What do your thoughts reveal about the condition of your heart?

In this episode, Brian explores the relationship between spiritual formation and our thought life. The ideas we repeatedly entertain shape our assumptions, perceptions, and decisions in ways we often fail to recognize. By learning to pay attention to recurring thought patterns, we gain insight into the deeper forces shaping who we are becoming.

If you've ever struggled with anxiety, negative thinking, self-condemnation, or distorted views of God, this conversation offers practical wisdom for cultivating greater awareness and transformation.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Welcome to Season 2 of the Soil & Roots Podcast. This season explores what we call the Discipleship Dilemma.

Throughout Christian history, many spiritual leaders have taught that growth requires both the knowledge of God and the knowledge of self. Yet while modern Christianity emphasizes studying God, it often provides little guidance for understanding ourselves.

The result is a dilemma: becoming more like Jesus requires self-awareness, but many believers lack the tools to explore the deeper realities of their own hearts.

Throughout this season, Brian Fisher introduces Heartview as a practical solution. By paying attention to eight indicators—thoughts, emotions, health, behaviors, relationships, words, time, and money—we can begin to uncover the ideas and desires shaping our lives. Practiced with God and a trusted friend, Heartview becomes a powerful tool for spiritual formation and deep discipleship.

Brian references the Creation Picture visual aid again, and you can find it on the Soil and Roots website.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Why do Christians struggle to change even when they sincerely want to?

In this season finale, Brian brings together the major themes of Season 1 and revisits the central challenge of deep discipleship. From the gospel of the Kingdom to human formation, ideas, identity, value, and transformation, this episode provides a comprehensive summary of the journey so far.

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Web: ⁠⁠https://soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Why does church growth not always result in disciple growth?

In this episode, Brian examines the modern emphasis on church growth and explores whether larger ministries necessarily produce deeper disciples. He considers the strengths and weaknesses of contemporary church culture and asks important questions about spiritual formation, success, and Kingdom impact.

If you've ever wondered how churches should measure effectiveness, this conversation provides a thoughtful perspective.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Why aren't churches producing more mature disciples?

In this episode, Brian explores spiritual formation and the challenges facing modern discipleship. He examines the gap between information and transformation and asks why sincere Christians often struggle to experience lasting change.

Drawing on both experience and spiritual formation theory, this conversation offers a framework for understanding how people are actually shaped over time, primarily through unique, intentional communities.

Follow Soil & Roots for more conversations on deep discipleship and spiritual formation. You can find it on the Resources tab at www.soilandroots.org.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Why do so many people struggle to feel valuable?

In this episode, Brian explores the question of human value and the competing stories our culture tells about worth, identity, and significance. He examines how Scripture grounds human dignity and why a healthy understanding of value is essential for spiritual growth and emotional well-being.

If you've ever wrestled with comparison, performance, shame, or insecurity, this conversation offers a more hopeful foundation.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

How do you know what's really happening inside your heart?

In this episode, Brian explores self-awareness and the challenge of recognizing the hidden patterns shaping our lives. By paying attention to thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and other indicators, we gain a clearer understanding of who we are becoming.

If you've ever felt disconnected from your inner life or struggled to understand your reactions and desires, this conversation provides practical tools for deeper awareness.

Follow Soil & Roots for more conversations on deep discipleship and spiritual formation.

For more info, check out the Resources tab on the Soil and Roots website. 

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Why don't our beliefs always change our lives?

In this episode, Brian explores the powerful role ideas play in shaping the human heart. Drawing an important distinction between ideas and beliefs, he explains how our lived assumptions influence our emotions, behaviors, relationships, and spiritual lives.

If you've ever wondered why you continue to struggle despite knowing the right answers, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of how transformation occurs.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

How does spiritual transformation actually happen?

This bonus episode brings together key ideas from the opening episodes and introduces a framework for understanding deep discipleship. Brian explores the forces that shape our lives, the role of intentional formation, and why genuine transformation involves more than behavior modification.

If you've been looking for a practical way to understand how people change, this episode provides a roadmap for the journey ahead.

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/

Why do so many Christians stop growing spiritually?

In this episode, Brian explores stages of spiritual growth and the common experience of boredom, stagnation, or frustration within church life. He examines how disciples mature over time and why growth often requires more than information alone.

If you've ever felt spiritually stuck or wondered whether there is more to life with God than what you've experienced, this conversation offers insight into the journey of transformation. Follow Soil & Roots for more conversations on deep discipleship and spiritual formation.

If you're near a computer, check out the Creation Picture and On Being Human pictures on the Resources tab at www.soilandroots.org.   

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Web: ⁠⁠soilandroots.org⁠⁠ 

Substack: ⁠ https://soilandroots.substack.com/