In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig interviews Dr. Gary Chapman, renowned author of ‘The Five Love Languages.’ They discuss Chapman’s extensive experience in marriage and family ministry, the importance of understanding love languages, and insights from his new book, ‘The Love Language That Matters Most.’ The conversation emphasizes empathy, communication, and the attitude of Christ in relationships, providing practical advice for couples seeking to strengthen their marriages.

Takeaways

• Gary Chapman has been in marriage ministry for over 50 years.
• The Five Love Languages concept helps couples understand each other’s emotional needs.
• Empathy is crucial for effective communication in relationships.
• Understanding personality types can enhance how love languages are expressed.
• The attitude of Christ should guide how spouses treat each other.
• Marriages require effort and growth; they don’t just happen.
• Asking follow-up questions can deepen understanding between partners.
• Love languages can apply to all close relationships, not just romantic ones.
• It’s important to love unconditionally, even when feeling unloved.
• Couples should read and discuss marriage books together to foster growth.

Sound Bites

• “You can love an unloved spouse.”
• “Empathy is key in communication.”
• “You can grow in your relationship.”

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Gary Chapman and His Work

02:54The Five Love Languages Explained

05:43The Impact of Love Languages on Relationships

09:02Expanding the Love Languages Concept

11:46Personal Experiences with Love Languages

14:50The New Book: The Love Language That Matters Most

17:51Understanding Sensitivity in Love Languages

20:39The Importance of Unconditional Love

23:46Influencing Your Spouse Positively

26:46Final Thoughts and Reflections

28:59The Importance of Love Over Leadership

30:13Transformative Love in Marriage

32:58The Power of Servant Leadership

38:01The Art of Follow-Up Questions

42:13Empathy in Relationships

45:14Understanding Personality Types

47:52The Key to a Lasting Marriage

53:28Debunking Love Language Myths

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson interviews Bryant Sims, a former pastor and current employee of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. They discuss Bryant’s unique approach to evangelism through outdoor activities, particularly squirrel hunting, and how he has successfully integrated these interests into church outreach and men’s ministry. The conversation highlights the importance of building relationships, contextualizing ministry efforts, and being intentional in sharing the gospel.

Takeaways

• Bryant’s journey began with mentorship from men in his church.
• Squirrel hunting became a unique avenue for evangelism.
• Innovative men’s ministry events can lead to significant church growth.
• Building relationships through shared interests is key to outreach.
• Contextualization is essential for effective ministry.
• Intentionality in evangelism can lead to transformative conversations.
• Outdoor activities can serve as a platform for sharing the gospel.
• Discipleship requires deeper engagement beyond initial outreach.
• Investing in relationships is crucial for long-term ministry success.
• Opportunities for the gospel can arise in everyday situations.

Sound Bites

• “I killed a bunch of squirrels and we told a lot of people about Jesus.”
• “We saw about 300% growth in the first eight years.”
• “We don’t care where these guys go to church after our tournament.”
• “You’ve got to meet other men where they are.”
• “It’s that hole in the roof philosophy.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bryant Sims and His Journey 

02:59 Pastoral Ministry and Early Experiences 

05:59 Innovative Men’s Ministry: Squirrel Hunting and Evangelism 

08:59 Building Relationships Through Outdoor Activities 

11:58 The Impact of Member-Guest Events 

15:11 Squirrel Hunting: A Unique Approach to Outreach 

17:55 Gospel Conversations in the Outdoors 

21:16 Contextualization in Ministry 

24:13 Investing in Relationships and Discipleship 

28:07 The Importance of Intentionality in Evangelism 

30:49 Conclusion: Embracing Opportunities for the Gospel

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson discusses international adoption with the Dowey family and representatives from Lifeline Children’s Services. They explore the challenges and joys of the adoption process, the impact of political decisions on international adoptions, and the importance of advocacy for families looking to adopt. The Dowey family’s personal journey highlights the emotional and logistical complexities of adoption, while Lifeline provides insights into their mission and the current state of adoption in Haiti.

Takeaways

• International adoption can be a long and complex journey.
• Lifeline Children’s Services focuses on gospel-driven child welfare.
• The Dowey family has been on their adoption journey since 2012.
• Political decisions can significantly impact international adoptions.
• Families should be prepared for potential delays in the adoption process.
• Advocacy is crucial for families navigating adoption challenges.
• Children in need of adoption often come from difficult backgrounds.
• The Dowey family emphasizes the importance of faith during their journey.
• There are differences between domestic and international adoption processes.
• Support from the community can make a difference in adoption outcomes.

Important Links

• Lifeline Children’s Services
• Presidential Proclamation 10998 on Restricting and Limiting Entry of Foreign Nationals
• Baptist Press Article on the Dowey’s Journey
• The South Carolina Foster Parent Association

Chapters

00:00Introduction to International Adoption

03:07The Dowey Family’s Adoption Journey

05:29Understanding Lifeline Children’s Services

08:39Challenges in the Adoption Process

11:32The Impact of Political Decisions on Adoption

14:22The Dowey’s Match and Waiting Period

17:45Current Political Realities Affecting Adoption

20:43Advocacy and Support for Adoption

23:43Differences Between Domestic and International Adoption

26:31Conclusion and Resources for Interested Families

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Most people agree that learning, knowing, and applying the Bible is important, but it is can also be challenging. Few people believe they know enough of the Bible or that they really understand it as well as they could (or should). In this episode, Craig shares a few tips for learning and applying God’s word. Hint: it is not magic, and it does require some work, but you can do it!

Chances are you are listening to this because you are looking for steps to help you pray better. When Jesus’ disciples caught him in prayer in a “certain place,” they asked him, “Lord teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples to pray.” Jesus’s disciples never asked to be taught how to preach or teach. The Scripture does not mention the disciples ever asking Jesus to help them multiply loaves and fishes or even how to turn water into wine. But, they asked to be taught how to pray.

On this episode, Craig explores Jesus's model prayer and offers some practical tips to help you pray better.

In this episode Craig interviews Barry Meguiar, the founder of a successful car care business who transitioned into a ministry focused on sharing faith. Barry shares his journey from a troubled past to a life dedicated to God, emphasizing the importance of joy, purpose, and everyday evangelism. He encourages listeners to see their daily lives as opportunities to share their faith and move others closer to Jesus, regardless of their profession or circumstances. The conversation highlights the significance of trusting God, living with joy, and being intentional in sharing the gospel.

Takeaways

• Barry Meguiar transitioned from a car care business to ministry.
• Joy is essential in sharing faith, even during trials.
• Every Christian is in full-time ministry, regardless of their job.
• Trusting God leads to a fulfilling life and purpose.
• Sharing faith can happen in everyday conversations.
• Intentionality is key in evangelism and reaching the lost.
• Your personal testimony can have a powerful impact.
• Hobbies and passions can serve as mission fields.
• The church must equip believers to share their faith.
• Living out the Great Commission is a daily responsibility.

Titles

• From Car Wax to Ministry: Barry’s Journey
• Faith in Business: Trusting God’s Plan

Sound Bites

• “You have to follow the nudge.”
• “You can have joy every day.”
• “Sharing your faith is fun.”

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Barry Maguire’s Journey

05:49Living in Full-Time Ministry

09:04The Power of Joy in Adversity

11:54Sharing Faith in Everyday Life

14:59The Importance of Loving Your Neighbor

17:55Igniting Your Life Through Faith

21:01Overcoming Fear in Evangelism

23:45The Call to Ministry and Sharing Faith

26:18The Business as a Pulpit

28:05Everyday Evangelism: Your Life as a Mission Field

31:24The Role of Pastors in Evangelism

32:19The State of Faith in America

33:12Living with Purpose: Moving Others Closer to Jesus

34:55Finding God in Hobbies and Passions

38:57The Joy of Sharing Faith

41:27Trusting God in Evangelism

41:46Ignite America: Resources for Evangelism

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson interviews Chris Grainger, the host of The Lion Within Us. Chris shares his journey of starting a men’s ministry, the importance of spiritual leadership, and how he uses his secular career to impact others for Christ. He discusses the challenges he faced, including personal struggles and the significance of encouragement in relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in faith and the role of community in spiritual growth.

Takeaways

• Chris Grainger emphasizes the importance of being a spiritual leader in the home.
• Encouragement from others can significantly impact one’s journey.
• Breaking his ankle led to unexpected spiritual growth for Chris.
• Men’s ministry is crucial for helping men navigate their faith.
• The Bible app offers valuable resources for men seeking spiritual guidance.
• Authenticity in faith is essential for effective ministry.
• Language and communication style can reflect one’s faith.
• Physical challenges can lead to deeper spiritual insights.
• Community support is vital for personal growth and accountability.
• Every individual has the potential to make an impact in their sphere of influence.

Titles

• Unleashing Your Inner Lion: Chris Grainger’s Journey
• The Power of Encouragement in Men’s Ministry

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Chris Grainger and His Mission

03:06The Birth of The Lion Within Us

06:09Utilizing the Bible App for Men’s Ministry

09:03The Impact of Writing and Publishing

11:51Encouragement and Its Power

15:13The Importance of Affirmation in Relationships

22:07The Power of Compliments in Relationships

24:25Lessons from Physical Challenges

30:00Finding Ministry in Secular Work

41:04Embracing Spiritual Leadership at Home

Where did Christmas trees come from? What is Hanukkah and how is it related to Christmas? Who was Boniface and what connection does he have to Thor? Learn these traditions and more in this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast.

In this episode, Craig emphasizes the necessity of having a personal mission plan to reach those around us, highlighting the responsibility of believers to share the gospel. He discusses the importance of discipleship and the call to be active missionaries in our communities.

You can tell your story, so go do it.

Takeaways

• You need a plan to reach your neighbors, friends, and family.
• If you don’t plan, chances are no one will.
• Discipleship is a responsibility for all followers of Jesus.
• We are called to share the life-changing gospel.
• Every day, there are people around us who need to hear the gospel.
• You are the missionary that God has called to your community.
• Making disciples is a directive from Jesus.
• Personal mission planning is essential for effective outreach.
• Engaging with your community is a vital part of faith.
• Obeying God’s word includes reaching out to others.

Sound Bites

“You are the missionary that God has called and sent to your community.”

“You need a plan to reach your neighbors.”

“You and I are responsible for obeying the word.”

What is a Christian? Maybe in your culture, you have been led to believe that a Christian is someone who was born into a Christian family. Perhaps you think a Christian is someone who attends church. If you watch enough news, you might even believe that a Christian is someone who lives in a particular place or votes in a particular way. The Bible doesn’t define Christianity in any of these ways.

On this episode, Craig explains what a Christian is and the difference between who a Christian is and what a Christian does. Craig also explains the gospel and gives a clear gospel invitation at the end of this podcast. If you have ever wondered who is a Christian or if you are curious about how you or someone you love could become a Christian, this podcast is for you.