Podcast appearances and mentions of christian formation

We all want approval... and the question we ask and wonder about is this: Does God approve of me? 

Discipline never feels great as we're going through it, but when we experience God's discipline in our lives we can trust that it shows we're loved, that we belong, and that it's for our good.

To follow Jesus is to reorient your entire life around him. It's not self-love, absolute freedom, or chasing desires—it's self-denial, binding commitment, and daily surrender. He invites us not just to believe, but to walk closely with him into true abundance.

Dr. Cheryl Bridges Johns – distinguished visiting professor at United Theological Semianry and professor of Christian Formation at Pentecostal Theological Seminary for 35 years –  is a long-time friend of The Art of Holiness, and of me. She has been a great mentor over the years. You can find three other conversations with her in our vault so look them up. Today, we are also joined by her husband, Dr. Jackie David Johns, professor of practical Theology at Pentecostal Theological Seminary for 40 years. Together, they have written books, pastored congregations and raised great kids. Today, they come to talk about their latest project – a tremendous resource for pastors and laypeople alike –  Encountering the Living Word: Relational Inductive Bible Study.

In this episode, the Pastors' Wives sit down with their new friend, Dr. Josh Morgan. Josh is the proud husband of a pastor's wife and brings nearly two decades of ministry experience, along with a doctorate in Christian Formation and Discipleship. His heart beats for helping struggling believers feel close to God again, and he's shared the life-changing power of Jesus with millions through his engaging digital content.Together, they dive into how church leaders can support believers on the fringes of faith—those wrestling with doubt, deconstruction, or feeling disconnected. Josh also shares a fun and unexpected connection to Home Improvement's beloved Al Borland, adding a dose of nostalgia and humor to the conversation.This episode is full of laughter, encouragement, and practical insight on loving post-deconstruction Christians well.Follow Along with Josh:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuasethmorgan/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuasethmorgan8ish Minute Podcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/8ish-minute-bible-study/id1802397670Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6NpJhVt3rDuC51uWIzmZND?si=54f40601364242bd&nd=1&dlsi=90ec44c04c8e41f9To purchase the BOOK, head here: ⁠https://pastorswivestellall.com/book⁠⁠To shop our MERCH, head here: ⁠https://pastorswivestellall.com/shop⁠⁠Want to support the Pastors' Wives Tell All podcast ministry? Become a patron: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/pastorswivestellall ⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE: ⁠Sign up⁠ for our email list and receive updates on new episodes, free gifts, and all the fun! Email sign up ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!CONTACT US: ⁠hello@pastorswivestellall.com⁠⁠FOLLOW US:Website: ⁠⁠pastorswivestellall.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@pastorswivestellall⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@pastorswivestellall⁠⁠JESSICA:Instagram: ⁠⁠@jessica_taylor_83⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@come_away_missions⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@do_good_project__⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠Come Away Missions⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Do Good Project⁠⁠Websites: ⁠⁠Do Good Project⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Come Away Missions⁠⁠JENNA:Instagram: ⁠⁠@jennaallen⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@jennaallendesign⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@JennaAllenDesign⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠Jenna Allen Design⁠⁠STEPHANIE:Instagram: ⁠⁠@msstephaniegilbert⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠I Literally LOL⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠Stephanie Gilbert⁠

Click here (https://incarnation.org/) to check out Church of the Incarnation, where Jordan serves as Priest of Christian Formation.

Romans 12:10 instructs us to "honor one another above ourselves" but what does this actually mean? In this final installment, Pastor Ricky Ortiz breaks down what it looks like to honor one another in the same way that Jesus has honored us.

Showing hospitality is a Biblical command given to us all of us believers by God, and it's something Jesus modeled for us in clear and demonstrable ways.

Send us a text In this episode from the Village Church's sermon podcast, Pastor Susan Cepin continues our teaching series on the Hot Seat Model. This model—crafted by her husband, Pastor Eric Cepin—is designed to help people slow down, pay attention to their emotional reactions, and begin tracing them back to the false beliefs shaping their lives. It also creates space to hear the voice of the Gospel, especially where it stands in sharp contrast to the Enemy's heavy-handed lies. Pastor Susan walks us through what it looks like to sit across from the Enemy, recognize his tactics, and stand our ground in the truth of Christ. Support the showThe Village Church's sermon podcast is more than just a weekly message. It is an invitation into the great and ongoing story of God's work in the world. Pastors Eric, Mark, Susan, Daniel, and other leaders open the Scriptures not as a collection of abstract ideas but as the living, breathing witness to God's kingdom breaking into our midst. Each episode is a call—not merely to listen, but to take part, to step forward into the life of faith with renewed vision and purpose. Week by week, the pastors and leaders explore the deep rhythms of Christian discipleship—prayer, fasting, generosity—not as isolated duties but as part of a larger, richer, and more beautiful whole. They unpack these ancient practices in light of Jesus himself, the one in whom heaven and earth have come together. But they also turn their attention to the realities of everyday life—relationships, finances, the struggles and joys of being human—demonstrating how the gospel is not merely about what we believe but about how we live as God's renewed people in the present age. The Village Churchvillagersonline@gmail.comMore information at www.villagersonline.com

For too long, we've missed the mark on knowing what it means and what it looks like to grieve with one another. 

The goal of this episode is to help encourage Christians to prepare themselves better to engage with God on a Sunday through the sermon.ResourcesChristian Formation Episodes109 - How to Come to ChurchHow to listen to a sermon:HumblyHungry/EagerlyExpectantlyThoughtfullyWorshipfullyConnect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

What if Christians, and the Church, became the most encouraging group of people and the most encouraging place possible? We're called to encourage one another, and in this message, Pastor Ricky Ortiz shares what's required for us to encourage one another!

The goal of this episode is to help people see the power and gift of preaching sermons in the local church.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

Series :: Exodus - Part 3: Show Me Your GloryExodus 34:29-35 :: Andrew Rutten03–09–25 :: Sunday Gatheringprovidenceomaha.orgFacebook InstagramYouTube

In this sermon, Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt explores Hebrews 2, presenting a four-part framework to explain the gospel: God made it all, we lost it all, Jesus gave it all, and we get it all. He begins by reflecting on the Psalm 8 reference in Hebrews, highlighting the profound truth that humanity was created with glory and honor, entrusted with God's authority over creation. However, Pastor Kandt contrasts this biblical view with secular perspectives, arguing that while secularism offers a diminished view of human worth, Scripture presents humanity as divinely endowed with purpose and dignity.He then addresses the fall of humanity, explaining how sin led to humanity losing its authority, effectively handing power over to the devil. This brokenness is visible in the fear, anxiety, and shame that permeate human experience. Yet, the heart of the message is the redemptive work of Jesus, who took on human flesh to destroy the power of sin and death. Pastor Kandt emphasizes that Jesus' sacrifice restores what was lost, offering believers unshakable confidence in God's love and authority. The sermon concludes by reminding listeners that Jesus is not ashamed to call believers His brothers and sisters, freeing them from fear and shame so they can live boldly, fully embracing the victory and glory granted through Christ.

Drew Williams concludes the Cornerstone U Christian Formation series this week with the sixth session in the series titled "Reach the End."

Zach Carnell continues the Cornerstone U Christian Formation series this week with the fifth session in the series on "Enemies of Our Souls".

In this episode we seek to compel people that the room we gather in matters, and how we gather is both theological and spiritual.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this week's message, Pastor Ricky Ortiz shares the first idol we need to smash: the idol of Security! And when it comes to this idol, the question you have to ask is: Is This a Lie?

"How can I be created in the image of God if God is male?"   About today's speaker: Charissa Simmons is Canon for Spiritual Formation at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. She is passionate about helping children to articulate their innate sense of God's presence, and loves to create opportunities for children and adults to experience and wonder about God together. Charissa holds a BA in biology from Pacific Lutheran University, a certificate in Christian Formation from the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, and is a trainer for the Godly Play Foundation. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

Heaven & Nature Sing with Hannah AndersonAdvent invites us to enter into the joy of the season through rhythms of remembrance, renewal, and waiting. But often, our very familiarity with the Advent story can leave us dulled to the miracle and joy of the season.In her book of Advent reflections, Heaven and Nature Sing, author Hannah Anderson invites us all into a fresh reading of the Christmas story by drawing together 25 meditations on the beauty of creation:“What I believe creation invites us back to is reorienting ourselves, not only to God, but to our environment and perhaps even to our own bodies and to ourselves. And so when we are giving our attention to the patterns and rhythms and cycles of creation it has the potential to be an access point for some deeper truths that maybe we've forgotten or we've overlooked.” - Hannah AndersonThis podcast is an edited version of a conversation recorded in fall of 2022. Learn more about Hannah Anderson.Episode outline00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Advent01:51 Introducing Hannah Anderson and Her Work02:28 The Inspiration Behind 'Heaven and Nature Sing'04:39 Attentiveness to Creation and Its Lessons07:57 The Link Between Caring for Creation and Others11:58 The Legend of the First Christmas Tree15:27 Jesus' Birth and the Concept of Habitat19:11 The Brutality and Honesty of Nature22:49 Reconnecting with Nature in Modern Times26:49 Practical Steps to Attune to Nature29:32 Closing Thoughts and Poem31:07 Final Farewell and Podcast InformationAuthors and books mentioned in the conversation:All That's Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment, by Hannah AndersonThe Turning of Days: Lessons from Nature, Season, and Spirit, by Hannah AndersonHeaven and Nature Sing, by Hannah AndersonAn Immense World, by Ed YongRelated Trinity Forum Readings:Bright Evening Star, by Madeleine L'EnglePilgrim at Tinker Creek, by Annie DillardBabette's Feast, by Isak DinesenA Christmas Carol, by Charles DickensThe Gift of the Magi and Two Thanksgiving Gentlemen, by O. HenryGod's Grandeur: the Poems of Gerard Manley HopkinsRelated Conversations:Waiting on the Word, with Malcolm GuiteJoy to the World: Caroling Christmas and Christian Formation, with Keith GettyAdvent: The Season of Hope, with Tish Harrison WarrenTo listen to this or any of our episodes in full, visit ttf.org/podcast and to help make content like this possible, join the Trinity Forum Society.

Jesus made room for all people, and with Jesus all people felt at home! And in this week's message at Meta Church, Pastor Ricky Ortiz shares vision for how we at Meta Church will continue to do the same.

Today's episode was with Amy Peeler out of Wheaton College. Amy has just released a new and wonderful Hebrews commentary in Eerdmans' "Commentaries for Christian Formation” series and I had the wonderful chance to chat with her today about it. Our conversation ranged from what led to her initial excitement about Hebrews, to what value it holds for the church today, to how we can overcome the barriers of understanding and applying it. The Rev. Amy Peeler, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, IL and an Associate Rector at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva, IL. Author of Women and Gender of God (Eerdmans, 2022), “You Are My Son”: The Family of God in the Epistle to the Hebrews (T&T Clark, 2014), and co-author with Patrick Gray of Hebrews: An Introduction and Study Guide (T&T Clark, 2020), she continues to research, write, and speak on Hebrews and familial language in the New Testament. She received her BA in Biblical Languages from Oklahoma Baptist University, M. Div. and Ph. D. in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary, and served as a Senior Research Fellow with the Logos Institute at the University of St. Andrews.  She is an active member of the Institute for Biblical Research, Society of Biblical Literature, and a Fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians.  https://www.ryleyheppner.com https://www.instagram.com/ryleyheppner/ For speaking requests or inquiries, go to: https://www.ryleyheppner.com/speaking-request      

In this episode we examine the different seasons of life most people will experience. What are the ways that we can embrace each season (20s, 30s, 40s... etc), walk with God well in each season, and transition well from one season to the next? Join us as we unpack these questions together.Connect With Usprovidenceomaha.orgInstagramFacebookEmail Usformation@providenceomaha.org

In this week's message, Pastor Ricky Ortiz shares three qualities that separate Jesus and make Him far superior than any candidate we could think of.

In a highly contemptible political climate, Jesus stepped injected Himself into the political narrative by announcing and proclaiming a new Kingdom.

Sin breaks our relationship with God, and unconfessed sin creates a burden that we were never intended to carry. This burden puts a cap on our transformation and it prevents us from becoming like Christ. But confession is the bridge that connects us back to God.

If you've ever felt distant or disconnected in your relationship with God, then this week's message is for you!

Jeannie Smith is the daughter of Polish rescuer Irene Gut Opdyke, who received international recognition for her actions during the Holocaust while working for a high-ranking German official. Irene's story became a nationally acclaimed Broadway play, Irena's Vow. Jeannie is a recipient of the 2015 Civil Rights award given by the Anti-Defamation League and an honorary member of the Jewish Federation of North America. Jeannie resides in Washington State with her husband, Gary. Her visit is sponsored by the JBU College of Education and Social and Behavioral Science and the Office of Christian Formation.

En este episodio Peter y Alexandra conversan con la directora ejecutiva de la Red Menonita de Misión, Marisa Smucker sobre su trabajo en la misión y la dirección de la misma. Smucker, graduada en 2022 del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Menonita con una maestría en Formación Cristiana, tiene experiencia en ministerios nacionales e internacionales. Smucker se graduó de Goshen College con un título en trabajo social y trabajó en varios ministerios, incluida la participación en PULSE (Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience). Mientras estuvo en Pittsburgh, asistió al Seminario Teológico de Pittsburgh. En 2007, Smucker regresó a su país natal, Costa Rica, donde ayudó con grupos misioneros de corto plazo y enseñó inglés. En 2015, regresó a los EE. UU. para aceptar un puesto como representante de relaciones eclesiásticas para Mission Network. En 2019, comenzó a dirigir el Servicio Voluntario Menonita (MVS). En 2021, Smucker fue nombrada ejecutiva senior de la división Ventures de Mission Network y en 2024 aceptó la invitación para convertirse en directora ejecutiva. In this episode Peter and Alexandra talk with the executive director of Mennonite Mission Network, Marisa Smucker about her work in the mission and its direction. Smucker, a 2022 graduate from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary with a master's degree in Christian Formation, has experience in both international and domestic ministries. Smucker graduated from Goshen College with a degree in social work and worked in various ministries, including participation in PULSE (Pittsburgh Urban Leadership Service Experience). While in Pittsburgh, she attended Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In 2007, Smucker returned to her birth country, Costa Rica, where she assisted with short-term mission groups, and taught English. In 2015, she returned to the U.S. to accept a position as a church relations representative for Mission Network. In 2019, she began leading Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS). In 2021, Smucker was named senior executive for the Ventures division of Mission Network, and in 2024 she accepted the invitation to become the executive director.

Do you remember those WWJD bracelets? They asked the question, "What would Jesus do?" Though well-meaning and inspired, it's somewhat a mute question. We don't need to ask what Jesus "would" do because we already know exactly what Jesus *did* do!

Christian Formation for the ‘Tool Belt Generation:' I always assumed my sons would go to college. When they chose the trades, it reframed my view of higher ed—and church commu- nity (CT) ... GUEST Jen Hemphill ... writer from Pittsburgh finishing up a memoir about rock climbing and motherhood ... writes at Pull-ups in the Basement on Substack. The Anxious Genera- tion: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt ... GUEST Chris Martin ... author of “Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media” ... and most recently, “The Wolf in Their Pockets: 13 Ways the Social Internet Threatens the People You Lead” ... his substack is chrismartinfyi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gospel Lesson: Mark 10:13-16………………… Becky Hodges, Director of Christian Formation, Home Moravian Church Winston-Salem, NC

Thankfully, Jesus didn't just instruct us to follow His way, but He modeled the way for us so we could live like Him and become like Him.

3. Corporate Worship As Christian Formation In Children Julie Smith 08.24.24- by St. Aidan's Anglican Church, KC

In her message, Fer shares her story of following Jesus and the way He has revealed Himself to her. She shares about the importance of actually being with Jesus and not just doing "Jesus things." This is something God has used to transform her and now she shares this message with us all.

In just a short time of following Jesus, EVERYTHING can change! That's the power of following Jesus! And that's the testimony shared by both Dan and Kaki in this week's Summer Mixtape message. Over the past year, Jesus has radically transformed who they are and how they're navigating faith, marriage, and life.

What do you do when you've been patiently waiting for God for healing, deliverance, provision (or anything else really) and it doesn't seem like He's coming through yet?

Send me a text! I'd love to know what you're thinking!Amy Peeler, author of Hebrews: Commentaries for Christian Formation, shares her insights on leadership through the lens of the book of Hebrews, drawing parallels between Jesus' steadfast priesthood and the role of modern pastors and leaders. Her reflections on enduring hope, resilience, and the practicalities of leading a post-COVID church are valuable for all who are in ministry leadership.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Amy Peeler explains the concept of loss and how it impacts the community when leaders pass away.Churches feel the impact of the loss of beloved mentors and leaders of faith.Amy Peeler emphasizes the comfort that Jesus Christ offers as an unwavering and stable leader.Amy Peeler emphasizes the need to navigate through confusion, exhaustion, and resistance in the wilderness, offering advice for leaders leading through change.The famous faith chapter, Hebrews 11, emphasizes enduring hope in God and faith as the foundation of good leadership.Amy Peeler highlights the imagery of holding on to Jesus as a boat is tethered to its anchor from Hebrews 6, emphasizing resting in Jesus' strength when things are difficult in our leadership.Humility and service are so important in leadership, even when being a pastor feels costly.Amy Peeler explores the importance of helping congregations navigate loss and resistance.Amy Peeler examines the practical instructions for leaders and the principles for leadership found throughout the letter of Hebrews.Hebrews' message includes the call for leaders to keep trusting in God, especially during persecution.Pastors and priests, according to Amy Peeler, are mediators, similar to Jesus' role as High Priest.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Amy Peeler:www.amypeeler.comWheaton CollegeBooks mentioned:Hebrews: Commentaries for Christian Formation, by Amy PeelerWomen and the Gender of God, by Amy PeelerRelated episodes:Power, Vulnerability, Rest, with Tod BolsingerLeading Like Jesus, with Ken BlanchardDid you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!

Just because you've taken a step towards freedom does not mean you will continue to be free. If you want to be free, then you have to determine that you will remain free.v

The NIV translates part of Hebrews 2:10 as, “it was fitting that God . . . should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered.” Prof. Peeler explains what is intended by the imagery of the key Greek words translated as “pioneer” and “make perfect.” Amy Peeler is the Kenneth T. Wessner Chair of Biblical Studies Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College. Her most recent publication is Hebrews (Commentaries for Christian Formation). Another is Women and the Gender of God and she is presently working on Paul's Letter to the Galatians. Check out related programs at Wheaton College: B.A. in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, Hebrew): https://bit.ly/4aKK0sW  M.A. in Biblical Exegesis: https://bit.ly/3wYZig8 

No affirmation more roundly rebuts the modern presumption that humans are merely "brains-on-sticks" than the core Christian confession that, in Jesus, God assumed human nature. To reckon fully with this fact is to enter into "a complex set of practices oriented toward the transformation of one's being and understanding of the world," the learning of "habits of body and mind that... draw [us] from foundational faith to beatific knowledge." So writes Alex Fogleman (Institute for Studies of Religion; founding director, ⁠Catechesis Institute⁠), in his new study of early Christian formation, ⁠Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation⁠. In this episode, Sam Fornecker chats with Alex about the diverse ways in which early Christians were led to know the triune God revealed in Christ. For more on this week's conversation, see Alex's Knowledge, Faith, and Early Christian Initiation. Enjoying this podcast? To keep abreast of what's going on at The Ridley Institute, or to learn more about opportunities to grow and train for Christian discipleship and mission, stay connected with us online: Website: ⁠https://ridleyinstitute.com/⁠. Twitter: ⁠@RidleyInstitute⁠. Ministry Apprenticeship: ⁠https://standrews.church/ministry-apprenticeship/⁠.

Over the next couple of weeks, we are addressing the topics of dating and marriage, specifically certain questions we've received from individuals in our church family. This is episode 2 of our dating / marriage relationship series and focuses on the topic of being equally yoked, or dating / marrying someone who is also a Christian. We address questions such as:- What if I “think” the person I am dating is a Christian?- Can't I just choose that life will be harder if I marry a non-Christian?- What encouragement is for me if I am married to a spouse who isn't a Christian?

Over the next couple of weeks, we are going to address the topics of dating and marriage, specifically certain questions we've received from individuals in our church family. This episode focuses on the topic of Sex Before Marriage and addresses whether it is a wise choice, where we see scripture address the topic, and our own thoughts on the issue. The questions we cover include:Where in the Bible do we see the idea that sex is reserved for marriage?What about Christians who say they will eventually get married to one another… is it still a sin if they don't wait for their wedding day together?For Christians who have engaged in sexual acts,  what encouragement do we have from God?

The Easter story offers us something different. It tells us there is grace available for everyone! And in this week's message, Pastor Ricky Ortiz shares exactly how and why we can have the confidence that grace really is available to us all.

Your identity (noun) will be shaped by what you identify (verb) with. If your actions will play an role in shaping who you are (and they will), this episode tries to help you identify with Christ.

In this episode we talk about what will feel meaningful to give up this Lent, how to find the right balance for yourself (not under or over-doing your commitments), and ideas and encouragements for how to let go of comforts to cultivate a more good and holy posture toward the Lord this season. I hope it blesses you. LINKS Blog - common questions about Lent answered: https://www.elizaceci.com/blog/what-is-lent-answering-common-questions-for-new-believers Shop - fav books and Bibles via my amazon store front: https://www.amazon.com/shop/elizaceci_ Let's work together - Presence session: https://www.elizaceci.com/shop-1/presence-session   Connect with Eliza Email: info@elizaceci.com  Faith-based life coaching: https://www.elizaceci.com/christian-life-coaching Donate to our ministry: https://www.elizaceci.com/donate