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The Next Step Podcast

The Next Step Podcast

By Justin Rossow

Next Step Press helps you delight in taking a next step following Jesus. This podcast is dedicated to exploring resources, tools, and experiments that help us help each other follow Jesus better.

Find out more at www.FindMyNextStep.org
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Praying "Come, Holy Spirit!"

The Next Step PodcastApr 04, 2021

00:00
27:12
A Difficult Holy Week

A Difficult Holy Week

Episode 10 was first recorded on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. It features a conversation with Jamie Wiechman and Justin Rossow.

After a brief introduction, you'll hear Justin process the Compass question (Where am I right now?) as well as the first of the Standard Following Prayers (Jesus, where are you speaking into my life?)

Then Jamie follows suit and shares a little bit about the difficult season her family is facing this Holy Week, and what it means for Jesus to drink the cup of suffering for us in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Both friends take comfort from the image of Jesus serving and sustaining us, even when we are too weak or too wounded to do anything active to try and get better.


CHOOSE YOUR FAITH ADVENTURE

If you decide to read more the Gethsemane blog they talked about in this episode, head over to It's Getting Dark.

If choose to hear more from NT Wright and Kate Bowler, check out this video: https://youtu.be/xICbsfop5PA?si=DyW4Sqd76AEF8i4V.

If you would like to check out the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page. You can also discover more about Breathe Life Ministries at their home page: https://breathelifetoday.com/

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Mar 27, 202440:14
Experimenting with Small Next Steps

Experimenting with Small Next Steps

Episode 09 was first recorded on March 14, 2024. It features a conversation with Jamie Wiechman and Justin Rossow. They will be discussion how the Come, Sacrificing Often card became a faith experiment on the heals of the Disciple Like You Mean It course. You can download a printable version of that prayer card and read more here. Choose Your Faith Adventure

If you decide to read more from Jamie Wiechman, check out one of these blogs:

If choose to hear more from our friends at Breathe Life Ministries, you can pick from one of these podcasts:


You can also discover more about Breathe Life Ministries at their home page: https://breathelifetoday.com/

If you would like to check out the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page. --------------------------------------------------

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Mar 20, 202441:23
Expanding Your Discipleship Culture

Expanding Your Discipleship Culture

Episode 07 was first recorded on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. It features a conversation with two lay leaders from Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church in Howell, Michigan.

The conversation is a kind of guided brainstorming session designed to help Katie and Bob expand the discipleship culture at their church. They have both been through the Disciple Like You Mean It online training, and now their pastor has asked them to help spread the impact of the tools and attitudes in that course.

After a brief introduction and opening prayer by Next Step Press founder Justin Rossow, you will get a little background on both of these lay leaders, including their impression of the course.

Three words seem to rise to the top in this conversation: Prayerful, Invitational, and Intentional. Those three keys to expanding your discipleship culture help these leaders imagine some ways to create new relationships as well as engage existing groups with insights from the Next Step discipleship process.

Along the way, you will hear Katie say that she is using Visual Faith® Ministry tools and taking a group to a Visual Faith® Ministry event in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She'll be using that common experience to springboard more engagement with ongoing discipleship and grow toward a DLYMI Triad.

If you are in the area on March 16, 2024 from 9am-1pm, you can sign up for that VFM event here: www.tinyurl.com/visualprayer101. Then keep your eyes open for Katie and Justin, and make sure you say hi!


CHOOSE YOUR FAITH ADVENTURE

If you choose to explore Visual Faith® Ministry, download one of their many free resource from their webpage: https://www.visualfaithmin.org/.

Justin, Bob, and Katie all make reference at different times to important concepts from the Disciple Like You Mean It training. Justin mentions Resonance from the acronym SMART. If you decide to take a SMART next step, turn to this blog.

Katie talks about Non-Judgmental Noticing at one point. If that sparks your interest and you choose to find out more, choose from find several resources related to that concept on the Next Step Community blog:

Finally, all three talk about the importance of a GPS attitude instead of GPA approach to discipleship. If your next step relates to your GPS, you have options:


The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

If you choose to explore taking a Triad through the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron to help keep these resources coming! To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Feb 01, 202443:13
Advent Enemies

Advent Enemies

The Wednesdays are for Walking With series explores the Disciple Like You Mean It online training from Next Step Press. In this special production of the Next Step Podcast, we will practice non-judgmental noticing with Jesus and help one another take a small next step, together.

Episode 07 was first recorded on Wednesday, December 19, 2023. It features an advent devotion by Justin Rossow and a conversation with Professor Ted Hopkins from Concordia University, Ann Arbor.

0:00-14:30
After some background on Professor Ted Hopkins and an opening prayer, you'll hear the text for today's episode: Psalm 35:1-6, 22-28. Then we'll get an initial response to that reading before listening to an advent devotion (8:00-14:30).

14:31-22:29
Then you'll hear Drs Hopkins and Rossow discussion the theology behind the devotion and what it means to experience other people as enemies, but to hold that experience within a broader Scriptural narrative.

22:30-35:15
The talk then turns to Advent Eschatology (that is, the study of the last things, or end times: the Second Coming) and prolepsis (that is, God's future participating in your present). A brief discussion of those theological categories leads into a longer wrestling with a very practical question (25:17): what do I do when I experience someone as an enemy, even at Christmas?

35:16-end
Before we are done, we'll think through what we might have said to King David if he had joined us for this podcast, and Ted and Justin both consider what kind of response the Spirit may be shaping in them (42:38) before Pastor Hopkins closes us with prayer.

CHOOSE YOUR FAITH ADVENTURE

If you would like to hear (or read) more from Prof. Hopkins, you have options:

If you decide to explore the Scripture verses cited in this episode, you can start with this list:

If you want to watch, or share, the Advent devotion on Psalm 35:26, check out the YouTube video, below.

https://youtu.be/Qh_q96cZx7k?si=AgfRABnZ2ArBX6JJ


The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

If you choose to explore taking a Triad through the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Dec 21, 202349:22
Noticing Your Non-Judgmental Noticing

Noticing Your Non-Judgmental Noticing

Episode 06 was first recorded on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. It features a conversation with Pastor Sam Fink, who took two Triads through the very first cohort of the Disciple Like You Mean It online training.

0:00-13:22
After a brief introduction and opening prayer, you'll hear a little of Pastor Sam Fink's story and what brought him to launch a couple of Disciple Like You Mean It Triads in his first year at a new congregation.

13:23-30:58
Then we'll look at one of concepts from the course called Non-Judgmental Noticing. We'll talk about the Stop, Drop, and Roll method for noticing your emotions with Jesus. Then Sam will share a personal example (17:38), a parenting story (22:10), and a story of interacting with a church visitor (27:21). In each case, Non-Judgmental Noticing play a key roll in the encounter.

30:58-38:44
With the season of Christmas upon us, we'll take some time to wonder about how Non-Judgmental Noticing could be a tool you might use this holiday season as you spend time with people you don't typically get to see during the year.

38:35-end
Before we are done, we'll get final thoughts from a member of our Disciple Like You Mean It Community and Pastor Sam closes us with prayer.


CHOOSE YOUR FAITH ADVENTURE

If you choose to explore taking a Triad through the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page. If another podcast episode is in your near future, here are three related episodes:


If you decide to read the sermon Justin Rossow preached at Sam Fink's installation as pastor at Heart of the Shepherd, Howell, MI, head over to Needing Jesus, Every Day.


If you opt to explore some blogs related to joy, choose one or more of the following:

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Dec 14, 202344:56
Information, Imitation, and Innovation

Information, Imitation, and Innovation

The Wednesdays are for Walking With series explores the Disciple Like You Mean It online training from Next Step Press. In this special production of the Next Step Podcast, we will practice non-judgmental noticing with Jesus and help one another take a small next step, together.

Episode 05 was first recorded on November 13, 2023. It features a conversation with three men who formed a Triad for the very first cohort of the Disciple Like You Mean It online training, and their pastor (who got them all into it in the first place).


0:00-10:08
After a brief introduction and opening prayer, you'll hear from Daniel, David, Ryan and Pastor Nathan about how they got connected to the Disciple Like You Mean It course and their experience in a small group of three, or Triad.


10:09-17:04
Then we'll look at the role of Information, Imitation, and Innovation in the life of a disciple, with examples from their experience with the DLYMI training.


17:05-29:28
One specific faith experiment in the course is sometimes called the Catcher's Mitt Calendar. Our guests will share how Innovation played a role in their engagement with that faith experiment.


29:29-end
Before we are done, we'll get final thoughts from the group before Pastor Nathan closes us with prayer.


CHOOSE YOUR FAITH ADVENTURE

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Dec 06, 202335:47
Lowering the Bar for Your Next Step

Lowering the Bar for Your Next Step

The Wednesdays are for Walking With series explores the Disciple Like You Mean It online training from Next Step Press. In this special production of the Next Step Podcast, we will practice non-judgmental noticing with Jesus and help one another take a small next step, together.

Episode 04 was first recorded on November 6, 2023. It features a conversation with Kim Longden, Katie Helmreich, and Jamie Wiechman, three people who are walking through the Disciple Like You Mean It experience in a group of three (or Triad).


0:00-8:30
After a brief opening prayer, you'll hear from Jamie, Kim, and Katie about their experience so far with the Disciple Like You Mean It online training.

8:30-15:04
Then we'll discuss a question Jamie submitted in the course: How exactly do you lower the bar on your next step?

15:05-23:52
As part of that discussion, you'll hear the Triad talk about what happens when the people around you don't seem to be ready for the same next step as you are, and what it means to notice your acquaintances and even need help a little more intentionally.

23:53-33:31
Kim also noticed something significant as part of her interaction with the course material. She said she's sometimes uncomfortable when people begin to share more deeply, because she often feels like she has to fix it. That insight gives us a chance to talk about the ministry of listening to others as an intentional act of service and discipleship.

33:32-end
Before we are done, we'll talk about showing you care even in the silence and looking for ways for lowing the bar and taking small next steps as you grow in your practice of listening.


CHOOSE YOUR FAITH ADVENTURE

If you choose to read more from today's guest, check out the following:

If you want to read more, but you like the feel of a real book in your hands, turn to the volumes in our Tales from the Next Step Community series from Next Step Press:

If you decide to go back to the podcast Kim was listening to when she noticed she is sometime uncomfortable with silence, head over here: Listening on Behalf of Jesus.

If you would like to check out the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page.

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Awake My Soul and With the Sun" and is available from the Michigan District of the LCMS at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Nov 29, 202341:48
Listening on Behalf of Jesus

Listening on Behalf of Jesus

Wednesdays are for Walking With, Episode 03 was first recorded on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. It features a conversation with life coach Rev. Dr. Jonathan Brandenburg from LINC SoCal and the coaching firm Bridge and Rhino. You'll also hear from Deanna Rossow, one of the participants in the first cohort of the Disciple Like You Mean It training and my mom (Hi, Mom!).


0:00-4:51
After a brief introduction, we'll hear a little bit more about Dr. Brandenburg and his background, including his time as a parish pastor and working with LINC SoCal.

4:42-11:27
Then Justin will ask Jonathan about "coaching" in a Christian context and we'll hear a little about coaching with Bridge and Rhino.

11:28-25:21
A pop quiz is next, as Justin walks Jonathan through a multiple choice poll from Lesson 1.5 The Parable of the Pottery Class from the online course Disciple Like You Mean It. The two Drs will talk through Jon's answers as well as answers from people in the course.

25:22-41:22
Then the two friends apply insights from professional coaching to listening to others as a member of a Triad (micro-small group of 3 in the DLYMI course). The talk about listening with the ears of Jesus, non-judgmental noticing, and asking questions that help the other person process before allowing the Gospel to grow out of the conversation.

41:23-end
Before we are done, we'll open the conversation up to people currently taking the Disciple Like You Mean It course and talk about what was helpful in what they heard from Jon.

Choose Your Faith Adventure

If you decide to experience the kind of conversation involved in "life coaching" with a Gospel foundation, you can sign up for a complementary 30 min session with Jonathan by selecting a day and time here.

If you choose to check out the Parable of the Pottery Class mentioned in this podcast, you can find it in Volume 1 of the My Next Step series (the one with the compass on the cover), or in this blog.

If the repeated shout outs to Breathe Life Ministries caught your attention, head over to their homepage to discover more.

If you would like to check out the Disciple Like You Mean It course, visit this page.

Patrons Make it Possible The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest" and is available at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Nov 15, 202346:15
Marinating in Scripture with Conrad Gempf

Marinating in Scripture with Conrad Gempf

The Wednesdays are for Walking With series explores the Disciple Like You Mean It online training from Next Step Press. In this special production of the Next Step Podcast, we will practice non-judgmental noticing with Jesus and help one another take a small next step, together.

Episode 02 was first recorded on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. It features a conversation with Conrad Gempf, recently retired from the London School of Theology. You'll also hear a comment from Pastor Nathan Wendorf, one of the participants in the first cohort of the Disciple Like You Mean It training.

0:00-6:59
After a brief introduction and opening prayer, you'll get a little more history on Professor Conrad Gempf, his background, training, and interest in Luke and Paul, as well as a little about his friendship with Justin Rossow and Next Step Press.

7:00-16:30
Then Conrad and Justin will discuss the mindset or attitudes you might take when you approach Scripture. Conrad shares his Batman vs Spiderman analogy (10:48) to describe different ways of setting the agenda for reading the Bible. And then suggests that steeping or marinating in Scripture (14:32) is a good way to think about what we are doing as we ask, "Jesus, where are you speaking into my life?"

16:31-23:31
Conrad also shares "The Gospel according to Superman" (this must be our comic book episode) and the two friends discuss a 911 approach to Scripture reading and prayer as opposed to a relational approach, where you might even ask questions of the text.

23:32-28:23
Conrad shares his personal habit of Bible reading, following the M'Cheyne plan for reading four chapters a day and discussing weekly with a friend. And then, instead of suggesting everyone start by reading the whole Bible in a year, Conrad highlights three elements from his personal practice that he thinks can apply to anyone when it comes to engaging Scripture:

  1. immerse yourself in Scripture (marinate)
  2. allow Scripture to change you (be bit)
  3. engage Scripture with someone else

28:24-end
Before we are done, you'll hear Justin ask Conrad specifically about applying the Old Testament to your life without allegorizing it, and you'll hear from one of our DLYMI trailblazers, Nathan Wendorf (Senior Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, Texas).

You can get more help on meditating as marinating (or savoring) in section 5.2 "Lip-Smacking Good" in Volume 2 of the My Next Step series (the one with the carabiner on the cover) or read a version of the Batman/Spiderman analogy in section 6.2 "Up Close and Personal" in that same volume.

If you would like to experiment with the M'Cheyne Reading Plan with Conrad, check out this web page.

You can hear more from Conrad in the following episodes of the Next Step Podcast. Or listen to him read his book Jesus Asked by visiting http://gempf.com/wp/Jesus-Asked-the-podcast/.

Next Step Podcast episodes with Conrad Gempf:

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest" and is available at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Nov 07, 202341:05
Welcome to Wednesdays are for Walking With!

Welcome to Wednesdays are for Walking With!

Welcome to Wednesdays are for Walking With, the latest feature of the Next Step Podcast! The goal of this series is to explore the Disciple Like You Mean It online training from Next Step Press. We'll practice non-judgmental noticing with Jesus and help one another take a small next step. Episode 01 was first recorded on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. It features a conversation with Deanna Rossow, one of the participants in the first cohort of the Disciple Like You Mean It training.

You'll hear about a recent milestone in Deanna's life, and then host Justin Rossow will help her wonder what next step the Spirit might be inviting her to take in response to that milestone.

Along the way, you'll hear from another one of our DLYMI trailblazers, Lexie Brown (Director of Family Life Ministry at St. Paul, Ann Arbor) as we realize again the importance of holding a GPS attitude (Where am I right now? Where is Jesus leading?) instead of a GPA attitude (How well am I doing? How could I be doing better?) when it comes to faith and following.

Read more about it in the blog Orientation vs Performance: GPS or GPA?

As part of the conversation, Deanna mentions the My Next Step series of books from Next Step Press as well as Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved.

The intro and outro music comes from Peter Prochnow's rendition of the hymn, "Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest" and is available at www.thehymnalproject.com. Used by permission.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2023. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Nov 01, 202319:53
Non-Judgmental Noticing

Non-Judgmental Noticing

Jamie Wiechman, cofounder of Breathe Life Ministries, joins host Justin Rossow on the Next Step Podcast to talk about section 2.3: "Jesus, I'm Tired" in  the resource My Next Step: A How-To Companion for People Who Want to Follow Jesus (But Sometimes Get Stuck) Volume 1: Getting Started.

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09XZ8HYN2

After a brief introduction and Justin and Jamie begin their conversation on noticing yourself with Jesus by looking at Jamie's blog "The Lord is Not Slow. Say What?" Blog link: https://community.findmynextstep.org/2022/10/03/the-lord-is-not-slow-say-what/

Jamie then shares a little more about how Breathe Life Ministries comes along side people to help them slow down and notice what they are experiencing without self-condemnation. Creating that space is one way to invite Jesus into whatever you are going through right now.

You can view the Zoom meeting of this episode here: https://youtu.be/88-_bWTV1uE

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons.  Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2022. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

Oct 07, 202229:44
My Song is Love Unknown

My Song is Love Unknown

This extra, bonus chapter of the When from Death I'm Free hymn journal for Holy Week comes from author and illustrator Alli Bauck. After two Lenten seasons of following the hymn journal, Alli decided to create her own chapter from a favorite hymn and collaborated with Next Step Press founder Justin Rossow to produce a whole new chapter for the top new release in Christian Devotionals from 2020.

You can download your complimentary copy of the My Song is Love Unknown bonus chapter, then follow along as Alli and Justin walk you through the theology and the thinking behind the Scripture readings, devotion, coloring page, and faith experiment. It's a great way to lean into your Holy Week experience!

Download Here

Alli shared how much she enjoys listening to different version of the song. Here are a couple of her favorites:

Fernando Ortega version: https://youtu.be/fIbYENJVSic

Dynamic choral version: https://youtu.be/iFmvFi0ocp8

We follow Jesus better when we follow Him together, so we invite you to join the Next Step Community by signing up at http://bit.ly/joinnsp.

Sign Up Today

You can find more from Alli Bauck on the Next Step Community blog or in the anthology Be Still and Notice: Tales from the Next Step Community, Year 2.

Other hymn journal from Next Step Press include:
Ponder Anew: A Hymn Journal of Trust and Confidence and
Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

You can help Next Step Press possible by providing regular, monthly support for content like this podcast: become a patron today.

Apr 04, 202230:32
Light in the Darkness

Light in the Darkness

The resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas explores twelve different Christmas carols and original songs composed, arranged, and recorded by singer/songwriter Brooke Orozco and musician Brendan Knorp. Brooke and Brendan join author Justin Rossow for the final episode of this season of the Next Step Podcast that has been focused on their music and the hymn journal.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Brendan read Matthew 4 and Brooke read select verses of Psalm 119 (both on page 117 of the hymn journal). As part of the following discussion, Justin will read the devotion on the next page, titled, "He Comes to Light the Way."

After we listen to Light in the Darkness, the title track for both the Christmas album and the hymn journal, we'll hear more about the composition of that song and gain some insight on the rest of that album from the recording artists themselves.

As part of the discussion of the recording process, Brooke mentions one of her favorite songs on the album is an arrangement of German carol that wasn't included in this hymn journal: Waerst Du Kindchen. Brendan especially appreciates their setting of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, a song titled Emmanuel on their CD. Brendan talked about that song and its arrangement in the podcast recorded to go with Chapter 3 of the hymn journal: The Next Step Podcast, Season 3, Episode 3.

The entire A Light in the Darkness Christmas album from Brooke and Brendan is available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

As part of the discussion, Brooke mentions the book Delight!: Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved, and Justin talks about how J.S. Bach would begin his compositions with the the Latin abbreviation J.J. (to find out more, read the article "Jesus, Judge Me!")

At the close of this season of the Next Step Podcast, we want to thank all of our Next Step Patrons. Their regular support helps make this next step discipleship content possible. Thank you, Patrons!

Whether you choose monthly support, an annual contribution, or a one-time gift, please consider becoming a Next Step Patron in 2022. To see different options for support visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

Jan 06, 202244:08
Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

Pat Maier, cofounder of Visual Faith™ Ministry, and Amy Meyer, cofounder of Neighboring Life, join Justin Rossow, founder of Next Step Press, to talk about Chapter 10: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly in the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

John 1 is the traditional reading for Christmas Day, and after a brief intro and opening prayer, we'll hear about the Word becoming flesh as Pat reads from the English Standard Version. Then Amy will read the same verses from The Message paraphrase. You can find that reading on page 97 of the hymn journal.

After discussing those verses, we'll hear from Pat Maier about her artwork on page 95 that keeps Jesus at the center of our Christmas celebrations, and about the mission of Visual Faith™ Ministry to provide resources that help you slow down and experience time in prayer and in Bible study more intentionally.

Once we've looked briefly at the corner art on page 98, you'll hear Justin read the devotion on that same page. You can share that reflection with your friends by posting or emailing a link to the blog version of this chapter's devotion, "For His Bed a Cattle Stall."

After we hear Brooke and Brendan sing their version of "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," we'll turn to the Prayer Experiment on pages 100-101 and hear from Amy Meyer about the soon-to-be-launched online community called Neighboring Life.

Founded by Amy and her husband, Jeff, Neighboring Life invites you and your household to imagine neighborhoods where every person belongs, where every person knows they matter and have a contribution to make, a story to share. We'll make sure to let the Next Step Community know when Neighboring Life goes live sometime in 2022.

Before we are done, we'll get an update on the Pat's neighborhood sketch on page 101 and Amy's experiments to build community in her new apartment living. You can follow Pat's lead with this recipe for her Fresh Orange Muffins (links to other Visual Faith resources are included in the article).

As you can probably tell just by reading their names, Amy Meyer and Pat Maier are not related, although we did discover that Pat lives on Meyer Avenue, a happy coincidence. The two will team up again next year, September 23-25, 2022, for one of Camp Arcadia's women's retreats. Make sure to check it out!

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2021. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Dec 23, 202149:35
O Holy Night

O Holy Night

Jamie Wiechman, cofounder of Breathe Life Ministries, joins host Justin Rossow on the Next Step Podcast to talk about Chapter 8: O Holy Night, in the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Jamie read Romans 5:1-11 on page 77 of the hymn journal. Then Jamie and Justin will discuss the text and what it means for living out our lives as followers of Jesus. That part of the discussion concludes with Justin reading the devotion, "A Thrill of Hope," from page 78.

After we hear the Brooke and Brendan rendition of O Holy Night, Jamie tells us a little more about Breathe Life Ministries. Leading up to Easter last year, Breathe Life ran an experiment called "Making Room," a series of weekly emails that helped acknowledge and honor our losses. The goal was to prepare our hearts and lives for what Jesus has for us next. You can see one of the weekly installments of Making Room in a blog by Jamie Wiechman, called "Loss of the Familiar."

At one point in the podcast, Justin failed to come up with a reference to something Luther once said. (To be fair, Luther said a whole bunch of stuff...) If this had been Jeopardy, the right answer would have been, "What is Luther's Heidelberg Disputation, Thesis 21?" Here, in part, is what Luther said: "A theology of glory calls evil good and good evil. A theology of the cross calls the thing what it actually is. This is clear: the person who does not know Christ does not know God hidden in suffering."

Justin also retold the story from this chapter's devotion (with a little more context) as part of a brief Advent devotion for St. Paul, Ann Arbor. Check out that conversation here. The Bible Project also unpacks the biblical concept of hope, the major theme of this podcast, in this five-minute video.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons.  Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2021. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube. The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.


Dec 18, 202145:00
In the Bleak Midwinter

In the Bleak Midwinter

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, pastor, author, and podcast host Keith Haney joins Justin Rossow to talk about Chapter 6: In the Bleak Midwinter from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Keith read from Micah 6 and Jeremiah 9 (on page 57 of the book). As part of the discussion of those verses, Justin will read the devotion "What Shall I Give Him?" on page 58, followed by the Brooke and Brenan rendition of this chapter's featured hymn.

You can see Micah 6:8 (Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly) on protest sign or social media pages, and the Faith Experiment on pages 60-61 gives Justin the chance to ask Keith about his work addressing race and racism. The two talk about Keith's Bible study, One Nation Under God, originally written after the racial unrest in Ferguson, MO in the wake of the shooting death of Michael Brown in 2014.

Keith started the Becoming Bridge Builders podcast in August of 2020, which focuses on exploring effective solutions to complex issues. Keith said his favorite episode includes an interview with Kevin Hofmann; you can listen to that podcast here, or visit the Becoming Bridge Builders podcast home for their latest conversation around race and following Jesus.

You might also appreciate my experience during a visit to St. Louis, MO: Hope for the Future and a Bright Red Nose. I wrote that blog less than a year after the rioting in Ferguson, MO; one month after the police chief's resignation sparked further protests (in which two police officers were shot); and three days before protestors again took to the streets of Ferguson following the April death of Freddie Gray due to spinal chord injuries sustained while in police custody, being transported in the back of a van in Baltimore, MD.

More background on the Hebrew words in Micah 6:8 can be found with a printable version of the Prayer Experiment in this chapter in this post: Praying Micah 6:8.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons.  Special thanks to Eden, a Next Step Patron who just converted her monthly pledge to an annual gift. Whether you choose monthly support, an annual contribution, or a one-time gift, please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2021. To see different options for support visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.


Dec 11, 202152:42
Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Comfort, Comfort Ye My People

Dr. Reed Lessing, Professor of Theology & Ministry and Director of The Center for Biblical Studies on the campus of Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota joins the Next Step Podcast to talk about Chapter 4: Comfort, Comfort Ye My People of the book Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

Pastor, professor, and author, Reed has written scholarly commentaries on Jonah, Amos, Zechariah, and two-volume work on Isaiah, as well as various devotions and other resources. His latest book from Concordia Publishing House is a cross between a commentary and a personal devotion called Overcoming Life’s Sorrows: Studies in the Book of Jeremiah.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Dr. Lessing read from Isaiah 40 (on page 37 of the hymn journal). The discussion that ensues will take us from Isaiah to Exodus, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and several Pauline epistles. (That's how conversations with Reed Lessing usually go ...)

Before we are done, Justin will read the devotion "Make the Rougher Places Plain" on page 38 and we'll hear the Brooke and Brendan arrangement of this chapter's featured hymn.

In closing, Reed and Justin will talk about possible Advent next steps in their own lives. Perhaps the Faith Experiment on pages 40-41 would be one way for you to take a next step as you prepare for Christmas.

Reed mentions the hymn "Joy to the World" as part of the conversation. If you would like to hear more about that hymn, check out this episode of the Next Step Podcast: Joy to the World.

Dr. Lessing also joined the Next Step Podcast for a discussion of hymn 3 in Ponder Anew: A Hymn Journal of Trust and Confidence. You can check out that episode here: Great Is Thy Faithfulness.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons.  Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron before the end 2021. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved. The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Dec 04, 202138:31
Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates

Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, professional coach, author, and CEO Jonathan Reitz joins Justin Rossow to talk about Chapter 2: Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Jonathan read from Psalm 24 (on page 15 of the book) and, as part of the ensuing discussion, Justin will read the devotion "Open Wide My Heart, Your Home" on page 16.

After we listen to this chapter's featured hymn, Jonathan and Justin will discuss both the hymn and the Prayer Experiment on pages 18-19 with a focus on opening up places in your life to Jesus even when that seems challenging. Jonathan opens up with us about some of his own personal baggage around family, depression, and the holidays and also gives us some coaching questions to consider as we imagine inviting Jesus into the places we like to keep hidden from other people.

For more on celebrating Christmas no matter what you are feeling this year, see the blog Have A Very … Christmas.

The image that shapes the devotion in this chapter--of a back room hiding all of our clutter from a Christmas visitor--is a much-shortened version of the story that begins and ends this Advent sermon on the Key of David. (Audio only.)

Jonathan mentioned the song "King of the Glory" by the band Third Day. Do you have any favorite songs from that time period?

If you would like to find out more about coaching or about Jonathan, you can check out his book or visit the Fluxify web page. (When this podcast went live, Fluxify was still migrating from https://coachnet.org/. It's the same company undergoing rebranding.)

Jonathan and Justin also talk about the first Advent of King Jesus in light of the Second Advent of the King. For more on that topic, check out the scholarly article "If Jesus 'Came Down from Heaven,' Where Does that Leave Me?" by Justin Rossow, beginning on page 388 of the Concordia Journal, Volume 32, No. 4. Or check out this fun, five-minute video.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. To see different options for support, including monthly and annual options, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep. Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Nov 27, 202146:41
Intro to Light in the Darkness, Year Two

Intro to Light in the Darkness, Year Two

This episode of the Next Step Podcast kicks off year two of the Light in the Darkness social learning group on Facebook. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal

Host Justin Rossow talks to Valerie Matyas and Alli Bauck, both of whom are familiar with the practice of calendaring your faith. While they take a closer look at the 12 Days of Christmas calendar on page 123 of the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas, the conversation could also apply to the Advent calendar on page vii, or to any calendar you use to capture what Jesus has been speaking into your life.

You can read more from Alli in Be Still and Notice: Tales from the Next Step Community, Year 2 or hear more from Valerie about the Advent calendar in last year's intro podcast, "Introducing Light in the Darkness."

As part of the conversations, you will hear these friends mention The Movable Adventure, an online formation experience from Visual Faith™ Ministry; Justin, Alli, and Valerie all contributed to that online resource.

You might hear Justin make a passing reference to everyday faith conversations with his daughter on the way to school or in a PT session; you can read more about those everyday discipleship experiences in these two blog posts: The Christ in the Mouth of My Brother or Sister and Small Conversations.

You'll also hear Justin try to quote from Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved. The real quote comes from page 236 and goes like this: "I bet you already knew God’s Word takes work to understand. But I hope that you are beginning to imagine another truth: God’s Word also takes play to understand."

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. Special thanks to Janice, our newest Next Step Patron. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Nov 13, 202132:12
Social Media and a Sense of Play

Social Media and a Sense of Play

In this special episode of the Next Step Podcast, Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, Senior Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Austin, Texas talks to Rev. Justin Rossow, founder of Next Step Press, about COVID, social media, and running ministry experiments with a sense of play.

I recently saw Pastor Wolfmueller at the Texas District Convention and asked him what he had learned during COVID. His response prompted a further conversation about thinking both creatively and theologically when we face with unique challenges or questions in ministry. A sense of experimentation and play allows you to try something new with curiosity and delight and avoid the burden of having to be successful.

We'll look specifically at the way St. Paul, Austin answered social media questions about resourcing home worship and putting Bible class online for the whole world to see. You can see one example of a home worship resource video or check out their Worldwide Bible Class if you'd like to see those decisions in action.

Your congregation may have come to different conclusions to similar questions, but the attitude and insight Pastor Wolfmueller brings to the table will help you think creatively and theologically about your next ministry challenge.

This interview builds on the thinking behind the eBook Preaching Post-COVID: What We’ve Learned about Sermons, Sermon Series, and Your Preaching Ministry. Find out more or, to get your own Thank You copy of the eBook, sign up for the Next Step Discipling Leaders group.

This recording (and the Thank You gifts) are made possible in part by the generous support of Next Step Patrons. If now is the right time for you to make a commitment to the mission of resourcing next step discipleship, please consider becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep.

Jul 16, 202130:18
Pentecost and Intimacy With God

Pentecost and Intimacy With God

Conrad Gempf, author and Lecturer in New Testament at the London School of Theology, joins Justin Rossow for the final episode of this season dedicated to the resource Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost from Next Step Press.

Following a brief introduction, Conrad and Justin talk about the book of Acts as they set up the reading for the Day of Pentecost. Then the two friends explore the coming of the Spirit in Acts 2, other mini-Pentecost events in the book of Acts, and what it all means for our daily faith and life.

Conrad has been a friend of Next Step Press from the beginning. You can hear his interviews from other seasons of the Next Step Podcast below:

For more from Conrad, check out these books:

(Using the paid links above supports the mission of Next Step Press.)

For more on the Day of Pentecost, see the article Pentecost, Like Jesus by Justin Rossow.

This season of the Next Step Podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp.

Sign up for the Next Step Community for the latest blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you delight in taking a next step following Jesus.

This episode was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift.

Like Theophilus, Patrons make it possible.

May 15, 202142:36
Visual Faith™ and The Secret Code Prayer

Visual Faith™ and The Secret Code Prayer

Connie Denninger, one of the cofounders of Visual Faith™ Ministry, joins author Justin Rossow for Episode 7, Season 5 of the Next Step Podcast to talk about the purpose and origin of Visual Faith™ and of The Secret Code Prayer, one of the prayer experiments featured in the Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost.

After a brief introduction, you'll hear Connie's story of how her own personal prayer life was transformed through visual and kinesthetic engagement with God's Word, and how her study of education and spiritual formation led to where she is today.

Connie shares with us some of the thinking behind experimenting with a variety of prayer practices to discover your own spiritual I.E.P., an Individual Education Plan that works for you as you seek to grow and engage God's Word. Along the way, Connie emphasizes the importance of community as we continue to pray, "Come, Holy Spirit" and discover what the Spirit is shaping in our lives.

Connie mentions Sybil MacBeth's Praying in Color as one of the early tools that helped shape her prayer life (use this link to Sybil's book to support the Next Step Community), and Justin references the Hymn Journal Project, a joint effort between  Visual Faith™ Ministry artists and Next Step Press. You can find all three of the current hymn journals on the Next Step Press Resource Page.

Connie also talks about the importance of running faith formation experiments in community; or, as Justin would say, "We follow Jesus better when we follow Him together." To that end, you can find support in your faith walk by joining with the Next Step Community or the Visual Faith™ community at one or more of the following:

You can read more about the Secret Code Prayer or watch a video walk through of the Secret Code Prayer, or find other Next Step podcast episodes, video tutorials, and articles related to Visual Faith™ to help you run your own experiments in personal faith formation.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

May 11, 202134:46
Rest, Heal, and Play

Rest, Heal, and Play

Steve and Jamie Wiechman, cofounders of Breathe Life Ministries, join author Justin Rossow for Episode 6, Season 5 of the Next Step Podcast to talk about the rhythm of rest, healing, and play in the lives of those who follow Jesus.

After a brief introduction, you will hear Steve and Jamie read the Scripture verses for Day 30 and Justin read the devotion in the Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost. Then the three friends will discuss what rhythm looks like and how we can receive rest, healing, and play not as another set of aspirational goals or burdens, but as an invitation to notice what Jesus is doing in your life.

Along the way, Steve and Jamie talk about noticing yourself with God, and how their adventure with Breathe Life has led them to rethink their own habits and rhythms of grace. Justin also shares the Meditation Quotation from Day 31, a quote from Andrew Peterson's book, Adorning the Dark:

“All you really have is your willingness to fail, coupled with the mountain of evidence that the Maker has never left nor forsaken you....

I’m pleasantly expendable, delightfully unnecessary. We’re not invited into this because God needs us, but because he wants us.”

(Use this link to the book to support Next Step Press.)

Steve and Jamie have both written articles for The Next Step Community blog and were two of the authors featured in Jesus at the Center of My Messy Life: Tales from The Next Step Community, Year One. Other content from the blog related to this week's travel log include:

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp.

Sign up for the Next Step Community for the latest blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you delight in taking a next step following Jesus.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

May 08, 202138:22
The Adventure of Hospitality

The Adventure of Hospitality

Carl Medearis, author and international expert in the field of Arab-American and Muslim-Christian relations, joins Justin Rossow to talk about the risks and adventure of extending and receiving hospitality in this episode of the Next Step Podcast. This whole season is dedicated to the resource Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost from Next Step Press.

Following a brief introduction, Carl and Justin will talk about experiencing hospitality in the Middle East and in America, and about how Jesus both expressed and went beyond first-century, Middle Eastern hospitality. In the course of the conversation, Carl brings up Conrad Gempf's book Mealtime Habits of the Messiah. Carl's encouragement is that you take a small risk and extend or accept an invitation for getting together for food and conversation; Jesus doesn't need us to be in charge of extending his Kingdom, but we also are invited to experience that Kingdom at work through us.

Carl has published several influential books you might find helpful in training your thinking for taking a small next step in the area of hospitality, including

(Using the paid links above supports the mission of Next Step Press).

Next Step Press author and founder Justin Rossow prepared sermon and Bible study notes for Carl's 42 Seconds book. These resources are available for free download through the Next Step Press Patreon page.

For an in-depth study of the conceptual metaphors in Speaking of Jesus, see the three-blog series that begins with "Outreach and Warfare," or for a perspective from the pulpit, see "How Speaking of Jesus Changed My Preaching."

If you enjoyed Car's story about accepting hospitality from a Hezbollah leader, you will probably want to check out this video from a Michigan District pastors conference.

Hospitality hinges on the boundary of IN vs OUT, so this video from Justin Rossow on "Jesus at the Leading Edge" from the same Michigan District pastors conference also fits our theme well. 

This episode was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

Apr 30, 202146:28
Paradox and Life in the Spirit

Paradox and Life in the Spirit

Professor Lois Malcolm joins Justin Rossow for Episode 4, Season 5 of the Next Step Podcast to talk about paradox and life in the Spirit. The Meditation Quotation on page 76 of the Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost comes from Dr. Malcolm's book, Holy Spirit: Creative Power in Our Lives. (Use this link to help support the mission of Next Step Press.)

After a brief introduction, you will hear Justin and Lois discuss both of the paradoxes in that quote and explore ways in which the presence of the Spirit frees us and empowers us to make a unique contribution for the common good while learning to appreciate the unique story of others more and more.

That one quote from Dr. Malcolm's book leads to several other quotes that deepen and broaden the conversation. Before the episode ends, you will hear Lois read the Philippians verse for Day 21 and Justin read the Spilled Wine devotion and pray the prayer for that day.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp.

Sign up for the Next Step Community for the latest blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you delight in taking a next step following Jesus.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

Apr 23, 202137:12
Desert and Wilderness

Desert and Wilderness

Pastor Walt Waiser joins Justin Rossow for Episode 3, Season 5 of the Next Step Podcast to talk about his experience seeking meaningful time with Jesus that eventually led him to spend time in the desert wilderness of Big Bend National Park in southern Texas. That adventure fits well with Day 9 of the Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost from Next Step Press.

After a brief introduction, you will hear Justin read the devotion for Day 9 and then ask Walt about his time in Big Bend, why he went and what he was hoping to accomplish. In the course of that conversation, Walt mentions several resources he regularly uses in his own faith journey. Use the paid links below to help support the Next Step Community.

To see pictures of Big Bend National Park, visit this episode on the Next Step Community blog at https://community.findmynextstep.org/desert-wilderness/

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp.

Sign up for the Next Step Community for the latest blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you delight in taking a next step following Jesus.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

Apr 16, 202137:38
Brokenness, Hope, and Baptism

Brokenness, Hope, and Baptism

Deaconess, licensed counselor, and author Heidi Goehmann joins Justin Rossow for Episode 2, Season 5 of the Next Step Podcast. Today we focus on Day 3 of the Come, Holy Spirit daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost from Next Step Press.

By way of introduction, Justin asks for an update on Heidi's recent Next Step blog post, Our Family COVID-versary Meal. Then you'll hear Justin pray the prayer for Day 3 and Heidi read the Romans verses on page 20 before the two authors discuss the pendulum of perfectionism and fatalism on the basis of the Personal Reflection on page 21.

Before reading her Meditation Quotation, Heidi tells us more about her new book, Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration. Justin then reads the Imagination Experiment on page 22 as they close with a conversation of the individual and community aspects of baptism. As the podcast comes to a close, The Emotional Devotion: Following Jesus in Every Emotion comes up. You can read Heidi's endorsement of that resource, written and illustrated by teenage girls, for teenage girls, on The Emotional Devotional home page.

You can read the devotion from Day 3 here: DOWN to Death and UP to Life.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp.

Sign up for the Next Step Community for the latest blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you delight in taking a next step following Jesus.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

Apr 09, 202138:52
Praying "Come, Holy Spirit!"

Praying "Come, Holy Spirit!"

Dr. Leo Sánchez, who has written extensively on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, joins Justin Rossow in this opening episode of Season 5 of the Next Step Podcast. The entire season will focus on the resource Come, Holy Spirit: A daily discipleship travel log for Easter to Pentecost from Next Step Press.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Leo read from his foreword to the Come, Holy Spirit volume and the two authors will discuss why we don't pray to the Holy Spirit as often as we might. After a discussion of the book Sculptor Spirit: Models of Sanctification from Spirit Christology, you will also hear Justin read part of his introduction, which is set on that first Easter evening.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Come, Holy Spirit Facebook Social Learning Group sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/comeholyspirit.nsp

Sign up for the Next Step Community for the latest blogs, podcasts, and resources to help you delight in taking a next step following Jesus.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons, a fun and easy way to support the mission and ministry of Next Step Press. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

Apr 04, 202127:12
What Child Is This?

What Child Is This?

Matthew Scholar Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs joins Justin Rossow in this episode of the Next Step Podcast to talk all things Epiphany while walking through Chapter 11: What Child Is This? from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Jeff translate the Matthew passage on page 107 from his Greek New Testament, and then proceed to talk through some of the meaning of that text. As part of the discussion, Justin will read the devotion on page 108, titled "So Bring Him Incense, Gold, and Myrrh."

After we listen to the Brooke and Brenan arrangement of this chapter's featured hymn, Jeff and Justin will discuss more in depth the three gifts, the magi, their guiding star, and what it means for us that God would lead people like that to Jesus.

You might hear a passing reference to a blog from last Epiphany: A Change of Epiphany Bumper Stickers.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons. We welcome three new patrons to our Next Step family: Kay, Sam, and Brooke. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron for 2021. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Jan 04, 202139:39
Joy to the World

Joy to the World

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, Conrad Gempf joins Justin Rossow to talk about Chapter 9: Joy to the World from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Conrad and Justin read the selected Scripture 87. As part of the ensuing discussion, Justin will read the devotion "Nor Thorns Infest the Ground" on page 88.

After we listen to the Brooke and Brenan arrangement of this chapter's featured hymn, Conrad and Justin will discuss the hymn text and the theology of Jesus' first Advent in light of His second Advent.

Two recent blogs from The Next Step Community continue the theme of today's discussion:

When Joy to the World Comes True, and
Far as the Curse is Found.

If you enjoyed hearing Conrad today, you might want to check out the free audio recording of his book Jesus Asked: What He Wanted to Know at http://gempf.com/wp/jesus-asked-the-podcast/.

Conrad has also appeared in podcast episodes for the last two hymn journals from Next Step Press: 

Ride On, Ride On in Majesty and I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

This episode of the Next Step Podcast was supported in part by the generosity of Next Step Patrons.  Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron for 2021. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep, or email justin@findmynextstep.org to make a one-time gift. Thank you to all of our Patrons! Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Dec 26, 202037:50
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, Pastor Jeff Meyer joins author Justin Rossow to talk about Chapter 7: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence  from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, you'll hear Justin pray and Jeff read the Isaiah 6 passage on page 67. After exploring those verses further, Justin will read the devotion "Veil Their Faces to the Presence" on page 68.

After we listen to the Brooke and Brenan arrangement of this chapter's featured hymn, Jeff and Justin will discuss the hymn text and then turn to the  faith experiment on page 70. In the course of that conversation, you'll hear Jeff cite Zechariah's song in Luke 1:

"...that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days."
(Luke 1:74-75, ESV)

As part of that discussion, you'll hear the motto of Jeff's Dream Accelerator: "Move Forward Anyway." You can learn more at www.jeffmeyer.org. Justin also refer to Jeff's book, Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute as the two talk what next step Jesus might be inviting them to take in the new year.

If you would like to read (and hear) more about Isaiah 6 and the Holy, Holy, Holy (or "Sanctus") that we sing during the communion liturgy, check out this post from justinrossow.com: The Sanctus and Metaphor Theory.

Jeff Meyer also appeared on a recent episode of the Next Step Podcast that looked more in-depth at providing unifying congregational leadership from the pulpit: Direction, Alignment, and Your Preaching Ministry Post-Covid.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

Getting ready for Christmas and the New Year is a great time for you to make a commitment to the mission of resourcing next step discipleship. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep. Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Dec 19, 202041:60
Noel

Noel

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, artist Deanna Rossow and author Heidi Goehmann join Justin Rossow to talk about the text, and the art, and the "Wrapping Up Feat" faith experiment in Chapter 5: Noel from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction and an opening prayer, Deanna will read the Luke passages on page 47 of the hymn journal. After thinking through these stories of Good News and fear, Justin will read the devotion on page 48.

The featured song for this chapter is "Noel," performed by Brooke and Brendan. Once we have listen to the first two verses and heard the phrase, "Peace fall on you," in the lyrics, Justin and Deanna discuss the "Peace fall on you" illustration on page 45.

As the podcast turns to the Wrapping Up Fear Prayer Experiment that begins on page 50, Justin welcomes our second guest. Heide Goehmann from heidigoehmann.com is an author, deaconess, and licensed clinical social worker. Her forthcoming book is called Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration.

Heidi and Justin talk about the kinds of emotions you might feel around the holidays, the complicated mix of comfortable and uncomfortable feelings. They talk about the Payer Experiment and the concept of acknowledging your emotions and entrusting them to Jesus.

Once we have heard from Heidi about processing our emotions, we get to hear more from the illustrator about what she was thinking when she put this prayer experiment down on paper.

You may recognize page 51 as a modified version of a Secret Code Prayer, with a slightly different focus and function. Justin mentions an article on visual prayer by Katie Helmreich as part of the inspiration for this faith experiment. Katie tells the story of her young daughter imaginatively "trapping" the monsters or bugs she sketches by circling them on her piece of pager. Visual prayer can help you do something like that with the prayer requests that seem difficult to corral.

Getting ready for Christmas and the New Year is a great time for you to make a commitment to the mission of resourcing next step discipleship. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep. Patrons make it possible.

The A Light in the Darkness CD from Brooke and Brendan is now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Dec 11, 202046:43
Emmanuel

Emmanuel

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, musician Brendan Knorp and Visual Faith™ Ministry Artist Ann Gillaspie join author Justin Rossow to talk about the text, the music, and the art in Chapter 3: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

Before this episode gets quite off the ground, Justin gets to ask Brendan about the origins of the A Light in the Darkness CD, now available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube. It turns out, Brooke and Brendan have been making Advent music together for years!

As part of that introduction, you'll also hear Brendan talk about his role in formatting the hymn and songs for the Hymn Journal series from Next Step Press and how meaningful it was to see his work on music layout become the backdrop for artwork in our online community.

After that opening discussion, Justin will pray and Brendan will read the Zephaniah 3 passage on page 25 of the hymn journal. Zephaniah 3 is a key verse for Chapter 7 of the book Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved by Justin Rossow. You can hear the author read that chapter, titled "He Will Rejoice Over You With Singing," beginning with the podcast Songs of Belonging.

Ann, Brendan, and Justin will highlight some of their take-aways from that Zephaniah 3 reading before Justin turns the page to the devotion, titled "Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel."

After we listen to the first two verses of the song "Emmanuel" from Brooke and Brendan, Justin gets to ask some more specific questions about the development of this song and it's unique guitar accompaniment.  Brendan mentions the unique guitar tuning required by the piece (available here for those interested) and talks a little but about how the song evolved over the years, mentioning a recent video of Emmanuel.

After we hear the last verse of the song, Justin and Ann explore about the O Antiphon Bible Margins project starting on page 29 of the hymn journal. This isn't the first time Ann has brought her gift for Bible Margins to a hymn journal. You can read more about how you might use or adapt this faith practice in Ann's blog, "Bible Margin Art: Comfort in the Midst of Crisis."

To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep. Patrons make it possible.


Dec 04, 202036:50
To Us

To Us

In this episode of the Next Step Podcast, singer/songwriter Brooke Orozco and Visual Faith™ Ministry Artist Katie Helmreich join author Justin Rossow to talk about the text, the music, and the art in Chapter 1: To Us from the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas.

After a brief introduction, Justin will pray and Katie and Brooke will read the Isaiah 9 passage on page 5 of the book. After discussing those verses, Justin will read the devotion on page 6, and we'll hear the first two verses of the song "To Us" performed by Brooke Orozco and Brendan Knorp.

Brooke will then talk a little bit about the song and the process that moved from the biblical text to the song lyrics. We'll listen to the rest of the song before talking to Katie Helmreich about her illustrations on page 9 and the process that led her from the biblical text to the art on page 3.

Along the way, the guests talk about the Jesse Tree project from Visual Faith™ Ministry. You can download that resource here or watch an interview with Katie and Valerie Matyas, two of our Ponder Anew illustrators who created the Jesse Tree project.

They also mention the book Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved. The song "To Us" is part of the album A Light in the Darkness available on your favorite streaming services as well as on YouTube.

Before the podcast ends, you will hear our guest consider what next step Jesus is inviting them to take as they walk toward the Nativity of Our Lord.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

Getting ready for Christmas and the New Year is a great time for you to make a commitment to the mission of resourcing next step discipleship. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep. Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written by Brooke Orozco and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

Nov 28, 202032:57
Expanding Your Sermon into the Week

Expanding Your Sermon into the Week

This special episode of the Next Step Podcast captures a conversation between Rev. Sam Fink, Associate Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Orchard Park, New York and Rev. Justin Rossow, founder of Next Step Press.

These two preachers will discuss how to live out the ideas in a recent blog about taking some of your sermon content and putting it out into various communication channels during the week. You preach a shorter Sunday sermon, but get more chances to see the Word active Monday through Saturday. It's the difference between trying to load up on a Sunday buffet and making a meal plan for the whole week.

Sam will talk about some of the changes their congregation went through because of Covid and share some of the experiments their staff is running, and hoping to run, when it comes to getting the Word into their community beyond Sunday.

This podcast is one example of hitting multiple communication streams with content that is thematically related. You can see some of the Taking Worship Into Your Week resources Justin mentions at https://community.findmynextstep.org/tag/table-talk/.  

You can read the whole blog series and listen to other, related podcasts, beginning with https://community.findmynextstep.org/weekly-meal-plan-not-sunday-buffet/.

This recording was made possible in part by the generous support of Next Step Patrons. If now is the right time for you to make a commitment to the mission of resourcing next step discipleship, please consider becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep.

Nov 24, 202041:37
Introduction to Light in the Darkness

Introduction to Light in the Darkness

Welcome to Season 3 of the Next Step Podcast, where we help you take a next step! Season 3 is dedicated to exploring the resource Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas from Next Step Press.

In this episode, lead illustrator Valerie Matyas joins author Justin Rossow to give an overview of Light in the Darkness and a closer look at the introduction. You’ll hear Justin read the Author’s Note on page ii, and you’ll hear Valerie read part of her introduction that begins on page iii. The two discuss the Advent and Christmas calendars included in the book and how these devotional tools can help you keep your eyes open for what Jesus is doing in your life as you journey toward Christmas and into the New Year.

You can see a version of that introduction, including a free download of the Advent calendar, on the Next Step Community blog at https://community.findmynextstep.org/advent2020/.

Along the way you will also get to hear Brooke Orozco and Brendan Knorp perform the title song from the hymn journal, “Light in the Darkness.” Brooke and Brendan have recorded modern arrangements of all of the hymns and carols in this hymn journal, and even added three new compositions to the mix.

Before they are through, you’ll hear Justin give a brief description of “Advent” and “Epiphany,” and Valerie give her best advice for getting the most out of your hymn journal.

This podcast is designed especially to go with the Light in the Darkness Facebook learning community sponsored by Next Step Press. Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventHymnJournal.

Getting ready for Christmas and the New Year is a great time for you to make a commitment to the mission of resourcing next step discipleship. Please consider becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep. Patrons make it possible.

The intro and outro music for Season 3: Light in the Darkness was arranged and performed by Brendan Knorp. The music included in the podcast was written by Brooke Orozco and performed by Brooke and Brendan. All rights reserved.

Nov 15, 202034:28
Direction, Alignment, and Your Preaching Ministry, Post-Covid
Nov 12, 202038:09
Living With Delight, Part 2

Living With Delight, Part 2

Episode 24, Season 4 of the Next Step podcast covers the rest of the last chapter, "Living With Delight" from the book Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved by Justin Rossow.

How do you take a small next step in the right direction when you live in a performance-driven culture? How do you trad in your Spiritual GPA for a Spiritual GPS?

Thanks so much for taking this journey of discovery with us. Please share your best words of insight, encouragement, or advice: https://www.videoask.com/fc14pikzh.

You can see all of the readings from Delight! on the Next Step Community Facebook page. Find out more about the book or get a copy for yourself or for a friend (use this link to support Next Step Press): https://amzn.to/2ZuVC1E.

If you already have a copy of the book and would like to add a five star rating or add your own review, you can go directly to Amazon's review page for Delight! You can find other books by author Justin Rossow at his Amazon author's page.

Support the mission of resourcing next step discipleship by becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep.

We follow Jesus better when we follow Him together, so we invite you to join The Next Step Community Facebook group and share your experience with the Delight! book. We'd love to hear from you at Next Step Press.

The newest addition to the Next Step Press suite of resource, Light in the Darkness, has become the #1 New Release in the Amazon category of Christian Hymns and Hymnals. Discover more at the  Light in the Darkness page.

Nov 12, 202023:39
Living With Delight, Part 1

Living With Delight, Part 1

Episode 23, Season 4 of the Next Step podcast covers the first half of the last chapter, "Living With Delight" from the book Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved by Justin Rossow.

Delight is one of the most vulnerable emotions; and vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, belonging, and delight. How do you live with the healthy vulnerability that leads to a faith life characterized by delight?

You can see all of the readings from Delight! on the Next Step Community Facebook page. Find out more about the book or get a copy for yourself or for a friend (use this link to support Next Step Press): https://amzn.to/2ZuVC1E.

If you already have a copy of the book and would like to add a five star rating or add your own review, you can go directly to Amazon's review page for Delight! You can find other books by author Justin Rossow at his Amazon author's page.

Support the mission of resourcing next step discipleship by becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep.

We follow Jesus better when we follow Him together, so we invite you to join The Next Step Community Facebook group and share your experience with the Delight! book. We'd love to hear from you at Next Step Press.

The newest addition to the Next Step Press suite of resource, Light in the Darkness, has become the #1 New Release in the Amazon category of Christian Hymns and Hymnals. Discover more at the  Light in the Darkness page.

Nov 11, 202023:26
God's Word Propels Your Adventure, Part 3
Nov 10, 202027:44
God's Word Propels Your Adventure, Part 2

God's Word Propels Your Adventure, Part 2

Season 4, Episode 21 of the Next Step podcast continues Chapter 11, God's Word Propels Your Adventure from the book Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved by Justin Rossow. God's Word takes work to understand; but God's Word also take play to understand!

Based on passages in Psalm 119 and Isaiah 55, we take a playful look at God's incredible Word.

You can see daily readings from Delight! weekdays at 7PM EST on Facebook Live or watch a recording on the Next Step Community Facebook page. Find out more about the book or get a copy for yourself or for a friend (use this link to support Next Step Press): https://amzn.to/2ZuVC1E.

If you already have a copy of the book and would like to add a five star rating or add your own review, you can go directly to Amazon's review page for Delight! You can find other books by author Justin Rossow at his Amazon author's page.

Support the mission of resourcing next step discipleship by becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep.

We follow Jesus better when we follow Him together, so we invite you to join The Next Step Community Facebook group and share your experience with the Delight! book. We'd love to hear from you at Next Step Press.

The newest addition to the Next Step Press suite of resource, Light in the Darkness, has become the #1 New Release in the Amazon category of Christian Hymns and Hymnals. Discover more at the  Light in the Darkness page.

Nov 06, 202030:02
God's Word Propels Your Adventure, Part 1
Nov 05, 202025:51
Themes, Sermon Series, and Preaching Post-Covid

Themes, Sermon Series, and Preaching Post-Covid

This special episode of the Next Step Podcast captures a conversation between Rev. Richard Rossow, pastor emeritus, and Rev. Justin Rossow, the founder of Next Step Press.

The two Pastors Rossow discuss a blog about sermon series in an age of Covid and reflect on the role of "themes" in the life of a congregation and the preaching ministry of a pastor.

You will hear them talk about this video on themes to launch the conversation, and they will explore the effects of lower worship attendance in general, and Covid in particular, when it comes to shaping a sermon series over time.

The veteran preacher also responds to the idea that our current communication culture requires us to bring the Word to people in multiple communication streams. His suggestion honors the Body of Christ while still reaching people with different communication media: ask God to give you people who can use their gifts to expand the proclamation of the Word into different media environments.

This podcast is one example of hitting multiple communication streams with content that is thematically related. Read the whole blog series, beginning with: https://community.findmynextstep.org/sermon-series-in-the-age-of-covid-think-tinker-toys-not-jenga/

Nov 04, 202020:41
God's Work Shapes Your Adventure, Part 4
Nov 04, 202032:50
God's Work Shapes Your Adventure, Part 3
Nov 03, 202031:37
God's Work Shapes Your Adventure, Part 2
Oct 30, 202026:37
God's Work Shapes Your Adventure, Part 1

God's Work Shapes Your Adventure, Part 1

Episode 16 of the Next Step Podcast Season 4 features a reading of the first part of Chapter 10 "God's Work Shapes Your Adventure" from the book Delight! Discipleship as the Adventure of Loving and Being Loved by Justin Rossow.

Weekday readings typically go live at 7PM EST on Facebook. You can find recordings of the live video on the Next Step Community Facebook page. Find out more about the book or get a copy for yourself or for a friend (use this link to support Next Step Press): https://amzn.to/2ZuVC1E.

If you already have a copy of the book and would like to add a five star rating or add your own review, you can go directly to Amazon's review page for Delight! You can find other books by author Justin Rossow at his Amazon author's page.

Support the mission of resourcing next step discipleship by becoming a Next Step Patron today. To see different options for support, visit https://www.patreon.com/findmynextstep.

We follow Jesus better when we follow Him together, so we invite you to join The Next Step Community Facebook group and share your experience with the Delight! book. We'd love to hear from you at Next Step Press.

To watch the streaming performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream on Oct 30 or 31, 2020 at 7PM EST, visit: https://www.cuaa.edu/stream/theater.html


Oct 29, 202020:05
God's Will Directs Your Adventure, Part 4
Oct 28, 202026:13
God's Will Directs Your Adventure, Part 3
Oct 27, 202027:46
Light in the Darkness Title Track

Light in the Darkness Title Track

This song, written by Brooke Orozco and performed with Brendan Knorp, is the title track for Light in the Darkness: A Hymn Journal for Advent & Christmas, available soon from Next Step Press.


Oct 27, 202002:33