiritual Child, by Robin Turner & Trevecca OkholmThe Scandal of the Evangelical Mind, by Mark A. NollWilliam Lane CraigBiblical Critical Theory, by Christopher WatkinChristopher WatkinCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In the latest episode of the Shock Absorber podcast, Tim shares exciting news as he joins the Soul Revival staff full-time! He opens up about his new role and what he's most looking forward to as he embarks on this new chapter.Tim also reflects on his departure from Youthworks by discussing his "9 Points on the Future of Youth and Children's Ministry." He shares his insights on how the future of ministry is evolving to be more slow, pagan, and intergenerational. He emphasises the importance of acknowledging that child faith is real, holistic, and often ad-hoc. Finally, he highlights the church's role as a communal, essential, and participatory space for spiritual growth.00:00 Intro02:29 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Thrasher | My War12:25 Tim joins Soul Revival full time and what he's looking forward to24:50 Tim's 9 Points: The future is ad-hoc36:55 Tim's 9 Points: The church is participatory40:13 Tim's 9 Points: The future is slowDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEYouthworks House ConferenceThrasher | My WarThe Loop ft. Tony Hawk & Mat Hoffman (2001) | JackassThe Effective Ministry PodcastQuin's Chip Lunch episodeCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In a shorter episode of the Shock Absorber podcast, Stu and Joel dive into a range of insightful questions about how Soul Revival approaches ministry. They explore the dynamics of different congregation sizes, discuss the language used to describe them, and the importance of targeting your base effectively before expanding. They also chat about Stu's 13 years of church planting experience, reflecting on the pitfalls they've encountered, including the challenges of balancing tradition with modern cultural adaptation. The conversation touches on the use of the Bible as a grounding reference point and the lessons learned from trying to launch multiple gatherings simultaneously. They also emphasise the value of iterative design, where setbacks are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures, and the difficulty in knowing when to persist or pivot.00:00 Intro00:58 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: U.S. National Conventions06:23 Sizes of congregations11:00 The pitfalls of church planting over the last 13 yearsDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe West WingCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Join Stu, Tim, and Joel as they dive into the Christian moments that stood out at the 2024 Olympic Games. They also tackle some intriguing questions Stu has about Soul Revival's approach to church planting, youth ministry and growth. Hear about the rationale behind Soul Revival's decision to start a Friday night gathering and how they're crafting a natural path for young people at church.Plus, they explore the concept of 'moderate intergenerationality' and its crucial role in Soul Revival's strategic vision. Don't miss this insightful discussion!00:00 Intro01:17 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Christians at the Paris 2024 Olympics11:20 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Christian marketing appropriation16:02 Building a church from a youth ministry24:49 Structuring church for youth to grow up into38:08 The Bible is key to youth transitions50:41 Moderate intergenerational means accommodation amongst the generationsDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE‘Conditions were perfect': how the breathtaking image of Olympic surfer Gabriel Medina was takenThe Top Christian Highlights of the Paris OlympicsHow photographers captured the Trump assassination attemptTim Tebow Has No Regrets About How His Faith May Have Impacted His NFL CareerCordano Russell's "Jesus is King!"ENC MinistriesKenda Creasy DeanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

In Part 5 of our Resilient Disciples series, Stu, Tim and Joel dive into the Last Supper death work showcased at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony and explore how Christians can respond with both sorrow and love in the face of God being mocked.They also unpack how being a resilient disciple involves living counter-culturally and partnering with God in His mission to make more disciples. As the world grows increasingly secular and Christians become a minority, it's crucial to resist the temptation to conform church practices and ourselves to societal norms. Instead, we're called to return to the example of the early Christians, embracing the counter-cultural nature of our faith and supporting one another in our shared mission with God.00:00 Intro01:33 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: The Olympics Last Supper17:02 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Blues Brothers21:58 Individualism has lead to entitlement in the church29:39 Transformed to counter-intuitively work together43:25 A lack of surprise that Christians are mocked51:40 Just a Christian version of everybody else1:00:33 The shift of Christians not being in the minority1:05:52 Going to church is the counter-cultural distinctiveDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEAlexamenos GraffitoParis 2024 Last SupperBlues BrothersJean TwengeDoes Money Make You Mean? by Paul PiffPiss ChristMoonbah FestivalCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim and Joel look at the fourth practice of Resilient Faith from Faith for Exiles which leads them on a discussion of how we can encourage Christians to be disciples in all aspects of their life, including their vocation. Have we handled the discussion well? Are we helping people bridge the divide between the sacred and the secular?Younger generations are becoming more ambitious because of the culture, but how can we help them pursue goodness, truth and beauty when they are at school and work?"I work for Jesus and get paid by Toyota"- Jack Hollis, Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor North America00:00 Intro01:17 Week Away 202409:00 CULTURAL ARTEFACTS: Holiday Round-Up33:00 Bridging the sacred and secular divide47:00 The ambitions of younger generations54:55 Calling is about the goodness, truth and beautyDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODECal NewportUltra-Processed People, by Chris Van TullekenLiquid DeathSporting Intelligence SubstackThe Rest is HistoryFaith for Exiles, by Dave Kinnaman & Mark MatlockThink Biblically podcastCity Bible ForumCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Resiliency in discipleship is the name of the game as Stu, Tim and Joel chat about how intergenerational relationships can improve it, based on the research in Faith for Exiles.Are rosters and a highly specialised church environment lead us to only be pleasant strangers? The Bible calls us to be more than that where the church community can be transformed by the Spirit's sanctification. The problem is, we get lonelier and lonelier as a society. Intentional, meaningful relationships can be the antidote.00:00 Intro02:46 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Biblical Critical Theory26:20 The choice we get, the lonelier we get30:15 Meaningful relationships and outward looking friendships36:27 Intentionality and presence in forming relationships45:49 Intergenerational relationships produce greater resilience52:41 Community transformation through the Spirit1:02:07 Problems with a specialised church environment1:15:12 Dave educates us on early commercial airlinesDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODECoddling of the American Mind, by Jonathan HaidtThe Anxious Generation, by Jonathan HaidtFaith for Exiles, by Dave Kinnaman and Mark MatlockYoung Catholics defy Pope, choose Latin as rift grows in Australia's biggest churchPan AM Clipper Magic with Boeing 707 1958CONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim and Joel as sit down with Anthony, who, along with his wife Trudi, is preparing to move to Ethiopia. Partnering with CMS and Kale Heywet Church, their attention is to equip and develop future leaders in the country.In this episode, Anthony shares the story behind their call to Africa, highlighting the incredible work God has already done and continues to do in Ethiopia. He gives us an insight into country's life, traditions, cultural practices and religious heritage but also real-life stories of how the gospel in changing people's lives in the region.00:00 Intro02:46 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Biblical Critical Theory11:16 How do you best serve God?16:19 Culture shocks and being in new places29:30 Theological training and wholistic faith38:19 The Ethiopian Orthodox Church45:21 The impact of the gospel on Ethiopian society58:11 Civil unrest and partnering alongside Christians in Ethiopia1:02:05 What has changed in Ethiopia1:10:52 Supporting Anthony & TrudiDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEAnthony & Trudi's CMS pageBiblical Critical Theory, by Christopher WatkinCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Joel and Stu chat about why cultural discernment is an essential skill of a resilient disciple and what kind of posture we can adopt towards it and be equipped to engage with it?Key to this is applying Biblical wisdom, but in a world where we are educated by search engine, what place does wisdom have and will it even be listened to? How do we build the muscles of cultural discernment - slow down and make room for conversation.00:00 Intro07:08 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Come Fly With Me16:58 Cultural discernment in digital Babylon26:36 A creative posture towards the world33:59 Does wisdom still have value?39:50 Equipped to engage - avoiding being frenetic or fraughtDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEAustralia Come Fly With MeJustine ClarkeSpaceX SuperHeavy LandingMotorsport Magazine podcastCONTACT US:Shock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim, Joel and Fi talk about what it takes to be a resilient disciple because God doesn't owe us an easy life.Resiliency reveals itself through a certain form of resistance, which as a Christian, can only come from an intimate relationship with Jesus. The book Faith for Exiles helps the discussion on what gets in the way of that relationship - religious clutter, individualism, layering Jesus over the top of what's cultural acceptable.00:00 Intro01:15 The Second Best Rescue + Silo + Bonhoeffer19:56 Resiliency is...33:15 The intimacy loop with Jesus40:17 Clearing religious clutter46:13 Brand Me, Brand Jesus54:58 Does our life reflect our commitment to Jesus?DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODESquare One CampAwesome God, by Rich MullinsSiloBonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric MetaxasFaith for Exiles by David Kinnaman & Mark MatlockDeeper, by Dane C. OrtlundCONTACT US:Shock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim and Joel continue the discussion on the intersection of technology and discipleship. Topics range from applying Vygotsky's theories to faith formation, a Christian response to the creator economy, and whether we exist in a digital Babylon in Australia as posited by Mark Matlock and Davie Kinnaman in their book Faith For Exiles.00:00 Intro01:15 Tim's expedition to Chicago14:36 Applying Vygotsky's theories in faith formation26:06 Dangers of the creator economy and a Christian response49:24 Discipling in a digital Babylon when gospel inoculation is commonDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEChildren's Spirituality SummitLev VygotskyJean PiagetHow I Became A Full-Time Youtuber From a Garden ShedMatt D'AvellaAli AbdaalAlex Hormozi Joel's SubstackDavid KinnamanFaith for Exiles, by Mark Matlock and Dave KinnamanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim, Fi and Joel are here to discuss video games and what the difference is between escapism and rest. Where do video games and other forms of escapism fit into the ordered, disordered and unordered parts of the world? And are we bypassing God's intended order for our productivity and contribution to the world?00:00 - Intro01:04 - CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Twitch Jesus and streamers13:43 - If we need to escape, something is wrong27:10 - "The definition of failure is to succeed at something that doesn't matter"39:03 - Order, disorder and unordered52:28 - Bypassing God's orderDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODETwitch JesusTwitch.tvJimmy BroadbentiRacingThe Artful DodgerCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Stu, Tim and Joel are back together to discuss individualism, progress for progress' sake and how it affects mission and discipleship.Why do we shy away from costly discipleship? Why are we reticent to do hard things when we know it's the only way to grow? Are we becoming less reliant on each other as we become more reliant on technology?Some of the answers lie in a willingness to open our lives and serve each other. Some answers lie in a possibly diminished the scope of discipleship and mission at church, and how can we do more about it.00:00 - Intro01:56 - Progress for the sake of progress17:48 - Discipleship assumptions around age25:13 - Has church become like the movies?40:36 - What does costly discipleship mean?55:17 - The scope of discipleship and mission at church1:02:00 How do we encourage people to open their lives more?DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODECatholic Group Defrocks AI Priest After It Gave Strange AnswersBoston Dynamics Unveils Fully Electric Atlas Humanoid RobotUsing Apple Vision Pro: What It's Actually Like!Tesla's Optimus - Gen 2CONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Stu is back from writing leave and joins Fi and in continuing the discussion on discipleship. They re-iterate that the most important thing is a personal relationship with God, but then move on to discuss how that relationship can be expressed individually and corporately.There are formal and informal ways of doing it, and perhaps some have been lost because either mission and discipleship can be found missing at church these days. They go on to discuss the practicalities of that and how we can encourage Christians to be outward looking rather than inward looking.00:00 - Intro01:15 - CULTURAL ARTEFACTS: Radio Birdman & Imola 199417:33 - Express individually then corporately33:01 - Formal and informal as we await heaven44:40 - Missing discipleship AND mission50:11 - Inward looking vs. outward lookingDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODERadio BirdmanAnd Colossally That's History1994 San Marino Grand PrixSussanna Wesley's Prayer ApronChip Lunch feat. CourtneyCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim and Joel continue the discussion on discipleship and how our approach has been clouded by the rise of individualism and how personal habits more often than not trump corporate habits. Such a current worldview leads to an assumption that discipleship is only an individual pursuit , but conversely, we are also designed by God to be corporate Christians.00:00 - Intro01:26 - The Third Space Studio14:07 - CULTURAL ARTEFACTS25:22 - Literacy lost or the rise of individualism?43:57 - Corporate discipleship is as important as individual56:58 - Discipleship must be hard1:04:41 - Individual and corporate discipleship togetherDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODECal NewportModern WisdomKung Fu Panda 4The Secret Race, by Tyler HamiltonBiblical Literacy in a Postliterate Age, by Brad EastDouble Literacy Loss, by Brad EastRise and Triumph of the Modern Self, by Carl TruemanDominion: The Making of the Western Mind, by Tom HollandCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Fi drops into the Shock Absorber to continue the discussion with Joel and Tim on discipleship and growth. They talk about how there is something wrong if we aren't growing as Christians and that is healthy to have the expectation of continual growth. They also discuss that it is essential to be in community to grow because we are made for and need each other.00:00 - Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACTS18:54 - There's something wrong if you're not growing29:37 - There must be an expectation of growth35:54 - How do you know if you are growing?47:34-  Commitment is key to growth59:42 - Being in community is required, not optionalDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEAlex Rider seriesAlex Rider on Amazon PrimeJohan CruyffPep GuardiolaRinus MichelsPositionismRelationismBayern's Loss is Germany's Game, by Katja HoyerDon Bradman's batting techniqueGermany revamp youth football with 2vs2, four goals, no keepers - and no counting scoreCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim and Joel re-convene to discuss the much talked about topic in Christian circles: discipleship. What is it? Do we grow beyond the initial growth? Has the post-industrial world mechanised and intellectualised it so much that we are allowing it to be what God intends it to be?They talk about how discipleship can be spiritual growth in community and know that in his complexity God shows us the way...00:00 - Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACTS19:23 - What even is discipleship?32:57 - How do you know you're discipling?39:44 - Pushing beyond the initial stages of Christian growth1:06:25 - Individual spiritual growth in community1:18:10 - God is BOTHDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODESkilletA World Without Email, by Cal NewportSlow Productivity, by Cal NewportCalendlyBasecampHeyCrisis in Discipleship with Carey Nieuwhof and John Mark ComerRyan HolidayJohn Mark ComerMastery, by Robert GreeneThe Critical Journey, by Janet Hagberg & Robert GuelichRobert GouletCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

This week we bring you an episode from Soul Revival Church's other podcast - Chip Lunch. Our most recent guest was Craig Pring, who is part of the leadership team at Miranda Congregational Church.Hear about how God has worked through Craig's life and also his perspective on why Miranda Congregational Church looked to establish a relationship with Soul Revival and what ultimately lead to MCC voting to become part of Soul Revival.

Following the book launch of Australian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry, Joel, Tim and Joey discuss a more wholistic approach to teaching young people about sin. We don't do good actions to please God, but because our identity is in Christ and how children can gain solidarity as Christians in secular environment.They then re-visit a previous episode on sleep and ministry thanks to a great email from Erich and discuss sleep chronotypes and further strategies of taking care of the body.00:00 - Intro and CULTURAL ARTEFACTS15:44 - Australian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry + Children's Ministry24:40 - How do we teach young people about sin?39:47 - Re-visiting sleep, busyness and ministry52:53 - Question from Erich and helpful strategiesDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEFriends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, by Matthew PerryThe Nineties: A Book, by Chuck KlostermanWho Shot Mr. Burns?From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, by Arthur BrooksThe GentlemenLock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsSnatchLayer CakeThe Pastor's Heart: Theologically rethinking youth ministryAustralian Evangelical Perspectives on Youth Ministry: Identity, Church, Culture, and DiscipleshipYouthworks House ConferenceTHE SHOCK ABSORBER: Are You Sleepwalking Through MinistrySleep ChronotypesCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Tim returns to the podcast to initially chat about his upcoming trip to Chicago but also to discuss how art and even entertainment has been subsumed by a distracted and addicted culture. Which leads to the question: Do Christians first need to critique culture in order to create it? And how have changes in culture impacted children and decisions we now make as parents...00:00 - Intro & Tim's impending trip to Chicago15:45 - CULTURAL ARTEFACT: The State of Culture in 202438:00 - Philosophy-Art-Music-Culture-Theology41:03 - Do we first need to critique culture to create it?49:03 - Not all technological change is progress59:12 - Kids, Safety-ism & social contagionDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEChildren's Spirituality SummitTEDSState of the Culture, 2024, by Ted GioiaNerdrotic  The Critical Drinker Robin Hood: Men in TightsGreg LaurieThe Anxious Generation, by Jonathan HaidtJonathan Haidt SubstackSnow White and the Evil QueenThe Super Mario Bros. MovieCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Sleep or lack of, can often be over-spiritualised but if we don't sleep are we actually trusting God?Brayden joins Joel and Stu to discuss rest for those working in ministry, and in particular sleep. They talk about different ways culture has disrupted sleep but also what changes you can implement to get a good night's rest despite the variables ministry throws up.00:00 Intro03:28 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: ExxonValdez oil spill09:16 Disruptions to sleep24:55 How ministry can affect sleep32:17 A lifetime of sustainable ministry51:55 Be willing to experimentDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEZoolanderChip Lunch podcast playlistExxonValdez oil spillDeepwater Horizon explosionSeasonal Affective DisorderPastoral Ministry and the Struggle to Sleep, by Christopher AshAndrew Huberman's morning routineCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Long time Soul Revivalist Fiona makes her debut on the podcast as they discuss whether Taylor Swift may be re-uniting the generations with her music and culture. Is it because she is viewed as being safe by parents? Or because parents are fearful of losing the relationship with their kids?They also talk about friendships and how they are formed and the impact they can, doing ministry together as a family builds intimacy and how it's not about forcing children to come to church but about being church.00:00 Intro03:00 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: The Breakfast Club "Why are you being so nice to me?"05:48 Being friends and power dynamics20:55 Is Taylor Swift re-uniting the generations?36:55 Parents fear losing their kids45:16 Ministry together breeds family intimacyDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEThe Breakfast Club makeover sceneChuck KlostermanLet There Be Rock, by AC/DCWhy Americans Stopped Hanging Out, by Derek ThompsonCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Jon Dunbier from Grace Anglican Church joins the podcast to discuss IGM and unintended consequences of a variety of church and cultural changes and the Frankenstein type church communities they often create.They again delve into creating Christian cultural goods whether that means teaching Christians to be resilient, making church exciting with those who are committed to be there or moving forward together under Christ instead romanticising about days gone by.They round up the episode with some quickfire practical advice thoughts around intergenerational ministry.00:00 Intro01:20 Soul Revival Church and Grace Church04:36 CULTURAL ARTEFACT: Faith, Hope and Carnage13:06 Causes and prevention of ministry drop off points37:51 Unintended consequences of church, culture1:03:03 Frankenstein church communities1:19:44 Sin is sin1:31:37 Quickfire practical adviceDISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEGrace Anglican ChurchFaith, Hope and Carnage, by Nick Cave and Sean O'HaganBit of a Blur, by Alex JamesRadio BirdmanCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here

Joel accidentally introduces the podcast as Chip Lunch. That's our other podcast which you can listen to here.Following the He Gets Us Campaign during the Super Bowl, Stu, Tim, and Joel look at what it means to have both truth and love when presenting the gospel - when does it turn into a caricature? And when is one or other missing when Jesus is both?The discussion then takes a turn into the differences between copying culture and creating culture. How will the gospel message be received and is it enough on it's own?00:00 Intro 01:38 He Gets Us Super Bowl Commercial17:31 Do people know the meaning behind washing feet?31:58 Speaking the truth in love38:15 The difference between creating and copying culture47:09 How is the message received?1:02:02 What commercial would you make?DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODEHe Gets Us Super Bowl CommercialState Farm Super Bowl CommercialBMW Super Bowl CommercialDunkin' Donuts Super Bowl CommercialTooth & Nail RecordsMac v PC commercialsBlack Panther PartyAntonio GramsciHegemonyCONTACT USShock Absorber Email: joel@shockabsorber.com.auShock Absorber Website: shockabsorber.com.auSoul Revival Shop: soulrevival.shopCheck out what else Soul Revival is up to here