Impactus podcast

In this episode, Impactus President Dean Brenton sits down with Men's Ministry legend Steve Sonderman!

Steve is highly regarded as one of the pioneers of the Men's Ministry movement in America. He started one of the country's first Men's Ministries at Elmbrook Church in Brookfield, WI. He is the founder of No Regrets Men's Ministries, including the annual No Regrets Men's Conference, which draws thousands of men across the US and around the world. He consults and equips worldwide, training local churches on creating their own dynamic Men's Ministry in their own context.

In this fascinating conversation, Dean and Steve take time to cover a variety of helpful topics surrounding Men's Ministry, including:

• How can churches reach men for Jesus more effectively?
• How can a church get a Men's Ministry started?
• What is changing in Men's Ministry, and how can churches navigate?
• What is the greatest challenge that Men's Ministries are currently facing?
• Why is Men's Ministry so important to the Kingdom of God and to the local church?
• What do pastors need to know about the value of Men's Ministry in their church?
• How can a Men's Ministry shift to become more outward-focused and missional?
• What are young men today most desperate for, and how can Men's Ministries engage with the younger generation?

Amidst this wide-ranging conversation, there is much hope, encouragement, strategy and vision for every Men's Ministry leader and volunteer out there who is doing the good and noble work of ministering to men.

Dean and Steve give us the gift of a conversation steeped in a wealth of knowledge, experience, expertise, and godly wisdom, as Steve shares from his decades of leadership and ministry involvement in Men's Ministry and the local church.

We hope you enjoy this deep dive into Men's Ministry with one of the all-time greats.

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Have you ever had someone constant in your life pass away? Have you ever wondered how you might continue on when you lose someone so close to you?

Stephanie shares her story of losing her father to ALS. He was her rock and ever present in her life. Through her experience, she learned to trust more deeply in Jesus as the one who can fully be trusted. When life isn't going the way, we had hoped, we can always trust in the Lord and His word.

The Legacy of an Extraordinary Ordinary Man:

Stephanie's Father, Jesse Morales, was an ordinary Filipino immigrant and mechanic who found the better life he was looking for when he met Jesus. Jesse learned to walk by faith and not by sight and left a legacy for his family and scores of others when he passed away from ALS. Stephanie authored a book called Anything But Ordinary, which tells the story of the divine encounter that changed the trajectory of one man's life and the faith that profoundly influenced the too-short journey to his death. This story will inspire you that any ordinary guy can leave an extraordinary legacy and impact.

Losing a loved one can be emotionally devastating, making finding hope in the pain challenging. However, Stephanie's experience taught her the profound lesson of trusting in Jesus during life's most challenging moments. While life may not always go as planned, turning to the Lord and relying on His word can bring comfort and guidance.

Healing Father Pain:

Regardless of our background, we all carry a degree of "father pain" caused by various life experiences, whether it's a paper cut or an arm amputation. For Stephanie, losing her father left a profound impact, forever altering her life's course. However, she found wholeness and security in Jesus.

Understanding Our Identity as Children of God:

Stephanie's journey led her to understand the significance of her identity as a beloved child of God. Just as God declared His love for Jesus during His baptism, she learned to trust God's promises and accept her identity as His daughter. This revelation helped her break free from the limitations that doubt, and insecurity imposed on her life.

Each of us must learn to believe and trust that we are a son of God. We are held back when we don't take God at his word and trust that what he says about us is true. Listen or watch the full episode to hear Stephanie's full story.

• https://amzn.to/3WGiGGT
• https://www.everydaytruth.ca/
• www.bitesizebiblestudy.ca

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Website: https://impactus.org/

Check Our Resources for Men: https://impactus.org/resources/

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Are you concerned about the growing number of Canadian young adults who are leaving their faith behind? As parents, we hold a tremendous responsibility to ensure the transmission of faith to the next generation. How can we effectively disciple our children within the confines of our own homes? What steps can we take to pass on a strong foundation of faith to our children? These are not just ordinary questions; they are critical inquiries that demand careful and thoughtful answers.

Parenting is a journey that brings both immense joy and significant challenges. However, our role as parents extends far beyond teaching life skills. We have the essential duty of educating our children, nurturing their social development, and raising them within the framework of faith.

To shed light on this crucial topic, the Canadian Evangelical Family Faith Formation Study (CEFFFS) was initiated in 2019. This groundbreaking project, led by the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada in collaboration with 15 ministry partners, sought to understand how Canadian evangelical parents perceive their role as disciple-makers and how they actively shape their children's faith within the home. The study draws upon insights gained from interviews with parents, family ministry experts, and a comprehensive survey involving over 1,000 evangelical parents across Canada.

In this episode, we are joined by two members of the research team who will help us delve into the study's key findings and their profound implications for Christian parents. Lindsay Callaway, a dedicated researcher at the Centre for Research on Church and Faith within the EFC, brings her expertise garnered from the Parenting Faith study, the Significant Church study, and her role as a co-host on the Faith Trends Podcast. Lindsay holds graduate degrees in systematic theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and bioethics from Trinity International University. She lives in Ottawa with her husband, a pastor, and their three children.

Joining us as well is Rick Hiemstra, Director of the EFC's Centre for Research on Church and Faith. Rick's background encompasses pastoral experience in the Wesleyan tradition, along with teaching mathematics and computer science at the high school level. Renowned for his insights on Canadian church and cultural trends, he has contributed to several studies, including Parenting Faith, Significant Church, Renegotiating Faith, and various explorations into Bible engagement, local church missions, small evangelical churches, and faith formation during emerging adulthood. Rick holds a BMath from the University of Waterloo, a BEd from Ottawa University, and an MTS from Tyndale Seminary.

Together, Lindsay Callaway and Rick Hiemstra will unpack the research findings and guide us toward a deeper understanding of how we, as parents, can fulfill our vital role as disciple-makers and raise a generation firmly rooted in faith.

Learn more about the study: https://www.impactus.org/articles/parents-kids-faith/

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Have you ever struggled with your mental wellness or know of someone who has? Mental health in Canada is a huge concern. Some would say a crisis.

Men in Canada are less likely to seek or receive mental healthcare than women and more likely to die by suicide. Suicide rates are 3x higher in men than in women, with men between the ages of 35-59 being the most vulnerable.

This is why it's essential to talk about mental health issues and find solutions to this enormous problem. In this episode, we will hear about one of those solutions.

Our guest is Daniel Whitehead, the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. He spearheads the movement to equip churches to support mental health and well-being in their community. Previously, Daniel spent ten years in full-time vocational ministry, serving as senior pastor of a church for eight years. He is also a certified mediator and a double theology graduate of Regent College.

A Mental Shift

There has been a significant change in online search trends related to mental health. With searches related to information about depression in the Bible and God's perspective on mental health topping the list.

Mental health concerns affect everyone, regardless of social factors or religious affiliation. That is why it's crucial that the church address this issue and provide a supportive environment where people can seek help and recover.

An Image Shift

It's important to recognize that as human beings, we are created in the image of God, who exists in a relationship as Father, Son, and Spirit. We're inherently wired for relationships. We need each other.

There are many factors and reasons why, but the fact remains that men often hesitate to seek help for mental health issues. This is where small groups play a vital role. Men can come together in these groups, providing a safe space to discuss their struggles and find support.

If you're currently struggling with mental health concerns, it's essential to know that you are not alone. Many others are going through similar challenges. We encourage you to reach out to someone you trust and have a conversation.

This will require courage, but remember that God is already aware of your situation and desires for you to be in a community with other men in your life who will listen and support you.

For leaders of men's groups and men's ministries, please consider addressing this important topic within your community. By discussing mental health openly, you can address the needs present in your group and provide valuable support.

• Sanctuary Mental Health's Website
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Welcome to the Impactus Podcast; we're here to equip men for a life of purpose and godly impact. In this episode, we are joined by Sheila Wray Gregoire, co-author of the book "She Deserves Better: Raising Girls to Resist Toxic Teachings on Sex, Self, and Speaking Up."

What if some Christian teachings have damaged our daughters and taught them to be small and invisible? What if some of the most common teaching girls hear in the church today make them more likely to marry an abuser, less likely to understand consent, and more likely to blame themselves if they're assaulted?

Sheila, along with her daughter Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and Joanna Sawatsky, conducted a survey of over 7,000 women and found some startling results.

In their book, "She Deserves Better," the authors expose common evangelical teachings that can backfire, causing shame instead of good choices. They delve into the purity movement, which can lead to shame and unrealistic expectations, and the strict dating rules that can prime girls for abuse. They also address the belief that girls should be small and invisible, which can prevent them from setting healthy boundaries and speaking up for themselves.

This conversation is especially important for fathers or those who hope to be fathers, but it is relevant for everyone.

It's time to have a frank conversation about how Christian teachings can harm young girls and how we can do better. Tune in to the Impactus Podcast to learn more about raising girls to resist toxic teachings and live a life of purpose and godly impact.

This conversation gets into some sensitive topics. So, if the little ones are around or you're listening on the drive to school, please be warned that this episode may be better heard without young ears.

• She Deserves Better: Raising Girls to Resist Toxic Teachings on Sex, Self and Speaking Up

• Bare Marriage Website

• Bare Marriage Podcast

• • Spotify

  • Apple

We have been blessed to have completed four conferences in Ottawa, Cambridge, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, where we ministered to over 2,500 men. We had some amazing speakers at these conferences, and one of those speakers was Matt Tapley. On this episode of the Impactus podcast, we get to have a deeper conversation with him.

Matt has been the Lead Pastor of Lakemount Worship Centre in Grimsby, Ontario, since 2008. He is a gifted leader who serves the Church by developing leaders in a culture of dependence on the Spirit with total devotion to the unchanging Word of God. He frequently travels the nation as an insightful preacher, anointed worship leader, and a keen contributor to leadership team environments.

Matt and His wife Lisa have been happily married since August 1994. Together they have three amazing kids – Abigail, Joey, and Sarah. In November of 2012, their youngest daughter Sarah died after a 3-year battle with cancer. Accordingly, a significant dimension of their life message is declaring God's relentless goodness even amid tragedy and disappointment. God continues to use their testimony to encourage others who are facing trials and challenges of faith.

Impactus is excited to bring you solid, Biblical, and practical content through these podcasts. If you know of a young guy who could use this kind of resource, invite them to check out our Young Men's podcast. Subscribe and share our podcasts, and leave us a review on the platform you use, so more people can experience this content.

You can learn more about Lakemount Worship Centre by visiting, https://lakemount.ca

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Have you ever wondered if you can break free of your past to live free and fulfilled? In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation about breaking the cycle of the brokenness of our past to find real success in our marriages, families, and relationship with God.

Our guest on this episode is Jean-Paul Beran, president of Focus on the Family Canada. Jean-Paul and his wife Susan were married in 1996 and have two teenage daughters. Born and raised in Vancouver, Jean-Paul studied Commerce, Operational Management, and International Business. Jean-Paul's personal commitment to Jesus Christ is evident, as is his passion for families in Canada and his heart for serving God.

In June 2021, he completed a Master of Arts in Leadership, Theology and Society from Regent College. The focus of his thesis was brokenness in the workplace. This provided him with unique insights into some of the challenges families are facing today.

The world needs authentic men who have experienced pain and brokenness and are willing to share those experiences with other men.

Jean-Paul shares how the brokenness in his life has allowed him to communicate the hope of Jesus with men and families facing complex challenges. Helping them not to feel alone and find wholeness in Jesus Christ.

Many men feel the need to keep their brokenness guarded, they feel the pressure to be strong and not show weakness. This kind of pressure is exhausting with a huge emotional toll.

Our brokenness and weakness are not bad when we have God at our side.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

In order to be a good dad, we must first learn to be good sons. Our priority should be prayer. That we should first stay connected with the Lord through 1-on-1 prayer and his word.

For those men in pain and feeling broken, it is important that they find someone they can talk to. We are not alone, and if we take a step of courage to share with another man, we'll find the encouragement we need to turn to the Lord and face our brokenness.

• Website: https://www.focusonthefamily.ca/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fotfcanada/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/fotfcanada/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fotfcanada/

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Is a solid, fulfilling, thriving marriage even possible in today's world? Is a great marriage only for the "lucky" ones? What does it take to build a rock-solid relationship? What message is your marriage sending?

We believe God has a purpose, a plan, and a path forward for you, whatever the status of your marriage today. Our podcast today is going to tackle the marriage conversation with the help of someone who has given much of his life and ministry to strengthening marriages.

Our guest today is Matt Jacobson. Matt is a pastor and founder of FaithfulMan.com, an online social media community focusing on marriage, parenting, and biblical teaching. He is the creator of Freedom Course, teaching men the powerful, biblical path to getting completely free from porn and sexual sin. Matt is the author of the bestselling Loving Your Wife Well and 100 Words of Affirmation Your Wife Needs to Hear. He lives with his wife, Lisa, in the Pacific Northwest, where they have raised their eight children. Together Matt and Lisa are cohosts of the popular Faithful Life podcast.

We know that every man wants to have a loving, safe, comfortable, warm marriage. For many, this is a pipe dream. Matt reminds us that this is supposed to be the reality for all Christian marriages.

It is God's design that we have healthy and whole marriages.

This reality is available to every couple that is willing to yield their hearts to doing things God's way.

It's a privilege to be able to bring you solid, Biblical, and practical content through these podcasts. If you know of a young guy who could use this kind of resource, invite them to check out our young men's podcast as well. We would be grateful if you would subscribe and share our podcasts.

Resources:

• Book: Loving Your Wife Well / Loving Your Husband Well bundle: https://amzn.to/3U5lKKw
• The Freedom Course https://www.faithfullife.com/freedom-course/
• The Faithful Life Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/faithful-life/id1455150061

Have you ever said things like: I'm running out of time? I wish I had more time. Where did the time go? For those who have seen their kids grow up too fast or have seen a loved one pass away too early, these are the human tensions of time.

All these constructs and references of time remind us that we are temporal creatures, that live inside of time. Yet by faith, we know we are not bound or trapped by time. How should this reality affect how we live?

Listen to the words of the Apostle James; "Look here, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit." How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it's here a little while, then it's gone. What you ought to say is, "If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that." Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil. Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it."

James writes that life is fleeting, but it is lived in its most total sense when we live it wisely, humbly, and obediently. The start of 2023 is an appropriate "time" to investigate this deep topic and its implications.

Our guest on this episode is Dr. James K.A. Smith (Jamie), a Canadian philosopher who is currently a Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, holding the Gary & Henrietta Byker Chair in Applied Reformed Theology & Worldview.

Jamie helps us understand that if we realize that created things have this fleetingness about them, we can recalibrate our expectations about how to live with these temporal things in our lives. We can learn how to best steward and enjoy them while we can, knowing they will pass.

We should embrace our mortality with discernment from the spirit of God as our guide in the context and accountability of our faith community.

Resources:

• Book: https://amzn.to/3GFW6IM
• Website: https://jameskasmith.com
• James K.A. Smith on Twitter

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In this episode, we have a special treat: one of the original twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and leaders in the early church, Thaddeus.

Ok, not exactly; however, we have the actor who plays him in The Chosen.

The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Christ written by Dallas Jenkins. This show has captured the imaginations of tens of millions of people. The first two seasons received great reviews. Now, at long last, the wait is over: The Chosen Season 3 is out. Episodes begin releasing on The Chosen app before Christmas.

In this emotional and consequential chapter, the honeymoon phase is over as the disciples discover the real cost of following Jesus. The theme of Season 3 is, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy-burdened, and I will give you rest." As Jesus's followers face mounting internal and external pressures, they learn to find courage and peace no matter what's thrown at them.

Our guest is Giavani Cairo, an actor who was born & raised in Livonia, Michigan, and is currently based in Los Angeles, California. Aside from his regular series role as Thaddeus in The Chosen, his other credits include 911: Lone Star (FOX) and Doom Patrol (HBO MAX). As a youngster, Giavani was inspired to pursue acting by Matt Damon's performance in GOOD WILL HUNTING. His love for storytelling and connecting with others has driven his career. He is a graduate of the Baron Brown Acting Studio in Santa Monica, California, and graduate of Michigan State University (Go Green! Go White!). When Giavani is not acting, he pursues his passion for sports (especially football) and physical fitness.

After moving to L.A. to pursue his dreams of acting, Giavani hit a point in his life where he was dissatisfied with where his career was headed and felt distant from the Lord.

At that point, he decided to invest in his relationship with God. He also decided to do work that mattered. After some time working with a non-profit serving others, he was given the opportunity to audition for The Chosen.

Through the role of Thaddeus, Giavani has learned to live more patiently and credits this experience with allowing him to grow closer to God.

If you haven't already seen it, season 3's trailer is included in this episode. Check it out now!

You can find Season 1 on YouTube or download and stream from The Chosen App.

https://new.thechosen.tv

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