Episodes

How do you build a group of people who are helpful, don't bicker, and make each other better? You might think that's impossible. I mean, have you seen what's going on in Facebook land? Well, it's more than possible. While social media is both an easy target and the butt of almost every joke about online relationships gone awry, it's also a powerful tool to build positive relationships as well. This week I try to help you be an influence for good in a place many have already abandoned. Support th...

How do you make sense of the Bible? This week I talk with Wes McAdams about his reading plan that makes a case for reading entire books in one sitting. We also talk about how he uses digital tools to help spread Christiainity. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

So how do you choose to be joyful when the world around you is crumbling? Jeremy Dehut is a new but good friend. He's helped me see both from his example and in his family's choice to let God help him choose joy in the face of tragedy. I'm grateful for people like Jeremy and Anna and how they share their struggles and show us how to allow God to let us become better. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

One of the big differences in online communication is the ability to talk back to the people who make the stuff you consume. In other words, we're all consumers and producers of online content, and I think that's incredibly beneficial. But how do you do it well? We'll talk about how to participate intentionally and thoughtfully. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

If your'e anything like me, you get intimidated when you think about evangelism and teaching others about Christ. Andy Cantrell can help you with this. He has helped distill the problems we have with evangelism into four tools which can help us be better at spreading God's word. Andy also has an amazing story about why Christianity means so much to him, and who he admires in the faith. I know Andy helped make me better at sharing my faith. See if he doesn't help you as well. Support the show (ht...

This is the fourth part of digital literacy and it's how we recreate context for what we're finding online. Christians should already "get this" because we have to do it all the time with the Bible. But for some reason, we don't use these same skills when it comes to online communication. See how to create context in the conversations you're finding onlne. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

I wasn't sure what to expect from someone who came from a life of rock and roll. I mean, I know all the stereotypes. Were they right? Evangelist Keith Stonehart sets the record straight, and shows how Christianity helps fix our brokenness. Keith is the evangelist for the Fultondale church of Christ , and co-host for the podcast The Real Deal . Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

So what is your influence like? Influence isn't particular to just online communication, but it sure can go bad quickly. We talk about how to manage both your identity and image online, and at the same time keep yourself grounded.I also celebrate one of the most meaningful events in my life. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Ginger Hubbard is one of those people who inspire me. She is an amazing mother, and someone who puts Christ in the center of her life. She is the author of several books on parenting and even hosts her own podcast, Parenting with Ginger Hubbard. She is impressive in so many ways. But what impresses me most about Ginger is her vulnerability and honesty about coming to Christ. In this episode she tells her family's story about coming to Christ when she was in high school, and how Jesus helped her ...

Fake news. Internet scams. People impersonating other people. It seems like the Internet is just a cesspool of trust issues, so why should this medium be something anyone takes seriously? Shouldn't we just stop using the Internet altogether? How about no? In this episode we talk about how to cut back on the noise in the Internet to find the value. This is the second episode of digital literacy. Hopefully, it helps you avoid the land mines and find the gold. Support the show (https://www.patreon....

How's your joy? If you're like me, finding joy in dailiy life isn't easy. Paul Gavin is a musician, private music teacher and a dedicated Christian who has a lot to teach you about joy. He also has a two word recipe to solve your relationship problems. See if Paul doesn't challenge you as well in your walk with God. If you're interested in finding Paul, his website is at www.paulgavinmusic.com Watch his talent at his YouTube page . Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianl...

In some ways, this is one of the simplest episodes I've pulled together. In this episode, I start the first part of digital literacy which is taking control of your attention. Hopefully this reminds you about the fundamentals of Christianity. I think this concept is simple and profound in the life of Christians who often see themselves as victims of circumstances. I hope you pay attention to your attention. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This week I've got a lot on my plate with the end of the semester, so I'm doing an introduction to the idea of digital literacy. I've been meaning to put this episode together for a long time and now is the perfect time. I'm making an argument about why we need to pull the curtain back on what digital tools do to us and for us. God bless you this week! Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Do you feel like the world is changing all around you while you're trying to hold onto your Christianity? Do you wonder if the things changing around us should worry us or not? Gardner is a guy with a great perspective on the culture surrounding us, the hope we have in God and why today's Christian should inspire us with confidence. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

For the past few weeks I've been drawn again and again to Philippians. There's a lot of hope and exhortation in this short book. I thought seriously about giving a reflection on Philippians for this episode. I seem to always be drawn to 4:8 where Paul tells us what to think about. But that's in a larger discussion where he talks about where to focus and what to do in response. I could give the context. Or I could simply give you the book of Philippians, itself. This week is another experiment. T...

Covid is starting to become a memory...so what should we learn from the experience? And what questions should we be asking now? Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Hal is a new friend and someone who hosts his own podcast, The Citizen of Heaven. In this episode, we discuss the importance of perspective. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This week I'm talking to a colleague and friend, Dr. Stephen Okey. Okey (as I call him) is an excellent educator and has a good understanding of the relationship of Christ, Christians and culture. He discusses the different ways Christians often try to see Christ in regards to culture, and proposes a better way we might be able to be "in the world but not of the world." If you'd like to get in touch with Okey, he is very active on Twitter and you can reach him at https://twitter.com/StephenOkey ...

This week on the program we talk to the hosts of the podcast Devotional Doctors , Bryan Nash (Doctorate in ministry) and JD Souder (Doctorate in physical therapy). They have a simple but powerful message about the importance of understanding the body's relationship to Christianity. God created us both body and soul. Ultimately we rely on our bodies to carry out our Christian service. I start this episode with a simple exercise. Try it. See if it doesn't change your perspective. Support the show ...

In this episode, I collaborate with my good friend Darin Gerdes. Darin hosts The Leadersmith podcast. This episode is our conversation about the importance of failure, and part 2 is available on his podcast where we talk about the importance of taking risks. Darin takes over the hosting reins for this episode. It was fun and, I hope, worthwhile. This is the first time I've been a guest on my own podcast. Thank you, again, for joining me on this journey. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/...

Craig Bean is a close and dear friend and, I think, one of the very best to talk about intentional culture creation. Most people believes the culture to our congregations walk in the doors and leadership should respond to the culture in the pews. Craig talks about how to foster and create the kind of culture where Christians actively make positive change the places they are. Craig is a smart guy, and he's been a blessing to me for many years. I pray he is the same for you. Support the show (http...

Matt Bassford is a minister in Columbia, Tennessee. In this episode, he talks about how he and his wife dealt with the tragedy of a stillborn birth of their first daughter, Macy and how their relationships with God and other Christians were the only things which could fix it. This is a difficult but important conversation. I think about how all of us are broken, but we often feel those topics are taboo or need to be avoided. Matt's story is powerful. It's also a love story through trial for all ...

This week, we discuss one of the most basic parts of being a Christian, Bible study. Jason Hardin is a minister and author of Hello, I'm Your Bible , (affiliate link) a practical guide to Bible study.Jason has his own strategy for Bible study which helps put you in the right mindset and helps you develop a good attitude toward reading. Jason and his family minister at Charlestown Road church of Christ which has some innovative digital tools for growing Christians, including Building Blocks. Supp...

So how good are you at communication? I'm not sure we think about that question a lot...but we definitely hear a lot about its importance. This week I talk to one of my old students, Ryan Cummings, about the importance of communication for Christians. He covers the importance of productive conflict, working together, and how communication forms an important part of our relationship with God. Ryan's podcast with co-host Mike Sullivan is called "The Gospel According to." You can subscribe here. Ry...