The Ordinary Christian Podcast

Kori Pennypacker is the CEO of Bible2Schools and the author of a new book, Backpack Faith. In this episode, Kori Pennypacker shares insights on how Christians can actively engage in public school ministry, emphasizing the legal rights, opportunities, and importance of faith-based involvement in schools. Kori and Craig also discuss the important role parents play in discipling their children. Listen in to discover practical ways to influence the next generation and support your children’s spiritual growth in a secular environment.

Key Topics

• Legal foundations of public school ministry
• Opportunities for Christian engagement in schools
• Practical strategies for parents and churches
• The importance of kids’ ministry and role models
• Overcoming challenges and misconceptions about faith in schools

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Corey Pennypacker and her ministry

00:30 Kori’s background and calling to kids’ ministry

00:59 The significance of kids’ ministry and legacy

01:03 The impact of faithful volunteers in children’s lives

01:31 Legal foundations of Bible in public schools since 1914

01:33 How schools can legally incorporate Bible literacy and release time

02:02 Responding to legal threats and misconceptions

02:32 The importance of kindness and education in faith advocacy

02:40 Opportunities for Christian involvement in public schools

03:02 How parents and churches can support school ministry

03:05 The role of community and church in public school evangelism

03:26 Encouragement for parents to be proactive in faith education

03:29 Building relationships and mentoring students

03:44 The importance of Christian teachers and role models

03:48 Supporting and praying for educators and students

04:07 The impact of faith-based programs on community and culture

04:13 Practical steps to start or support Bible in schools

04:26 Corey’s book: Backpack Faith and its resources

04:38 Final encouragement and call to action

In this episode, Craig discusses the 7-Strong habits designed to help individuals become more resilient physically, emotionally, and spiritually. He emphasizes practical, no-cost strategies to improve overall well-being and resilience, rooted in faith and daily discipline.

Key Topics

• Seven Strong habits for resilience
• The importance of reading the Bible daily
• Practicing silence, prayer, and meditation
• The role of social relationships in health
• Eating healthy foods and exercise
• The significance of sleep and sunlight
• Practical steps to improve mental and physical health
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Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Seven Strong and its purpose

01:54 The rise in mental health struggles and the need for resilience

03:45 The core goal of Seven Strong: building strength and resilience

06:08 The importance of reading the Word of God daily

08:03 Practicing silence, prayer, and meditation

09:27 The value of surrounding yourself with positive people

11:51 Eating healthy foods and its impact on health

14:08 The importance of sleep and how to improve sleep hygiene

17:58 Exercise and outdoor activity for physical and mental health

22:12 Real-life example: Stella’s transformation through habits

24:05 The benefits of spending time outside and sunlight exposure

25:03 Encouragement to adopt these habits for a better life

25:55 Conclusion and resources for getting started

In this episode, Craig explores how believers can navigate relationships with family members who do not share their faith, emphasizing the importance of honor, love, and respectful communication. He offers practical advice on handling difficult family dynamics while staying true to Christian principles.

Key Topics

• The importance of honoring parents according to biblical commands
• Balancing love and truth in family conversations
• Handling disagreements and differences in belief
• Praying for family members and interceding on their behalf
• The role of the church as a spiritual family for believers
• Respecting generational differences and boundaries
• Responding with humility and grace during family gatherings
• Writing letters as a form of respectful communication

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Family Relationships as a Believer

01:53 Responsibilities of Young Adults Living at Home

04:12 Biblical Commands to Honor Parents

06:10 The Church as a Family for Believers

07:57 Dealing with Family Members Who Are Not Christians

10:12 Handling Differences in Belief and Faith Traditions

12:05 Responding Gracefully to Family Challenges

14:00 Praying for Family and Interceding Effectively

15:53 Speaking the Truth in Love to Family

17:49 The Power of Prayer and Letter Writing

20:13 Balancing Honor and Boundaries in Family Relationships

21:52 The Importance of Leaving and Cleaving in Marriage

23:47 Conclusion: Walking in Love and Grace with Family

In this episode, we explore the loneliness epidemic among Generation Z, the role of the church in fostering community, and practical ways to combat isolation through faith and fellowship.

Key Topics

• The loneliness epidemic and its impact on Gen Z
• The distinction between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ within Generation Z
• The importance of church fellowship and community
• Biblical foundations of fellowship and love among believers
• Practical steps for churches to create inclusive, vibrant communities
• The missional opportunity of the church to reach lonely individuals
• How to find and engage with a healthy church community
• The significance of intergenerational relationships in spiritual growth

Takeaways

• Loneliness affects all generations but is especially acute among Gen Z.
• The church is uniquely positioned to be a solution to loneliness through authentic fellowship.
• Healthy community begins with the church as a vibrant, welcoming environment.
• Fellowship in Christ is central to the church’s identity and mission.
• Leaders should emphasize the relational aspects of church life to attract and retain members.
• Non-churchgoers often seek genuine community and can be reached through church fellowship.
• Simple acts like inviting someone to church or praying with them can have profound impacts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and recent episodes overview

00:30 The focus on loneliness and community in the church

01:50 Is Gen Z the loneliest generation? Exploring the facts

03:13 The cultural stereotypes of Gen Z and their realities

04:35 The distinction between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in Gen Z

06:01 Loneliness as a lived experience, not a necessity

07:27 The importance of community for personal success

08:20 Church as a launching pad for community and opportunity

09:19 The biblical foundation of fellowship and koinonia

10:17 Fellowship as an apologetic and a witness to the world

12:10 The church’s historical role as a community builder

13:06 The church as the household of God and a place of refuge

14:28 Real stories of community and belonging in local churches

15:54 Encouragement for church leaders to foster vibrant communities

16:24 Practical advice for individuals seeking community in church

18:19 The church’s role in addressing societal division and isolation

19:14 The power of small acts and invitations to transform lives

20:11 Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners

In this episode, Craig encourages men to stay engaged in their faith and responsibilities despite life’s busyness and temptations. It can be tempting to put off becoming the man you hope be, but a better approach is to work today to be the man you want to become. You can lead now, but leadership begins with leading yourself. This episode draws from biblical examples and Christian history to highlight God’s faithfulness and the importance of resisting idols and temptations.

Key Topics

• The importance of staying engaged in faith during busy seasons
• Biblical examples of idol worship and its dangers
• The promise of God’s way of escape from temptation
• The role of men as spiritual leaders and protectors
• The danger of disengagement and the idol of comfort
• Practical ways to lead and serve in family and church
• Encouragement for young men to pursue spiritual growth
• The significance of community and accountability in overcoming temptation

Takeaways

• God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, and He provides a way out.
• Men are called to lead their families and communities with love and responsibility.
• Disengagement and comfort are idols that can hinder spiritual growth.
• Biblical history shows that all men face similar temptations, and God’s faithfulness is sure.
• Practical steps include reading the Bible daily, leading in church, and seeking accountability.

Sound Bites

• “God is faithful and He will provide a way out.”
• “No temptation is overtaking you that is not common to man.”
• “There is a way out, and God promises to show it.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and encouragement for men in busy seasons

02:21 The danger of checking out and disengagement

03:47 Idols and the pursuit of satisfaction apart from Christ

05:39 The danger of sexual immorality and temptation

07:35 Viewing blessings as burdens and the importance of gratitude

09:27 Warnings from biblical history and avoiding pitfalls

12:47 God’s promise of a way of escape from temptation

16:34 The idol of comfort and the call to leadership

19:57 The importance of community, accountability, and perseverance

24:46 Final encouragement and call to action for men to engage in their faith

In this episode, Craig explores the often overlooked sin of gluttony, its biblical roots, cultural acceptance, and practical steps for overcoming it. This conversation encourages honest self-examination and spiritual growth in the pursuit of holiness. We need to talk about gluttony, but we need to do even more than that. We need to battle with gluttony!

Key Topics

• Biblical definitions of gluttony
• Cultural acceptance of gluttony
• Historical views on gluttony in the church
• Practical steps to combat gluttony
• The importance of accountability and barriers
• Distinction between feasting and gluttony
• Spiritual significance of self-control

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the topic of gluttony and its importance

02:00 Biblical warnings about poverty and shame linked to gluttony

04:52 The myth of the Roman vomitorium and its falsehood

09:04 The importance of recognizing gluttony as a sin

09:29 Distinguishing between feasting and gluttony

10:28 Practical steps: seeking accountability and building barriers

13:48 The difference between wrestling with and cuddling with sin

14:47 The cultural tendency to accept gluttony and avoid hard conversations

15:17 The spiritual call to confront and overcome gluttony

16:43 Encouragement to fight sin and witness Christ’s love

In this episode, Craig discusses how to choose a biblical church, emphasizing the importance of truth, kindness, and long-term commitment. He explores the differences between niceness and kindness, and why churches must prioritize biblical fidelity over superficial politeness.

Key Topics

• The importance of truth in church
• Difference between niceness and kindness
• Long-term commitment to a church
• Biblical standards for church health
• The role of truth and kindness in spiritual growth
• Church culture and biblical fidelity
• The danger of ‘nice’ churches that avoid conflict
• The necessity of confronting sin in love
• The impact of culture on church practices
• The importance of preaching the gospel clearly

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode

01:52 Why many people are nervous about visiting a church

02:47 How to choose a church for the long term

04:11 The difference between niceness and kindness

07:59 Why nice churches often fail to be biblical

08:52 The importance of speaking the truth in love

09:49 Confronting sin and the role of conflict in a healthy church

12:00 The danger of prioritizing niceness over biblical fidelity

12:58 Why churches must speak the truth regardless of culture

13:57 The fruit of the Spirit and church culture

14:57 The importance of clinging to God’s Word

15:54 The church’s role in calling people to repentance

16:51 Preaching the gospel and the need for truth

17:50 How to identify a biblical church

18:48 Encouragement to seek a church that prioritizes truth and kindness

19:46 Closing remarks and call to action

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Bingham discusses the biblical and reformed approach to spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of God’s Word, meditation, and self-examination in growing as a Christian. He shares insights from his book A Heart Aflame for God and explores how historical Puritan practices can enrich modern faith. The podcast concludes with a reminder that you don’t always have to make spiritual growth difficult. Read God’s word, pray, meditate, gather with God’s people, and watch the Holy Spirit change your life.

Quotes:

• “The Christian life is a growing life.”
• “Knowing more about God leads to loving God more.”
• “You can’t fight sin if you’re unaware of it.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

03:15 Defining spiritual formation biblically

07:25 The role of the Spirit and active participation

09:37 The influence of Catholic and Orthodox traditions

12:10 The danger of blending voices from different traditions

14:12 The Puritans’ true character and joy

16:22 Misconceptions about Puritan dourness

17:04 The richness of Puritan devotional literature

19:00 Depth versus affections in spiritual growth

20:07 Balancing head knowledge and heart engagement

22:11 The biblical basis for knowing and loving God

24:00 The Word-centered approach of the Reformation

25:20 Living biblically in a complex world

29:54 The importance of meditation on God’s Word

32:47 Meditation as transforming the mind and heart

35:24 Self-examination and fighting sin effectively

38:24 The danger of ignoring small sins

41:18 Personal responsibility in sin and repentance

43:25 Using biblical truths to safeguard relationships

45:42 Final encouragement to keep simple and biblical

In this episode, Craig shares practical tips to help first-time church visitors overcome their fears and feel welcomed. Whether you’re visiting a church for the first time in a long while or inviting someone new, these insights make the experience less intimidating.

Key Topics

• What to wear when visiting a church
• How to arrive early and find a seat
• What to do with children during service
• How to navigate church service for first-timers
• The importance of church community and welcoming gestures

Sound Bites

• “Nobody’s judging you. They’re just so thankful you’re there.”
• “Most churches will love your baby like it’s their own.”
• “God has given us the great commission to share the gospel.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming fears of visiting a church

02:21 Church culture: Judging vs. welcoming

04:44 Arriving early and finding your seat

07:31 Preparing for your first visit: Bible and outfit

11:20 Visiting with children and managing their needs

14:40 Connecting with church members and leaving

17:31 Encouragement for inviting others to church

18:01 The church’s role in welcoming newcomers

18:59 The importance of sharing the gospel and making disciples

19:24 Closing thoughts: Using everyday tools to share faith

In this episode, Travis Vaughn from Upward Sports shares insights on how sports can be a powerful tool for community outreach and faith-based ministry. We explore the impact of youth and adult sports, the shift away from travel sports, and practical ways churches can leverage sports to reach unchurched families.

Key Topics

• Upward Sports mission and impact
• Transition from youth to adult sports
• Community outreach through sports
• Challenges of travel and elite sports
• Marathon training and faith
• Church involvement in sports facilities

Titles

• How Upward Sports Is Changing Community Outreach
• Using Sports to Reach Unchurched Families

Sound Bites

• “Upward equips churches to run sports in their community”
• “Sports as an opportunity for intentional outreach”
• “Travel sports are a problem in America”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Travis Vaughn and Upward Sports

01:13 Travis Vaughn’s Personal and Professional Background

02:37 What is Upward Sports and Its Mission

04:00 How Sports Facilitate Community and Church Outreach

05:18 The Move into Adult Sports and Upward Running

08:29 Travis Vaughn’s Running Journey and Marathon Qualification

12:20 Upward’s Shift from Travel Sports to Local Church Focus

16:22 The Business Model of Upward Sports and Its Evolution

20:16 Concerns About Travel Sports and Church Engagement

22:28 The Impact of Private Equity in Youth Sports

30:54 Community Building Through Local Sports Leagues

32:34 Most Popular Upward Sport and Facility Utilization

34:49 Travis Vaughn’s Boston Marathon Experience

35:32 Training for the Boston Marathon and Personal Fitness

40:33 Key Takeaways on Sports and Faith Ministry

• Upward Sports Official Website
• Upward Running Podcast
• Find a Local Upward Sports League

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