Podcasts about Lifeway

Send us a textHow do you know when it's time to step into something new, and trust God with the unknown?In this special episode of The Glass House, Ben and Lynley Mandrell take a heartfelt look back on their journey through 148 episodes as they prepare to step into a new season of ministry at Bellevue Baptist Church.With honesty and gratitude, they share the story behind their transition, from pivotal conversations to a deeply personal moment at a funeral that reignited their calling to the local church. They reflect on the challenges, the joys, and the incredible support they've received from the Lifeway team and listeners like you.Throughout the episode, Ben and Lynley reaffirm their passion for encouraging pastors and their families and talk openly about the importance of discerning when God is leading you to let go of one assignment and step faithfully into the next.Thank you for being a part of The Glass House community. If this episode encouraged you, please take a moment to rate, review, and share it with someone navigating their own new chapter. The mission continues—and we're so glad you're with us. Where might God be calling you to take a bold step—and are you willing to trust Him with the transition?SHOW LINKS:

Kyle Worley is joined by Adam Griffin and Amy Gannett to discuss updates from the Training the Church podcast family.Questions Covered in This Episode:What have you learned in doing Tiny Theologians?What was the vision for the Tiny Theologians podcast?What was the vision for The Family Discipleship podcast?What is the future for these podcasts?If someone wanted to follow your podcast, how can they do that?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Tiny Theologians Podcast, InstagramThe Family Discipleship Podcast, Website, InstagramConfronting ChristianityStarting Place with Elizabeth Woodson Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

In this episode of the Radical Radiance Podcast, host Rebecca George welcomes Dina Delesea-Gonsar to discuss her new book At the Kitchen Sink. They talk about the unique blend of recipes and devotionals in the book, Dina's personal journey through motherhood and challenges, and how these experiences shaped her writing. The episode highlights the importance of authenticity and connection through food, as well as the joy of sharing recipes that resonate with readers. They cover personal growth, vulnerability, and the importance of creating meaningful connections through shared experiences. Dina Deleasa-Gonsar is the creator, writer, speaker, and television personality behind the popular food blog DishItGirl. She was named Best Home Cook by the Hallmark Channel's Home & Family and has contributed her recipes and on-air talent to the Today show, The Good Dish, Guy's Grocery Games on the Food Network, Inside Edition, GMA Online, Rachael Ray Online, and Real Simple, as well as countless other media outlets. She works with She Lives Fearless Women's Ministry as a devotional writer, podcast co-host, and conference speaker. Dina currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, Brian, and daughter, Siena.At the Kitchen Sink on Amazon⁠⁠You're Not Too Late on Amazon⁠⁠Sponsors:Previnex I think we all know that muscle mass decline is a real thing as we start to get older, and that maintaining our muscles as we age is so important for our longevity, performance, and quality of life. That's why I started taking Muscle Health PLUS from Previnex, and honestly, it's been such a game-changer for me. If you want to support your muscle health for a stronger today and better tomorrow, I definitely want you to check this one out. Use code REBECCA15 for 15% off your first order at ⁠⁠previnex.com.⁠⁠Christian Standard Bible Kids heading back to school? Make sure they have the most important book—the Bible. Start the school year off right with a Bible designed just for them! The Back to School Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible has life-changing resources for every age and stage—from early readers to high school seniors.Find the perfect gift before the bell rings—and make it personal with custom imprinting at ⁠⁠Lifeway.com⁠⁠!Comfy Earrings Getting ready for your summer vacation? Don't forget to wear your Comfy Earrings! These flat-back, hypoallergenic earrings are designed for all-day and all-night comfort, whether you're lounging on the beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying a backyard BBQ. No more poking, pinching, or irritation, just stylish earrings you can wear from morning to night, and even all night long.And here's a little gift for you — use code REBECCA15 at ⁠⁠ComfyEarrings.com⁠⁠ to get 15% off your order!

Please turn to the last chapter of 2 Corinthians. Chapter 13. Our sermon text is verses 1-10. You can find that on page 1153. Last week, the apostle Paul reminded the church of his fatherly love for them. Paul was their earthly spiritual father. And as their spiritual father, he warned them about their sin. Those who had wandered from the truth and godly living needed to return to the Lord. And they needed to do that before Paul's third visit. In the last paragraph in chapter 12, Paul expressed his fear that the Corinthians would not repent. That brings us to chapter 13. In our verses this morning, Paul warns them about what will happen if his fears come true. He will need to discipline them. Reading of 2 Corinthians 13:1-10. Prayer Just last month, Lifeway research published a study on church discipline. They found that many churches have discipline policies but rarely are their policies put into practice. Four out of five churches have discipline policies, but only one in seven have recently put those policies into practice. It's not surprising. Discipline is not fun. Parents know that. Children know that. And when something difficult happens in the church as a result of someone's behavior or belief our natural tendency is to avoid the issue, or we hope that the person who committed the offense will move on. Hard conversation and actions are difficult. However, those difficult church discipline conversations and actions are the most loving thing that can be done. It's loving for the sake of their souls, for the sake of any victim of their sin, and for the peace and purity of the church. In short, church discipline matters. Now you may have two questions in your mind. #1 – what exactly is church discipline. And #2 – how does it relate to this text in 2 Corinthians 13. Those are excellent questions. My goal today is to answer them. In fact, the sermon outline lists several questions. Not just the what, but also the why and the how and the who. We'll spend our time going through them, and I hope by the end you will not only have a picture of church discipline's importance, but will also see its loving purpose in your life and our church. 1: What is church discipline and what is it not? Question #1: What is church discipline and what is it not? That's a great place to start and I found a good definition from another pastor. He put it this way:  “Church discipline is the process by which the church confronts sin in the life of a believer and seeks to bring about repentance, restoration, and reconciliation.” Let me say that again. “Church discipline is the process by which the church confronts sin in the life of a believer and seeks to bring about repentance, restoration, and reconciliation.” We're going to see that worked out in these verses. In fact, I believe, these verses, 2 Corinthians 13:1-10 are the most helpful passage in the Bible on church discipline. That's a bold statement. We read another helpful passage earlier from Matthew 18. It's considered by most to be the foremost directive for church discipline. In that passages, Jesus talks about when a brother in Christ sins against you, that you should first go to him. If he doesn't listen, bring someone with you. And if he still doesn't listen, Jesus says, bring the matter to the church. It's very helpful. We're told how to deal with sin when we are sinned against. And the church has some level of responsibility to adjudicate. But the question is this, what does it look like for the church to handle such situations? And this is where 2 Corinthians 13 helps. It gives us an example which includes the warning of discipline, the lead up to discipline, the basis of discipline, and its purpose. The reason that this text is about church discipline is found right there in the middle of verse 1. Take a look at it. Paul writes, “Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” Remember again from last week, Paul had just warned them about the consequences of unrepentance, and here he used the language of judgment. That requirement of 2-3 witnesses goes back to the Old Testament laws regarding crimes and offenses. So, in other words, the warning in chapter 12 could lead to the legal action described in chapter 13, depending on whether the sin is proven. So, even though the word “discipline” is not used, these are matters involving the judgement of sin. And that is the heart of church discipline. It's judging and confronting serious sin in a believer's life in order to bring peace and purity to the church. Alright, let's consider some examples. That's always helpful. First, let's go to Corinth. As you know, we've spent the last 7 months working through this letter. And one of the things we've seen over and over is how the false apostles taught a false Gospel and were making false accusations against Paul. Those were serious matters. And add to that, at the end of chapter 12, Paul lists two other categories of sin that continued to infect the church. One category dealt with the peace of the church – he includes “quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder.”  Those things will tear the church apart. He then listed sins that affected the purity of the church – he mentions “impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality.” So, false doctrine was being taught, an innocent party was being accused, the unity of the church body was being damaged, and the lifestyle of some in the church was contrary to God's design. Those are serious things. Let me expand that with some concrete examples today. If a pastor constantly berates church staff members or volunteers with a harsh and derogatory tone, and is unrepentant about it or does not change, that pastor needs to be discipline. If a wife or husband breaks the one-flesh union they have with their spouse by committing adultery, that wife or husband has committed a grave sin and needs discipline. If there's case of domestic abuse involving members of a church, the abuser needs discipline and the one being abused needs care. Just to be sure, there are civil laws and civil punishments related to some of these situations. Those need to be worked out through the legal system. In other words, when it comes to church discipline, there are no physical punishments. Again, the civil courts handle that. Rather, when we talk about church discipline, we are specifically talking about spiritual discipline. That means formally confronting sin and seeking repentance and restoration. That may involve requiring someone to abstain from the Lord's Table, or it may involve removal from membership. For the younger children here. Last week, I asked you if you had ever been warned by your parents about consequences. You said or did something that was hurtful to someone else. Maybe you lied about something, and your mom or dad sat you down and warned you. I saw many of you nodding your head, that yes, that happens. Well, have you ever ignored their warning? Did you say or do something you parents warned you not to do? I see some nodding. Maybe you disrespected your mom or you continued to lie about something. Well, what happened? You were punished. Right? Maybe you lost a privilege like screen time or playing with friends, or maybe a spanking, or maybe you had to write an apology letter. All of those different consequences are forms of discipline. You were being disciplined by your parents. And what was the goal of that discipline? Was it to make you mad at your parents? No. It was to help you learn what is good and right and true. It's so that you would learn how to love others and how to be truthful and honest and hardworking. Well, it's a similar thing in this chapter. Turns out, adults need disciple, too. The truth is, we are all selfish. We desire things that are not ours. We commit acts that dishonor God and break the trust and unity in the church. Even though the power and penalty of sin has been removed by Christ, those in him still have the presence of sin, and we all are still on the path of sanctification and renewal. 2. What is the basis of church discipline? So that is generally what church discipline is about. Which brings us to a second question.  Actually, this question is not on the outline – it's a late addition, but it is crucial. What is the basis of church discipline? Church discipline needs to be based on the truth. It needs to pursue truth. This is absolutely critical. It's why these verses begin with the need for 2-3 credible witnesses. It's why Paul sent multiple brothers to Corinth to assess the situation. And look at verse 8. “For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.” There has to be truthful and credible testimony and evidence. It's really easy to make assumptions and it's really easy for someone to twist or pervert the truth in defense of sin or out of retribution or revenge. The truth is not always clear and that makes it difficult, but credible testimony and witnesses need to be pursued. In other words, church discipline needs to stand for what is true and right and good and it needs to be based on what is true and right and good. Those given charge to care for your souls and care for the church need to pursue the truth with diligence and care. That is really important, so I wanted to include that question. 3. What are its goals? Ok, the next question is also very important. Actually, all of these are very important, but I think this one needs to be front and center. What is the goal of discipline? In a word the goal of spiritual discipline is “restoration.”  Look at verse 9. Second half of the verse. “Your restoration is what we pray for.” Paul desired that those in Corinth who were committing these grievous acts or who held to these unorthodox beliefs be restored. He wanted those who were gossiping and slandering other believers to put an end to the destruction that they were causing. He desired that the church forgive one another and be unified. In fact, he talked about repentance and forgiveness back in chapters 2 and 7. One of Paul's critics had repented from undermining Paul, and the apostle urged the church to restore him. He forgave this man, and so should the church. Verse 10 expands on the goal of restoration. Paul said that his use of authority is for “building up and not tearing down” That's at the end of verse 10. Church discipline is to build up the body of Christ. It's just like how the discipline of a child is for their maturity. The goal of church discipline is always repentance and restoration, which builds up the body of Christ. Now, to be sure, the destruction that some sin causes may not be reparable in this life. Some marriages broken by adultery are not reparable. Or worse, think about murder. It's also devastating. But let me say this, there is no sinful act that God will not forgive for those who come to him with a true repentance…. That is, who come to him with a heart grief for one's sin not just feeling sorry, and seek to turn from it. 4. What precedes discipline? Next question. What should precede discipline? In other words, at what point should a formal church discipline process begin? Part of the answer is found all throughout 1 and 2 Corinthians. Over and over Paul conveyed his love for the church. Over and over he identified sin in their midst that needed to be dealt with. He's been very specific about it. Over and over he has called them to return to faithful living and belief. And over and over Paul warned the church of the consequences. All of that is part of spiritual discipline, but in 2 Corinthians 13, the apostle warns of a formal process involving witnesses and authority and judgment. What I am saying is that that step needs to be the very last step after ample displays of love, ample warnings, and ample opportunities to be restored. Just to be sure, there are situations like abuse where for the sake of the victim, church discipline needs to be accelerated. But even then, it needs to be done carefully, with firm resolve, with a clear warning about the gravity of that sin, and a call to repentance and change. Look at verse 2. “ I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them.” Multiple warnings. In fact, this chapter is not the implementation of discipline. Rather it is a final warning. This is the discipline they will experience if they didn't repent. To sum up this answer: discipline needs to be preceded by patient, loving, clear, and firm warnings about the consequences of sin and the judgment of God. 5. What is the message of discipline? Next, what is the message of discipline? The message of church discipline is a plea for self-examination. Look at verse 5: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” Church discipline should implore the offender to search his heart. The severity of the unrepentant sin may indicate that he not a believer in Christ. In other words, the message of spiritual discipline is the message of the Gospel. It needs to be. The message is that Jesus' death and resurrection defeated sin and death. As Romans 6 asks, “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” If you have been redeemed by Christ, then by the ministry of the Holy Spirit in you, God enables you to repent of that sin and to pursue righteousness. That does not mean that dealing with the vestiges of sin in our lives is easy. No. But it does mean that God gives believers a heart grief of their sin and a desire to turn from it. And we have the help of the church to come along side of us as we seek to walk in the newness of life in Christ. Church discipline is about unrepentant sin and therefore its message is the Gospel. That is why Paul called the Corinthians to examine themselves. The test is whether they are in the faith, as verse 5 puts it. Discipline is a call not just for repentance from a specific sin but it is a call for repentance unto life - true Gospel repentance that sees our utter need for the mercy of God and turns to Jesus by faith as our Savior. This is the message of spiritual discipline. Furthermore, it is why, if the discipline is not heeded, that the one being disciplined should be removed from membership. We call that excommunication. Jesus said, “if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” In other words, treat him as an unbeliever. And let me ask, how do you treat an unbeliever? By loving them and witnessing to them the love of God in Christ… and calling them to faith and repentance. 6. What is the perception? Next, what is the perception of church discipline? Well, the perception is often negative. Sometimes its perceived negatively because it was handled poorly, perhaps by leaders who have no history or understanding of loving servant leadership. However, oftentimes spiritual discipline is handled lovingly and carefully but still considered harsh or as I heard recently, legalistic. In particular, the ones receiving the discipline often react against it. That's what was happening in Corinth. Some turned the tables on Paul. They claimed that he failed the test of faith. That's found twice in here. First in verse 3, they wanted proof that Christ was speaking through Paul because according to the false-apostles, Paul was not an apostle. They questioned his authority. Then in verse 7, Paul says that he prays to God “that you may do right, though we may seem to have failed.” Some had been calling him a failure. In both cases, the call to repentance was met with a counter-attack against Paul. But notice that he received it with grace. He says in verse 9, “For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong.” And that is when he says, “your restoration is what we seek.” In other words, Paul would rather appear weak if it meant that they would be strong in the faith and return to the Lord and to faithfulness in him. Even though the perception of discipline is often negative and often responded to with criticism, it should not deter the church from a loving, thoughtful, and diligent call to faith and repentance. 7. Where does the authority come from? One more question and it's related. Where does the authority for discipline come from? And the answer is that the authority has been given by the Lord, himself. Paul makes that clear in verse 10. To be sure, Paul was specifically speaking about his apostleship. In the establishment of the early church, the apostles were given the initial authority. But the ongoing authority has been given to the shepherds of God's flock. Those are the elders which the Lord establishes in his church. So, the authority comes from the Lord and is given to the church through her elders. And those elders are themselves accountable to the Lord and subject to the same discipline that they oversee. So, the ultimate authority is Christ. But he uses his church to protect his church and to maintain its purity and peace. Conclusion To summarize: 1. What is church discipline? It is the loving and careful process that confronts unrepentant sin, calls for repentance and restoration of the sinners and seeks peace and purity in the church. 2. What should discipline be based on? Discipline cases need to be based on truth and credible witnesses. 3. What are its goals? The restoration of the believer, the building up in maturity unto Christ, and the peace and purity of the church. 4. What should precede discipline? Formal discipline should be undertaken only after many loving and thoughtful attempts to confront sin, except in special cases involving egregious sin. 5. What is the message of discipline? Its message is the message of the Gospel – repent and believe for as verse 4 says, “he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God.” The death and resurrection of Christ are at the center of discipline's call and its power to overcome sin. 6. What is the perception of discipline? Even though discipline is often perceived negatively or countered with baseless accusations, it should still be undertaken with humility and care. And 7. Where does the authority come from? The authority for discipline comes from Christ. He is Lord and King of the church and he entrusts that authority to the elders of his church who are called to fulfill that discipline, faithfully. I want to say that if you would like to talk through any of these points in more detail, please reach out to me. I recognize there's a lot here and these are difficult things. Let me leave you with this. May we be a church that seeks purity and peace. And may our elders lovingly and earnestly pursue us if we go astray… and if necessary, with spiritual discipline that points us to the Gospel. And may we as members receive the discipline, return to Christ, and be restored to his body, the church, all under the authority of Christ, our Lord.

Jen Wilkin and Kyle Worley are joined by Elizabeth Woodson to discuss her new study on the book of Galatians.Questions Covered in This Episode:Why Galatians?What did you learn as you wrote this study?Who were your favorite commentary sources?What was the most challenging part to write about?How is this study designed to work and be used?What are the false stories in Galatians that the gospel brings freedom from?What hit you the hardest?Guest Bio:Elizabeth Woodson is the founder of The Woodson Institute, where she helps believers learn and grow in their Christian faith. She is a co-host on the Culture Matters podcast and the host of the Starting Place with Elizabeth Woodson podcast. Elizabeth is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary with a Masters in Christian Education and the author of several books, including Embrace Your Life, From Beginning to Forever, and Live Free: A Study of Galatians.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:“Live Free: A Study of Galatians” by Elizabeth Woodson“Galatians: The Story of God Bible Commentary” Nijay K. Gupta “Galatians For You” by Tim Keller“Exalting Jesus in Galatians: Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary” by David Platt“From Beginning to Forever: A Study of the Grand Narrative of Scripture” by Elizabeth Woodson Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

In this episode of Radical Radiance, Tara Sun and host Rebecca George discuss Tara's new book Overbooked and Overwhelmed, sharing her personal journey with overwhelm and the importance of rest. She emphasizes the need for women to recognize their feelings of being overwhelmed, the significance of staying present with God, and the power of intentionality in saying yes or no to commitments. Tara also redefines rest as a sacred rhythm in life, encouraging listeners to take practical steps towards reconnecting with God and finding balance in chaos.Tara Sun is the uplifting host of the popular women's podcast Truth Talks with Tara and the author of Surrender Your Story. She is a dynamic speaker and creative, using each of these platforms to equip women with the tools to know, love, and live God's Word in their daily lives. Tara's favorite titles are wife to her husband, Michael, and mom to their children. You'll find them living and serving the Lord in Oregon.Overbooked and Overwhelmed on Amazon⁠You're Not Too Late on Amazon⁠Sponsors:PrevinexI think we all know that muscle mass decline is a real thing as we start to get older, and that maintaining our muscles as we age is so important for our longevity, performance, and quality of life. That's why I started taking Muscle Health PLUS from Previnex, and honestly, it's been such a game-changer for me. If you want to support your muscle health for a stronger today and better tomorrow, I definitely want you to check this one out. Use code REBECCA15 for 15% off your first order at ⁠previnex.com.⁠Christian Standard BibleKids heading back to school? Make sure they have the most important book—the Bible. Start the school year off right with a Bible designed just for them! The Back to School Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible has life-changing resources for every age and stage—from early readers to high school seniors.Find the perfect gift before the bell rings—and make it personal with custom imprinting at ⁠Lifeway.com⁠!Comfy EarringsGetting ready for your summer vacation? Don't forget to wear your Comfy Earrings! These flat-back, hypoallergenic earrings are designed for all-day and all-night comfort, whether you're lounging on the beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying a backyard BBQ. No more poking, pinching, or irritation, just stylish earrings you can wear from morning to night, and even all night long.And here's a little gift for you — use code REBECCA15 at ⁠ComfyEarrings.com⁠ to get 15% off your order!

JT English and Kyle Worley discuss their new books, “ Remember and Rehearse” and “Formed for Fellowship,” and how they are valuable tools for discipleship.Questions Covered in This Episode:What were you thinking when you were trying to build a theological education department in the church?What is “You are a Theologian”?What's different about Remember and Rehearse?What did you learn about the story of the Bible while you wrote this book?What's different about Formed for Fellowship?What did you learn while writing this book?What's the value of books for Christian discipleship?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Deep Discipleship Program“Remember and Rehearse” by JT EnglishRememberandRehearse.com“Formed for Fellowship” by Kyle WorleyFormedforFellowship.com“You are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and JT English“Drama of Scripture” by Craig Bartholomew and Michael Goheen “Delighting in the Trinity” by Michael Reeves “Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life” by Donald S Whitney Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Top headlines for Thursday, July 17, 2025In this episode, we examine the Trump administration's controversial plans to significantly downsize the Department of Education after receiving a green light from the U.S. Supreme Court. Next, we explore California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent admission that the issue of young children transitioning genders has become a major problem for Democrats, sparking debates on age and consent. Finally, we discuss the recent leadership change in a prominent ministry following the resignation of its former president amidst a scandal involving anonymous slander. 00:12 SCOTUS lets Trump move ahead with cuts to Department of Education01:04 Newsom says 8 years old too young to transition01:59 G3 Ministries announces Scott Aniol as new president02:56 California pastor defiant after ICE arrest at her church03:46 4 highlights from Trump's Summit of Faith and Business Leader04:30 Ex-Muslim shares biggest concern about Iran05:25 Joe Walker named as interim president of LifewaySubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsSCOTUS lets Trump move ahead with cuts to Department of Education | EducationNewsom says 8 years old too young to transition | PoliticsG3 Ministries announces Scott Aniol as new president | Church & MinistriesCalifornia pastor defiant after ICE arrest at her church | Politics4 highlights from Trump's Summit of Faith and Business Leader | PoliticsEx-Muslim shares biggest concern about Iran | PodcastJoe Walker named as interim president of Lifeway | Church & Ministries

Send us a textWhat's it really like to work on your team - and what kind of culture are you creating as a leader?In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell dive into the heartbeat of every organization: staff culture. Whether you're leading a small team or serving on a large church staff, the environment you create - or tolerate - impacts everything.Ben and Lynley walk through several guiding principles that shape healthy, high-functioning teams. They discuss the importance of direct communication, collaborative spirit, investment in community, clarity in leadership, flexibility in roles, and honoring processes that bring order to chaos. They also get honest about the real consequences of toxic culture and the hard work it takes to change course.This episode will challenge leaders to evaluate the culture they're shaping and offer hope that change is possible with intention, humility, and vision.If this conversation sparked ideas or encouragement, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another ministry leader. Let's keep building healthier teams—for the good of the Church and the glory of God.SHOW LINKS: Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HEREConnect with the Glass House on Instagram HEREPlease email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell. 

Jen Wilkin and Kyle Worley are joined by Hunter Beless and Courtney Doctor to discuss their new Bible study on the book of Titus.Questions Covered in This Episode:Why did you decide to do a study on Titus?Why did you do this project together?How is this study designed to work?What is Titus about?What is something you learned while writing this study?Did you feel any hesitation when talking about morality?What was the trickiest passage or verse to work through?Guest Bio:Hunter Beless is the founder of Journeywomen Ministries, the author of "Read It, See It, Say It, Sing It!" and "Amy Carmichael: The Brown-Eyed Girl Who Learned to Pray," and she loves doing ministry in her local church context. Hunter and her husband, Brooks, have four amazing kiddos who memorize Scripture way faster than their mama! When they're not reading, seeing, saying, or singing the Bible, you can find the Beless family camping, riding bikes, or snuggling up with a good book. You can find her at www.hunterbeless.com and on the Journeywomen Podcast.Courtney Doctor is an author, Bible teacher, frequent conference and retreat speaker, and periodic blogger. She received an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary in 2013 and is a Bible teacher and author of several books and Bible studies including From Garden to Glory: How Understanding God's Story Changes Yours; Steadfast: A Devotional Bible Study on the Book of James; and In View of God's Mercies: The Gift of the Gospel in Romans. She currently serves as the Director of Women's Initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. God has blessed Courtney and her husband, Craig, with four wonderful children, three great kids-in-law, five sweet grandchildren — and their much-loved, goofy dog, Walter.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:“Titus: Displaying the Gospel of Grace” by Courtney Doctor and Hunter Beless Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

In this episode of the Radical Radiance Podcast, Rachel Awtrey and host Rebecca George discuss Rachel's new book, Love Your Life, Even When You Don't Like It All The Time. She shares insights on how to find joy in life's challenges, the importance of establishing healthy rhythms, and the impact of comparison on our lives. Rachel emphasizes the need for authentic hospitality and encourages listeners to embrace their struggles while seeking joy and contentment. Love Your Life on Amazon⁠You're Not Too Late on Amazon⁠Sponsors:PrevinexI think we all know that muscle mass decline is a real thing as we start to get older, and that maintaining our muscles as we age is so important for our longevity, performance, and quality of life. That's why I started taking Muscle Health PLUS from Previnex, and honestly, it's been such a game-changer for me. If you want to support your muscle health for a stronger today and better tomorrow, I definitely want you to check this one out. Use code REBECCA15 for 15% off your first order at ⁠previnex.com.⁠Christian Standard BibleKids heading back to school? Make sure they have the most important book—the Bible. Start the school year off right with a Bible designed just for them! The Back to School Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible has life-changing resources for every age and stage—from early readers to high school seniors.Find the perfect gift before the bell rings—and make it personal with custom imprinting at ⁠Lifeway.com⁠!Comfy EarringsGetting ready for your summer vacation? Don't forget to wear your Comfy Earrings! These flat-back, hypoallergenic earrings are designed for all-day and all-night comfort, whether you're lounging on the beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying a backyard BBQ. No more poking, pinching, or irritation, just stylish earrings you can wear from morning to night, and even all night long.And here's a little gift for you — use code REBECCA15 at ⁠ComfyEarrings.com⁠ to get 15% off your order!

In this episode of the Northwoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell joins the conversation to unpack the structure, purpose, and often confusing world of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Whether you're a long-time Southern Baptist or brand new to Northwoods, this episode is designed to help you make sense of the acronyms, agencies, and hot topics that shape the SBC. We break down how the SBC is not a top-down denomination but a cooperative group of independent churches focused primarily on missions. Pastor Bobby and Pastor Matt discuss everything from the Cooperative Program (our “missions piggy bank”), to the work of the International and North American Mission Boards, to the role of our seminaries, Lifeway, and even the sometimes-controversial Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC). They also take a gracious but honest look at current SBC controversies, and much more. If you've ever wondered about anything SBC-related, be sure to checkit out.

Kyle Worley is joined by Thomas West and Trevin Wax to discuss their new book, The Gospel Way Catechism.Questions Covered in This Episode:What's all this talk about a catechism? Isn't the bible enough?What is the relationship between a catechism and bible study?What is the response from people when you told them you were working on a catechism?Why another catechism?Are catechisms supposed to be contextual?Can you share an example from your catechism?What role or value does catechism have in the church?Guest Bio:Trevin Wax is vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and a visiting professor at Cedarville University. He is a founding editor of The Gospel Project, has served as publisher for the Christian Standard Bible, and is currently a fellow for The Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics. He is the author of multiple books, including The Thrill of Orthodoxy, The Multi-Directional Leader, Rethink Your Self, This Is Our Time, and Gospel Centered Teaching. His podcast is Reconstructing Faith. He and his wife, Corina, have three children. You can follow him on Twitter or Facebook, or receive his columns via email.Thomas West (PhD, Southeastern Seminary) is the senior pastor of Nashville First Baptist Church and an adjunct professor of theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the coauthor of The Gospel Way Catechism (with Trevin Wax). He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two children. You can follow him on X or Instagram.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:“The Gospel Way Catechism” by Trevin Wax and Thomas WestThe Westminster Larger CatechismThe New City Catechism Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

In this episode of the Radical Radiance Podcast, Rosann Coulon and host Rebecca George talk about Rosann's journey of faith and healing through her book 40 Days to God, My Father. She discusses her struggles with trust in God, shaped by her experiences with her father, a pastor who faced burnout and addiction. Rosann emphasizes the importance of understanding God as a loving father and the attributes that define Him. Through personal stories and reflections, she encourages listeners to explore their own relationship with God and find healing in their struggles. The discussion highlights the transformative power of praise and the assurance of God's faithfulness, encouraging listeners to seek community support and engage deeply with the Word of God.Rosann Coulon and her writing have been featured by TGC, The Daily Grace Co., Hosanna Revival, and other publications. She is the founder of Leaving a Well Ministries. Rosann and her husband call North Carolina home. Visit her at www.leavingawell.com.40 Days to God, My Father on AmazonYou're Not Too Late on AmazonSponsors:PrevinexI think we all know that muscle mass decline is a real thing as we start to get older, and that maintaining our muscles as we age is so important for our longevity, performance, and quality of life. That's why I started taking Muscle Health PLUS from Previnex, and honestly, it's been such a game-changer for me. If you want to support your muscle health for a stronger today and better tomorrow, I definitely want you to check this one out. Use code REBECCA15 for 15% off your first order at previnex.com.Christian Standard BibleKids heading back to school? Make sure they have the most important book—the Bible. Start the school year off right with a Bible designed just for them! The Back to School Gift Guide from Christian Standard Bible has life-changing resources for every age and stage—from early readers to high school seniors.Find the perfect gift before the bell rings—and make it personal with custom imprinting at Lifeway.com! Comfy EarringsGetting ready for your summer vacation? Don't forget to wear your Comfy Earrings! These flat-back, hypoallergenic earrings are designed for all-day and all-night comfort, whether you're lounging on the beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying a backyard BBQ. No more poking, pinching, or irritation, just stylish earrings you can wear from morning to night, and even all night long.And here's a little gift for you — use code REBECCA15 at ComfyEarrings.com to get 15% off your order!

JT English and Kyle Worley discuss how the Training the Church Ministry Cohort can help you shape and form deep disciples in your ministry.Questions Covered in This Episode:Why did we choose to name this “Training the Church”?When did we launch our first cohort?What kind of people participate in the cohort?What is something people will learn from the cohort?What format is the cohort offered in (in-person, Zoom, online class)?What's the difference between the Training the Church Ministry Cohort and the Deep Discipleship Program?What is the goal of this cohort?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Training the Church Ministry CohortDeep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

In this episode of the You Can Mentor podcast, Zachary Garza and Chad Higgins of Lifeway Christian Resources explore the essential role parents play in mentoring and discipling their children. Chad shares his background in parent ministry and emphasizes the need to empower parents as the primary spiritual leaders in their homes. They discuss how mentors can build trust with parents, engage those who may be distant from faith, and remain faithful in their mentoring journey. The episode offers practical ways mentors can support families and create meaningful, transformative relationships for both parents and kids.Check out Chad's book, Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together, here. To learn more about Lifeway Christian Resources, visit https://www.lifeway.com/.--Takeaways:Parents are crucial in the discipleship of their children.Building trust with parents starts with knowing their names.Mentorship extends beyond the child to the family.Faithfulness in mentorship is essential for long-term impact.Engaging parents can lead to exponential growth in mentorship.The gospel is best communicated through relationships.Understanding parents' needs is key to effective ministry.Every interaction with a family can plant seeds for faith.Transformation in a child's life can influence their parents.Mentors should model healthy adult interactions for kids.--Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Mentorship and Family Dynamics02:42 The Journey into Parent Ministry14:40 Understanding Parental Roles in Discipleship20:24 Building Trust with Parents28:01 Engaging Parents Who Are Uninterested in Faith36:24 The Importance of Faithfulness in Mentorship--It would mean the WORLD to us if you would leave a 5 star rating on our pod so we can reach more people! Scroll down to the bottom the You Can Mentor page on Apple Podcasts and click "Write Review." On Spotify, go to our page, click the three dots next to the admin wheel, and hit "Rate Show." Thank you!Learn more about all we do at www.youcanmentor.com

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Jason Allen and Patrick Schreiner live from the Gospel Coalition Conference. Questions Covered in This Episode:How has the deep discipleship program been a part of how you do women's ministry?Is the church meant to be for or against the world?Am I supposed to be going out into the world thinking I am ready for battle or ready for love?Is it a Godly expression of love to oppose that which is evil?In Jesus' ministry, is there a pattern of “welcome and warning”?JT, can you share about leading and pastoring, walking faithfully for or against the world?How should we think about what evangelism and discipleship are in this world that is designed to be beautiful but is broken by sin?Is there a relationship between wordlieness and a lack of proclamation of sanctification?When you think about the preaching and teaching ministry of the word of God, how do you be faithful to correct what's out there in the world and in here (the church)?How would you form a theological response to Christian nationalism in your church?How do you convince busy parents that depth matters?Is there a reason the doctrine of hell is missing from “You Are a Theologian”?What doctrine have you studied individually that drew your heart closer to God?Guest Bio:Dr. Jason Allen is the president of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to his role as president, he also serves as a professor for preaching and pastoral ministry. He is the author of a number of books including; Turnaround: The Remarkable Story of an Institutional Transformation and the 10 Essential Principles and Practices That Made It Happen. He posts essays on his website, jasonkallen.com, and hosts a weekly podcast, “Preaching & Preachers.”Patrick Schreiner is the Director of the Residency PhD program, Associate Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Gene and Jo Downing Endowed Chair of Biblical Studies. He is the author of numerous books, including but not limited to; The Four Gospels: Jesus, the Hope of the World, The Transfiguration of Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Reading, a commentary on Acts, The Visual Word: An Illustrated Guide to the New Testament Books, and Political Gospel: Public Witness in a Politically Crazy World.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:John 3:16, John 15:18, Psalm 1, James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17, 2 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 4:12, Hebrews 5-6, John 1Deep Discipleship ProgramTGC25 On-Demand“You Are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and JT English“Communion With God” by John Owens“Home With God” by Kyle Worley Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Send us a textToday we welcome writer and author Kelly Wilson Mize to 5-Minute Parenting! Kelly is a wife, mother of two young adults, and proud cat mom with 25 years of experience as a published author. A former educator with a master's degree in education, Kelly has written an extensive collection of stories, articles, devotions, interviews, and curriculum projects for various publishers including Lifeway, PragerU Kids, Bethany House, Guideposts, (in)courage, and others. She is also a contributing author of twelve books. In 2021, Kelly published her first independent project, a picture book for all ages titled The Beautiful Story Within Me. Listen in as Kelly shares her writing journey, the meaningful message behind her children's book, and uses her experience and expertise as a former educator and librarian to answer the question: How can parents help instill a love for reading in their kids?Visit Kelly's website for links to her book and to stay up-to-date on events and special projects: https://www.kellywilsonmize.com/ Love this episode? Leave a positive rating/review by scrolling down to the bottom of this page. Your reviews are so important and so appreciated! Please share this episode with a friend ❤️ For more information and helpful resources, visit our websites at: https://www.karenferg.com/ https://www.sandrakaychambers.com/ Find our books on Amazon: Karen Ferguson: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Ferguson/author/B075SHZ1WV?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true Sandra Chambers: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sandra-Chambers/author/B00OHLARMO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1740085397&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM! @karenfergusonauthor @sandrakaychambers.com

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer questions submitted by their Patreon supporters!Questions Covered in This Episode:Why is God referred to as three “persons”?I heard someone say that Adam would be in heaven. What are your thoughts on this?What are some great books to listen to?While studying Revelation, our group is leaving more fearful than encouraged. How do we read and understand this book correctly?How important is it to take a stance on the views of Revelation (millenium, tribulation)? Does the view you take change the way you should act today?What is the doctrine of incarnation? What are some resources to study this doctrine?Can you explain the eternal subordination of the son?How do we come to such vastly different theological undertandings with the same Scirpture?Helpful Definitions:Incarnation: The doctrine where the son of God assumes a human nature in his birth.Hypostatic Union: The human nature and divine nature of Christ being in union in one person.Eternal Subordination of the Son: The son of God, prior to assuming a human nature, for eternity past, submits His will to the Father.Tritheism: Three gods.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Hebrews 11, Genesis 3, John 1, John 13-17, Luke 22:42“The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman“Remaking the World” by Andrew Wilson“Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten“The Bomber Mafia” by Malcolm Gladwell“On the Incarnation” by Saint Athanasius“Cur Deus Homo: Why the God-Man?” by Anselm of Canterbury“God the Son Incarnate” by Stephen J Wellum and John S FeinbergMatthew Barrett Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss why they created the Deep Discipleship program, what it is, and who it is for.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is our goal?How does someone become a theological contributor?Why is it important to do theology in community?How does dissonance play a role in learning?What does the Deep Discipleship Program look like for a participant?What is one of the challenges of hosting this program?Who is this program for?What is one of your favorite moments from leading this program?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Deep Discipleship ProgramLifeway.com/KnowingFaith Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley answer questions submitted by listeners!Questions Covered in This Episode:What 2-3 things that are essential when teaching others about the Trinity?How much time do you spend reading the Bible?What is your favorite Bible translation?How do you get people interested in theology?Did Jesus descend into hell when he died on the cross?What book of the Bible is often overlooked?Are there multiple legitimate ways to interpret scripture in the area of human ancestry? What are the fundamental elements any Biblical view needs to affirm? Does Romans 5:12 imply that non-human biological death didn't exist before the fall, or is it speaking primarily of human death and separation from God?Are the Nephilim in Job 1:6 fallen angels?Would you allow a non-Christian to be a Sunday school leader?What's the difference between a Presbyterian and a Baptist?Can you explain covenant theology?What are good resources to develop Bible literacy?How do we reconcile the inspiration of Scripture with 1 Corinthians 7:10?Did Jesus offer sacrifices in the temple?When do you know it's time to move on from your church?In Revelation, as the bowls of wrath are being poured out, what is going on with the dead?Is watching a show that depicts Jesus a violation of the Second Commandment?Helpful Definitions: Trinitarianism: God eternally exists as one essence and three distinct persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each of whom is fully God, yet there is one God.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Romans 5:12, Job 1:6, Genesis 6:4, 1 Corinthians 7:10Deep Discipleship ProgramKnowing Faith TrinityDoctrine of God EpisodesKnowing Faith: What Did Christ Do with Matthew Emerson Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Recent research from Lifeway tells us that “the single greatest influence over spiritual health is regular Bible reading while growing up. Plainly put, the parents of young adults indicate that regular Bible reading as children yields the greatest influence over spiritual health.” Any of us who are Bible readers know this to be personally true, as the Holy Spirit works to change us, conforming us to the image of Christ as we read God's Word. And what could serve as a better example to our children than our time spent reading and studying the Bible, along with the time we spend reading the Bible together as a family. As an adult, I realize now that my greatest and most treasured memories are not those of family vacations or other family activities. Yes, those are great memories, but they don't hold the same value as those memories of habits and times that shaped my faith and who I am today. I'm grateful to my parents for their example as Bible readers who took God's Word seriously. 

What do you do when the calling is clear — but the timing isn't?This week on The Trailblazer Talks Podcast, Courtney has a conversation with author and speaker Chelsey DeMatteis about discerning God's voice through writing, motherhood, and ministry. From unexpected book deals to starting a worship gathering with no venue or budget, Chelsey shares how she's learned to trust God's whispers even when the outcome is unknown.If you're wrestling with clarity in your calling or wondering whether to persevere or pause, this conversation will help you tune in to God's direction with faith and peace.Takeaways:How to recognize when God is asking you to wait, pause, or press onWhy “no” doesn't always mean “never” in the kingdom of GodHow Chelsey knew it was time to write Mercy in the MarginThe role of spiritual community in discerning next stepsWhat it looks like to walk out your calling when the path feels unclearChelsey DeMatteis is a wife, mother, and woman on fire for Jesus. She is a devotional writer for Lifeway's Journey Women Magazine, Salem Media, and YouVersion. She hosts the Living with Less Podcast and is the author of More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World and A Thrill of Hope. Chelsey resides in the midwest with her husband and their two children. Learn more at ChelseyDeMatteis.com or follow her on Instagram @chelseydematteis.Show Links:More of Him - https://amzn.to/43MKONQA Thrill of Hope - https://amzn.to/3Hdj9wPChelsey's Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-with-less-podcast/id1450217627Sponsor: littlecreativecompany.comSubscribe and Leave a Rating and Review!Follow Courtney: https://instagram.com/courthopejones

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley wrap up their conversation on the book of Revelation by looking at Chapters 21-22.Questions Covered in This Episode:What have we learned? Why should someone spend the time to study Revelation?What are the seven sevens?How does this connect to Genesis 1-2?What's the importance of the presence of God?Why does the sea disappear in Revelation 21?How do we see the blend of restoration and judgment?What is this city, the New Jerusalem? Why the attention to its details and design?How does Revelation 22 put us back into the imagery of Eden?How does the book end?Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Revelation 21-22, Habakkuk 2:14, Psalm 1, Exodus 3, John 8:12, Matthew 6:10In the Word with Jen WilkinStarting Place with Elizabeth WoodsonDeep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

On this week's episode, Dr. John Snyder hosts a former member of Christ Church New Albany, Josephine Rose. Josephine began coming to CCNA while she was in college. It was during her time in the fellowship there that God revealed Himself to her and rescued her. After graduation, she came down with a serious illness that forced her to move back in with her parents. Bedridden and anxious, she and her mother prayed for God to show her something useful she could do with her time. The next day, she opened her laptop and began blogging.From the simple act of sharing the realities of God that she was learning through her illness, Josephine was approached by numerous ministries to write for them. She accepted, and doors continued to be opened for her. Recently, LifeWay published a Bible study written for teenage girls focused on prayer. The title is Talking to God: A Bible Study on Prayer. The study is based upon the foundation of God's attributes and the Lord's Prayer. We pray the testimony of God's faithfulness to Josephine and the conversation between her and John encourage you to seek afresh a close communion with God as our Father. Show Notes: See Josephine's Blog: https://josephinedrose.com/ Talking to God: A Bible Study on Prayer - https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/talking-to-god-teen-girls-bible-study-book-P005847913 Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app

IVF Clinic Bombing and Pro-Mortalism Ideology (00:02:09 - 00:09:27)Guy Edward Bartkus bombed a Palm Springs IVF clinic, killing himself and injuring five, motivated by pro-mortalism (life causes suffering, death is liberation). His manifesto, hosted on promortalism.com, rails against pro-lifers and life itself, reflecting a nihilistic, anti-human philosophy rooted in online subcultures.Cultural Nihilism and Social Media's Role (00:13:03 - 00:24:28)The bomber's pro-mortalism reflects a broader cultural nihilism, influenced by ideas like Gaia theory (humans as a virus) and amplified by social media platforms. Reddit, TikTok, and Tumblr are criticized as hubs for pseudo-intellectualism, fostering anti-life ideologies among isolated individuals.Bible Engagement as a Positive Trend (00:24:28 - 00:31:02)A LifeWay survey shows 48% of Americans view the Bible as true (up from 36% in 2016), with rising Bible sales and reading. This suggests a growing rejection of secular humanism and a return to spiritual values amid cultural nihilism.Covid as a Scam (Music Man Analogy) (00:41:36 - 00:50:18)A Brownstone Institute article compares the Covid response to The Music Man, where fear (inflated death counts, PCR test misuse) enriched “snake oil salesmen” like Fauci. This mirrors historical fearmongering (9/11, Waco) to erode rights, with elites profiting from compliance.Trump's Tariffs Impact on Small Businesses (01:11:21 - 01:16:20)An NFIB survey shows Trump's unpredictable tariffs are reducing small business optimism (down to 95.8, below the 51-year average), creating market uncertainty akin to Covid-era disruption. Small businesses face tight margins, reduced hiring, and stalled investments, with tech sector impacts highlighted by YouTubers Louis Rossman and Gamers Nexus.DEA Corruption in Drug War (01:27:30 - 01:35:58)An AP article reveals Diego Marin, a Cali cartel figure, evaded capture with DEA complicity, bribing agents while building a $100M money-laundering empire. Compared to Whitey Bulger and Iran-Contra, it's framed as a problem-reaction-solution tactic to expand the police state.Mexican Navy Ship Crash (01:37:07 - 01:39:26)An NBC News report describes a Mexican Navy sailing ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two and injuring 22 due to a mechanical failure. The surreal event stunned New Yorkers, highlighting the unexpected nature of Mexico's sailing navy.CDC Covid Vaccine Recommendations (01:52:26 - 01:56:33)A Wall Street Journal article reports the Trump administration plans to drop routine Covid vaccine recommendations for pregnant women, teenagers, and children, led by HHS Secretary RFK Jr. The host criticizes the CDC's blanket recommendation (everyone 6 months and older) due to no long-term safety data, profit-driven motives, and harmful side effects, arguing the vaccine should be removed entirely.HHS Covid Vaccine Recommendations and Authority (02:05:33 - 02:13:16)Dr. Ruby critiques HHS's plan to stop recommending Covid vaccines for children and pregnant women as a red herring, given its authority over FDA, NIH, CMS, and CDC to demand immediate removal. She warns of deceptive terms like “considering” and questions state chemtrail bans, citing federal exemptions (Title 50, Prep Act) and global air circulation, suspecting controlled opposition.Novavax Approval Critique and Bird Flu (02:21:20 - 02:30:03)The FDA fully approved Novavax's Covid shot, marketed as non-mRNA but using synthetic spike proteins from moth cells, posing risks like myocarditis with no long-term studies. Dr. Ruby warns of off-label use and compares it to Pfizer/Moderna's rollout. She critiques bird flu as a fabricated threat, with chicken culling inflating egg prices and testing economic control, not addressing real disease.Vaccine Shedding and Industry Protections (02:16:43 - 02:51:36)Pfizer's investigator brochure admits Covid vaccine shedding via inhalation and skin contact, raising concerns about unknown contents affecting unvaccinated individuals. Dr. Ruby highlights the vaccine industry's Prep Act immunity, with government payouts in vaccine court, and Pfizer's 50% non-disclosure agreement, allowing undisclosed ingredients, akin to coercive contracts demanding country assets.Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

IVF Clinic Bombing and Pro-Mortalism Ideology (00:02:09 - 00:09:27)Guy Edward Bartkus bombed a Palm Springs IVF clinic, killing himself and injuring five, motivated by pro-mortalism (life causes suffering, death is liberation). His manifesto, hosted on promortalism.com, rails against pro-lifers and life itself, reflecting a nihilistic, anti-human philosophy rooted in online subcultures.Cultural Nihilism and Social Media's Role (00:13:03 - 00:24:28)The bomber's pro-mortalism reflects a broader cultural nihilism, influenced by ideas like Gaia theory (humans as a virus) and amplified by social media platforms. Reddit, TikTok, and Tumblr are criticized as hubs for pseudo-intellectualism, fostering anti-life ideologies among isolated individuals.Bible Engagement as a Positive Trend (00:24:28 - 00:31:02)A LifeWay survey shows 48% of Americans view the Bible as true (up from 36% in 2016), with rising Bible sales and reading. This suggests a growing rejection of secular humanism and a return to spiritual values amid cultural nihilism.Covid as a Scam (Music Man Analogy) (00:41:36 - 00:50:18)A Brownstone Institute article compares the Covid response to The Music Man, where fear (inflated death counts, PCR test misuse) enriched “snake oil salesmen” like Fauci. This mirrors historical fearmongering (9/11, Waco) to erode rights, with elites profiting from compliance.Trump's Tariffs Impact on Small Businesses (01:11:21 - 01:16:20)An NFIB survey shows Trump's unpredictable tariffs are reducing small business optimism (down to 95.8, below the 51-year average), creating market uncertainty akin to Covid-era disruption. Small businesses face tight margins, reduced hiring, and stalled investments, with tech sector impacts highlighted by YouTubers Louis Rossman and Gamers Nexus.DEA Corruption in Drug War (01:27:30 - 01:35:58)An AP article reveals Diego Marin, a Cali cartel figure, evaded capture with DEA complicity, bribing agents while building a $100M money-laundering empire. Compared to Whitey Bulger and Iran-Contra, it's framed as a problem-reaction-solution tactic to expand the police state.Mexican Navy Ship Crash (01:37:07 - 01:39:26)An NBC News report describes a Mexican Navy sailing ship crashing into the Brooklyn Bridge, killing two and injuring 22 due to a mechanical failure. The surreal event stunned New Yorkers, highlighting the unexpected nature of Mexico's sailing navy.CDC Covid Vaccine Recommendations (01:52:26 - 01:56:33)A Wall Street Journal article reports the Trump administration plans to drop routine Covid vaccine recommendations for pregnant women, teenagers, and children, led by HHS Secretary RFK Jr. The host criticizes the CDC's blanket recommendation (everyone 6 months and older) due to no long-term safety data, profit-driven motives, and harmful side effects, arguing the vaccine should be removed entirely.HHS Covid Vaccine Recommendations and Authority (02:05:33 - 02:13:16)Dr. Ruby critiques HHS's plan to stop recommending Covid vaccines for children and pregnant women as a red herring, given its authority over FDA, NIH, CMS, and CDC to demand immediate removal. She warns of deceptive terms like “considering” and questions state chemtrail bans, citing federal exemptions (Title 50, Prep Act) and global air circulation, suspecting controlled opposition.Novavax Approval Critique and Bird Flu (02:21:20 - 02:30:03)The FDA fully approved Novavax's Covid shot, marketed as non-mRNA but using synthetic spike proteins from moth cells, posing risks like myocarditis with no long-term studies. Dr. Ruby warns of off-label use and compares it to Pfizer/Moderna's rollout. She critiques bird flu as a fabricated threat, with chicken culling inflating egg prices and testing economic control, not addressing real disease.Vaccine Shedding and Industry Protections (02:16:43 - 02:51:36)Pfizer's investigator brochure admits Covid vaccine shedding via inhalation and skin contact, raising concerns about unknown contents affecting unvaccinated individuals. Dr. Ruby highlights the vaccine industry's Prep Act immunity, with government payouts in vaccine court, and Pfizer's 50% non-disclosure agreement, allowing undisclosed ingredients, akin to coercive contracts demanding country assets.Follow the show on Kick and watch live every weekday 9:00am EST – 12:00pm EST https://kick.com/davidknightshow Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code KNIGHT Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

Is Lifeway Foods a real-life CPG industry version of the hit television series Succession? About 16 years after the cultured dairy brand was founded, the daughter and son take over as CEO and COO respectively…when their father dies of a heart attack. But while Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY) has generated years of growth, family members filed an SEC consent statement that argued “significant and repeated failures of corporate governance have harmed the business, its employees, and driven poor financial results for shareholders.” The brother, who left in 2022 and now serves as the president of a rival company…stated recently that leadership failures caused Lifeway Foods to fall behind other leading brands like Chobani. Additionally, claiming that “the company is running on autopilot and they're woefully under investing in marketing.” And if that wasn't enough…there's a website detailing the daughter's supposed deep and conflicting personal motives.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Tara-Leigh Cobble to discuss the importance of biblical and theological literacy.Questions Covered in This Episode:What is The Bible Recap podcast and why did you start it?Where do people start to get bogged down in Chronological Bible reading?What have we discovered when it comes to pushing Christians towards depth?What is the relationship between biblical and theological literacy?What are the most common ways that theological thinking gets compromised?How do you respond to someone who says that Christians don't need more time in the Bible they need more time making an impact?Guest Bio:Tara-Leigh Cobble is the creator and host of “The Bible Recap” daily podcast, which guides listeners through a chronological 1-year bible reading plan. She created and leads D Groups International - which has grown into a network of over 300 weekly global bible studies. She also writes and hosts a daily radio show called “The God Shot” and regularly leads trips to Israel to study the Bible on-site. She is the author of the Bible Recap and the bible study He's Where the Joy Is.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:The Bible Recap Podcast“He's Where the Joy Is” by Tara-Leigh CobbleDeep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

In a recent article from the folks at Lifeway, I was reminded of the importance of training our kids to use physical paper Bibles rather than depending on our smartphones and other screens. We do know that when we read on a screen, we read differently than we do on the printed page. Screen-reading does not facilitate the kind of line-by-line deep reading that occurs on the printed page. In the article, Tim Pollard from Lifeway offers up some helpful reasons for using a paper Bible. He says it makes the Bible physical and tangible. It minimizes distractions. The text is prevented from changing. A paper Bible doesn't run out of battery. It reinforces the sanctity of the Scriptures. Memory is enhanced. Readers can see how the canon of Scripture is organized and how the books of the Bible are structured, which provides context for what we are reading. In addition, it facilitates focus and note-taking. Here at CPYU we encourage you and your kids to use a physical, ink-on-paper Bible!

While they differ in size of revenue, U.S. CPG Growth Leaders all found innovative ways to connect with fragmented consumer communities using a range of growth levers. Sally Lyons Wyatt and Cara Loeys dive into the strategies that leading CPG companies deployed to achieve healthy growth in 2024, including the Five Cs of Success: community connections, comprehensive value, catering to multi-pronged wellness, collaborative growth, and company culture.   Key takeaways: Community connections: King Arthur Baking leaned on the experiences of consumers during COVID-19 to build a thriving baking community. This approach highlights the importance of engaging with consumers across different touchpoints and supporting them through innovative products and resources. Comprehensive value: Companies like Lifeway and Bausch & Lomb offer multi-functional products that provide a wide range of benefits. This strategy emphasizes the importance of delivering value that goes beyond price, enhancing convenience, experience, and well-being. Collaborative growth: Good Culture and Daisy Brand are reimagining their products and partnering with influencers to engage younger consumers. Innovative use of AI: The Coca-Cola Co. and e.l.f. Beauty are at the forefront of experimenting with AI to enhance productivity, efficiency, and consumer engagement. From AI-generated commercials to social media bots, these innovative approaches are revolutionizing how companies connect with their audience. Direct-to-consumer engagement: Company collaborations are resulting in successful, out-of-the-box solutions, many of which leverage digital sales and online promotional events to create buzz and engage loyal consumers.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley have a conversation about the meaning, significance, and different views of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.Questions Covered in This Episode:Why have baptism and the Lord's Supper been so contentious historically?What is the best argument for believers' baptism?What is the best argument for infant baptism?What are the dangers of not fully understanding each of these positions?What about churches that acknowledge both positions of baptism?What is baptism?How does the Lord's Supper connect to baptism in a way that is complimentary but distinct?What formative value does the Lord's Supper have in the weekly gathering?What is happening at the Lord's supper? What are the different views?Helpful Definitions: Baptism: "baptizo" (βαπτίζω): to immerse, submerge, or plungeTransubstantiation (Catholicism): The elements convert into the physical body and blood of Christ.Consubstantiation (Lutheranism): The substances both of the body and blood of Christ and of the bread and the wine coexist in union with each other.Spiritual Presence (Reformed): Christ is spiritually present in the elements.Memorial (Anabaptist): The elements are purely symbolic.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Acts 2, Romans 6, Matthew 5:6, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34“Remember and Rehearse” by JT EnglishRememberandRehearse.com“Formed for Fellowship” by Kyle WorleyFormedforFellowship.com“You are a Theologian” by Jen Wilkin and JT EnglishDeep Discipleship Program Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchYou can now receive your first seminary class for FREE from Midwestern Seminary after completing Lifeway's Deep Discipleship curriculum, featuring JT, Jen and Kyle. Learn more at mbts.edu/deepdiscipleship.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page.Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Are you passionate about Christian storytelling and dreaming of a career in faith-based filmmaking? Join media executive Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films, for a powerful and practical conversation that dives deep into the world of Christian movies and documentary filmmaking. From pitching your first project to navigating story structure and the unique challenges of faith-driven media, Ryan shares industry insights, personal stories, and what it truly takes to create films that impact both hearts and culture. Learn how filmmakers can bridge the gap between church and cinema—and what surrendering your dreams to God looks like in a creative career.

Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley are joined by Ben Mandrell to discuss his new Bible Study, “Together: Community That Marked the Acts 2 Church”Questions Covered in This Episode:Why are you releasing this study and why now? Is this apathy that is showing up post-COVID, or was it building before the pandemic happened?When we look at Acts 2, what do we find as instructive for the life of the church today?How does the Acts 2 model help us understand deep discipleship?Is individualism fueling apathy?Is there a greater risk in togetherness because it is messy?Why is it worth it?How is unity an obstacle to gathering together?What compromises our ability to engage in life together in Christ?How do you hope the Lord uses this resource?Why do you love the local church?Guest Bio:Ben Mandrell leads Lifeway Christian Resources as president and CEO. Prior to joining Lifeway, he pastored churches in Colorado and Tennessee. A native of Tampico, Illinois, Mandrell graduated from Anderson (Indiana) University in 1998. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.He co-hosts, along with his wife, Lynley, The Glass House podcast— conversations that point the way forward to healthy emotions and relationships for ministry leaders and their families. Ben and Lynley have been married since 2001. They have four children: Ava, Max, Miles and Jack.Resources Mentioned in this Episode:Acts 2, Ecclesiastes 7:10, Romans 16“Together” by Ben Mandrell Follow Us:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteOur Sister Podcasts:The Family Discipleship Podcast | Tiny TheologiansSupport Training the Church and Become a Patron:patreon.com/trainingthechurchMidwestern Seminary is excited to announce FTC Talks, exclusive conversations with MBTS faculty about ministry related topics. Completely online and FREE, you can sign up for any and all FTC Talks today at mbts.edu/ftctalks to reserve your spot. Join us for talks about women's discipleship, God's heart for the nations, gospel-driven ministry, Spurgeon's pastoral ministry, and how every Christian is a counselor. We hope these conversations will spur you on in your service to the local church and help you connect with even more ministry leaders and friends across the country. Sign up today at mbts.edu/ftctalks.To learn more about our sponsors please visit our sponsor page. Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co.

Episode Summary:Join Sarah Nagle as she explores the fascinating world of Lifeway Kefir, uncovering the story behind this probiotic powerhouse and its impact on gut health and overall wellness.  We sit down with Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway, to discuss the brand's journey from a small family operation to a leading voice in the probiotic movement. Discover how Lifeway balances ancient traditions with modern innovation, staying true to its roots while appealing to today's health-conscious consumer.  Plus, we introduce GooBerry, the ProBugs Vurb, and explore what happens when products gain a voice.Key Takeaways:The Lifeway Story: Learn about Lifeway's origins, its mission to bring the 2,000-year-old tradition of kefir to America, and its evolution into a lifestyle movement. Hear Julie's personal story of taking the helm as the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company and leading Lifeway's remarkable growth.The Science of Kefir: Explore the health benefits of kefir and its impact on gut health, digestion, and overall well-being. We discuss the vital connection between gut health and other aspects of health, including mental wellness.Innovation and Tradition: Discover how Lifeway blends its heritage with modern trends, incorporating consumer feedback and collaborating with health professionals to create products that resonate with today's consumers. We delve into their flavor innovation, drawing inspiration from popular trends like matcha lattes and pink dragon fruit.The Voice of the Consumer: Hear from Lifeway consumers about what they'd want to discuss with their favorite gut health companion.Meet GooBerry: We introduce GooBerry, the ProBugs Vurb, designed to engage children in healthy habits. Listen in as GooBerry shares advice for parents, discusses a dream brand collaboration, and reveals surprising facts about gut health.The Future of Product Interaction: Imagine a world where products can talk. We explore the potential impact of talkable products on marketing and user feedback, and how AI can shape the future of brand-consumer relationships.Guest:Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway KefirVurb Spotlight:GooBerry, the ProBugs Kefir VurbLifeway:https://lifewaykefir.com/Join us every Tuesday for new episodes of AI Powered by People!Vurvey.com

Send us a textIn a season of constant change, is your heart moving closer to God—or drifting further away?In this special episode, we're sharing a powerful message from Ben Mandrell, delivered at our annual One Lifeway gathering. With honesty and depth, Ben invites ministry leaders to reflect on something we often overlook: the subtle shifts of the heart. As everything around us changes, so do we—but are we paying attention to the direction of that change?Drawing from the story of Cain and Abel, Ben explores how mistrust in God can quietly take root, leading us down a dangerous path if left unchecked. He asks soul-searching questions like, “Is it truly well with my soul?” and challenges listeners to consider whether their hearts are being shaped more by the pressures of ministry or the presence of God.This message is both a caution and an invitation—to be still, to evaluate, and to redirect if needed. It's a timely reminder for leaders at every level that our effectiveness in ministry begins with the health of our own souls.If this episode encouraged or challenged you, take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast with another leader in your life. Your support helps us continue creating meaningful conversations for ministry-minded people just like you.SHOW LINKS:Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

In this episode of Pastor Matters, we are joined by Steven McKinion, director of PhD and ThM Studies and Professor of Theology and Patristic Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. McKinion shares insights from his and Scott Hildreth's upcoming book, 'Serving Jesus Without Burning Out,' emphasizing the need for healthy relationships and spiritual disciplines in the life of a pastor. We explore the early warning signs of burnout, practical steps to prevent it, and how to recover if one finds themselves in that situation. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu. Resources in this episode: "Serving Jesus without Burning Out" by Steven McKinion and Scott Hildreth will be available on May 1st. Pre-Order today before May 1st at B&H Publishing or Lifeway with promo code "FAITHFUL40" to receive a 40% discount. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

I sat down with Chad Higgins to talk about his and Zac Workun's new book, 'Define the Relationship: Growing a Parent Ministry that Brings Families and Churches Together.'This conversation is packed with insight, practical wisdom, and encouragement for anyone passionate about building strong bridges between the church and the home.I pray it blesses and encourages you this week!If you'd like a copt of the book you can get it here: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/define-the-relationship-P005848598?fbclid=IwY2xjawJv4W1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHsS8wLPsyINrrH7KfhDwmQ_51eGQxhbK-4ldYhsl8Vompii-cHTVPMrpOidJ_aem_zM0Iv_KWrUphrur-B7sJTw This episode is sponsored by Revo Financial find out more at https://revofinancial.com/

Send us a textAre you caring for your soul and body with the same intention you give to your ministry? As leaders, we often push through exhaustion and neglect our own well-being for the sake of serving others. But what if taking care of yourself is actually one of the most spiritual things you can do?In this episode, Ben Mandrell sit down with Tim Wheat to talk about the critical importance of health and self-care for pastors and ministry leaders. Tim shares his wisdom on how spiritual, emotional, and physical health are deeply connected—and how neglecting one can impact them all.This episode isn't about perfection—it's about progress. Whether you're at the beginning of your wellness journey or just need a reminder that your health matters, you'll find encouragement and practical tips for leading from a place of strength and sustainability.What small habit can you start this week that would move you toward greater spiritual, emotional, or physical health? Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation that reminds ministry leaders: taking care of yourself is not a distraction from your calling—it's part of it.SHOW LINKS: Connect with Tim Wheat-Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell. Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textHow do we handle anger as ministry leaders without letting it harm our relationships or leadership? Anger is a natural human emotion, but when left unchecked, it can become a significant challenge—especially in the context of ministry. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell sit down with Steve and Lisa Cuss to explore the complexities of anger and how it affects leaders.Steve and Lisa openly share their personal experiences with anger—how it shows up in their lives, how they've learned to recognize its protective nature, and the ways it challenges their leadership. They discuss how upbringing and past experiences shape our emotional responses, offering insights into how ministry leaders can better understand and manage their own reactions.The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing healthy communication strategies when addressing conflicts and fostering supportive relationships to navigate emotional challenges. Steve and Lisa remind listeners that anger doesn't have to be destructive; when understood and processed well, it can lead to growth and deeper connections.Join us for this candid and insightful conversation as we learn practical strategies for navigating anger with grace and wisdom in ministry.SHOW LINKS: -Leave Ben & Lynley a voice mail HERE-Connect with the Glass House on Instagram HERE-Please email us your questions and feedback to president@lifeway.com  or leave us a voice mail HEREPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

In this episode of Pastor Matters we are joined by Ben Mandrell, the 10th president of Lifeway. Ben shares insights from his new Bible study, "Together," which aims to foster community and connection among church members, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also discuss the significance of being involved in a local church, the necessity of vulnerability and authenticity in ministry, and the challenges faced by pastors in building genuine relationships within their congregation. We hope this episode is encouraging to you today! Let us know how this episode encouraged you or share any feedback you have by emailing us at pastorscenter@sebts.edu. Resources in this episode: "Together" Bible Study by Ben Mandrell is available at Lifeway.com. Pastor Matters is produced by Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Find out how Southeastern can equip you to GO by visiting sebts.edu.

In this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Julie Smolyansky, President, CEO, and Chairwoman of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering brand behind the kefir movement in the U.S.   We dive deep into Julie's incredible family story, from escaping the Soviet Union with just $116 to building a nearly $200M company that now owns 95% of the global kefir category. Julie shares how her father's dream, her mother's entrepreneurial spirit, and her own grit helped turn a probiotic-rich dairy drink into a wellness staple for millions. We also discuss the science behind kefir, staying innovative while running a public company, and how Julie is standing strong in the face of a hostile takeover attempt. This isn't just a conversation about dairy; it's about resilience, passion, legacy, and the powerful connection between gut health and life. Key Moments in This Episode: *

Send us a textWhat does it look like to serve faithfully in ministry through the decades? In this special episode of our "Through the Decades" series, Lynley Mandrell sits down with Kathy Litton—a pastor's wife who has dedicated years to ministry, experiencing the highs and lows that come with a lifetime of service.Kathy's journey is a testament to the resilience and grace required to navigate ministry through various seasons of life. From the early years of enthusiasm to the challenges of grief and loss, Kathy shares her story of personal growth, emotional health, and the importance of community support. She reflects on how faith has anchored her through the struggles and how she's learned to find purpose at every stage.Kathy also tackles the pressures that come with aging and beauty in a world that often values the external, reminding us that true beauty comes from spiritual growth and inner strength. Her insights are both encouraging and practical, especially for those walking a similar path of long-term ministry.Join us for this insightful conversation as Kathy shares her heart and hard-earned wisdom from decades of serving in ministry.SHOW LINKS:4oPlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textWhen was the last time you slowed down enough to notice a small moment of joy? As ministry leaders, it's easy to get caught up in the weight of responsibilities, constantly pouring into others while neglecting our own emotional and spiritual health. In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to pause and reflect on the difference between happiness and gladness—and why recognizing micro moments of joy in everyday life matters.They explore the tension ministry leaders often face between serving faithfully and maintaining personal joy, emphasizing the necessity of self-care and how small moments of gladness can restore our perspective. The conversation highlights the power of serving others with a joyful heart, despite life's challenges and responsibilities, and how personal experiences shape our emotional health.Listeners will also hear from Pastor Fred Luter, as he shares a powerful message he gave to the Lifeway team on enduring suffering and trials while holding firmly to our joy in the Lord. His words offer encouragement and remind us that joy isn't dependent on circumstances but is rooted in Christ.How can you intentionally notice and embrace micro moments of joy in your daily life and ministry?SHOW LINKS: Together Bible StudyConnect with Pastor Fred LuterPastor Fred Luter on The Glass HousePlease click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

We've got our faithful hosts (with the most!) for Week 3 of our Lent 2025 reading plan, He Will Save Us! Raechel and Amanda walk us through this week's readings, reminding us of the great comfort and assurance we have in God's salvation as He works His kingdom's justice out in the world. Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 3 of She Reads Truth's Lent 2025: He Will Save Us reading plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, app, or with our He Will Save Us printed or digital Daily Reading Guide.She Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on Instagram*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.Mentioned in this episode:AirDoctor—Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code TRUTH to get UP TO $300 off today! Christian Standard Bible- Preorder a premium version of the She Reads Truth CSB Bible at Lifeway.com/SheReadsTruth.

Send us a textAs ministry leaders, how often do we carry guilt that God never intended for us to bear? In this episode, Ben and Lynley Mandrell invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences with guilt and forgiveness.Joined by Paige Greene, they dive into the complex emotions surrounding guilt—unpacking the difference between appropriate and inappropriate guilt—and how it impacts relationships at home, in ministry, and in leadership. Together, they explore the necessity of setting healthy boundaries, embracing self-awareness, and rejecting guilt that isn't warranted. Paige offers practical insights on having hard conversations, navigating communication with difficult personalities (including narcissism in leadership), and the power of a sincere apology. She also encourages ministry leaders to recognize the difference between guilt and fear, and to seek help when needed to maintain emotional and spiritual health.This conversation will empower you to lead from a place of freedom and grace rather than guilt and fear.Join us as we explore how to navigate guilt and forgiveness in a way that fosters healthier relationships, stronger leadership, and deeper personal growth.SHOW LINKS:Please click THIS LINK to shop for the brand new Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell.

Send us a textGrief is one of the hardest roads we walk in life, yet it is a journey we all must take at some point. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, an unexpected life change, or the quiet ache of unspoken sorrow, grief touches us deeply. But what if we allowed ourselves to truly lament—without rushing past the pain or feeling pressure to “move on” too quickly? In this episode, Nikki Ogden and Angie Elkins dive into the raw and often uncomfortable emotions of grief, exploring how sadness can be embraced as a spiritual discipline rather than something to suppress.Their conversation unpacks the significance of grief and lament in the Christian life, emphasizing that sadness and hope are not opposites but can exist together. They discuss biblical examples of lament, showing how Scripture gives us permission to express our deepest sorrow before God. The conversation highlights the importance of communal grief and how mourning within a faith community brings healing. If this conversation resonates with you, we'd love for you to share it and walk alongside others in their journey of healing!SHOW LINKS:Connect with Angie Elkins The Glass House Podcast Click HERE to shop the Together Bible Study from Lifeway and Ben Mandrell

The season of Lent is here, and so is special guest Kristi McLelland! Kristi generously shares her wit and wisdom as we open the first twelve chapters of the book of Isaiah. As we begin the season of Lent together, take our word for it—you don't want to miss the conversation to start the journey. Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 1 of She Reads Truth's Lent 2025: He Will Save Us reading plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, app, or with our He Will Save Us printed or digital Daily Reading Guide.Big thanks to our episode sponsors!Christian Standard Bible—Preorder a premium version of the She Reads Truth CSB Bible at Lifeway.com/SheReadsTruth.AquaTru—Receive 20% OFF any AquaTru water purifier! Just go to AquaTru.com and enter code TRUTH at checkout.Hiya Health—Get 50% off your first order at HiyaHealth.com/truthShe Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on InstagramKristi McLelland on InstagramNewLensBiblicalStudies.comFeasting on God's Word by Kristi McLelland*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.

Welcome to Week 2 of our Promises of God study, and an even warmer welcome to guest Julie Baumgardner! Julie shares her own stories of how she's seen God's promises at work in her life, and each attests to the peace, wholeness, and connection we have with God because of how each of His promises has been fulfilled through Christ. Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 2 of She Reads Truth's Promises of God reading plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, app, or with our Promises of God printed or digital Daily Reading GuideUse code LENT5 for $5 off the Lent collection! Shop at ShopSheReadsTruth.com. This code is valid through 3/3/25.Big thanks to our episode sponsors:Christian Standard Bible- Preorder a premium version of the She Reads Truth CSB Bible at Lifeway.com/SheReadsTruth.AirDoctor-  Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code TRUTH to get up to $300 off today!She Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on InstagramJulie Baumgardner on Instagram*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.

Let's open our Bibles to a new study this week! We've invited Joel Muddamalle to kick off Week 1 of Promises of God. Joel brings a wealth of wisdom to the podcast this week, helping us connect the dots between God's Old Testament promises to the work of Christ.Open your Bibles with us this week! This episode corresponds to Week 1 of She Reads Truth's Promises of God reading plan. You can read with the She Reads Truth community on our site, app, or with our Promises of God printed or digital Daily Reading Guide.Big thanks to our episode sponsors!Christian Standard Bible: Preorder a premium version of the She Reads Truth CSB Bible at Lifeway.com/SheReadsTruth.Winshape Camps: Register for a Winshape Marriage Retreat at WinshapeMarriage.org/Truth.MOSH: Get 20% off and free shipping on the bestsellers pack of protein bars at MoshLife.com/Truth. She Reads Truth on Instagram & FacebookRaechel Myers on InstagramAmanda Bible Williams on InstagramJoel Muddamalle on Instagram*If you purchase something through our links, She Reads Truth may earn an affiliate commission.