Podcasts about future church

AI can make you faster … but is it making you better? In this episode, bestselling author Carey Nieuwhof shares a year of research on what AI is doing to human ingenuity, and how leaders can use AI to sharpen their thinking instead of replacing it.Get the free leader guide for this episode here: https://www.life.church/leadershippodcast/what-makes-a-leader-irreplaceable-in-the-world-of-ai-carey-nieuwhof.

Faith Tech's James Kelly sits in rooms with the people building AI companies and models, and he's blunt about what that means for your kids. He unpacks the Killer App Trap, why he won't let his own kids use AI companions yet, and reflects on how AI itself is subject to the fall.

The AI Frontier labs are building AI to do what YOU do, only faster and cheaper. And most leaders have no idea what's coming.  Will Jones of the Future of Life Institute says this is the part nobody tells you: the more you lean on it to keep up, the more replaceable you make yourself.  Will Jones, an AI safety researcher fighting to ban superintelligence, walks through the race to AGI, what it does to your work, and whether you should use AI or resist it.

Former Intel and VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger talks about what AI is doing to us and our churches. He unpacks the mental health toll of social media (and what's coming next), the job loss scenarios leaders aren't ready for, how AI will reshape giving in the church, and why engaging high-net-worth individuals matters now.  Plus: will the AI optimists or pessimists be proven right?

You use AI. Have you thought about what it's doing to your church, the people you're reaching, or your soul? James (JP) Poulter flips the mic to interview Carey! They discuss AI girlfriends, deepfakes, and the best and worst case scenarios nobody's naming. There's a shift happening in your church and your community right now, and most church leaders haven't caught up.

Will and Caro discuss some surprising findings from the recent Spiritual Misfits listener survey and then continue their series looking back at excerpts from Future Church Conference keynotes — this time, Simon Buckingham Shum's exploration of AI and the Church. His talk pushes past the "AI will save us / AI will doom us" binary and asks a much better question: not is AI good or bad, but what is the quality of each interaction, and who is it being trained to serve?Watch Simon's full talk from Future Church Conference here:https://youtu.be/Q5zLFaK-pDw?si=JH6Pq3hwzW-pYR4y Check out the Center for Humane Technology's podcast, mentioned in this episode: Your Undivided Attention https://www.humanetech.com/podcastSlides from Simon's talk can be viewed here:https://simon.buckinghamshum.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Simon_FCC26.pdfWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we'd love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Eric Geiger, senior pastor of Mariners Church, joins Carey to talk about what actually brings leaders down, the personal and systemic reasons for moral failure, why a lot of us end up preaching to our own sin, and how to disappoint the staff you used to work directly with without losing them as your church grows. If you lead people, listen in.

This episode explores what happens when we stop making ourselves the center of the story and learn to see our lives within the larger story God is telling. Jacob, Jessie Cruickshank, and Julia Schmaltz talk about sin, shame, identity, and our limitations—and how these things can become invitations to deeper relationship with God rather than reasons to hide from Him.—FREE RESOURCE:Not sure where you are in your faith development — or how to walk alongside someone who's in a different place than you? Download the Identity Formation Theory chart free and see all six phases of how humans grow spiritually and psychologically.→ whoology.co/identity—TAKE THE COURSE:Ordinary Discipleship — 8 sessions that will change how your community makes disciples. Built for the 75% that most discipleship materials miss.→ Small Group Course ORDER THE BOOKS:Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and Science→ Becoming Good NewsOrdinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation→ Ordinary DiscipleshipFOLLOW WHOOLOGY:Instagram: instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFacebook: facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFOLLOW JESSIE:Instagram: instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshankABOUT JESSIE:Jessie Cruickshank holds a Master's degree in experiential education from Harvard and has spent 30 years studying how the brain actually learns, grows, and changes. She's the author of Ordinary Discipleship and the architect of Identity Formation Theory, a framework for understanding where people are in their spiritual and psychological development. She believes discipleship was never meant to be a solo journey, and neuroscience backs her up.

Final Orders Pt. 6: Stay on Course with Christ By Louie Marsh, 8-23-2026   1) I REMEMBER God is always with me.   "32Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me." (John 16:32, ESV)    Even when I don't feel Him!   Someone studied the lives of thousands of spiritual giants for a daily devotional guide he was writing, said that almost all of them climbed slopes of increasing difficulty.   "7There is no one who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to take hold of you; for you have hidden your face from us, and have made us melt in the hand of our iniquities." (Isaiah 64:7, ESV)   "8O you hope of Israel, its savior in time of trouble, why should you be like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?" (Jeremiah 14:8, ESV)   Gerard Manley Hopkins: God, though to Thee our psalm we raise No answering voice comes from the skies; To Thee the trembling sinner prays But no forgiving voice replies; Our prayer seems lost in the desert ways, Our Hymn in the vast silence dies.   The devil Screwtape in CS Lewis's book advised his underling that at the beginning of the Christian life a believer may sense a closeness to God, a dangerous state because demons have few weapons to combat it. Later though, many opportunities against the Enemy (God) arise: "It is during such trough periods, much more than during the peak periods, that it is growing into the creature He want it to be. Hence prayers offered in the state of dryness are those that please Him best…He want them to learn to walk and must therefore take away His hand; and if only the will to walk is really there He is pleased even with their stumbles. Do not be deceived Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring but still intending, to do our Enemy's will, looks round a universe from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys"   2) I RECEIVE Christ's Peace   "33I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."" (John 16:33, ESV)   How To Find Peace   6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:6–9, ESV)   · GIVE IT ALL  to God – in prayer ·  Be Thankful ·  Remember Christ's peace is a state of being based on the finished work of Christ. ·  Focus your thoughts ·  Obey   3) I pray for MYSELF!   "1When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed." (John 17:1–5, ESV)   Things I Pray for…   ·  ANYTHING I want too! NOT ON OUTLINE!   · That I'll SEE MYSELF as I really am.   You can't serve God or others if you're messed up! Jesus said take the log out of your own eye first, Jesus models this behavior for us.   · That I'll FINISH THE WORK God gave me.   Augustine said, "On earth we are wayfarers, always on the go. This means that we have to keep on moving forward. Therefore, be always unhappy where you are if you want to reach where you are not. If you are pleased with what you are, you have stopped already. If you say, 'It is enough,' you are lost. Keep on walking, moving forward, trying for the goal."   Martin Luther King Jr. used to tell civil rights workers, "If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk, crawl, but by all means keep moving.   4) I pray for my CHURCH.   "16They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth." (John 17:16–19, ESV)   Things I pray for…   ·  PROTECTION   From the world's influence – being worldly isn't a way of dressing, talking, etc. Did you know that 80% of people in America who go to church now days wear blue Jeans?  Worldliness is a way of thinking, and it infects ALL of us to one degree or another!   ·  JOY   That we not only individually experience joy but that together we are a community of joy that touches everyone who sees it.   ·  SPIRITUAL GROWTH   Sanctify them = make sure they keep growing spiritually and become more like Christ. THIS CAN ONLY BE DONE BY DEVOTION TO CHRIST AND HIS WORD!     5) I pray for the FUTURE CHURCH.    "20"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them."" (John 17:20–26, ESV)   Things I pray for…   ·  UNITY   Our unity is modeled after the Unity within the Trinity Our unity comes from the unity of God – He makes it possible!   ·  CLOSENESS to Christ   IF we don't stay close to Him all is lost!   ·  BELIEVE in God's love.   Without the knowledge and experience of His love – all is lost!  

Should you use AI to write your sermon? Maybe not. Three years after ChatGPT, we don't just sound the same. We're starting to think the same, or not think at all. Enter brain rot. Carey walks through seven tells that give away AI writing, shows you how to find the voice only you have, and unpacks a new study on cognitive surrender that every pastor needs to hear before next Sunday's sermon.

How do we learn to recognize God's voice? In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jacob, Jessie, and Julia explore what it means to listen for God, become attuned to His voice, and discern what we're hearing through Scripture, our emotions, our identity, and community. They talk about why God's voice is deeply personal, how intimacy with God helps us recognize His tone, why discernment is something we do together, and the danger of confusing our own agendas or desires with God's voice. Most importantly, they consider how ordinary discipleship can help people hear God for themselves rather than becoming dependent on someone else to tell them what God is saying.Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess

We continue our Future Church series where Will and Caro listen back to a highlight excerpt from Future Church Conference and then debrief what it sparks for them as they think about their lives and faith communities.This time, we listen to 10 minutes from Tanya Riches' talk, where she invites us into a wider and deeper understanding of the 'Imago Dei.' Is the Image of God exclusively reflected in humans? Or might we find it in the face of a cockatoo?Tanya Riches directs the Masters of Transformational Development at Eastern University and is an all-round fantastic human. Her reflections spark Will and Caro's imagination and they discuss a range of ideas you might want to try out in your own life and/or faith community. Listen to Tanya's full talk from Future Church (and all other keynote sessions) here:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsFveo-xYmS3nYRJAMrVmewSPIRITUAL MISFITS LISTENER SURVEY — We want to hear from you! Take 5 minutes to fill out our listener survey here and shape the future of Spiritual Misfits: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9TY7zaFqW6Zlaq3h9gjKzp7LO2PNxVTqvBXhCzlKQjSJUeQ/viewform?usp=headerWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we'd love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Where is the church headed, and who will lead it? As a pastor himself, founder of Next Generation Leader, and author of the thoroughly researched book Future Church, Terry Parkman has thought a lot about those questions. In searching for the answers, he's discovered that what Gen Z wants from life, culture, and faith differs in some surprising ways from what previous generations wanted—and what many churches currently provide.In this week's episode of The Redeemed Man, Terry talks with Nate Dewberry about the future of the church and how church leaders can adapt to the changing needs of newer generations. They also cover a wide range of topics that will resonate with today's men, from overcoming self-doubt to re-centering ourselves so that the ways we seek freedom and individuality don't end up becoming a prison.Segments/chapters0:00 Intro/What is missiology?4:06 “What informs us forms us”9:53 Terry's thoughts on what's ahead for the church and how to adapt15:31 Generational changes in what people expect from the church and from culture22:35 When the things that are supposed to make us better end up shackling us27:39 Self-doubt and the spiritual disciplines for overcoming it35:44 Toward a more meaningful prayer life41:25 Closing thoughts: hopes and fearsFind community, deepen your faith, join the brotherhood for free today at theredeemed.com/join.Visit The Redeemed's website for downloadable discussion question sets,  show notes, inspirational articles, more resources, or to share your testimony.Join our Exclusive Newsletter: Signup today and be the first to get notified on upcoming podcasts and new resources!The Redeemed is an organization giving men from all backgrounds a supportive, judgment-free environment, grounded in Christian love without demanding participation in any faith tradition, where they can open up about their challenges, worries, and failures—and celebrate their triumphs over those struggles.Starting Point: https://theredeemed.com/spJoin the Community: https://theredeemed.com/jointrHave a redemption story? Share your redemption story here.Interested in being a guest on our podcast?   Email Nate@theredeemed.comFollow The Redeemed on Social Media: PodcastYouTubeFacebook...

Across the Church today, many believers are searching for deeper roots, greater historical continuity, and a richer expression of the Christian faith. This has led some evangelicals and Protestants to embrace Roman Catholicism or Eastern Orthodoxy. In this episode, Joseph Mattera explores the biblical and historical meaning of apostolic catholicity and why the Church does not have to choose between being rooted in the ancient faith and engaging the future with confidence. Discover how evangelical churches can recover theological depth, historical continuity, sacramental appreciation, and apostolic mission while remaining firmly anchored in Scripture. The future of the Church belongs to communities that are both ancient in their foundations and forward-looking in their mission.

In this episode of Young Adults Today, Josiah and Micah sit down with Pastor Chris Hilken—young adult pastor, widowed single dad of five, and lead pastor at College Avenue Baptist in San Diego. Chris unpacks: Why young adults are the seeds of revival, historically and right now How a declining, aging church next to a universitybecame a movement of 1,200–1,300 young adults on Sunday nights His personal journey from pastor's kid, to youth pastor, to teaching pastor, to single dad after losing his wife to suicide Why senior pastors must prioritize young adultswithout sacrificing their family, health, or boundaries The growing trend of young adults (especially young men) moving from secularism past Protestantism toward orthodoxy, and how churches can respond This conversation is raw, practical, and deeply hopeful for anyone leading or dreaming about young adult ministry. More about us: www.youngadults.today Resources & Action Steps: Sign up for the West Coast Leader Gathering August 12-13th, 2026 in Irvine, CA: https://www.youngadults.today/west-coast-conference Give to the mission of youngadultstoday: https://tithe.ly/give?c=5350133 Resources: Free eBook "10 Steps to Starting a Successful Young Adult Ministry: https://www.youngadults.today/book/starting-a-successful-young-adult-ministry Join our FaceBook Group Community with 2500+ leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/796270437396021 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngadults.today/ 

In Part 3 of this summer's Required Listening, Eugene Peterson's son, Eric Peterson, and biographer Winn Collier talk about Eugene Peterson's battle to avoid losing his soul, his struggle to overcome his workaholic tendencies, Bono and celebrity, and the tension he had to overcome to create a contemplative life.

What if your emotions aren't obstacles to spiritual growth, but invitations into deeper discipleship? In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jacob, Jessie Cruickshank, and Julia Schmaltz explore why emotions are a good part of God's design, how they can give us important information about what is happening within us, and why we need to feel in order to heal. Together, they discuss how anxiety, grief, anger, fear, and other emotions can become invitations to curiosity, prayer, healing, and a deeper encounter with God. Rather than suppressing or elevating our emotions, what might it look like to receive them, listen to what they are telling us, and allow the Holy Spirit to bring the fuller story?Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

We're kicking off a new mini-series looking back at talks from Future Church Conference 2026 — after playing a short excerpt from the talk, Will and Caro unpack it together. First up: Uncle Ray Minniecon, a Kabi Kabi and Goreng Goreng elder of South East Queensland, with South Sea Islander heritage. Uncle Ray co-founded Scarred Tree Ministries in Glebe, Sydney, and has spent decades as a leading voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander justice, reconciliation, and self-determination within the Australian church.NOTE: The full version of Uncle Ray's talk (and all other Future Church keynotes) will be available at https://futurechurchcon.com/ very soon! Check back in the coming days (we are just finalising these free resources).Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we'd love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

In Part 2 of this summer's Required Listening, Carey interviews Eugene Peterson weeks before he retired from public life. Carey talks to Eugene about the origin of the Message and the life rhythms he and his wife Jan adopted that helped produce the legacy millions have appreciated. Plus, they discuss what it was like to lead through the turbulence of the 1960s. 

In this inaugural episode of Required Listening, Carey talks to Gordon MacDonald. For his 80th birthday, Gordon MacDonald wrote down the 15 leadership and life lessons he's learned so far. He unpacks all of them here: how to stop cheating the people closest to you, how to survive doubt and obscurity, why you reinvent your interior life every decade, and how to ask the questions that open a heart.

What does it actually look like to disciple children in everyday life? In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank sits down with Natalie Werking to explore how parents and churches can partner together to nurture lasting faith in the next generation. They discuss why simple, everyday faith conversations matter more than having all the right answers, how discipleship changes as children grow, practical "Velcro habits" that weave spiritual practices into daily routines, and why creating space for curiosity and questions is essential. Whether you're a parent, pastor, or ministry leader, this conversation offers practical encouragement and a hopeful vision for helping children discover and follow Jesus.Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

What if the key to disciple-making isn't a new program, but returning to the way Jesus did it?In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank talks with Peyton Jones about his new book Discipology and the three rhythms Jesus used to form disciples: time, teaching, and tactics. Together they explore why many churches have focused on information over mobilization, how leaders can unintentionally become bottlenecks, and why ordinary believers are God's primary strategy for kingdom movement.Whether you're a pastor, church planter, or everyday follower of Jesus, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, trust the Holy Spirit, and take practical steps toward making disciples who make disciples.In this episode:The three rhythms of disciple-making Jesus modeledWhy mobilization leads to multiplicationHow to activate everyday believers for missionThe role of the Holy Spirit in disciple-makingPractical next steps for making disciples in your everyday lifePre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Throughout this Dreams series, we've explored what it looks like to pursue the vision God places in our hearts. This week, Jen Barker invites us to lift our eyes beyond our own lives and see how God uses ordinary people to build something that lasts for generations. Join us as we discover the privilege of being part of His greater purpose.

New York Times bestselling author David Epstein talks about why Malcolm Gladwell's 10000-hour rule isn't accurate, how he and Malcolm became friends, how creativity actually works (what you can learn from Dr. Seuss), and why constraints and limits set you free.

In this episode, Jessie Cruickshank talks with Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University and licensed therapist, about the intersection of psychology, discipleship, and spiritual authority. Together they explore anxiety, trauma, identity, Gen Z's mental health crisis, and how ordinary believers can help others find freedom by breaking agreement with lies and embracing the truth of God's Word.This practical and hope-filled conversation will encourage you to walk in greater freedom, deepen your spiritual authority, and participate in the healing work God wants to do in your life and community.Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Former pastor, minimalist, and New York Times bestselling author Joshua Becker returns to the podcast. He discusses why he left ministry to pursue a fresh calling, how minimalism can usher in an end to anxiety, when enough is enough, and how decluttering can be good for your soul. 

New York Times bestselling author Eric Ries applies his startup philosophy to churches. Carey and Eric cover how to know when to take a risk, how to get past broke thinking in your church, and why the harder path is often easier.

Nicole Martin made history as Christianity Today's first Black female CEO — and took the hits that come with it. In this conversation: the backlash, Billy Graham's original vision, how the magazine is advancing and speaking into a polarized world, and why leadership is designed to kill you.

In this episode, Jessie talks with Nathan Brewer about fivefold ministry, APEST, and how apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers help us see the fullness of Jesus in the world. Nathan shares how these gifts are not just ministry roles or another personality test, but part of our identity, vocation, and wiring in Christ. Together they explore how our passions, frustrations, energy, and limits can reveal the way God has shaped us, and how communities can help one another grow into those gifts with clarity, humility, and joy.Next Steps:Subscribe to the Fivefold Newsletter to receive free coaching tips, inspiration and practical exercises.  Order Nathan's book The Pulse of Christ: A Fivefold Training ManualDiscover & Activate your Fivefold Spiritual Gifts with the Online Course (Enroll and start for free)Contact Nathan directly: Nathan@fivefoldtraining.com  Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

In this episode of the Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jessie talks with Daniel Yang of World Relief about refugees, immigrants, trauma, enemy mode, and what it means to follow Jesus in a time when fear and suspicion are shaping so much of our public life. Daniel shares his own family's refugee story, the work of World Relief, and how the church is called not only to welcome the vulnerable but to receive them as gifts from God. Together, Jessie and Daniel explore why loving our enemy is not an optional ideal but a core spiritual discipline, how proximity breaks down fear, and how ordinary disciples can practice welcome, prayer, courage, and embodied love in their own communities. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Timmy and 'Tisha Hensel share the real story of co-pastoring a church through pain, transition, and slow transformation. They talk about moving from busy, program-driven ministry to a culture of shared ownership, collaborative leadership, and deep, relational discipleship—where more voices are heard and more people carry the weight together. This conversation gets into what it actually costs to lead this way—loss of control, hard conversations, and letting go of outcomes—but also what it produces: healing, trust, freedom in worship, and a community where discipleship is lived, not just taught. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

This episode explores how naming shapes identity and discipleship at a deep level—spiritually, relationally, and even neurologically. Drawing from Scripture, lived experience, and the themes of Becoming Good News, the conversation traces how the names we receive—both true and false—form our sense of self, and how God invites us into a different story through His voice. They unpack how false identities take root, why our “I am” statements matter, and how practices like confession, repentance, and listening to God can lead to real transformation and a reclaimed identity grounded in truth. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Is a spiritual resurgence really happening or are we just seeing isolated moments?In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham sits down with David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, to talk about what Barna's latest research is revealing about faith, church attendance, and spiritual openness in America.David shares why younger generations, especially Gen Z, may be showing more openness to Jesus than many leaders expected, why that openness does not always translate into comfort with traditional church structures, and what it means for ministries trying to reach the next generation. Together, Trent and David unpack the opportunities and challenges facing church leaders today, from discipleship and mentorship to intergenerational ministry and creating environments where people can truly be known.This conversation is both encouraging and clarifying for leaders asking a critical question: is the Church prepared for what may be coming next?Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:06 Live from the Dunham+Company Summit02:52 Is a spiritual resurgence happening?08:42 Gen Z, Jesus, and the future church12:07 Is the church ready for this moment?19:10 Why mentorship and healthy leadership matter26:29 The church's opportunity with the next generation33:55 Outro

Is a spiritual resurgence really happening or are we just seeing isolated moments? In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham sits down with David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, to talk about what Barna's latest research is revealing about faith, church attendance, and spiritual openness in America. David shares why younger generations, especially Gen Z, may be showing more openness to Jesus than many leaders expected, why that openness does not always translate into comfort with traditional church structures, and what it means for ministries trying to reach the next generation. Together, Trent and David unpack the opportunities and challenges facing church leaders today, from discipleship and mentorship to intergenerational ministry and creating environments where people can truly be known. This conversation is both encouraging and clarifying for leaders asking a critical question: is the Church prepared for what may be coming next? Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Live from the Dunham+Company Summit 02:52 Is a spiritual resurgence happening? 08:42 Gen Z, Jesus, and the future church 12:07 Is the church ready for this moment? 19:10 Why mentorship and healthy leadership matter 26:29 The church's opportunity with the next generation 33:55 Outro

What does it mean to center the life of the church around the table—and why has the Eucharist so often been pushed to the margins? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons about cultivating a Eucharistic movement in the modern church. Drawing from theology, liturgical practice, and pastoral experience, Longbons invites leaders to reconsider how worship has shifted toward production and consumption—and what is lost when the table is no longer central. The conversation explores how the Eucharist forms identity over time, not just as a ritual but as a way of life. Rather than seeing communion as an add-on or symbolic moment, they discuss how it can become the organizing center of worship, shaping how communities understand grace, presence, and participation. They also reflect on how modern church models often prioritize content over formation, why repetition and liturgy still matter, and what it might look like to reorient church life around shared practices that cultivate deeper community and spiritual depth. Together they explore: Why the Eucharist has been marginalized in modern worship The difference between consumer-driven worship and Eucharistic formation How the table shapes identity, community, and mission The formative power of liturgy and repetition What it looks like to re-center worship around communion Practical ways church leaders can begin cultivating a Eucharistic culture   Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons is the Senior Minister of Peachtree Christian Church, where he seeks to share the heart of Christ in the heart of the city. A pastor-theologian and gifted communicator, he brings together thoughtful biblical interpretation, pastoral warmth, and a passion for connecting faith with contemporary life. Jarrod is deeply committed to discipleship, worship, and cultivating a church that serves both its members and the wider community. His ministry is shaped by a love for teaching, the arts, and the formation of leaders for the Church. He and his family consider it a joy to walk alongside the people of Peachtree in God's ongoing work of renewal and hope. Outside of ministry, he enjoys Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Golf, and Fly Fishing.    Mentioned Resources:

Are we actually good—or just calling something broken “good” and hoping it sticks? In this conversation, we wrestle with sin, identity, and the stories we believe about ourselves, and why discipleship isn't about behavior management or positive thinking. Julia and Jessie reframe sin as disconnection and false narrative, not just rule-breaking, and show how Jesus meets us there to restore relationship, renew our minds, and reshape our identity from the inside out. We explore why joy—not perfection—might be the truest marker of transformation, and how learning to listen to God rewrites the story we live by. Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

In this episode, we explore the difference between discipleship as doing and discipleship as receiving—and why that shift changes everything. Jessie and Julia share their own stories of burnout, identity loss, and the quiet invitation to stop striving and start receiving from God's presence. We talk about anxiety, formation, confession, and how true growth begins not with what we do, but with who God is and how we learn to respond to Him.Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Discipleship isn't just about learning more about God, it's about discovering who we are in relationship with Him. In this episode, Jacob, Jessie Cruikshank, and Julia Schmaltz explore how our understanding of God shapes our understanding of ourselves, and why identity is formed through relationship rather than self-invention. Drawing on Scripture, science, and the story of Moses, they discuss how fear, shame, and false narratives distort identity and how encountering the living God restores our true story. If discipleship is more than a program or a list of beliefs, what does it look like to let God redefine who we are?Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

How do you identify a future church planter before they even know they're one? In this episode of Breaking Barriers, we walk through 8 early indicators to look for in high school and college students — from entrepreneurial drive and dynamic communication to physical discipline and commitment to the local church. We also make the case for why parent planting (raising planters from within your own church) leads to deeper multiplication than partner planting, even though it takes significantly more time and intentionality.Website: ⁠https://breakinggrowthbarriers.com⁠Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/breakinggrowthbarriersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/breakinggrowthbarriersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakinggrowthbarriers

In this episode of The Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, we explore how the stories we carry shape the way we follow Jesus. Jessie Cruickshank and Julia unpack the role of autobiographical memory, false narratives, and the four core storylines of identity, community, maturity, and authority in our spiritual formation. We look at how the Holy Spirit exposes lies we've internalized and rewrites our story, not through self-determination or trying harder, but through repentance, truth, and transformation that reshapes even our brains.Pre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

What if discipleship isn't about trying harder, learning more, or getting your theology exactly right—but about being reshaped at the level of story and identity?In this episode of The Ordinary Discipleship Podcast, Jacob is joined by Jessie Cruickshank and Julia Schmaltz to explore how God actually forms us. Drawing from their book Becoming Good News, they unpack how discipleship works not primarily through information, but through experience, story, and the way God designed our minds and bodies to change.The conversation weaves together neuroscience, theology, and lived experience—especially the role of autobiographical memory, identity formation, and the stories we live out of every day. Along the way, they challenge performance-based models of discipleship and offer a hopeful vision: God has already built transformation into us. Our task is not to strive, but to surrender and participate.If you've ever felt inadequate to make disciples, exhausted by “trying harder,” or curious about how faith actually works on Monday morning, this episode opens a different way forward.In this episode, you'll explore:Why most discipleship fails when it relies on information aloneThe difference between semantic memory and autobiographical memoryHow story shapes identity and transformationWhy faith is relational before it is doctrinalWhat it means to “become good news” rather than just talk about itPre-Order Jessie and Julia's book Becoming Good News: Reimagining Discipleship Through Identity, Story, and ScienceORDER Jessie's book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of TransformationFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjess ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

Jessie Cruickshank is joined by Dr Jim Wilder, a renowned psychologist at the intersection of theology and brain science. Jessie and Jim delve into attachment theory and discipleship and how our early attachment experiences shape our relationship with God and others, and discover practical insights for fostering joy and creating transformative community.ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DG ORDER Jessie's newest book, Ordinary Discipleship: How God Wires Us for the Adventure of Transformation → https://a.co/d/51j86DGFor more great stuff, check out: Ordinary Discipleship by Whoology: https://whoology.coFollow us on social media:https://instagram.com/ordinarydiscipleshiphttps://facebook.com/ordinarydiscipleshipFollow Jessie on social media:Instagram: https://instagram.com/yourbrainbyjessFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.s.cruickshank/Twitter: https://twitter.com/yourbrainbyjessJessie Cruickshank is a disciple-maker, wilderness guide, and ordained minister. She has trained thousands of people how to survive when their life depended on it and earned a Master's degree in experiential education at Harvard to learn how the brain works to help people train more effectively.The key to discipleship is not more information, but learning how to create intentional environments where people can learn and grow. By working with the brain and treating individuals as whole persons, you too can discover how God wired our brains for transformation. You already have all the tools you need, it is time to activate them in you and your church.

The discussion in this episode centers on the transformative work of Future Church, as articulated by our esteemed guests, Russ Petrus, Olivia Hastie, and Martha Ligas. They elucidate how Future Church endeavors to amplify marginalized voices within the Catholic Church, thereby promoting inclusivity and fostering a spirit of ecumenicism. The conversation delves into the pivotal changes that Future Church has initiated, particularly regarding the roles of women and the LGBTQ community within ecclesiastical structures. Furthermore, we explore how these efforts resonate with the broader themes of unity and reform across various Christian denominations. The insights shared by our guests illuminate the ongoing challenges and hopeful possibilities for a more equitable future within the Church. The discourse in this enlightening episode delves into the profound implications of Future Church's mission and its pivotal role in shaping modern Catholicism. I find the conversation both timely and critical, as we explore the rich tapestry of diversity within the Church, drawing from the sacred text of Galatians where St. Paul articulates a transformative vision of unity in Christ. The guests, including Russ Petrus and Martha Ligas, elucidate the challenges and victories of advocating for inclusive practices that echo the early Church's embrace of varied leadership roles, particularly emphasizing the necessity of amplifying marginalized voices. Through thoughtful reflections, we navigate the intersection of scriptural interpretation and contemporary ecclesial challenges, ultimately calling for a re-envisioning of our communal worship practices. I am particularly struck by the emphasis on how these discussions not only reflect theological considerations but also resonate deeply within the socio-political landscape of the Church today, urging us to confront our historical legacies and aspire towards a more equitable future. The conversation presented in this episode is a profound exploration of the Future Church's mission and its implications for the Catholic Church at large. I am drawn to the articulation of a vision that seeks to reclaim and uplift those voices that have historically been marginalized within ecclesiastical structures. The guests, including Olivia Hastie and Russ Petrus, challenge us to envision a Church that not only acknowledges but celebrates its diversity. Their insights into the ongoing efforts for women's inclusion within the diaconate highlight the intersection of faith and justice, as they advocate for a liturgical renewal that reflects the fullness of God's creation. As I listen, I am inspired by their commitment to fostering a culture of listening and dialogue that transcends traditional barriers, encouraging all of us to engage actively in the pursuit of unity within the body of Christ. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that the journey towards inclusivity is not merely a goal but a continuous process of transformation that requires our collective effort and unwavering faith.Takeaways:The Future Church organization strives to amplify marginalized voices within the Catholic Church, fostering inclusivity and active participation.Russ Petrus highlights the need for the Church to embrace diversity in its community, particularly around issues of gender and identity.The ongoing discussions surrounding women's roles in the Church reflect a broader movement towards reform and justice within Catholicism.Martha Ligas emphasizes the importance of listening to one another in building church unity and compassion across diverse communities.

Pastor Terry shares a timely message on becoming a Future Church—renewing our minds in God's Word and refusing to fear a rapidly changing world. This is a call to redeem culture through the Holy Spirit, live as salt and light in “Babylon,” and respond with hearts that say, “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode on how church staffing is changing in this new era of ministry. Churches are smaller, leaner, and more focused than ever. Budgets are tighter, but opportunities for mission are wider. The result is a new kind of church staff—leaders who serve both inside and outside the church, combining pastoral calling with marketplace skills. In this conversation, Thom and Jess introduce four co-vocational roles that are shaping the staff structure of the future church. The post Future Church Series – Episode 5: The Rise of Four New Co-Vocational Church Staff appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess conclude the “Future Church” series with an episode that puts church size into perspective. In an age when many pastors feel pressure to grow larger, the reality is that most congregations are small—and that's not a problem. This episode explores what the data actually reveals about church attendance, why most churches are smaller than we think, and how leaders can find encouragement no matter the numbers. The post Future Church Series – Episode 6: What Is the Size of the Typical Church in the Future? appeared first on Church Answers.

The Rainers continue the 6-part series called “The Future Church.” Over the next episodes, we'll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. Thom and Jess discuss how churches are making evangelism more than a slogan or a sermon topic—how to make it visible, tangible, and celebrated in the life of the congregation. Most believers genuinely want to share their faith, but they often need reminders, encouragement, and creative ways to stay focused on the mission. In this episode, Thom and Jess offer four practical ideas any church can implement to highlight the importance of evangelism every week. The post Future Church Series – Episode 4: Making Evangelism Visible appeared first on Church Answers.

Thom and Jess continue the “Future Church” series with an episode focused on one of the most important—and most misunderstood—topics in today's congregations: evangelism. The way people come to faith is changing, and so are the methods churches use to share the gospel. Attendance patterns are different. Communities are more skeptical of institutions. And more often than not, the first place someone encounters the church is online, not in person. In this conversation, the Rainers look at how evangelism is evolving, why it still matters deeply, and four major trends shaping how local churches reach people today. The post Future Church Series – Episode 3: Trends in Evangelism in the Local Church appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome to a brand-new series on The Church Answers Podcast called “The Future Church.” Over the next six episodes, we'll explore how the landscape of ministry is changing—and how leaders can prepare with wisdom, courage, and hope. In this first episode, Thom and Jess begin by looking at one of the most intriguing movements shaping the future: the rise of the microchurch. This small, mission-driven model is gaining traction across the United States and around the world. What exactly is a microchurch, how is it structured, and why is it so different from other forms of church? Let's find out. The post Future Church Series – Episode 1: The Microchurch appeared first on Church Answers.

Welcome back to The Church Answers Podcast and to our ongoing series called “The Future Church.” In each episode, Thom and Jess unpack the shifts shaping tomorrow's congregations—and how pastors and leaders can prepare today. In this episode, we're looking at a subject every church feels: money. The financial landscape of ministry is changing rapidly. Attendance patterns have shifted, giving habits have evolved, and the next generation is thinking about generosity in completely new ways. So, what will funding look like for the future church? Thom and Jess explore four emerging models that are helping churches stay healthy and mission-focused in a changing economy. The post Future Church Series – Episode 2: The Economics of the Future Church appeared first on Church Answers.