What do you do when you keep showing up, keep praying, keep serving… but no one seems to notice?

You’re faithful in the small things, but the spotlight never shines your way. You’re holding on, but discouragement whispers, “Does this even matter?”

That’s the raw question we’re wrestling with in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest — whether in the Appalachian mountains or anywhere else — it’s easy to wonder if quiet, unseen faithfulness has any value in a world obsessed with speed, size, and success.

But what if the problem isn’t that faithfulness is irrelevant? What if the problem is that we’ve forgotten how heaven measures greatness?

In Ephesians 6:21–24, Paul closes his letter with a name most of us skip over: Tychicus. His story reminds us that in God’s kingdom, faithfulness is never wasted. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three truths that reframe our calling:

• The Beauty of Hidden Obedience – Why unseen acts of obedience carry eternal weight.

• What It Means to Finish Well – Why incorruptible love matters more than flashy beginnings.

• Encouragement for the Unseen and Discouraged – Why God delights in faithfulness even when no one else sees.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does faithfulness even matter anymore?”—this episode will remind you that God sees, God remembers, and God rewards every act of love done in His name.

Scripture References:
Ephesians 6:21–24
1 Corinthians 4:2
Luke 16:10
2 Timothy 4:7
Revelation 2:10
Hebrews 6:10
Galatians 6:9
Matthew 25:21

Reflection Questions:

• What “small” act of obedience is God calling me to today?

• If my life ended tomorrow, would I be found faithful?

• Who can I encourage this week the way Tychicus encouraged the Ephesians?

Prayer:
“Lord, when I feel unseen or discouraged, remind me that You see me. Strengthen my love for Christ so it remains incorruptible. Teach me to finish well, to serve faithfully, and to encourage others with Your peace, love, and grace. Amen.”

📖 Scripture reading: ⁠⁠Ephesians 6:21–24⁠⁠
🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit → HERE
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✨ If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who feels unseen. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the launch of Season 4: Refined, starting October 6th.

What do you do when you believe Jesus has already won the victory… but your life still feels like one defeat after another?

You know the verses, you’ve sung the songs, you’ve heard the sermons. But when temptation returns, anxiety lingers, or relationships keep unraveling, it’s easy to wonder: “If Christ is victorious, why do I still feel like I’m losing?”

That’s the raw question we’re diving into in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest—in the Appalachian mountains, and everywhere else—it’s not unusual to feel like the enemy’s voice is louder than God’s victory. But what if the problem isn’t that Jesus failed to win? What if the problem is that we’ve misunderstood how to live in His victory right now?

In Ephesians 6:10–20, Paul shows us that the battle is real, the enemy is strategic, and yet the victory is already secured. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks four truths that flip the script on defeat:

• Already / Not Yet of Victory – Why the cross was D-Day, but we’re still waiting for V-E Day.

• Schemes of the Enemy – How Satan uses deception, discouragement, division, and distraction to keep us living like losers.

• Armor of God as Christ Himself – Why victory comes not from trying harder, but from putting on Jesus daily.

• Prayer as the Engine – How prayer keeps the armor active and the church standing strong together.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I feel defeated if Jesus already won?”—this episode will help you see the battle clearly, stand in Christ’s strength, and experience victory even when your feelings say otherwise.

• Ephesians 6:10–20

• Colossians 2:15

• 1 Corinthians 15:25–26

• Romans 13:14

• John 15:5

• 2 Corinthians 12:9

• James 4:7

1. Where in my life do I feel most defeated right now?

2. Which piece of Christ’s armor do I need to put on in that area?

3. Who could I “lock shields” with this week in prayer?

“Lord, when I feel defeated, remind me that victory is already won in Jesus. Help me see the enemy’s lies, put on Christ daily, and stand firm in Your strength. Teach me to pray at all times in the Spirit. Amen.”

📖 Scripture reading: ⁠⁠Ephesians 6:10–20⁠⁠
🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit ⁠⁠HERE
🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → ⁠HERE

✨ If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who feels like they’re losing the battle. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next deep dive.

What do you do when life feels dry, stuck, or restless—even though you know Jesus promises living water? When you read the Word, show up to church, and try to do the right things, but deep down you sense something isn’t flowing?

That’s the raw question we’re diving into in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest: in the Appalachian mountains—and everywhere else—it’s not unusual to feel spiritually parched. But what if the problem isn’t that God has stopped pouring out His Spirit? What if the problem is that something in us is blocking the flow?

In Ephesians 5:21–6:9, Paul reminds us that submission to Christ brings order, and order brings life. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three blockages that keep God’s living water from flowing freely:

• Distrust of God’s Goodness – Why hesitating on the edge of God’s promises keeps us from jumping into His arms.

• Disrespect of God’s Authority – How trying to be the head instead of submitting to the Head clogs the stream.

• Broken Relationships – Why when we resist God’s order in marriage, family, or work, everyone downstream feels the dryness.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my faith feel dry even though I believe?”—this episode will help you identify the blockages and invite Jesus to clear the channel so life can flow again.

• Ephesians 5:21–6:9

• Philippians 2:8

• John 7:38

• Luke 22:42

• Philippians 2:10–11

• Where am I hesitating to trust God’s goodness?

• In what areas of my life am I trying to be the head instead of letting Christ lead?

• Who downstream from me might be feeling dry because of a blockage in me?

Pray: “Lord, show me the blockage in my life. Help me trust Your goodness, respect Your authority, and repair what’s broken.”
Then take one specific step of submission today—whether that’s jumping in faith, yielding control, or reconciling with someone downstream.

📖 Scripture reading: ⁠⁠Ephesians 5:21–6:9⁠⁠
🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠
🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → ⁠HERE⁠
✨ If this episode stirred something in you, share it with a friend who feels spiritually dry. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next dive into The Deep End.

What do you do when your faith feels more like a Sunday performance than a Monday reality? When you say the right words, show up at the right times, but deep down you know your steps don’t match the talk?

That’s the raw question we’re diving into in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest: in the Appalachian mountains—and in church culture everywhere—it’s easy to impersonate faith. We know how to dress right, smile at the door, and bow our heads in prayer. But impersonation is not the same as imitation. And Jesus calls us into something far deeper.

In Ephesians 5:1–21, Paul reminds us that the Christian walk isn’t about looking religious on the outside. It’s about living as God’s beloved children on the inside. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three truths that separate appearance from belonging:

• Impersonation vs. Imitation – Why showing up to church without surrendering your heart is like wearing a mask, and how being God’s child changes the walk from the inside out.

• Struggle vs. Show – Why ongoing battles with sin don’t mean you’re not saved—and how hiding sin is far more dangerous than confessing it.

• Identity Over Performance – Why your salvation doesn’t rest on your perfect walk but on Jesus’ perfect work.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Because I sin, does that mean I’m not saved?”—this episode will meet you in that wrestle with honesty and hope.

Scriptures to sit with:

• Romans 7:15–19

• Matthew 23:27–28

• Ephesians 5:1–2

• 1 John 1:6–9

• 2 Corinthians 13:5

• Philippians 1:6

Reflection Questions:

• When I sin, do I hide it—or bring it into the light?

• Am I impersonating religion, or imitating Christ?

• Does my confidence rest in my performance, or in Christ’s finished work?

This week’s challenge:
Pray: “Lord, help me stop hiding. Give me courage to bring one area of my life into the light.”
Then tell one trusted person the struggle you’ve been keeping in the dark. Let confession open the door to healing.

📖 Scripture reading: ⁠Ephesians 5:1–21 ⁠
🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit ⁠HERE⁠
🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → HERE

✨ If this episode stirred something in you, share it with a friend who’s tired of pretending. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next dive into The Deep End.

If you stripped away the Sunday version of yourself—the church clothes, the polite small talk, the highlight reel—would your life still look different?

That’s the raw question we’re asking in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest: the pressure to blend in is everywhere. And if we’re not careful, our faith becomes a surface-level identity instead of a Spirit-shaped reality.

In Ephesians 4:25–32, Paul shows us that holiness isn’t about big, dramatic moments. It’s about the ordinary choices we make every day—what comes out of our mouths, how we handle conflict, and whether we forgive or cling to bitterness.

In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three marks of a set-apart life:

1. Speak Truth, Not Falsehood – Why honesty is the glue of community and how even small lies fracture relationships.

2. Respond with Grace, Not Anger – How unresolved anger gives the enemy a foothold, and how our words can either rot or heal.

3. Forgive Instead of Growing Bitter – Why forgiveness isn’t about the other person’s worthiness but about living in the freedom of Christ’s forgiveness.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I really any different?”—this episode will both challenge and encourage you.

• Ephesians 4:25–32

• Proverbs 12:22

• James 1:19–20

• Colossians 3:13

• Hebrews 12:15

• Matthew 18:21–22

• When life “bumps” you, what spills out—grace, truth, and forgiveness, or anger, lies, and bitterness?

• Who in your life needs to hear truth from you this week—spoken in love?

• Who are you tempted to react to instead of responding with grace?

• Who do you need to release into God’s hands through forgiveness?

Pray: “Lord, show me one person to forgive, one person to speak truth to, and one person to respond to with grace instead of reaction.”

Write those three names down. Take one step with each of them this week.

• Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:25–32 (ESV)

• Learn more about The Average Pursuit HERE

• Connect with Jonathan on social media → HERE

✨ If this episode stirred something in you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next dive into The Deep End.

Overview:In today’s episode of The Average Pursuit, Jonathan tackles one of the most deeply personal and painful questions we all wrestle with: “Why can’t I change?” Despite our best efforts to grow in faith, many of us find ourselves trapped in cycles of struggle, questioning if real transformation is even possible.

Drawing from Ephesians 4:20-24, Jonathan explores the disconnect between our beliefs and our behavior, offering a spiritual roadmap for true change—not mere behavior modification, but a deep, inner transformation. This episode walks you through a powerful four-step process: Learn. Strip. Renew. Wear.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Deep Ache of Feeling Stuck:

   • Ever feel like you should be further along in your faith journey by now? You’re not alone. Struggling doesn’t mean you’re not saved, it means you’re still in process.

   • The key question: Why does change feel so elusive despite believing in Jesus?

2. The Four Movements of Spiritual Transformation:

   • Learn: It’s not about learning about Christ but learning Christ—an intimate relationship that shapes your identity.

   • Strip: Change begins when we strip off the old self—our habits, wounds, and idols. Real transformation requires deep, gritty honesty.

   • Renew: True renewal happens when we unlearn the lies we’ve believed and embrace the truth of God’s Word.

   • Wear: Putting on the new self means living out your true identity in Christ—walking in forgiveness, grace, and holiness every day.

3. The Picture of Metamorphosis:

   • Transformation is not about cleaning up the old self, but becoming a new creation. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, you are meant to fly—not crawl.

4. Practical Steps to Start Changing Today:

   • Learn Christ: Spend time in His Word, listen for His voice, and encounter His heart.

   • Strip the Old Self: Name the sin or habit you need to surrender and bring it into the light.

   • Renew Your Mind: Replace the lies you’ve believed with the truths of Scripture.

   • Wear the New Self: Act out of your true identity in Christ, not the broken version of yourself.

Encouragement for the Journey:You are not stuck forever. Change is possible because Jesus didn’t die to make you better; He died to make you new. Don’t let the pressure of immediate results discourage you. Transformation is a process, and you’re right in the middle of it.

• Blog Post: We're going deeper this Wednesday in our blog post, click HERE

• Next Episode Preview: Am I Really Any Different? – Living Set Apart in a Blended-In World

Subscribe to The Average Pursuit for more deep dives into the hard questions of faith.

Stay Connected:

• Website: Click HERE

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  • Facebook

Support the Show: Click HERE

Need Prayer? Click HERE

Big Tech isn’t just shaping what our kids watch — it’s shaping who they become.

In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Jon pulls back the curtain on how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are manipulating children’s brains, emotions, and identities using algorithms, emotional hijacking, and endless scroll.

But this isn’t just a warning — it’s a battle plan.

You’ll learn how to:

• Spot the subtle signs of digital addiction and emotional manipulation

• Understand the real neurological and spiritual impact of tech on young minds

• Use the same systems that exploit kids… to equip them

• Build a home that fosters resilience, identity, and Christ-centered discipline in a digital world

This is a conversation every parent, pastor, and educator needs to hear.

🎁 Workshop: Raising Digital-Resilient Kids
🗓 Live Online: Thursday at 8 PM (Replay Available Anytime)
🌐 Private Access Page: Recordings + Downloads + Tools
💥 FREE with Discount Code: EPCC

➡️ Register now HERE
Use code EPCC at checkout for full free access — even if you can’t attend live!

You’ll receive:

• The full replay

• A customizable Family Media Plan

• Digital conversation starters

• Parental control app guides

• A faith-based discipleship strategy for your home

• Parental Control Tools: Net Nanny, Bark, Qustodio, Google Family Link

• Faith-Based Apps: Hallow, YouVersion, Lectio 365, Abide

• Digital Tools: Covenant Eyes, Forest, Screen Time, OurPact

• Bible Verses: Proverbs 4:23, Romans 12:2, Galatians 5:22-23

If this episode challenged you, encouraged you, or made you think — share it with a fellow parent or leader.
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review to help others find The Average Pursuit.

📩 Want more faith-filled tools each week? Sign up for Jon’s newsletter at HERE

🛡 BONUS: Free Access to Jon’s Workshop🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

🙌 Support the Mission HERE

Host: Jonathan Sheppard
Special Guest: Callie Sheppard

In this deeply vulnerable episode of The Average Pursuit, my wife Callie joins me to talk about a season in our life when we felt like we had failed as parents. She opens up about the shame she carried and the moment she thought it was too late for restoration.

Together, we walk through how God met us in the middle of that brokenness and brought hope, healing, and a fresh start. If you’ve ever felt like your mistakes define you or that you’ve failed one too many times, this conversation is for you.

You’ll hear:

• What shame can do to your heart when you feel you’ve failed

• How God’s grace restores and recommissions us, even in our lowest moments

• Practical ways to take your next step toward healing and restoration

• Encouragement straight from Scripture (John 21, Romans 8:1, Psalm 34:18)

Key takeaway: Your failure is not the final word. Jesus is.

• 🌐 Visit the website: HERE

• 📲 Follow on social: Facebook

• 🙏 Share a prayer request: Click here

• 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: Join the list here

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Sign up for the Raising Digital-Resilient Kids Workshop (August 7, 2025 – 8-9 PM EST): Reserve your spot now

• "Shame doesn’t just make you feel like you did something wrong—it makes you believe you are the mistake. But God’s truth says otherwise."

• "Your failure doesn’t disqualify you. God doesn’t waste your pain; He redeems it."

• "Peter thought his story was over when the rooster crowed, but Jesus was just getting started."

Share this episode with someone who needs hope today!

If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely holding it together, this episode is for you.

In this honest, front-porch style conversation, Jon opens up about what it’s like to run on fumes while everyone assumes you’re fine. Together, we’ll explore the difference between pretending and healing, and the hope Jesus offers to the weary and worn out.

At the end, Jon leaves you with two powerful questions to help you take the mask off and step toward healing:

Take a breath. You’re not alone. There’s hope here.

Links & Resources

👉 Go deeper with this week’s blog post:

Blog will release this Wednesday Read Blog Here

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👉 Register for the Raising Digital‑Resilient Kids Training Here

Join us online on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, from 8–9 PM ET for this empowering training that will help you set healthy tech boundaries and disciple kids in a digital world.

Reserve your spot now

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Your generosity makes this podcast and ministry possible.

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Have you ever prayed with everything in you… and been met with silence?

In this raw and honest episode, we’re not offering easy answers—we’re sitting in the silence together. I share one of the most painful seasons of my life, and how I wrestled with God’s silence through loss, confusion, and unanswered prayers. But I also share the truths that helped carry me through—and how Scripture meets us in our deepest questions.

This episode kicks off Season 3 of The Average Pursuit—a season we’re calling “The Deep End.” And it all begins here, with faith that feels fragile, but still holds on.

📝 Want to go deeper?

Make sure you’re subscribed to The Weekly Pursuit—our free newsletter that drops every Friday with exclusive content, encouragement, and spiritual tools to help you keep growing. 👉 Sign up for "The Weekly Pursuit" Newsletter ⁠HERE

📦 This Friday’s newsletter includes: The Scripture Toolbox — a powerful, practical resource to help you find anchor verses and truth for whatever you’re facing.

📅 Coming Wednesday: Our first blog post of the season will release—diving deeper into the themes of this episode.👉 Find the blog post ⁠HERE⁠

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Don’t miss what’s coming.