In this episode, Dr. Mason Ballard interviews Dr. Taylor Combs, discussing the significance of reading in the life of a Christian. They explore the importance of engaging with literature, both theological and fictional, as a means of personal growth and understanding. Dr. Combs shares insights on how to cultivate a reading habit, recommends several impactful books, and emphasizes the role of reading in connecting with the past and enriching one's faith journey.

Taylor Combs Substack: https://eastandeden.substack.com/

Kings Cross Church: https://www.kingscrossnash.org/

Mason Ballard Ministries: https://masonballard.com/

Resurrection Church: https://resurrectionwv.com/

CONTENTS OF THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Meet Dr. Taylor Combs: Background and Interests

03:09 The Importance of Reading for Christians

06:52 Reading as a Non-Negotiable for Christians

08:49 Pastoral Responsibilities in Encouraging Reading

12:13 Finding the Right Books for Different Readers

15:04 Transformative Literature and Its Impact

17:23 Books That Shape Ministry Philosophy

18:59 The Role of Fiction in Personal Growth

20:39 Deep Reading vs. Surface Reading

22:42 Practical Reading Habits for Everyone

26:06 Embracing the Journey of Reading