Episodes

So, what do you "geek out" about? For some it might be scrapbooking or the latest comic book movie. For Bryan Schiele and Ryan Joy, they geek out about Christianity on their podcast, The Bible Geeks. I loved having this conversation and I hope you enjoy it as well. If you'd like to check out what Ryan and Bryan are doing, check out their stuff at Biblegeeks.fm. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

If you talk to parents of teens, you have probably have heard about both the blessing and struggle of raising them. In this episode, we talk to Phil Robertson and Edwin Crozier about raising teens. We all read a book, Hold On to Your Kids, by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate. We talk about the danger of peer-oriented teens and how to reconnect with your kids. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

In this episode we talk to Craig Dehut and Stuart Peck about their newest documentary for Appian Media, Trial and Triumph. These guys are doing some amazing things. Check out their work at www.appianmedia.org. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Becoming a Christian man is a challenge at all times. This week I talk to Mark Roberts, Warren Berkley and BJ Sipe, all three evangelists. They explain how to help grow men, and what challenges there are to keep men from becoming John Wayne or Mr. Rogers. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

So how well do you think the church is doing across the country? It's easy to assume it's either going well or going poorly based on what you see where you are. But Mark and Cindy Dunagan have a pretty clear answer after visiting over 50 congregations in the last year. They are also podcasters and bloggers who are on a mission to visit 100 churches to see what works and what doesn't. I think you'll be interested to hear what they've learned from Christians who live their faith at the local congr...

So what is digital literacy and why is it important for Christians to understand? This week I asked my buddy Mark McCrary to interview me for the podcast about digital literacy. This topic has been both a passion and professional pursuit for several years and I wanted someone to help me explore the idea from a different perspective. Mark is usually a willing participant in these conversations, but also someone whose opinion I truly appreciate. He also had me answer one of my own questions..."wha...

This week I wanted to talk to three people from an online group of Bible students. The argument I hear a lot is social media is largely dangerous. However, this group is doing something many thought impossible. I talk to Logan Dawson, Donna DeHoog and Katie Philippi about what they've learned and how they've gotten to know other Christians in a Chapter a Day Group (Excel Still More a Chapter a Day). See how they're becoming better Christians one chapter at a time. Support the show (https://www....

You'll have to indulge me this week. I'm talking to four podcasters I know ONLY as voices on earbuds and faces on a screen, but they have all become important to me. This week, I talk to Kris Emerson from Excel Still More, Hal Hammons of Citizen of Heaven and Jeff O'Rear and Emerson Brown of Working with the Word. We talk about why podcasting as a platform is powerful, what works, what doesn't, and what it's meant to us. Thank you for joining me on this journey. I'm looking forward to another ye...

Collaboration means doing something together to achieve something you couldn't do individually. In this episode I talk about how digital tools allow us to collaborate on things which are impossible otherwise. This is the seventh and final part of digital literacy, and in many ways the culmination of the other six. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Being a Christian woman isn't easy, but Nikki and Julie give you an example of how to do it with a good sense of humor and an eye to joy. In this conversation, we talk about abuse in the church, being part of a preacher family, and how to be a serious Christian that doesn't take yourself too seriously. There's also a lot of laughter here. You can find the Nikki and Julie podcast here. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Some people forever change your life by showing you better choices and giving you an example worth following. Having mentors and being a mentor is a blessing to many of us. Keith Stonehart is a friend whose Christian story has several incredible turns. He told his conversion story in episode 53. In this episode, he introduces us to a man who became an important friend and father figure at a time he desperately needed both. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Learning to lead takes experience and wisdom. Even then, leadership in local churches can be tricky. Especially in the age of Coronavirus, we've all been learning about the limits of leadership.Max Dawson is one of the leaders of the Dowlen Road church of Christ in Beaumont, Texas, I've heard lots of good things about that group and found out some of their secrets to both caring for each other and communicating Jesus. Find out the difference between a shepherd meeting and a sheep meeting and ho...

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 ...

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 (...

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 he...

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.patr...

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/balancingthechristia...

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)