Practical Christianity Episodes

Phil is an old friend who has a knack with teens and someone I greatly admire. I planned this episode to be about the teens he works with, but Phil quickly turned the conversation to parenting, and I think he was right. He shines a spotlight on what we can do better as parents. We also talk a little about digital discipleship and how his congregation in Gainesville may use tools such as Zoom after the pandemic is a memory. I think it's fair to say Phil is more skeptical of the digital tools, ev...

Edwin Crozier is someone I have known for several years but never really talked to. This is the first part of a great conversation I had with Edwin. In this episode, Edwin talks about his own spiritual walk. If you're interested in listening to his podcast, Text Talk, it's available at Apple podcasts, A few of Edwin's books include (affiliate links): Love Like a Samaritan The Gospel of the Kingdom Getting to Did Built by the Lord: A Study of the Family Support the show (https://www.patreon.co...

This week's interview is with preacher Mark Roberts. He works in Texas and says digital discipleship represents a disruption and not an interruption. This was a fun conversation and the first time I've talked with Mark. He's very sharp and kind. If you're interested in subscribing to his digital magazine, it's available at Pressing On Magazine. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

In this second episode with LaGard Smith, we talk about digital discipleship, how to keep your biases out of your Bible study, and a surprising project he's putting together which you may be able to see on a screen near you at some point. Some of the books I recommend by LaGard are: The Daily Bible Darwin's Secret Sex Problem Baptism - The Believer's Wedding Ceremony Meeting God in Quiet Places The Cultural Church Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This week in the podcast, I talk with Matt and Jennifer Schmidt about their podcast, Intimate Covenant. This episode deals frankly but not explicitly with sex in Christian marriage. This is NOT an episode for children, but an important topic which often gets ignored. You can visit their website at: https://intimatecovenant.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

You'll have to indulge me this week. I'm interviewing my dad, a retired physician from Kentucky. This was the first interview I did for the podcast. It's a little rough around the edges, but it's very sentimental for me. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

In this episode I interview a friend and colleague Darin Gerdes about how to be a better leader and Christian. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This is an interview I have with my friend Dr. Russell Clayton about work/life balance. Russell's book is entitled In Search of Work-Life Balance. It's an excellent book. Russell writes short, and his insights are simple and profound. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This episode focuses on developing a good character and the seventh part of spiritual maturity. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This week we discuss having the right attitudes. We also begin by talking with my son Jake who tries to define attitudes for us. The book I mention in this episode The Art of Choosing by Sheena Iyengar Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

In this episode, we discuss aiming for the right things. Part of that is setting goals, but then we discuss how it's different. Two books I highly recommend from this episode: Called Out by Paula Faris Me, Myself and Bob by Phil Vischer. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

In this episode, we talk about being intentional about your influential relationships. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Thinking about thinking. It's the best definition I know for critical thinking. In this episode we talk about asking fundamental questions and figuring out what we truly believe based on evidence. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This week is the second part of growing up spiritually, doing the right things. In this episode we deal with why we don't always do the right thing, especially fear of failure. I also talk about my daughter Abby and how she has taught her dad to "try something new." She's my child without fear, and I am so grateful for what she brings to our lives. This week's challenge is to do two simple positive things which take 30 seconds or less. I have enjoyed doing these episodes and I hope you are ge...

This is the second episode in the spiritual maturity series and tackles the first idea, knowing the right things. I believe God expects us to keep growing in knowledge. I also make the case our digital tools such as a smartphone can help us to do that. I end by asking five questions you can ask others to "learn something" more about. They are: Who is God to you and what is your relationship to him? What do you think is good? What do you know for sure? What one habit has made the most meaning...

In this episode, we examine the seven parts of spiritual maturity. They are: knowing the right things, doing the right things, thinking the right things, having the right relationships, aiming for the right things, having the right attitude, and being the right things. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)