Episode 15 of the podcast features and interview with Scott Perkins. He is a discipleship coach and the author of the book Tree of Lies: Transforming Decisions, Behaviors, and Relationships By Gaining Perspective On Your Identity in Christ. We have a fantastic conversation about what identity in Christ really means, and the dangers of basing our identity and value in other things.

Visit Scott’s website for a special bonus just for listeners of the Spirituality for Normal People Podcast!

Quotes:

• “Ministry happens wherever you are.”


• “In our weakness and vulnerability there can be great power.”


• "The central lie that we tend to believe is that we need something in addition to or in place of God for wholeness.”


• "If your first thought when it comes to developing a rhythm of life is 'I don’t have the time' this might be an on-road to understanding your identity."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The challenges of ministry in the Church


• Challenges for congregational leaders, trap of numbers, double standards for pastors


• The problem of using results as a measure for our spiritual life, rather than our identity in Christ.


• How our identity must only be in God and not in other things (even things that are good!)


• Doing spiritual practices not to earn God’s approval, but to live as who God created you to be.


• How to build a rhythm of life - just start something - set small goals.


• What is discipleship coaching?

3 things to move forward in your identity in Christ:

1. Know what you look to as your defining characteristic (e.g. other people’s approval)


2. Know how you’re created (e.g. introvert or extrovert)


3. Finding a rhythm of life

Spiritual Practices that we touch on:

• One-line prayer in the morning - a way to remind ourselves about our identity in Christ


• Journalling based on Scripture


• Walking and Hiking as prayer. Repeating a short scripture passage while walking.


• Silent Meditation - used as a reminder to listen for God and to shut down lies that you tell yourself.


• Using a word or a phrase as a way of focussing in prayer.


• Leaving time for quiet, stillness, listening.


• Once a week - Examine (looking back on the week)


• An open Bible near the door and a commitment to reading at least one verse.


• Trinkets and icons as ways of reminding you to pray or read the Bible.

Once again, I mention the book Mini-Habits by Stephen Guise - http://amzn.to/2seGkL5

Examples of one-line prayers:

• Lord Jesus, have mercy of me, a sinner. (The Jesus Prayer) - good prayer for living in grace.


• Holy Spirit come and fill me with your joy.

Links:

• Special bonus on Scott’s website


• Tree of Lies Book

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mattbrough.substack.com