Season 9 of The Red Letter Disciple Podcast launches September 9th with 11 powerful episodes featuring world-class disciples. We’ll kick off with a special Episode 100 guest, John Ortberg, followed by 10 conversations focused on helping the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod walk together as disciples. A big thanks to our Season 9 partner, Child Beyond International—we’re using this platform to inspire generosity and rescue children through their ministry. For details, show notes, or to listen on your favorite platform, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Zach Zehnder is a husband, father, author, 4th-gen pastor, and speaker. He founded Red Letter Living and wrote the bestselling Red Letter Challenge. Since 2018, he's authored 10 books, including his newest book coming this Fall Giving Challenge. He serves as Teaching Pastor and Multisite Director at King of Kings, Omaha, NE. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com.

This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church! Have questions? Email us at [email protected].

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Giving Challenge Information

Giving Challenge Interest Form

Red Letter Disciple

The Cloisters on the Platte

Happy Money by Elizabeth Dunn

True Riches by John Cortines and Gregory Baumer

Drew Formsma Ep 98 Podcast  (need link)

Key insights from the episode: 

A relationship is more complicated than a percentage. - Pastor Zach Zehnder

The way you use your money can bring happiness. - Pastor Zach Zehnder

Donating money creates a similar amount of happiness as doubling your income. - Pastor Zach Zehnder

Some of the happiest kids live in the poorest neighborhoods. - Pastor Chris Johnson

Zach Zehnder’s Challenge: Pray about generosity and then be generous!

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Drew Formsma is a Gen Z speaker who connects with peers like no adult can. He began speaking globally on generosity at 14 and is now CMO of "I Like Giving." He co-leads the Generous Kids Book Club with Candace Cameron-Bure and wrote Everyday Generosity at 16. Based in Nashville, TN, Drew is one to watch when it comes to learning more about generosity. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com.

This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church! Have questions? Email us at [email protected].

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Drew’s Instagram 

His dad’s giving resources

Everyday Generosity: Becoming a Generous Family in a Selfie World

Generous Family 

Jesus.net

Key insights from the episode: 

Jesus did not give 10% of his blood. - Drew Formsma

Generosity is love in action. - Drew Formsma

Generosity is messy. - Drew Formsma

MEE: Model Generosity, Encourage, Engage in conversations. - Drew Formsma

Churches that are thriving start with the why. - Drew Formsma

Typically, generous churches are also thriving. - Drew Formsma

Jesus was extremely busy, but he was also interruptable. - Drew Formsma

Drew Formsma’s Challenge: Become aware of what your definition of generosity is, then give without expectation.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Grant Skeldon is the Next Gen Director for Thinq Media, helping bridge faith and culture. He’s on the preaching team at Way Church in Nashville, where he and his wife, Cheyenne, also serve as Directors of Culture. They love discipleship, Spikeball, Smash Bros, and burgers at Jack Brown’s. Grant is one of the leading voices when it comes to raising up disciples in the next generation. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest, an organization that’s rethinking global missions in all the right ways.

Here’s what I love about their model: They don’t just step into a community and create long-term dependency. They invest in local leaders, build sustainable plans, and have a clear exit strategy—empowering people rather than creating a system where they always need outside help. As a pastor, I spent a long time looking for a global mission partner that actually helps without hurting, and HopeChest checks all the right boxes.

Global mission work isn’t optional for the Church—it’s part of our calling. So if your church doesn’t have a solid global partner yet (or if you’re looking for one that actually works), it’s time to get in the game. How? Start with a vision trip. This summer, HopeChest is leading trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia—and you should go.

Check them out and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. 

Huge thanks to HopeChest for sponsoring Season 8 and for doing missions the right way.

HopeChest Graphics

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Thinq Media

Way Church

The Passion Generation: The Seemingly Reckless, Definitely Disruptive, But Far From Hopeless Millennials By Grant Skeldon

Key insights from the episode: 

We treat salvation like it is the finish line; instead, it’s the launching pad. - Grant Skeldon

Mentorship is adding something to your calendar, but discipleship is adding someone to your calendar. - Grant Skeldon

If you want to be mentored by someone, find out what they like to do and join them. 

Young people are more motivated to make a difference in the world. - Grant Skeldon

Don’t use Jesus as a stepping stone to build your wealth, platform, and purpose. - Grant Skeldon

Get the most influential young people to hang with the most influential older folks and do a retreat. - Grant Skeldon

Grant Skeldon’s Challenge: Text the older person who had an impact on you, and say thank you.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chad Bird is a Scholar in Residence at 1517 Publishing. He has served as a pastor, professor, and guest lecturer in Old Testament and Hebrew. He holds master's degrees from Concordia Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. He is also the author of several books, including The Christ Key & Limping with God. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest, an organization that’s rethinking global missions in all the right ways.

Here’s what I love about their model: They don’t just step into a community and create long-term dependency. They invest in local leaders, build sustainable plans, and have a clear exit strategy—empowering people rather than creating a system where they always need outside help. As a pastor, I spent a long time looking for a global mission partner that actually helps without hurting, and HopeChest checks all the right boxes.

Global mission work isn’t optional for the Church—it’s part of our calling. So if your church doesn’t have a solid global partner yet (or if you’re looking for one that actually works), it’s time to get in the game. How? Start with a vision trip. This summer, HopeChest is leading trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia—and you should go.

Check them out and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. 

Huge thanks to HopeChest for sponsoring Season 8 and for doing missions the right way.

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

1517.org

Limping With God by Chad Bird

The Christ Key: Unlocking the Centrality of Christ in the Old Testament by Chad Bird

Key insights from the episode: 

The Psalms saved my life. - Chad Bird

In our limping, we learn how to steward our pain. - Chad Bird

Discipleship is all about following in the footsteps of our Lord. - Chad Bird

When you’re with Jesus, you’re always safe. - Chad Bird

Imagine all the heroes of the Bible as your next-door neighbors. - Chad Bird

Chad Bird’s Challenge: Pick a short book of the Bible and read or listen to it every day this week. (Bonus challenge: strike up a conversation about Jesus!)

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Anderson, volunteer coach of the 2024 LLWS champion Lake Mary All-Stars, led his team with faith, passion, and sportsmanship. His viral final-inning speech inspired millions. He proved that respect for God and love for the game—not money—fuels true champions. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest. Being a church partner with HopeChest is an amazing two-way transformational experience for your whole church. Not only do you and your church get the joy of knowing you are making a difference, but you also get to experience the love of a community and learn from their community through multiple mission trips to your community overseas.

Hope Chest’s model gets into a community, they establish a multi-year partnership, and then build up local leaders in the areas they work with. They develop community plans with clear exit strategies, focusing on empowerment of the local people, not a forever dependence on those of us who want to help. It truly is the “helping without hurting” model that I know as a pastor I looked for a long time in my global mission work. In my mind, they check all the right boxes.

Take a first step and get to know this organization more by going on a vision trip. They are getting ready for some summer vision trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia. You can find out about them and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. Thanks again to HopeChest for being our Season 8 Sponsor.

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Little League Baseball World Series

Little League Coach Speech 

Disney Honors Little League Team/Coach Video

YouVersion 21 Days of Prayer

40 Day Challenges

Key insights from the episode: 

I tell the boys, “Take that pain and use that pain in your training.” - Coach Anderson

This was my calling, and I was taking every step to do that. - Coach Anderson

This is more than coaching baseball, it’s mental and character coaching. - Coach Anderson

You can fail 70% at bat and still succeed in baseball. - Coach Anderson

Jonathan Anderson’s Challenge: Train yourself with the Lord this week.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jed Mullenix is the President of Within Reach, dedicated to uniting the church for the good of the community. With 15 years in church leadership across New England and Omaha, he’s passionate about developing leaders and teams for mission. He and his wife, Beth, have five children and enjoy the outdoors, travel, and gathering with friends. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest. Being a church partner with HopeChest is an amazing two-way transformational experience for your whole church. Not only do you and your church get the joy of knowing you are making a difference, but you also get to experience the love of a community and learn from their community through multiple mission trips to your community overseas.

HopeChest’s model gets into a community, they establish a multi-year partnership, and then build up local leaders in the areas they work with. They develop community plans with clear exit strategies, focusing on empowerment of the local people, not a forever dependence on those of us who want to help. It truly is the “helping without hurting” model that I know as a pastor I looked for a long time in my global mission work. In my mind, they check all the right boxes.

Take a first step and get to know this organization more by going on a vision trip. They are getting ready for some summer vision trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia. You can find out about them and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. Thanks again to HopeChest for being our Season 8 Sponsor.

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

www.withinreach.com

Jed Mullenix

CoPilot

State of the City Book by Within Reach and Barna Research

Barna Research

Alpha 

To Transform A City: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City by Eric Swanson

Key insights from the episode: 

How can we create strategic intersections for pastors running in their own lanes? - Jed Mullenix

It can be easier to ask church leaders for their money than their time. - Pastor Chris Johnson

We learned to listen rather than do. - Jed Mullenix

People want to experience Jesus as good before they believe Jesus is true. - Jed Mullenix

The school is the greatest portal into the community. - Jed Mullenix

Be a chief celebrator of your city. - Jed Mullenix

Jed Mullenix’s Challenge: Abide where you are. Live out Jesus’s most basic command wherever you are. 

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Greer is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization. With experience in microfinance across Africa and Asia, he holds degrees from Messiah University and Harvard. Passionate about serving entrepreneurs, he has co-authored over 10 books on faith, leadership, and poverty alleviation. He lives in Lancaster, PA, with his wife and children. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com. This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church!

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Hope International

Ep 28 Red Letter Disciple Podcast Dr. Brain Fickert: When Helping Hurts 

Rooting for Rivals by Peter Greer

Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter 

Key insights from the episode: 

We invest in the dreams of people as we proclaim the good news of Jesus. - Peter Greer

Business and finance are incredibly important tools in helping communities break the cycle of poverty. - Peter Greer

Business requires extreme creativity. - Zach Zehnder

Poverty isolates us, so our answer is community. - Peter Greer

We have loaned out 1.8 billion dollars and have a 98% repayment rate. - Peter Greer

You wanna know how to destroy joy? Become obsessed with comparison. - Peter Greer

There’s still a rival, but it is not among Christian sisters and brothers. - Peter Greer

Your success does not come at my expense. - Peter Greer

The way we make decisions is what is best for the collective Christian movement, not our company itself. - Peter Greer

Peter Greer’s Challenge: Read John 17 and go actively find ways of living that out! 

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kate Gardner is a trailblazer in the realm of next-generation philanthropy. Living in Nashville, TN, she is the co-host of the Ascendants Podcast. She helps all people, but she is especially a rising voice in the next generation, championing generosity, stewardship, and the importance of the Gospel going forward! To learn more about the podcast or the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com. This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church!

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Generous Giving

Child Beyond International

Gospel Patrons

Gospel Patrons Book

Ascendants Podcast by Kate Gardner

Becoming Ascendants: A Framework for Next Generation Stewardship Book

Author Randy Alcorn

Kate Gardner linkedin

Key insights from the episode: 

The heart posture is what God wants, not just the number amount. - Kate Gardner

There’s a small window of time to turn money into something that actually will endure. - KateGardner

There’s a desire among Gen Z to have their work purposeful. - Kate Gardner

Money makes you funny. - Kate Gardner

Kate Gardner’s Challenge: Take 5-10 minutes of silence and ask God where you can be generous this week.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carson Bacha is the greatest golfer we’ve ever had on the podcast. He was one of the core pieces to the Auburn Tigers national championship in 2024. He credits his faith as the driving force behind his discipline on the golf course. Not only this, but we get an inside look at how revival is coming to college campuses, and what it takes to become a Division 1 golfer and a future in professional golf. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. At its core, Red Letter Living creates resources to challenge all people to be greater disciples of Jesus. Our newest 40-day challenge is Serving Challenge. Get ready to embark on a 40–day journey that leads to more personal fulfillment than ever. 

You were made for more than just believing and existing until you die. You were made to follow the way of Jesus. You were made to serve. 

This is a proven resource that will help mobilize volunteers inside and outside your church. Right now you can go to www.servingchallenge.com and check out the ready-made church packs. You can lock in the best pricing there, request a custom quote, or if you are  a pastor, request a FREE book. Go to www.servingchallenge.com. Have questions? Go to this web link or email us at [email protected]. 

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Auburn Golf

Carson Bacha Instagram

PGA Tour University

The Cross Church

Church of the Highlands

Key insights from the episode: 

It’s taken a lot of sacrifice as well to play college sports. – Carson Bacha

There are no shortcuts in life. – Carson Bacha

There are a lot of Gen Zers who are willing to do the work and put the time in. – Carson Bacha

Carson Bacha’s Challenge: Introduce or share Scripture to someone completely random.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.