Episodes

Power of Gratitude
23
Nov. 20, 2020

Power of Gratitude

This week we discuss the importance and power of gratitude to the Christian life. I start out by talking about my younger son, Kent. He's a case of "still waters run deep." He's very bright, quiet and thoughtful. I mention in today's episode a foundational book.: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (affiliate link) If you haven't read this book, you should. Viktor Frankl was imprisoned at a concentration camp during World War II. A psychologist, he noted how some found hope and some comple...
Talking sports with Jason Romano
22
Nov. 13, 2020

Talking sports with Jason Romano

This was a great interview with Jason Romano. Jason was a 17 year ESPN producer who became an author and podcaster. In his first book, Live to Forgive , Jason talks about his struggles with his alcoholic father and then his struggle to become one, himself. In his journey, he meets his Heavenly father who helps him understand what true fatherhood is about. Along the way, Jason talks about how meeting his boyhood hero, Darryl Strawberry, was a dream come true, and an unexpected blessing. Jason ha...
Exploring Bible Lands: An Interview with Barry Britnell
21
Nov. 6, 2020

Exploring Bible Lands: An Interview with Barry Britnell

Barry is a friend who has become an expert and scholar on the Bible lands. In the last 15 years, Barry has also become a podcaster and on-camera host of a YouTube series that introduced the places in the Bible through Appian Media . Barry has an amazing eye for detail. Let me know what you think about this episode, and be sure to reach out to Barry if you have questions about the holy lands at barry.britnell@appianmedia.org or at Exploring Bible Lands . Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/...
An Interview with Intimate Covenant (we talk about Christian sex and intimacy)
20
Oct. 30, 2020

An Interview with Intimate Covenant (we talk about Christian sex and intimacy)

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)
A very personal interview
19
Oct. 23, 2020

A very personal interview

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)
Leadership and digital discipleship
18
Oct. 16, 2020

Leadership and digital discipleship

This week is a conversation with my close friend Mark McCrary. He's a leader at Douglass Hills church of Christ and one of the decision makers there which help implement the tools of digital discipleship. Pay particular attention to how they use Facebook as an integral part of how they spread Christianity. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Guest: Mark McCrary
The Appian Media Story: An interview with Craig Dehut and Stuart Peck
17
Oct. 9, 2020

The Appian Media Story: An interview with Craig Dehut and Stuart Peck

In this episode I interview the two founders of Appian Media, Craig Dehut and Stuart Peck. They've put together three YouTube series exploring biblical stories in the Bible lands. Their first series, Following the Messiah , told the story of Jesus's ministry. They also produced a series telling the story of the United Kingdom (the times of Saul, David and Solomon). Their website is at www.appianmedia.org . These are good guys doing good work. Take a look at how they're using digital discipleship...
Leading with Love: An interview with Darin Gerdes
16
Oct. 2, 2020

Leading with Love: An interview with Darin Gerdes

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)
Four teens and an Internet discussion
15
Sept. 25, 2020

Four teens and an Internet discussion

Okay, this week I'm talking to my seventeen-year-old son and some of his friends. They talk about how they see the Internet, how people around them are trying to frame the Internet for them, and how they can see Christianity better using the Internet. Instead of talking about Generation Z, this is a conversation with it. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Why digital discipleship?
14
Sept. 18, 2020

Why digital discipleship?

In this episode, I discuss why digital discipleship is so important to Christians. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Online Christianity: An interview with Wyatt Taylor
13
Sept. 11, 2020

Online Christianity: An interview with Wyatt Taylor

This week I talk with Wyatt Taylor about digital discipleship and how he helped bring one church online. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Balancing your Life, an Interview with Dr. Russell Clayton
12
Sept. 4, 2020

Balancing your Life, an Interview with Dr. Russell Clayton

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)
Interview with Kris Emerson
11
Aug. 28, 2020

Interview with Kris Emerson

This episode features an interview with the host of the podcast Excel Still More, Kris Emerson. Kris talks candidly about his spiritual background, his podcast series, a Christian's relationship with the Internet, and what's made the biggest difference in his life. I think you'll find his perspective challenging and rewarding. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Putting spiritual maturity together
10
Aug. 21, 2020

Putting spiritual maturity together

This is the last part of spiritual maturity. I end by challenging you to take spiritual maturity seriously. I have to apologize for the audio quality. I had to record in a different part of the house. But I think the content still works. God bless you. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Spiritual Maturity: Being the right thing
9
Aug. 14, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Being the right thing

This episode focuses on developing a good character and the seventh part of spiritual maturity. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Spiritual Maturity: Having the right attitudes
8
Aug. 7, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Having the right attitudes

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)
Spiritual Maturity: Aiming for the right thing
7
July 31, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Aiming for the right thing

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)
Spiritual Maturity: Having the right relationships
6
July 24, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Having the right relationships

In this episode, we talk about being intentional about your influential relationships. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)
Spiritual Maturity: Thinking about thinking
5
July 17, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Thinking about thinking

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)
Spiritual Maturity: Doing the next right thing
4
July 10, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Doing the next right thing

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 getti...
Spiritual Maturity: Knowing the right things
3
July 3, 2020

Spiritual Maturity: Knowing the right things

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 meaningful ...
Looking over the seven parts of spiritual maturity
2
June 26, 2020

Looking over the seven parts of spiritual maturity

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)
Welcome to Balancing the Christian Life
1
June 20, 2020

Welcome to Balancing the Christian Life

In the first episode, I talk about the direction of the podcast. The series will examine: Practical tips for how Christians mature Good ideas from Christians who have learned something important Digital tools for today's Christian Be sure to check out the website at balancingtheChristianlife.com Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)