The Ordinary Christian Podcast
By Craig Thompson
The Ordinary Christian PodcastJan 20, 2021
Episode 97: A Theology of Play with Kevin Gushiken
On this episode, Dr. Kevin Gushiken and I discuss his upcoming book A Theology of Play and the importance of incorporating play into the Christian life. He explores the reasons why Christians often don’t prioritize play and suggests that grounding play in theology and scripture can give us permission to enjoy life. He emphasizes the need for a playful attitude and spontaneous moments of play, as well as scheduled play.
Dr. Gushiken also highlights the benefits of play in relationships, workplaces, and discipleship. In this conversation, Kevin Gushiken and Craig Thompson discuss the importance of play in our lives, especially in the midst of pain and struggle. They explore the idea that play brings joy, freedom, and perspective, and helps us connect with others and with God. They also discuss the impact of technology on play and the need to prioritize play in our lives. The conversation concludes with a discussion on favorite ways to play and a reminder to step into play and make it a part of our daily lives.
Takeaways
- Grounding play in theology and scripture can give Christians permission to enjoy life.
- Playfulness and spontaneous moments of play should be incorporated into all aspects of life, not just scheduled play.
- Play can deepen relationships, build trust, and increase productivity in workplaces.
- Play can be a valuable tool for discipleship and spiritual growth.
- The Bible affirms the importance of play and enjoyment of life. Play brings joy, freedom, and perspective to our lives.
- Play helps us connect with others and with God.
- Technology can hinder our ability to play and disconnect from the busyness of life.
- We need to prioritize play and make it a part of our daily lives.
- Play can be a source of strength and resilience in the midst of pain and struggle.
Sound Bites
- “Why is it that Christians, and I think this applies to people who are non-Christians as well, why is it that we don’t play?”
- “Have you played this week?”
- “We’re not doing an excellent job at discipling young men… We’ve created discipleship methods and models that are very driven towards… readers… but just aren’t interested in reading a 300-page book on theology or a 250-page book on spiritual disciplines.”
- “We have an Abba father. Why would it be any different for our Abba father when he gave us this good creation? I think he gets great pleasure when we enjoy the relationships, the gifts, the creation, the ability to play, to connect with people.”
- “How connected are we to our phone, our email? And so we almost become sterilized in life, right? Because we’re so connected to technology that we don’t disconnect to enjoy.”
- “The best antidote to mental health is let’s go play a little bit.”
Chapters
00:00Introduction: A Theology of Play
08:54Play as a Discipleship Method
23:15Play in the Workplace: Increasing Productivity
30:59Disconnecting from Technology and Prioritizing Play
40:29Rediscovering Play as Empty Nesters
53:12Stepping into Play: Making it a Habit and Routine
Preorder A Theology of Play here.
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Episode 96: Bread and Bibles-A Conversation about D. L. Moody with Greg Quiggle
Dr. Greg Quiggle discusses his new book on D.L. Moody, titled Bread and Bibles: D. L. Moody's Evangelism and Social Action, which explores Moody's evangelism and social action. Moody was a prominent English-speaking evangelist in the 19th century and had a significant impact on Protestant Christianity. He was known for his ability to connect with the common person and his earnestness.
Moody established various institutions, including Moody Bible Institute and Moody Church, and played a key role in the development of Christian publishing. He believed in the three Rs: ruined by sin, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Moody's theology was practical and focused on the essentials of the Christian faith. He was a pre-millennialist and believed in the imminent return of Christ to establish his rule on earth for a thousand years. Moody's influence extended beyond his lifetime and continues to impact evangelicalism today. DL Moody's ministry was characterized by his focus on evangelism and his love for people. He was driven by the love of God and had a deep understanding of the struggles of the poor and marginalized. Moody's ministry was marked by humility and a focus on Jesus, not himself. He believed in preaching the gospel and also in practical acts of service and social engagement.
Takeaways
- D.L. Moody was a prominent English-speaking evangelist in the 19th century and had a significant impact on Protestant Christianity.
- Moody established various institutions, including Moody Bible Institute and Moody Church, which continue to have a lasting impact today.
- His theology was practical and focused on the essentials of the Christian faith, emphasizing the three Rs: ruined by sin, redeemed by Christ, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
- Moody was a pre-millennialist and believed in the imminent return of Christ to establish his rule on earth for a thousand years.
- His influence extended beyond his lifetime and continues to impact evangelicalism today. Moody's ministry was characterized by his focus on evangelism and his love for people.
- He had liberal theological friends and was not vociferously anti-Catholic.
- Moody's theology was caught, not taught, and he learned by listening and asking questions.
- He was driven by the love of God and had a deep understanding of the struggles of the poor and marginalized.
- Moody's ministry was marked by humility and a focus on Jesus, not himself.
- He believed in preaching the gospel and also in practical acts of service and social engagement.
Sound Bites
- "Dwight Moody, unfortunately, has largely dropped out of memory for a lot of people."
- "Moody's genius was he had the ability to catch the conscience and the imagination of the common person."
- "By the time he leaves, there's about two million people that have attended his services in London alone."
- "He was not vociferously anti-Catholic, and he got slaughtered for that a lot."
- "Ultimately he's an evangelist, right? His goal is to preach the gospel and get people to the counseling room."
- "Moody's theology is caught, not taught. He learned by listening and asking questions."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background of Dr. Greg Quiggle and D.L. Moody
02:08Discussion of Dr. Quiggle's Book: Bread and Bibles
10:06D.L. Moody's Early Life and Conversion
14:02Moody's Impact in England and Worldwide
23:43Moody's Humility and Legacy
28:48Moody's Theology and Controversies
29:17DL Moody's Relationship with the Catholic Church
30:09Moody's Focus on Evangelism
31:31Moody's Theology: Caught, Not Taught
35:38The Love of God and the Love for the Marginalized
38:44Moody's Humility and Focus on Jesus
40:14Preaching the Gospel and Practicing Social Engagement
Episode 95: Choosing To Say No as a Parent with Adam Whiteside and Keven Newsome
As parents, our “no” can often be more powerful than our “yes.” But, saying “no” comes with risk as well as reward. On this episode of the podcast, I sit down with two other pastors from Malvern Hill and discuss why saying “no” must be a part of our regular conversations with our children. We discuss a recent sermon, travel sports, ballet, screen time, social media, and internet gaming. Perhaps most importantly, we discuss the opportunity costs that come with the choices we make for our families.
Hopefully, along the way, we give other parents some extra tools in their tool kit to help make raising our kids a little easier.
One of the major topics in this podcast is Jonathan Haidt’s newest book, The Anxious Generation. Use this link to access information about the book and the research that supports it.
We also mentioned Brant Hansen’s book, The Men We Need.
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Episode 94: A Theology of Exercise with David Mathis
In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson interviews David Mathis about the theology of exercise. They discuss the importance of exercise in their personal lives and how it impacts their roles as husbands, fathers, and pastors. They explore the biblical metaphor of running and the idea of embracing difficulty for the sake of reward. They also touch on the different types of exercise and the importance of finding enjoyment in physical activity. Overall, the conversation highlights the connection between physical health and spiritual well-being. In this conversation, Craig Thompson and David Mathis discuss the importance of physical movement and exercise in the Christian life. They explore how our sedentary lifestyles can hinder our ability to glorify God and serve others. They emphasize the need for balance and moderation in caring for our bodies, avoiding both neglect and idolatry. They also discuss the impact of exercise on mental and emotional well-being, as well as its role in parenting and community building. Overall, they highlight the holistic nature of the Christian life and the importance of stewarding our bodies for the glory of God.
Takeaways
- Regular exercise can make us better husbands, fathers, and pastors by increasing our energy levels and improving our overall well-being.
- Embracing difficulty in exercise can train our will and help us develop discipline in other areas of life.
- Different types of exercise, such as aerobic training, strength training, and balance training, all have their own benefits and can contribute to our physical and spiritual health.
- Exercise should be enjoyable and bring a sense of playfulness to our lives.
- The biblical metaphor of running can remind us of the importance of perseverance and finishing strong in our spiritual journey. Our sedentary lifestyles can hinder our ability to glorify God and serve others.
- Caring for our bodies through exercise is a spiritual discipline that can enhance our mental and emotional well-being.
- Physical activity can be a way to bond with our children and set a healthy example for them.
- Exercise should be approached with balance and moderation, avoiding both neglect and idolatry.
- Engaging in physical activity can lead to a more joyful and obedient Christian life.
Links
- A Little Theology of Exercise by David Mathis
- Your Health is a Spiritual Issue
- We Need to Talk about Gluttony
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Sound Bites
- “Exercise should be enjoyable and carry with it some play.”
- “Running is a biblical metaphor, a promise.”
- “In the midst of suffering, there is something good that’s going to come out as a result.”
- “When you have easy access to Doritos, we are not concerned with gluttony.”
- “I want to let my light so shine in such a way that others see my good deeds and give glory to my father in heaven. That’s going to take movement.”
- “I have a responsibility. God’s given me this body. It’s beautiful. Well, it’s beautiful as it can be.”
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Personal Background
08:23The Theology of Exercise and its Impact on Daily Life
16:00Training the Will through Exercise
29:24Personal Responsibility and Stewardship
36:24The Importance of Modest Upkeep
44:06Living a Happier, Obedient Christian Life
Episode 93: Finding Joy in the Struggle
What if life is supposed to be hard? What if difficult is normal, and easy is the rare icing on the cake. If life is supposed to be challenging, then part of the struggles in our lives do not come about because life is so difficult, but because we have made too much of life easy and have created an expectation that easy is normal.
The Bible is filled with words of warning about difficult days and with words of promise that we are not alone in difficult days. But, the Bible is also full of verses that teach us about the joy and glory to be found in struggle and even in suffering. On this episode of the podcast, we take a brief dive into some of the positive aspects of suffering and struggle.
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Episode 92: Bryan Plyler-Losing My Voice and Finding a Fuller Ministry
Bryan Plyler is a husband, father, aspiring angler, and the pastor of the River Church in Camden, SC. On this episode, Bryan shares about his recent health struggles that nearly left him without a voice and how God has worked in spite of that situation. He shares some helpful tips on anxiety and tells about lessons learned from hard spiritual struggles. The podcast closes with a good conversation on friends and how even friends of convenience are God’s kindness toward us and should be treasured.
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Episode 91: The Boys Are Not Alright. But They Can Be.
We are failing our boys. No one denies that boys in our culture are struggling, but perhaps you are not aware of just how great the struggle is. Boys are failing or falling behind in nearly every category imaginable. Consider a few stats:
- Nationally, 70% of high school valedictorians are female.
- In 2010 only 44% of college applicants were male.
- As of 2016, the dropout rate for boys is 40% higher than for girls.
- 2/3 of the population labeled as “learning-disabled” is boys.
- For every 100 girls who repeat kindergarten, 194 boys repeat.
- Boys make up 70% of medicated preschoolers and kindergartners.
- Boys make up 80% of the suspects in juvenile courts.
On this episode, I offer some hope from the Bible and some suggestions for what you can do today to begin making boys healthier.
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Episode 90: 7 Steps for Spiritual Discernment
When we try to teach biblical discernment, it is difficult for the same reasons that teaching someone to play baseball is difficult. Baseball is a relatively simple game to play…if you know how to play baseball. If you do not know how to play baseball, it is a game filled with complicated, sometimes abstract instructions, skills, and coordination and you have already forgotten many of the beginning and intermediate steps in the process of learning how to throw and hit a baseball.
If you are teaching biblical discernment, you have probably forgotten many of the steps involved in that process as well process. Discernment becomes second nature to you as you mature in Christ and grow in your knowledge, understanding, and application of God’s word.
But, for those who are new to the concept, we have to break discernment down into practical steps that can be used to arrive at a decision.
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Episode 89: God’s Hand in Difficult Days with Rob Tims
Have you ever gone through a difficult season of life, only to look back and see God at work through the whole thing?
Rob Tims is a husband and father of four children. He is also the pastor of Beech Haven Church in Athens, Georgia. On this episode of the podcast, Rob and I dig into a period of intense struggle in his life that God used to refine him and give him a greater appreciation for the gospel. Rob explains how anxiety and depression can have physiological impacts. He also shares the difference between living for God’s glory and for man’s applause. Rob is very transparent about the struggles of his past, but also shares some great insight on how to avoid falling into those dark places yourself. Rob’s story also has a happy ending because the result of his struggle was a greater dependence upon the Lord and a return to healthy and fruitful ministry.
Your story can have a happy ending as well!
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Episode 88: Creating the New Testament Canon with Benjamin Laird
Benjamin Laird is associate professor of biblical studies at the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity of Liberty University. He is a respected New Testament scholar and the author of several books. On this episode of the Podcast, I speak with Dr. Laird about his latest book, Creating the Canon: Composition, Controversy, and the Authority of the New Testament.
Dr. Laird explains the process of canonization and explains what canonization means (it is the process whereby the New Testament books were deemed to be sacred and authoritative–essentially, the process of those writings becoming the New Testament). We talk a bit about liberalism and higher criticism. Dr. Laird explains why inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility are essential components to affirming the authority of the New Testament. If you have ever wondered where the New Testament came from and how we came to understand it as divinely inspired, this podcast is for you.
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Episode 87: The Burden and Gift of Living with Alan Noble
Tremendous suffering is the normal experience of being in this world. Beauty and love and joy are normal, but so is suffering. Alan Noble is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and has written a fantastic book on the burden and beautiful gift of living. In, On Getting Out of Bed, Alan Noble encourages his readers to know that God loves them and that they are a part of his good creation intended to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
On this episode of the podcast, Alan and I discuss the joys and challenges of living. We talk about how suffering is norma. Hopefully you can be reminded that just because your life is hard, that does not make you broken or unique. Life is often challenging, but you can and should continue to live abundantly even when you might not feel like it. You can’t always trust your feelings. You don’t always feel like getting out of bed. Sometimes, all you can do is the next thing, but even if the next thing is just getting out of bed, you can even do that for the glory of God and the good of others.
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Episode 86: Spiritual Disciplines as a Communal Way of Life with Jared Patrick Boyd
Jared Patrick Boyd is a pastor, spiritual director, and founding director of the Order of the Common Life, a missional monastic order reimagining religious vocations for the twenty-first century. He and his wife have four daughters and live in Columbus, Ohio. On this episode of the podcast, Jared and I discuss his latest book, Finding Freedom in Constraint: Reimagining Spiritual Disciplines as a Communal Way of Life.
As we discuss his book, we talk through the ways spiritual disciplines can be practiced in community. We consider how the beatitudes can be practically applied to help us know ourselves better and walk in deeper relationship with Christ. Jared also offers some practical tips on how you can begin to live more intentionally in community and suggests that the first step in a deeper spiritual growth may be a commitment to silence and solitude. If you are looking for way to grow in your relationship with the Lord or if you have ever wondered how ancient monastic principles could be lived out in modern life, this podcast is a great place to start.
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Episode 85: Healthy Habits as Spiritual Disciplines
I've written several times on physical health in the past and just recently, I wrote on gluttony. On this episode of the Podcast, I try to merge the gluttony conversation with a few words about physical health and what it looks like to find balance. I hope you will join me as we consider the steps you can take to battle gluttony, and how 5+1 can help you to find joy and satisfaction--and maybe even help you to climb out of a funk.
Our spiritual health is related to our physical health, whether we like it or not. So, it is time that we get serious talking about it.
Episode 84: A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News with Jeffrey Bilbro
Whenever you reach for your phone or scan a newspaper to get caught up, you are not being merely informed, you are also being formed. News consumption can shape your sense of belonging, how you judged the value of your life, and even how your brains function. Jeff Bilbro believes Christians must not let the news replace prayer, Bible reading, and simple disciplines of the Christian life.
On this episode of the Podcast, Dr. Bilbro and I discuss the news, the power of daily habits, and the role of both the Old Testament prophet and the informed Christian today. Dr. Bilbro also explains how being "more informed" through news media may not be as good as you think it is and why it is important to not spend your best time of the day in devotion to news media instead of God.
After listening to the podcast, I encourage you to pick up a copy of Reading the Times: A Theological Inquiry into the News.
Episode 83: C. S. Lewis in America with Mark Noll
Mark Noll is a retired professor of history and prolific author with a focus in history and the history of the church in America. His most recent book, C. S. Lewis in America looks at the reception of C. S. Lewis in America during and following World War II. In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Noll and I discuss Lewis, the need for academic rigor in evangelicalism, and the historical context behind Lewis's American reception. Along the way we learn how Lewis avoided politics and why he was more concerned for his soul than his success.
This is a fun conversation with a renowned scholar. If you are a C. S. Lewis fan, it is an added bonus, but even if you have never heard of C. S. Lewis, you will benefit from Dr. Noll's wisdom and insight.
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Episode 82: Myths and Realities of Marriage with Lyman Stone
Lyman Stone is a husband, father, and follower of Jesus. He is also a PhD Candidate in Sociology at McGill University. As a demographer, Lyman specializes in understanding fertility preferences. On this episode of the podcast, however, we focus primarily on what demographic data tells us about the state of marriage in the United States today. We consider the happiness that marriage brings, the best steps single people can take today to find a mate or be more "marriageable" themselves. Lyman also shares some research related to secularization of children and why you need to worry more about what you teach your kids about Jesus at home than what they are going to learn in college. We also discuss marriage tax penalties and why cohabiting is a terrible idea for anyone who desires marriage in the future.
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Episode 81: There is Joy in Your Trials
Recently, I wrote about anxiety, and it resonated with many of you. Most of you know at least a little bit of what anxiety can feel like. You have experienced struggles or worries. Some anxiety is over large things, often we can even be anxious over small issues. Occasionally, we can feel anxious for seemingly nothing at all. In the midst of anxiety, all sorts of little things can feel like they are piling up and threatening to smother you.
On this episode of the podcast, I speak about how God met me in the middle of all the things and reminded me that even trials come to mould me into his image.
Our trials can even be places of joy when we remember that God meets us there.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
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James 1:2-4
Episode 80: Sin and Redemption in Genesis 3 with Brian Owen
Brian Owen is the planting pastor of Grace City Church in Boston, Massachusetts. Brian has a heart for redemption and helps us to see the terrible fall of sin in Genesis 3, but the great hope of the gospel that is pointed to first in that passage of Scripture. Along the way we discuss the differences between Boston and Camden, we celebrate the joy of Waffle House and Cracker Barrel, and SmashBurger. Along the way we wrestle with some of the gruesome details that are often overlooked in teaching about sin and shame.
As you hear this conversation, please take time to pray for Brian, his church, and the city of Boston. Consider whether God might desire for you to join him in the work he and others are doing in Boston, Mass.
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Episode 79: Nancy Pearcey and the Toxic War on Masculinity
Nancy Pearcey's latest book is The Toxic War on Masculinity: How Christianity Reconciles the Sexes. Her earlier books include Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality, The Soul of Science, Saving Leonardo, Finding Truth, and two ECPA Gold Medallion Award Winners: How Now Shall We Live (coauthored with Harold Fickett and Chuck Colson) and Total Truth. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. She is professor and scholar in residence at Houston Christian University. A former agnostic, Pearcey has spoken at universities such as Princeton, Stanford, USC, and Dartmouth. She has been quoted in The New Yorker and Newsweek, highlighted as one of the five top women apologists by Christianity Today, and hailed in The Economist as "America's pre-eminent evangelical Protestant female intellectual."
On this episode of the podcast, Professor Pearcey discusses her motivations for writing this book and how she believes the war on masculinity is trickling down to impact boys of all ages. Nancy explains the underreported good news that committed evangelical Christian men are the best husbands and fathers on the planet. We also discuss how women have a unique perspective to speak into the masculinity crisis and how Darwinism and evolutionary psychology has the potential to perpetuate the sinful excuses of Adam.
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Episode 78: Living for Jesus in an Unbelieving Family
Families usually share things in common--the Thompsons are all Atlanta Braves fans, for instance (and all but one of our kids are South Carolina Gamecock fans, but that is another bitter story). There really is joy to be found in shared experiences and commitments within the family. When members of the family are not on the same page--like having a Clemson fan in a Carolina household--the family can experience tension.
When the tension surrounds a college football team, it can be overcome. But, there are tensions that are fare greater. If you are a follower of Jesus who lives in a family that does not share your faith, you know what it is like to live with tension. You experience the tension of having close relationships in your church that the rest of your family does not share. You probably even wrestle with the existential angst that your family members are no Christians whose eternal destiny hangs in the balance. If you are one of those people, you are not alone and this podcast is for you.
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Episode 77: Fostering, Adoption, and Orphan Care with Angela Thompson
I have written several times through the years about why you should be concerned with orphan care and shared some of our family’s story of adoption. On this episode of the podcast, my wife, Angela joins me to share about the needs for orphan care and to share a bit about our story. If you have ever considered orphan care as a possibility in your home, I know this episode can help you. If you have ever had a desire to help children in hard places but thought there was nothing you could do, make sure you listen in for all the ways you can support orphan care, even if you do not have the ability to welcome children into your home.
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Episode 76: Practicing Self-Awareness with Terry Linhart
How much margin do you need in your life? How well do you know yourself? Terry Linhart joins me today to talk about some of the most common personal challenges we face in life and ministry. He offers some guided reflection to help us overcome our blindspots and become more effective leaders.
If you could use help setting up healthy margins in your life or maybe processing your emotions, this podcast is for you. You will also be challenged to see yourself as others see you, not just as you wish to be perceived. If you want to learn more about Terry, you can do so by going to his website, terrylinhart.com
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Episode 75: C. S. Lewis for a New Generation with Louis Markos
Louis Markos is a professor of English at Houston Christian University. He is also an expert and scholar on C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Markos helps us to understand a little background on C. S. Lewis and gives us some tips on how to read Lewis a little more carefully. Dr. Markos shows us how C. S. Lewis is important for today and how we can use Lewis’s approach to be more winsome in our Christian witness to the world around us.
Dr. Markos is a lot of fun, and you will enjoy hearing his passion bleed through in the conversation. If you would like to know more about Dr. Markos, you can find his books here. You can also read his article, What I Learned from Rereading C. S. Lewis, which we discuss in the podcast. You may also enjoy this podcast from The Art of Manliness where I first heard Dr. Markos speak about C. S. Lewis.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a rating or review to help us get the word out.
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Episode 74: Lies Young Women Believe with Ginger Chestnut
On this episode, I sit down with my friend and co-worker, Ginger Chestnut, to talk about Lies Young Women Believe, parenting, and mentoring the next generation. Through the course of the conversation we discuss ice cream and popcorn for dinner, burned meals, and living room campouts. If you are a woman or young woman, you will love learning from Ginger's wisdom.
If you are a man or a young man, you need to hear this because the women in your life have some challenges that are a bit different than yours. You need to know how to love them well.
Finally, if you have ever been tempted to believe that your whole life has to be determined by your mistakes, make sure to pay close attention to the last five minutes. One moment does not have to destroy your entire life.
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Episode 73: Habits of Hospitality
Pastors have a biblical expectation and responsibility to welcome guests into their homes. There is not a biblical expectation that they become extravagant hosts or live in a particular kind or size of home. There is not a biblical expectation that pastors always have people in their home. But, there is a biblical expectation that the homes of pastors be open to guests and that they welcome them with joy.
If you are not a pastor, you’re not off the hook. Hospitality is a biblical expectation for all of God’s children. Just consider 1 Peter 4:9, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
If hospitality is a struggle for you or if you just don’t know how to begin making your home more hospitable, this podcast is a good place for you to begin. I've put together a list of a few tips to help you begin to make your home (and yourself) more hospitable.
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Episode 72: What You Should and Should Not Say At A Funeral
Grieving people need the comfort of community. But, in times of grief, we can often say things we don't mean or attempt to comfort people with words that hit wrong. Todd Warnock joins me on the podcast today to talk about the things that were helpful for him when he lost his son and to share some of the really stupid things people said to him in those hard days.
At some point, you will sit with grieving people and you will wonder what to say and what to do. This podcast gives some insight from someone who has a been there. I enjoyed this conversation with Todd and I know you will enjoy and benefit from his wisdom, experience, and even his humor.
You can find more resources on this topic here.
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Episode 71: The Future is Analog with David Sax
Have you ever found yourself longing for more than an online experience? Have you ever missed a payphone or a real textbook? Maybe you remember the smell of your elementary school or the relationship with your high school youth leader. If any of these describe you, you know something about the desire for analog experiences.
David Sax is an award winning writer and keynote speaker. He is also a father, husband, and amateur lake surfer. On this episode of the podcast, David shares about two of his books, The Revenge of Analog and The Future is Analog. David shares how our digitally focused world has led to a revival of analog experiences like vinyl records and board games. We also discuss how COVID lockdowns revealed just how important analog experiences are to human existence. Along the way we talk about the tactile experience of religious services, Christmas parties, and Latvian saunas.
Regardless of whether you love boardgames or vinyl records, you will enjoy David's perspective on the real world and why we all need it. To learn more about David, visit his website at www.saxdavid.com.
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Episode 70: The Wolf in Their Pockets with Chris Martin
Social media likely shapes the people you love and disciple more than you do. With that Sentence, Chris Martin begins his book, The Wolf in Their Pockets. On this episode of the podcast, Chris shares about the premise behind his book, the positive aspects of social media and the dangers that it presents. Chris encourages believers to engage with social media thoughtfully and actively rather than passively. We discuss how social media can be utilized to extend relationships--like keeping up with college friends--and to communicate important information.
Along the course of our conversation, we discuss the Cubs, the designated hitter, and the new pitch clock in MLB. If you are a consumer or a creator of social media content, this podcast is for you.
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Episode 69: Evangelism Instead of Excuses
Are you willing to give of yourself to reach others with the gospel? Jesus proclaimed the gospel authentically. He didn’t just say it, he lived it before them and with them. He allowed them to see him, to touch him. Later he would even eat with them. As you seek to share the gospel with others, they are looking for a gospel that is more than words.
People around you are often fearful and they struggle to believe. Their lives are messy and hard. If you are going to reach them, you’ve got to be willing to climb down into their mess with them. Like Jesus, you have to meet them in their mess so that they can be delivered.
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Episode 68: A Changed Life with Lanny Gunter
Lanny Gunter is a husband, father, business owner, and a veteran. He is also active in his church where he volunteers with children’s ministry, he is a dog trainer, and an enthusiastic coffee drinker. But, Lanny’s life has not always been so closely tied to a local church. On this episode of the podcast, Lanny shares his story of self-reliance, substance abuse, and a few close-calls with death. He also tells how Jesus has changed his life and how he is trying to make a difference in the lives of others today.
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Episode 67: Building Young Men of Character and Consequence with Mark Hodge
Mark Hodge is the Head Football Coach at Spartanburg High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. As the head coach there, Mark has implemented a program to help his players to become more than athletes, but to grow into young men of character, consequence, and courage. Mark says the REFINED program is “designed to give support, structure and opportunities for our children to become the best they can possibly be as adults. It encompasses the socio-emotional, academic, psychological, physical and financial aspects of life.”
As discussed on a previous episode of the podcast, we live in an age where high school teachers (and coaches) are more trusted than pastors. Educators have a wonderful opportunity and Mark Hodge is working to make the most of that opportunity. If you are interested in learning more about the REFINED program, reach out to Mark.
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Episode 66: The Missional Need for Army Chaplains
On this episode of the podcast, an SBC Army Chaplain sits down to share his story in ministry, the importance of chaplains, the purpose of chaplains, and to offer a plea for more people (especially young me) to pursue this important missional calling. If you are like me, this might be the first time you have ever considered the need to pray and plea for more chaplains. You'll also hear some valuable advice for ministering to and with chaplains, caring well for military families, and why the greatest threat to chaplaincy is probably not what you think.
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Episode 65: Restoring Trust with Craigan Blankenship
According to a recent gallup poll, trust in pastors fell to an historic low last year. Only 34% of Americans believe members of the clergy to be people with high ethical standards. On this episode of the podcast, I spend time with Pastor Craigan Blankenship who has been working over the last five years to build trust within his own community. Join us as Craigan shares his experiences and as we explore ways you can become more influential and trusted in your own community as you seek to bring others to Jesus. If you are a teacher, police officer, or medial worker, you’ll want to pay special attention because, according to gallup, the public trusts you far more than they trust your pastor.
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Episode 64: Santa, the Defender of Orthodoxy, and Other Christmas Traditions
Merry Christmas! Like most people, you probably have some great Christmas traditions in your family. But, many Christmas traditions cross family lines and even cultural barriers. In this episode of the podcast, Adam Whiteside helps me to share some Christmas traditions, shed some light on the origins of Santa Claus, and offer some input on how to use Christmas traditions to ground your family in Christ and his church. I hope you have as much fun with this as we did.
Merry Christmas!
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Episode 63: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact with Bethany Melton
Bethany melton is a young writer with a desire to bring attention to stories of ordinary people living faithfully and making large impacts in small places. In this episode of the podcast. Bethany shares a few stories of ordinary impact, offers some advice to young writers, and reveals some of the beauty and contentment that can be found from 21 years growing up in the same church and community. You can read more about Bethany and read her work on her blog, https://bethanyjmelton.com.
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Episode 62: Home for the Holidays
If you could change one thing about your home this Christmas season, what would it be? On this episode of the podcast, I discuss my new book, Home for the Holidays. Home for the Holidays is an Advent devotional I have written that I hope will help you restore hope, love, joy, and peace in your home this Christmas season as you direct your attention to the Savior who was born to rescue the world from the curse of sin.
You can purchase a copy of Home for the Holidays in paperback or kindle edition on Amazon here. It would be my honor to help you and your family focus more on Christ this Christmas season.
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Episode 61: Grace at Work with Bryan Chapell
Dr. Bryan Chapell is the leader of the Administrative Committee of the Presbyterian Church in America and serves as Pastor Emeritus of the historic Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois and President Emeritus of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Chapell has authored numerous books and is also a husband, father, and grandfather of six grandchildren.
On this episode of the Podcast, Dr. Chapell discusses is most recent book, Grace of Work: Redeeming the Grind and Glory of Your Job.In the course of the discussion, Dr. Chapell explains how a proper understanding of glory can lead to greater satisfaction in work. We also discuss how the dignity of work is ultimately rooted in the dignity of human beings, not in the actual work being done. If you have ever felt stuck in your work or wondered if your work had anything to offer to the Kingdom of God, this podcast is perfect for you.
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Episode 60: The True Gospel with Matt Reynolds of Barbell Logic
Quote to remember:
There is something refining about voluntary hardship.Matt’s story is one of hidden sin and the power of Jesus. If you are struggling with your own hidden sins, Matt would love to talk with you. You can email Matt at mreynolds@barbell-logic.com
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Episode 59: Commit to Community
On this episode of the podcast, Craig talks about the value of committing to community through a local church. The world is desperate for community, for relationships and even accountability. People are looking for a place to belong. The secular world will offer many options to fill the void caused by loneliness and isolation. Let’s do all that we can to show the people around us that the church is the perfect place to know and be known by others. And, to know and be known by the Savior who takes away the sin of the world.
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Episode 58: Decisions Before Discipleship
Often, the most important disciplines in our life are the decisions we will make before our discipleship. In this episode of the podcast, Craig offers three suggestions to help you grow as a disciple of Jesus:
- Remover barriers to spiritual growth.
- Make the right decision the easy decisions.
- Make the discipleship decision the appealing decision.
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You may also enjoy Snackable, Stackable Discipleship
Episode 57: How To Create A Healthy Student Ministry
I am blessed to pastor a church with healthy children’s and student ministries. I get asked often how to create these ministries. On this episode of the podcast, I sit down with Adam Whiteside, our student pastor, and discuss student ministry. Topics addressed include:
- What is a healthy student ministry?
- How to create a healthy student ministry within a healthy church.
- How to create a healthy student ministry within an unhealthy church.
- Attractional models of student ministry vs. creational models.
- The importance of pastoral support and buy-in.
Healthy age-graded ministries are not rocket science. Healthy ministries are built on healthy discipleship models.
In the course of our conversation, Adam mentions the Malvern Mike and Mary profile used in the student ministry at Malvern Hill. I've included the PDF below. This profile describes the kind of students we hope to create at Malvern Hill.
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Episode 56: Coaches Investing In The Next Generation of Young Men with Jake Morris
Jake Morris is a teacher and assistant head football coach at Dorman High School in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Jake is also a committed follower of Jesus, a husband, and a father. I have known Jake since I was his youth pastor when he was in middle school. On this episode of the podcast, Jake and I talk about the importance of investing in young men and how coaches can and must care about more than X's and O's. Along the way, Jake tells us what makes the most difference in the kids he coaches and how kids today are the same as they were twenty years ago and what is different.
As young people in our culture more consistently live in fatherless homes, the role of male coach is more important than it has ever been. Even more important, however, is for coaches to accept the responsibility to be more than a ball coach, to be people of character and courage who help raise young men up to make a difference in the world around them. Our culture needs Christian coaches who will represent Christ first. Jake is one of those coaches. I know you will enjoy this episode.
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Episode 55: What is Secularism and Why Should You Care?
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Episode 54: Habits of the Household with Justin Whitmel Earley
After one more normal night of frustration, exhaustion, and feeling like a failure at parenting, Justin Whitmel Earley realized that something needed to change in his house. He recognized that the habits of his household were not nurturing his marriage and his children in the way that he wanted. So, he decided to make some changes. The changes in the Earley household focused around gospel shifts in regular daily habits with the realization that our habits are connected to our hearts.
On this episode of the podcast, Justin explains how he and his wife, Lauren, are working to steward the hearts of their four boys by stewarding the habits of their family. Justin shares some great tips on how you can steward the hearts in your household as well.
For more information about Justin, check out his website: www.justinwhitmelearley.com
His latest book, Habits of the Household, can be purchased on Amazon.
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Episode 53: Christians and the News
Is news important? How should Christians consume news, respond to the news, and even publish news of our own. On this episode of the podcast, Dr. Chris Hefner helps Christians think carefully through some of these issues.
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Episode 52: How You Can Make Your Church Healthier Today with Brian Croft
Much is said about the work pastors can do to make their churches healthier. But, churches have far more lay members than pastors. Healthy churches are made up of ordinary, healthy church members. You don't need to be a pastor to make your church healthier. Your church needs everyone to do their part to be healthier. Brian Croft of Practical Shepherding joins me today to show you some steps to make your church healthier today.
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Episode 51: The Tax You Do Not Owe
Paying the tax we do not owe often means choosing to be the offended if it advances the gospel or helps to maintain unity within the church. Paying the tax may mean apologizing even when you do not feel that you were wrong (or that you were the only one wrong). Sometimes in ministry, paying the tax may mean keeping our mouths shut when we could share information that would make us to look better.
Episode 50: Be A Friend
God created us not only for romance, but for friendship as well. In some ways, being a friend is just being you and being available. In other ways, friendship is active–you can be a friend by doing something for those whom you love. You need friends and your friends need you. Tune in to learn how you can be a friend to someone who needs it today.
Episode 49: The Myths of Marriage
Often people walk into marriage with unrealistic expectations and unspoken assumptions. In this episode of the podcast, Craig helps to unpack some of those common myths so that you can work to bring your marriage out of fantasy and into the real world. Subscribe to The Ordinary Christian Podcast.
Episode 48: Biblical Complementarianism with Joel Rainey
Recent months and years have brought much discussion around the topic of complementarianism–the belief that women and men are given different roles in the home and the church. Joel Rainey helps to unpack some of the abuses around the idea of complementarianism and gives some really good advice on raising sons and daughters. Along the way we talk about changing oil, loving our wives, and raising kids to love Jesus in very normal homes. You will be blessed with Joel’s wisdom and candor.
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