This episode, coming out on Christmas Eve, is with two of my best friends. They are pastors who lead a church in Illinois, formerly led youth ministry in Georgia. We had a superb conversation about the true meaning of Christmas...what a close relationship with Jesus looks like...misconceptions of our faith because of "headline theology"...the importance of friendship on Earth...reading the entire Bible in 30 days...the challenges of ministry...and a lil football too.

(3:03) Joe Banks and Jarrod Six are the lead and executive pastors of Abundant Church in Alton IL. The 3 of us met a decade+ ago in Columbus GA. We start our pod chat with why CHRISTmas is the culmination of our faith and how it's an opportunity to show others our authenticity. How can an intimate relationship with Jesus (his birth being celebrated) be compared to intimacy in our marriage?

(13:51) For those who want to hear God speak to you, His Word is a great start. Pastor Joe talks about some in their church kicking off 2025 with a Bible Shred, reading the entire book in 30 days! And they both gives keys to success to discipline in reading the Bible on a regular basis.

In the face of life's ups and downs, (24:05) friendship is also crucial or "redwood faith." They explain. And instead of Christianity being about a stuffy set of rules to follow, His Word describes a life of joy. But what's it really like working with a best friend, side-by-side in the tough world of ministry? They both love football, but sports or other things we put above God...can become a real problem.

(49:30) Holidays are for celebrations, but it can also be depressing and difficult, so these guys talk about how to bring people into community. Jarrod opens up about how it can be heavy for pastors carrying other people's burdens but it's a calling. And finding balance in ministry is a myth. (1:04:50) Joe closes us out with a prayer of blessing. Merry Christmas everyone!!

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