Tired of superficial connections and ghosting? Let's get real about building legit relationships that matter. In this episode, we're diving deep into what it means to create quality friendships that last. Pastor Mike Novotny, author of "Lonely Less," shares his take on why so many people struggle to form meaningful relationships. We're exposing how our hyper-connected world can actually leave us feeling more isolated than ever.

Tune in to discover:

•Hard truths about leveling up your friendships: Learn to prioritize real-life interactions over fleeting digital connections.

•The "How to Talk" equation that will change your conversations: Master the "You, Me, Good, Bad" formula to build trust and create genuine bonds.

•Why vulnerability is your superpower: Discover how dropping the facade and getting real with others can unlock deeper connections.

•Hacking your schedule for quality time: Learn how to combat the chaos of modern life and make space for the friendships that matter.

•The ultimate connection: Find peace and strength in the unwavering presence of a God who's always there, no matter what.

Don't miss this episode packed with actionable advice and heartfelt encouragement for building quality relationships and finding freedom from loneliness. 

More Resources:

Check out Pastor Mike’s Book, Lonely Less

Pastor Mike preaches a four week sermon series on this topic and dives even deeper. Check it out here! 

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

In this thought-provoking episode of Light Talks, we welcome Dr. Brandon Steenbock, Family Minister at St. Mark Ministries in Green Bay, for an honest conversation about the intersection of marriage and parenting. Is it better to have an amazing marriage and be okay at parenting, or vice versa? We're tackling that question and more!

Here’s a snapshot of what we dive into:

• Cultural Shifts: How modern parenting culture may be unintentionally idolizing children and the dangers that come with it.
• Building Spiritually Strong Households: The importance of modeling Christ-like love and selflessness in marriage for the benefit of your children.
• Marriage vs. Parenting Priorities: How to ensure your spouse doesn’t feel replaced by your children and why that matters.
• Practical Parenting Tips: Setting boundaries, using consequences wisely, and teaching kids to navigate life’s challenges.
• The Role of Fathers: Understanding the father’s critical role in both spiritual leadership and modeling healthy relationships.
• The Power of Forgiveness: Why saying "I forgive you" in both marriage and parenting creates lasting bonds and spiritual growth.
• Intentional Connection: Simple yet effective ways couples can maintain closeness, like daily walks and open conversations about faith.
• Practical Marriage Advice: How small, daily sacrifices in marriage can have a big impact, and why living for your spouse matters more than grand gestures.

Whether you’re a new parent, a seasoned spouse, or navigating both roles, this episode is packed with actionable advice and faith-driven wisdom to strengthen your marriage and family’s foundation.

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Got a question or topic you’d like us to talk about? Submit your thoughts here —your submission might just be featured in a future episode!

Ever feel like your teenager is wrestling with faith? Do you wonder about these same questions? Are they leaving you stumped and feeling a little confused? Pastor Bill Monday joins this episode of Light Talks for an honest conversation about navigating the rocky terrain of faith in the teenage years. More importantly, he gives such great insight and helps equip all listeners to be able to answer valid questions about the Christian faith.

This episode dives headfirst into the questions that keep parents and teens up at night:

• Why do so many young people in Christian settings struggle with doubt?
• How can you, as a parent, create a safe space for these tough questions?
• Is the Bible really trustworthy? What about all those "crazy" stories?
• How do we know Jesus existed? If he existed, did he really rise from the grave? 
• What if your child questions the very foundation of Christianity?

Pastor Bill shares his experience and wisdom, offering practical advice for listeners on how to:

• Turn doubts into opportunities for growth.
• Approach tough conversations with humility and openness.
• Explore the historical evidence that supports the Christian faith.
• Empower your children to own their faith, not just inherit it.
• Find hope and encouragement even when your child has rejected their faith.

Get ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to help your kid’s and your own faith journey! 

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.

Have a topic or question you’d like to have us discuss on Light Talks? Submit it here! 

Let's get real! This week on Light Talks, we're diving deep into all things dating, relationships and faith—the stuff that’s awkward to ask your pastor about, but you’re definitely thinking about. We've got Pastor Mike Novotny speaking truth about the questions you've been wrestling with in the dark. Get ready, because we’re not holding back. 

We’re diving headfirst into: 

• Can I date a non-Christian? Is it a deal-breaker or a chance to share the love? 
• Living together before marriage? Saving money or sabotaging your future? We look at the stats and the scriptures.
• What are God's expectations for teenage dating? Are you dating to marry, or just to chill? As a dad of two teenage daughters, Pastor Mike has some serious thoughts on this one!
• How do I get a date?! Seriously, it's a real question. We're giving the guys some real talk.
• Is it possible to be worthy of a relationship when struggling with sin? Let’s talk pornography, grace, and getting real.
• Where are the lines when dating, and how far is too far? We're not going to give you some outdated rules, but real talk about boundaries and choices, and it might not be what you think it is!

The questions speak for themselves. If you're ready for some real and honest conversations, press play.

Lights Talks with 922 Ministries | Real Talk. True Light.
Have a topic or question you’d like to have us discuss on Light Talks? Submit it here! 

Check out Pastor Mike Novotny’s book Taboo.

Ever feel like science and religion are locked in a never-ending battle? On this inaugural episode of Light Talks, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of faith and science with Pastor Michael from 922 Ministries, who thinks he would’ve become a research scientist if he hadn’t become a pastor. Does it seem weird to you that a Pastor would love science? When you break it down, it’s not that weird at all!

In this episode, we're tackling some BIG questions:

• Can you really believe in God and evolution? 
• Was the world created in 6 literal days or did it happen over thousands of years? 
• What's the deal with carbon dating, fossils, and all that ancient stuff? 
• Do aliens exist? 👀 (We gotta know!)
• How do you even have a conversation about this without losing your mind? 

Pastor Michael drops some great knowledge on how to navigate these topics with grace and understanding, and encourages everyone to be just as critical about science as we are about faith and the Bible. Listen now and discover that maybe, just maybe, faith and science aren't such enemies after all!

Have a topic or question you’d like to have us discuss on Light Talks? Submit it here! 

Have you noticed how the world isn't afraid to talk about anything? It's loud, it's everywhere—while sometimes, we in the church... we tend to stay quiet about the tough stuff. Our world and our community are filled with people who feel hurt, confused, and lost—not knowing where to turn or what to believe. But here's what we know for certain: God’s Word doesn't shy away from the hard conversations. And neither should we.

That's why we're excited to introduce "Light Talks" – a new podcast from 922 Ministries where we're diving deep into the topics that matter to you. We're taking on the questions you have about God, faith, and the Bible, and we're not holding back.

This idea actually grew out of our annual Q&A Sunday. That’s when we answer your burning questions live, and it’s one of the most popular Sundays of the year! But why limit those conversations to just one day? With Light Talks, we can explore those questions year-round, bringing clarity, hope, and God’s light to a dark world that desperately needs it.

What topics are you wrestling with? What questions keep you up at night? Share them with us, and help shape the conversations we'll have.

Together, let's discover the light in God’s Word and be a light in this dark world. This is Light Talks with 922 Ministries. Real Talk. True Light.