(00:00-09:05): HEADLINES: No-kill, lab-grown meat to go on sale for first time. Logos Enlists Black Church Leaders to Diversify Bible Study Resources. Family kicked off United Airlines flight after toddler refuses to wear mask. Marcus Lamb's Daystar TV Pays Back $3.9M PPP Loan After Inside Edition Investigates Church’s Jet Purchase. Mohler Endorses Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines: They ‘Can Be Taken by Pro-Life Christians with Legitimacy’. 

(09:05-27:49): We were joined by author Michael T. Cooper. His recent book, Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement is a best seller at William Carey Publishing. He earned a PhD in Intercultural Studies with a focus on religious movements and a minor in theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently serves as a missiologist for East West Ministries International where he focuses on missiological research and equipping missionaries for effective cultural engagement.

He discusses an initiative Ephesiology is doing to better equip leaders. Here is the link to the course: https://masterclasses.ephesiology.com/pages/master-of-art-in-missiology-of-movements. As well as an initiative especially designed for the local church that we call Seminary@YourChurch. https://masterclasses.ephesiology.com/pages/seminary-yourchurch.

(27:49-37:22): James Hamblin writes “How to Sleep” in the Atlantic. Should you drink more coffee? Should you take melatonin? Can you train yourself to need less sleep? A physician’s guide to sleep in a stressful age. 

(37:22-46:20): Ian Paul writes “Where are the working class?” in Psephizo. 

(46:20-56:04): “How to Navigate Kids’ Digital Privacy” on GetPocket. What to know about the security of connected devices, and how to steer kids toward the best digital practices.

(56:04-1:05:43): Jeff Haden writes “Tim Ferriss Is No Longer Living the Tim Ferriss Lifestyle” in Inc. Neither Should YouBecause success isn't always about efficiency and output.

(1:05:43-1:15:19): Kyle Stroebel writes “When Social Media is Antithetical to the Cross” on Biola University’s website.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:05): HEADLINES: No-kill, lab-grown meat to go on sale for first time. Logos Enlists Black Church Leaders to Diversify Bible Study Resources. Family kicked off United Airlines flight after toddler refuses to wear mask. Marcus Lamb's Daystar TV Pays Back $3.9M PPP Loan After Inside Edition Investigates Church’s Jet Purchase. Mohler Endorses Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines: They ‘Can Be Taken by Pro-Life Christians with Legitimacy’. 

(09:05-27:49): We were joined by author Michael T. Cooper. His recent book, Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement is a best seller at William Carey Publishing. He earned a PhD in Intercultural Studies with a focus on religious movements and a minor in theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He currently serves as a missiologist for East West Ministries International where he focuses on missiological research and equipping missionaries for effective cultural engagement.

He discusses an initiative Ephesiology is doing to better equip leaders. Here is the link to the course: https://masterclasses.ephesiology.com/pages/master-of-art-in-missiology-of-movements. As well as an initiative especially designed for the local church that we call Seminary@YourChurch. https://masterclasses.ephesiology.com/pages/seminary-yourchurch.

(27:49-37:22): James Hamblin writes “How to Sleep” in the Atlantic. Should you drink more coffee? Should you take melatonin? Can you train yourself to need less sleep? A physician’s guide to sleep in a stressful age. 

(37:22-46:20): Ian Paul writes “Where are the working class?” in Psephizo. 

(46:20-56:04): “How to Navigate Kids’ Digital Privacy” on GetPocket. What to know about the security of connected devices, and how to steer kids toward the best digital practices.

(56:04-1:05:43): Jeff Haden writes “Tim Ferriss Is No Longer Living the Tim Ferriss Lifestyle” in Inc. Neither Should YouBecause success isn't always about efficiency and output.

(1:05:43-1:15:19): Kyle Stroebel writes “When Social Media is Antithetical to the Cross” on Biola University’s website.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:42): HEADLINES: COVID-19 vaccine shipments begin in historic US effort. A ‘Christmas Star’ Will Appear on the Darkest Day of This Year. Cleveland MLB team to drop 'Indians' from its name. Zodiac ‘340 Cipher’ cracked by code experts 51 years after it was sent to the S.F. Chronicle. The Trump Administration Just Made the Citizenship Test Harder. How Would You Do? ‘O Holy Night’ Started Out as an Abolitionist Anthem.

(09:42-18:49): Ian Paul writes “Jesus wasn’t born in a stable—and that makes all the difference” in Psephizo. PLUS, Shane Pruitt writes “9 Common Myths Christians Believe at Christmas” in Relevant Magazine.

(18:49-27:45): Michelle Lindsey writes “7 Totally Practical Ways to Fight Anxiety” in Faith It. 

(27:45-36:51): Matt Simon writes “Who Will We Be When This Is All Over?” in Wired. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought incalculable suffering and trauma. But it also offers ways for people—and even societies—to change for the better.”

(36:51-46:17): Miroslav Volf writes “The Supreme Court ruled you have the right to worship in person. That doesn’t mean you should.” in The Jesuit Review. 

(46:17-1:03:58): We were joined by author, David Murrow. David is the director of Church for Men, an organization dedicated to restoring a healthy, life-giving masculine spirit in Christian congregations. He is the author of Why Men Hate Going to Church, an inspirational bestseller with more than 150,000 copies in print in more than a dozen languages.

He wrote the book “Drowning in Screentime” (how appropriate). Between Zoom meetings, online classes, social media, gaming, and binge-watching TV series, humans now spend most of their free time submerged in screen life—and that’s taking a toll on real life.

(1:03:58-1:13:28): Scott Sauls writes “How God REALLY Sees You” in his Blog. The pressure is off! Instead, you are set free by the assurance that God’s heart is already in your hands, even as he is eager for you to put your heart entirely into his. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” Jesus said, “and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:42): HEADLINES: COVID-19 vaccine shipments begin in historic US effort. A ‘Christmas Star’ Will Appear on the Darkest Day of This Year. Cleveland MLB team to drop 'Indians' from its name. Zodiac ‘340 Cipher’ cracked by code experts 51 years after it was sent to the S.F. Chronicle. The Trump Administration Just Made the Citizenship Test Harder. How Would You Do?‘O Holy Night’ Started Out as an Abolitionist Anthem.

(09:42-18:49): Ian Paul writes “Jesus wasn’t born in a stable—and that makes all the difference” in Psephizo. PLUS, Shane Pruitt writes “9 Common Myths Christians Believe at Christmas” in Relevant Magazine.

(18:49-27:45): Michelle Lindsey writes “7 Totally Practical Ways to Fight Anxiety” in Faith It. 

(27:45-36:51): Matt Simon writes “Who Will We Be When This Is All Over?” in Wired. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought incalculable suffering and trauma. But it also offers ways for people—and even societies—to change for the better.”

(36:51-46:17): Miroslav Volf writes “The Supreme Court ruled you have the right to worship in person. That doesn’t mean you should.” in The Jesuit Review. 

(46:17-1:03:58): We were joined by author, David Murrow. David is the director of Church for Men, an organization dedicated to restoring a healthy, life-giving masculine spirit in Christian congregations. He is the author of Why Men Hate Going to Church, an inspirational bestseller with more than 150,000 copies in print in more than a dozen languages.

He wrote the book “Drowning in Screentime” (how appropriate). Between Zoom meetings, online classes, social media, gaming, and binge-watching TV series, humans now spend most of their free time submerged in screen life—and that’s taking a toll on real life.

(1:03:58-1:13:28): Scott Sauls writes “How God REALLY Sees You” in his Blog. The pressure is off! Instead, you are set free by the assurance that God’s heart is already in your hands, even as he is eager for you to put your heart entirely into his. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,” Jesus said, “and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28-30).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:36): Supreme Court Blocks New York’s Worship Service Restrictions. It’s the first time during the pandemic the high court has sided with churches and synagogues challenging the new rules on religious liberty grounds.

(09:36-19:29): We were joined by representative Anitra Parmale from Food For The Poor. They are helping to raise money to provide emergency food relief for children in Latin America and the Caribbean who are facing hunger and starvation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time gift of $185 provides six months of food for 5 hungry children - that’s about 50 cents a day. To make a gift today, go to www.1160hope.com and click on the red EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF banner at the top of the page. OR call 855-901-4673.

(19:29-29:00): Rich Villodas writes “The Celebrity Pastor Problem Is Every Church’s Struggle” in Christianity Today. How our ministry policies and practices can push back against entitlement.

(29:00-38:05): Taylor Lorenz writes “Zillow Surfing Is the Escape We All Need Right Now” in The New York Times. 

(38:05-47:01): In Premier Christian News: 1.7 million people expected to spend Christmas alone, new poll reveals. In a 'normal´ year, the figure would usually be around four per cent of the UK. However, this year, because of the pandemic, the number is expected to be as high as eight per cent.

(47:01-1:07:26): We were joined by pastor and author, Scott Sauls. ​Scott serves as senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the author of numerous books including his most recent “A Gentle Answer”. He, Brian, and Ian discussed his recent post “Navigating the Emotional Impact of Covid” and the importance of mental and spiritual health during this difficult time. They also discuss balancing grace and truth, church growth, and more.

(1:07:26-1:16:50): Charles Stone writes “How the Apostle Paul Thought About Church Growth” in Outreach Magazine.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:36): Supreme Court Blocks New York’s Worship Service Restrictions. It’s the first time during the pandemic the high court has sided with churches and synagogues challenging the new rules on religious liberty grounds.

(09:36-19:29): We were joined by representative Anitra Parmale from Food For The Poor. They are helping to raise money to provide emergency food relief for children in Latin America and the Caribbean who are facing hunger and starvation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time gift of $185 provides six months of food for 5 hungry children - that’s about 50 cents a day. To make a gift today, go to www.1160hope.com and click on the red EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF banner at the top of the page. OR call 855-901-4673.

(19:29-29:00): Rich Villodas writes “The Celebrity Pastor Problem Is Every Church’s Struggle” in Christianity Today. How our ministry policies and practices can push back against entitlement.

(29:00-38:05): Taylor Lorenz writes “Zillow Surfing Is the Escape We All Need Right Now” in The New York Times. 

(38:05-47:01): In Premier Christian News: 1.7 million people expected to spend Christmas alone, new poll reveals. In a 'normal´ year, the figure would usually be around four per cent of the UK. However, this year, because of the pandemic, the number is expected to be as high as eight per cent.

(47:01-1:07:26): We were joined by pastor and author, Scott Sauls. ​Scott serves as senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the author of numerous books including his most recent “A Gentle Answer”. He, Brian, and Ian discussed his recent post “Navigating the Emotional Impact of Covid” and the importance of mental and spiritual health during this difficult time. They also discuss balancing grace and truth, church growth, and more.

(1:07:26-1:16:50): Charles Stone writes “How the Apostle Paul Thought About Church Growth” in Outreach Magazine.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:56): Rush Limbaugh: “There cannot be a peaceful coexistence” between liberals and conservatives. He says furthermore: “I actually think that we’re trending toward secession”

(08:56-29:00): We were joined by representative Paul Jacobs from Food For The Poor. They are helping to raise money to provide emergency food relief for children in Latin America and the Caribbean who are facing hunger and starvation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time gift of $185 provides six months of food for 5 hungry children - that’s about 50 cents a day. To make a gift today, go to www.1160hope.com and click on the red EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF banner at the top of the page. OR call 855-901-4673.

(29:00-38:41): Daniel Darling writes “Listening to Podcasts Makes Us Better Preachers” in Christianity Today. How the popular audio genre can help pastors fine-tune sermon preparation and delivery.

(38:41-48:19): With pews emptied by COVID-19, a Catholic researcher asks, ‘What if they never come back?’ 'This pandemic has led to the acceleration of so many trend lines we were already on,' said Dan Cellucci, CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute.

(48:19-57:12): Clemson's Dabo Swinney Encourages 15-Year-Old to Build His Life on a Foundation of Faith. Brian and Ian touched on this encouraging story about how a question from a 15-year-old fan led Clemson coach Dabo Swinney this week to deviate from "football talk" to a more important subject: the meaning of life.

(57:12-1:06:36): Nic Gibson writes “Being the Leader They Need in a Season of Burnout” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:06:36-1:15:31): Jonathan L. Zecher writes “Acedia: The Lost Name for the Emotion We’re All Feeling Right Now” in GetPocket. The ancient Greek word that so aptly describes our current state was lost to time and translation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-08:56): Rush Limbaugh: “There cannot be a peaceful coexistence” between liberals and conservatives. He says furthermore: “I actually think that we’re trending toward secession”

(08:56-29:00): We were joined by representative Paul Jacobs from Food For The Poor. They are helping to raise money to provide emergency food relief for children in Latin America and the Caribbean who are facing hunger and starvation because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time gift of $185 provides six months of food for 5 hungry children - that’s about 50 cents a day. To make a gift today, go to www.1160hope.com and click on the red EMERGENCY FOOD RELIEF banner at the top of the page. OR call 855-901-4673.

(29:00-38:41): Daniel Darling writes “Listening to Podcasts Makes Us Better Preachers” in Christianity Today. How the popular audio genre can help pastors fine-tune sermon preparation and delivery.

(38:41-48:19): With pews emptied by COVID-19, a Catholic researcher asks, ‘What if they never come back?’ 'This pandemic has led to the acceleration of so many trend lines we were already on,' said Dan Cellucci, CEO of the Catholic Leadership Institute.

(48:19-57:12): Clemson's Dabo Swinney Encourages 15-Year-Old to Build His Life on a Foundation of Faith. Brian and Ian touched on this encouraging story about how a question from a 15-year-old fan led Clemson coach Dabo Swinney this week to deviate from "football talk" to a more important subject: the meaning of life.

(57:12-1:06:36): Nic Gibson writes “Being the Leader They Need in a Season of Burnout” in The Gospel Coalition. 

(1:06:36-1:15:31): Jonathan L. Zecher writes “Acedia: The Lost Name for the Emotion We’re All Feeling Right Now” in GetPocket. The ancient Greek word that so aptly describes our current state was lost to time and translation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:44): Weird Headlines: Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready. Break dancing gets Olympic status to debut at the Paris Games in 2024. China Is Rolling Out an Enormous “Weather Modification” System. 

(09:44-19:49): Ray Ortlund writes “The Surprising Ministry of Encouragement” in Desiring God. 

(19:49-29:30): Rich Villodas writes “The Celebrity Pastor Problem Is Every Church’s Struggle” in Christianity Today. How our ministry policies and practices can push back against entitlement.

(29:30-38:30): Andy Stanley tweeted “Is it possible to be a great dad when you didn't grow up with one? Yes! My dad is proof.” Brian and Ian discuss the accompanying clip as well. 

(38:30-47:44): In Premier Christian News: 1.7 million people expected to spend Christmas alone, new poll reveals. In a 'normal´ year, the figure would usually be around four per cent of the UK. However, this year, because of the pandemic, the number is expected to be as high as eight per cent.

(47:44-1:06:10): We were joined by David Hayward “Naked Pastor”. After 30 years in the church, he left the ministry to pursue his passion for art. NakedPastor uses words and images to challenge the status quo, deconstruct dogma, and offer hope for those who struggle and suffer under it. 

(1:06:10-1:16:42): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian discuss some good news from the Good News Network. This website is an optimist’s mecca for positivity and uplifting stories. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(00:00-09:44): Weird Headlines: Former Israeli space security chief says aliens exist, humanity not ready. Break dancing gets Olympic status to debut at the Paris Games in 2024. China Is Rolling Out an Enormous “Weather Modification” System. 

(09:44-19:49): Ray Ortlund writes “The Surprising Ministry of Encouragement” in Desiring God. 

(19:49-29:30): Rich Villodas writes “The Celebrity Pastor Problem Is Every Church’s Struggle” in Christianity Today. How our ministry policies and practices can push back against entitlement.

(29:30-38:30): Andy Stanley tweeted “Is it possible to be a great dad when you didn't grow up with one? Yes! My dad is proof.” Brian and Ian discuss the accompanying clip as well. 

(38:30-47:44): In Premier Christian News: 1.7 million people expected to spend Christmas alone, new poll reveals. In a 'normal´ year, the figure would usually be around four per cent of the UK. However, this year, because of the pandemic, the number is expected to be as high as eight per cent.

(47:44-1:06:10): We were joined by David Hayward “Naked Pastor”. After 30 years in the church, he left the ministry to pursue his passion for art. NakedPastor uses words and images to challenge the status quo, deconstruct dogma, and offer hope for those who struggle and suffer under it. 

(1:06:10-1:16:42): GOOD NEWS! Brian and Ian discuss some good news from the Good News Network. This website is an optimist’s mecca for positivity and uplifting stories. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.