In this episode, Ilona and Justin discuss how we allocate our time, talents, and treasures in a way that loves God and neighbor. While the Minimalism movement asks you to question whether something brings you joy, that’s not what the Gospel would compel us to ask about how we spend our minutes, our skills, and our dollars. What should we consider instead? How do we make space for both simplicity and generosity in our lives?

In this episode, Ilona and Justin discuss the starkly counter-cultural spiritual practice of fasting. This practice, especially and specifically when done with food, holds in tension the reality that God created the world to be “good” and yet the world was also never meant to fully satisfy us. How can fasting expose our limits and challenge us to see ourselves rightly before God?

In this episode, Ilona and Justin wrestle with the good, the hard, and the necessity of community. By nature, humans were designed to need people, yet likely all of us have also experienced the relational hurt that community can cause. How do we endure the messiness of relationships so that we can experience the goodness they offer? What is it uniquely about Christian community that equips us to do that?

In this episode, Ilona and Justin dig into the ancient practice of sabbath. They justify why this can’t be a biblical commandment we conveniently ignore simply because we’ve got a long weekend to-do list, and why a regular day of rest is necessary for our souls to sustain quality work and relationships. They discuss practical ideas for how to sabbath, borrowing from Pete Scazzero’s framework of Stop, Rest, Delight, and Contemplate. How can we integrate this practice, setting realistic expectations, no matter if we’re single or married with kids?

In this episode, Ilona and Justin talk about silence and solitude, breaking down how it shapes our relationship with God, our formation into Christlikeness, and our missional posture towards others in our lives. Ronald Rolheiser once quipped that “we’re distracting ourselves into spiritual oblivion,” so this discussion explores how silence and solitude provide an antidote to that distraction, and offers ways to start practicing silence today. For more information, visit iconchurch.org/leadershippodcast.

In this episode, Ilona and Justin talk about the relational practice of prayer and how it reminds us that there’s more to our lives than the physical things we see around us. Whether you’ve never prayed or are looking to grow, Justin and Ilona offer ideas for different approaches to and methods for prayer. They also wrestle with what to do when we don’t feel like God hears our prayers, and how that possibly reflects more on us than anything else. For more information, visit iconchurch.org/leadershippodcast.

In this episode, Ilona and Justin dive into the first practice of bible reading. The scriptures are meant to be a guide to help us navigate our lives, but we can often get discouraged by failed reading plans and books that we just don’t understand. This episode offers practical ways to think about and engage in reading scripture, whether you’d call yourself a “bible novice” or “enthusiastic scholar.” Check out the references and pick a method to practice!

In this episode, Ilona and Justin remind us that the path to peace isn’t focused on the self. Rather, they discuss how our lives, and in particular the way we practice spiritual disciplines, need to be focused outwardly. They wrestle with the reality that this “others-orientation” sits starkly opposed to our “live your dream” culture, and yet it’s what reminds us of our truer purpose. Why does this matter so much right now, especially in light of COVID-19 and social distancing? For more information and detailed show notes, visit iconchurch.org/leadershippodcast.

In this episode, Ilona and Justin kick off Season 2 by discussing why now, perhaps more than ever in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we should commit ourselves to a Rule of Life. Unpacking this ancient practice and countering our cultural reactions, they explore why a life structured in disciplines is so necessary in our current social moment. How can thinking about these practices in a relational, formational, and missional way help us become the types of people who can be at peace even in anxious times? For more information and detailed show notes, visit iconchurch.org/leadershippodcast.

In this episode, Ilona and Justin apply Dallas Willard’s VIM framework (Vision, Intention, Means) to Icon’s philosophy of discipleship, moving from personal applications to leadership applications. What does it look like to encourage, support, and at times properly challenge the people we are leading to reorient around their vision, intention, and means? For more information and detailed show notes, visit iconchurch.org/leadershippodcast.