On this episode of Culture Matters as we continue our exploration of creating inclusive spaces for those with special needs. Doug Schulte, house manager and donor coordinator at Cornerstone Ranch in McKinney, Texas, joins us to share his heartfelt journey of building spaces where those with special needs feel not just welcome, but genuinely anticipated and valued.

Topics Discussed

• Creating Inclusive Spaces for Special Needs
• Building a Community of Friendship
• Serving Special Needs Families in Church
• Serving Special Needs Families With Love

Recommended Resources

• Learn more about Cornerstone Ranch
• Addtional Resources: Joni and Friends

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

When Molly Smith first discovered her son's neurodivergence, she faced a whirlwind of emotions that many parents of children with special needs will recognize. In this episode, Molly opens up about her family's journey, from the initial challenges to learning how to parent in each new stage of development.

The aim of this first part in a two-part series on special needs is to encourage those in the trenches of parenting a neurodivergent child and remind them that they are not alone. Additionally, we hope to bring awareness around how to support those in your community who are caring for kids with special needs.

Topics Discussed

• (00:00) - Navigating Special Needs and Faith
• (10:40) - Supporting Special Needs Families With Compassion
• (22:39) - Building Inclusive Communities for Special Needs
• (28:17) - Seeking Help and Support in Community

Recommended Resources

For parents who want to start the convo with their kids on how to be a friend:

• Will you be friends with me? - Kathleen Long Bostrom
• Included - Jayneen Sanders
• Oliver's Extraordinary Friend - Andrea Mercier
• God's Very Good Idea - Trillia Newbell

Parents Reads:

• Magnificent Minds - Suzanne Goh
• The Whole Brain Child - Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
• But God - Lynn West
• On The Spectrum - Daniel Bowman Jr.

Podcasts:

• Take Care Special Moms
• Rising Above
• Hope Anew

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Continuing our conversation on politics, we talk to Dr. Patrick Schreiner about the ideology of politics. Christian faith isn’t private or partisan, but it certainly has a public (political) reality. We pledge allegiance to King Jesus and are participants in God’s plan to bring heaven to earth, as we are called to go out into the world to make disciples and be a light in the darkness.

Guest Resources

• About Patrick Schreiner
• Connect with Patrick Schreiner
• Buy the book: Political Gospel

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

As we are in an election year, we want to take some time to look at politics in America through a biblical lens. In the first episode of this three-part series, we are joined by pastor and author Dr. Zack Eswine. We discuss how we may have arrived at the current political climate, how it has affected the Church in America and what Jesus' view on politics is. Zack recently wrote a book on politics that we found to be profoundly helpful and we highly recommend it.

Topics Discussed

• Exploring Faith and Politics with a Jesus Lens
• Navigating Political Allegiance as a Christian
• Focusing on Jesus, Not Politics
• The Power of The Spirit in Change

Mentioned Resources

• Locating Jesus in Our Politics by Zack Eswine

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

We are joined by Michael Bleecker and Jonathan Dodson to discuss fatherhood. Intentional fatherhood is more than just being present; it’s about quality interactions that guide our children towards understanding God’s love and forgiveness. This episode underscores the importance of modeling genuine repentance, prioritizing meaningful activities over distractions, and embracing our unique identities in Christ. By building encouragement and grace in fatherhood, we foster a compassionate and understanding environment within our homes and communities.

Topics Discussed

• Navigating Fatherhood With Wounds
• Modeling Repentance and Grace
• Intentional Fatherhood
• Building Encouragement and Grace
• Celebrating Fatherhood and Faith
• Embracing Humility

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

In this episode, we talk to Rachel Gilson about her latest book—Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World. It’s a really helpful conversation for parents and anyone discipling the kids (hint: all of us) to navigate conversations about God’s beautiful design for human sexuality, gender, and relationships.

Mentioned Resources

• Connect more with Rachel
• Buy Parenting without Panic
• Listen to Parenting without Panic
• Episode 219 - The Family of God with Rachel Gilson

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

There's been a shift in the way this generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen A, navigates the world. They want to hear a story more than they want an expertly given argument. Relationship and authenticity are valued over intellectualism. On this episode we explore how that influences, discipleship, parenting, outreach and more. We also take a step back to explore some things we would tell our younger selves, knowing what we know now.

Topics Discussed

• Youth Ministry in Changing Churches
• Discipleship in Changing Culture
• Finding Safety in Authentic Community
• Authenticity Over Subject Expert
• Walking With Jesus Together

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

In this week's episode we welcome back Adam Hawkins after his sabbatical. And we have an extended conversation around the Paris Olympics. 

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

Continuing our conversation from last week, if we're thinking about a Godly approach to work and rest, then how can we think about play? Where does playfulness fit into our lives, that's honoring God and pushing back darkness, and ultimately looking to the future glory of God's new heavens and new earth. 

Topics Discussed

• Rediscovering Joy Through Play
• The Beauty of Rest, Work, Play
• Eternal Glory and Hope in Imperfection

Recommended and Mentioned Resources

• Listen to Ty's sermon "The Rhythm of Glory"

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]

What does it look like to rest well? When we work from our significance in Christ instead of our own, we can pair the mission of God with the heart of God for the flourishing of all people. In this way, Christianity offers an antithesis to the hustle culture that we are bombarded with everyday. Elizabeth and Tymarcus invite Jonathan Dodson on to have a conversation about work & rest.

Topics Discussed

• Work, Community, and Flourishing
• Cultural Tribute Through Work
• Embracing Rest as God's Creation
• Rest and the Beauty of Creation

Recommended and Mentioned Resources

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer

The Rest of Life by Ben Witherington III

3 Body Problem - Netflix Series

Follow us on social

Instagram

-- 

Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email [email protected]