Kari Bartkus is a podcaster and spiritual director who walks with women during times of grief or heartache. Today, Kari shares her ability to see the hurting people, how she discovered spiritual formation, and why she walks with those going through grief. She also shares practices that you can use to serve the grieving and aren’t we all right now so that you give what’s needed when. Kari’s story reminds us that Jesus is close to the brokenhearted.

Listen to Kari’s story now!

Stories Kari shared:

• Growing up in a Christian family in Indiana

Great quotes from Kari:

Some relationships are about being in proximity to one another.

We’re all made in God’s image and because of that, we’re all worthy of respect.

It’s easy for us to overlook people, especially those that we’re not similar to.

Resources we mentioned:

• Kari’s website

Related episodes:

• Becky Antkowiak and Faithfulness Through Grief

The post Kari Bartkus and the Friendship of Jesus appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Loren Hicks  is a pastor and the podcaster behind the 5 Minute Discipleship podcast. Today, Loren shares the lessons he’s learned in over two decades of ministry, how the Lord redirected through heartbreak, and how he pivoted to serve his congregation during Covid. Loren is passionate about helping people take the next step in the faith. His story reminds us that even when our plans don’t work out as we expect, it’s the Lord who directs our paths.

Listen to Loren’s story now!

Stories Loren shared:

• Serving as a local pastor in California

Great quotes from Loren:

God has unique ways of working.

Trying to understand the grace of God has been a theme of my life.

The doing flows out of the being.

Resources we mentioned:

• Loren’s website

Related episodes:

• Markus Watson and How Suffering Transforms

The post Loren Hicks and the Practice of Discipleship appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Nancy Kay Grace is a pastor’s wife, cancer survivor, and author. She understands dealing with unexpected challenges. Today, Nancy shares about how the Lord provided in ministry, her struggle with cancer, and learning rest in the Lord when those challenges arise. She reminds us to remember that we are his children and that he loves us, which is pure comfort when challenges arise.

Listen to Nancy’s story today!

Stories Nancy shared:

• Serving in ministry for 45 years with her husband

Great quotes from Nancy:

The optimism fades but we still trust the will of God.

We have to love the people but look at the Lord and trust his promises.

I will speak for the Lord.

I had to rest in God and then go forward again.

Resources we mentioned:

• Nancy’s website

Related episodes:

• Amber Cullum and the Journey to Grace

The post Nancy Kay Grace and Trusting the Peace appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Brandon is the author of What Can't Be Hidden (2021) and bestselling Beauty in the Wreckage: Finding Peace in the Age of Outrage. Today, Brandon shares how he learned not to be afraid of new ideas, the spiritual grief he suffered, and what he learned about being a good shepherd through it. We also discuss the radical idea of Christlike love and what makes it so controversial. Brandon’s story reminds us that the journey with the Lord  sometimes leads to unexpected places.

Listen to Brandon’s story now!

This episode is sponsored by The Ten Minute Bible Hour. Thanks to Matt and his team for supporting us. Go check them out!

Stories Brandon shared:

• Growing up in Indiana in a Christian family

Great quotes from Brandon:

I want to know things deeply and I’m going to search until I find it.

I don’t need to move forward in my life in a defensive posture.

Whenever you’re tilling up the ground, it sure does provide opportunities to see beauty.

Resources we mentioned:

• Brandon’s website and Su

Related episodes:

• Brian Zahnd and the Beauty of Christ

The post Brandon Andress and The Controversy of Love appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Becky Antkowiak is a writer, leader of the 540 Community for writers, and my new best friend. Today, Becky shares with us her story of following a calling that seemed to not work out only to discover how God uses everything. Becky also opens up about a season of grief and lets us in on how she found the Lord when he seemed absent. Becky leads a group of writers called the 540 Community and explains why everyone has a story to tell. Becky’s story reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves, God is working.

Listen to Becky’s story now!

Stories Becky shared:

• Homeschooling and working at Redemption Press

Great quotes from Becky:

You don’t need a crazy education to homeschool but you do need to have commitment.

As long as you are putting your best effort in, you’re working hard, and you’re happy,  find a way to do that for Jesus.

I lived in a bubble until the last year.

Resources we mentioned:

• Becky’s website

Related episodes:

• September McCarthy and Suffering as Sanctification

The post Becky Antkowiak and Faithfulness Through Grief appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Rodney Olsen is a husband, father, cyclist, blogger and podcaster. Today, Rodney shares the moment he knew he wanted to be in radio, the somewhat meandering path he took to get there, and the providential meeting that sealed the deal. Rodney is passionate about helping believers anchor their faith in Christ with a Kingdom view of the world. His story will remind you to take action against the darkness. Oh, there’s a cool Bruck Cockburn reference in there, too.

Listen to Rodney’s story today!

Stories Rodney shared:

• Why he started his podcast, Bleeding Daylight

Great quotes from Rodney:

We can be a whole lot more than we imagine if we follow Jesus’ lead.

If you’re going to go deep-diving into faith, you’ve got to have an anchor.

Resources we mentioned:

• Rodney’s website

Related episodes:

• Travis Johnson and World Changing Community

The post Rodney Olsen and Kicking at the Darkness appeared first on Eric Nevins.

LaTrae Wilson is an author and podcaster. Today, Trea shares what it was like growing up as a pastor’s kid, why she walked away after high school, and how the Lord brought her back. Her journey to healing the wounds took a commitment to valuing herself and accepting the grace and love of God. Trea’s story reminds us that no matter how far away we go, it’s only one step back.

Listen to Trea’s story now!

Stories LaTrae shared:

• Growing up in Oakland, CA as a pastor’s kid

Great quotes from LaTrae:

My son saved my life. I saw God work miracles, through my son.

If I didn’t love myself, I didn’t love God the way I should love God.

God is love; he is an emotional person.

Resources we mentioned:

• Trea’s website

Related episodes:

• Christa Hutchins and How Failure Refines

The post LaTrae Wilson and the Great Exchange appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Brian Zahnd is a pastor, author, and America mystic. Today, Brian shares his first experience with Jesus, the season when he began to “renovate his theological house,” and how to think about deconstruction. Through his writing, Brian has become one of the pastors shining light on the path for those ready to leave American Evangelicalism but not ready to leave Christ. His latest book, When Everything’s On Fire, is his latest spotlight on the path toward Christ.

Listen to Brian’s story now!

Stories Brian shared:

• Growing up passively going to church

Great quotes from Brian:

America is a tough place to be a mystic.

If anything, I felt like I was front-sliding not backsliding.

You can do bad theology in good faith.

I need to find a Christianity that was worthy of the Christ who captured my heart.

Trust Christ and his beauty to win the day.

Resources we mentioned:

• Brian’s website

Related episodes:

• Chuck Mallot is a Hippie Turned Saint

The post Brian Zahnd and the Beauty of Christ appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Conell & Rhonda Hollins our podcasters and are first time authors of their forthcoming book marriage material which is a training manual base on their experience teaching for the last 13 years. Today, Conell and Rhonda share how their relationship sharpened their faith, how they became marriage teachers, and tips for staying connected. Conell and Rhonda’s story reminds us that prioritizing your marriage is always a good idea.

Listen to Conell & Rhonda’s story today!

Stories Conell & Rhonda Hollins shared:

• Rhonda growing up in Chicago in a religious family

Great quotes from Conell & Rhonda Hollins:

Marriage is what you make it. It’s a long conversation checkered with disputes. (Conell)

I was doing my way instead of Yahweh. (Rhonda)

Flowers go a long way. (Conell)

Resources we mentioned:

• Conell and Rhonda’s website

Related episodes:

• Meg Glesener and the Smile of God

The post Conell & Rhonda Hollins and Marriage Matters appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Christopher Smith is the Senior Editor of The Englewood Review of Books, and author of several books, including most recently: How The Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church. Today, Christopher shares the place of reading in his spiritual journey, how he learned to untangle depression from doubt, and why he believes in the power of a great conversation. We also talk about some best practices for hosting conversations at your church. Christopher’s story reminds us that we learn best in conversation.

Listen to Christopher’s story now!

Stories Christopher shared:

• Starting The Englewood Review of Books

Great quotes from Christopher:

The dark nights of the soul that I’ve been through sometimes feel particularly lonely.

I’m hopeful that when we take our life together seriously, churches can offer hope to those who struggle with loneliness and isolation.

The abundant life of God in community is really good news and much better than the alternative.

Conversation didn’t magically help us resolve things, but it helped us to know and trust one another even when we didn’t agree.

Resources we mentioned:

• The Englewood Review of Books

Related episodes:

• Felicia Song and Digital Discipleship

The post C. Christopher Smith and Empowering Conversations appeared first on Eric Nevins.