What if the future of ministry requires a little more creativity?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Calvin Brown, President of the Northeast Ohio Leadership Foundation, to discuss the concept of modern-day tentmaking and how churches and ministries can think differently about funding Kingdom work.

Drawing from Paul's example of supporting his ministry through tentmaking, Calvin shares how churches and nonprofits can utilize facilities, businesses, and other revenue-generating opportunities to create sustainable funding streams that support ministry without compromising mission.

The conversation explores what it looks like to use church and ministry assets creatively, why innovation is often difficult in established organizations, and how leaders can cultivate an environment where new ideas are welcomed rather than feared.

Brian, Lauren, and Calvin also discuss the importance of empowering leaders to think entrepreneurially, the challenges facing churches in today's culture, and why some of the most effective ministry opportunities may come from outside traditional models.

Whether you're a pastor, nonprofit leader, volunteer, or simply someone interested in the future of ministry, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about stewardship, leadership, and what it means to faithfully fund the work God has called us to do.

Learn more about the Northeast Ohio Leadership Foundation:
https://www.neoleadership.org/ournetwork

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QZl8tSqFUeQ

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If missions matter so much to God, why do we spend so little time thinking about them?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Nathan Kurcsak, Missions Pastor at Maranatha Bible Church, to discuss why the opportunity for missions exists only on this side of eternity. As Nathan explains, there are no mission trips in heaven—no unreached people groups, no opportunities to share the Gospel with those who have never heard, and no need to send workers into the harvest field.

Together, they talk about why missions are central to the Christian life, what mission trips actually look like, and how believers can participate whether they're called to go across the world or serve right in their own communities.

Nathan shares practical insights into the different types of mission opportunities available, how churches prepare and support missionaries, and why stepping outside your comfort zone can have a profound impact on both those you serve and your own faith.

Whether you've never considered a mission trip or you've been on several, this conversation will challenge you to think about the unique opportunities God has given us in this life to make His name known.

Learn more about Maranatha Bible Church:
https://www.mbc95.org/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZXn8nITGKkY

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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What does it actually mean to live a balanced life?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Crystal Kershaw of Fieldstone Counseling to discuss the challenge of finding balance in a world that constantly demands more of our time, attention, and energy.

Drawing from both biblical wisdom and practical counseling experience, Crystal helps unpack what Scripture says about rest, priorities, and faithfulness in different seasons of life. Together, they explore how our expectations often create unnecessary stress and how God meets us differently in each stage of our journey.

The conversation is especially relevant for busy parents trying to juggle family, work, church, and everything else that comes with modern life. Crystal shares practical strategies for managing stress, recognizing healthy limits, and staying connected to God when life feels overwhelming.

Most importantly, they discuss how faith and Scripture provide a foundation for navigating life's pressures—not by eliminating challenges, but by helping us respond to them with wisdom, perspective, and trust in God.

Learn more about Fieldstone Counseling:
https://fieldstonecounseling.org/

Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@thethirdplacepodcast

Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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There’s a new podcast in town… and the host is sitting right in front of us.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Jaime Buxton, Senior Manager of Community Engagement at The City Mission, to discuss the launch of The City Mission’s brand-new podcast, Not That Different. Naturally, Brian takes this development as a direct threat to the existence of The Third Place.

What starts as a conversation about podcasting quickly turns into the usual chaos as Jaime, Brian, and Lauren bounce between stories about their kids’ graduations, college transitions, parenting milestones, and the strange emotional experience of realizing your children are becoming actual adults.

As always with Jaime, there’s plenty of laughter, side trails, and moments that somehow become more meaningful in the middle of the mess.

Learn more about The City Mission:
https://thecitymission.org/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/14XxFxnE2uA

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
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If this episode made you laugh, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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As America approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, what does the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom look like today?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Glen Duerr, Chair of History and Government and Professor of International Studies at Cedarville University, to discuss King Charles’s recent visit to the United States and the enduring “Special Relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K.

Together, they explore how two nations once divided by revolution became some of the closest allies in the modern world. The conversation looks at the historical roots of the relationship, why it still matters geopolitically, and how shared language, culture, and values continue to shape diplomacy today.

As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, Dr. Duerr helps unpack what anniversaries like this reveal about national identity, history, and the evolving role of America on the global stage.

Learn more about Dr. Glen Duerr:
https://www.cedarville.edu/academics/schools/arts-and-humanities/history-and-government/faculty-staff/duerr-glen

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tXO0Cm818sU

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
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If this episode helped you think more deeply about history, culture, and international relationships, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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What does real prison reform look like—and why should Christians care?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Ben Chambers, Senior Director of Outreach at Christ Community Church in St. Charles, Illinois, to talk about prison reform, second chances, and why this work matters for both justice and discipleship.

Ben recently returned from Washington, D.C., where he was lobbying alongside Prison Fellowship for the reauthorization and expansion of the Second Chance Act—legislation originally signed into law in 2008 to help reduce recidivism and support successful reentry for those leaving incarceration.

Together, they discuss why this legislation matters, what’s at stake if it isn’t renewed, and why Prison Fellowship is pushing for something more sustainable than year-to-year reauthorization. The conversation also explores what meaningful reform actually looks like, including long-term support, mental health resources, spiritual care, and the kind of practical systems that help people rebuild their lives after prison.

This is a conversation about justice, mercy, restoration, and why second chances are worth fighting for.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yWm54p3q8jI

Learn more about Christ Community Church:
https://ccclife.org/

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
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If this episode challenged or encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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What does it look like to stay faithful when the work feels hard, the fruit feels slow, and discouragement starts to settle in?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Ron and Anita Morrison of Hope Alliance Bible Church to talk about faithfulness, discouragement, and what the book of Jeremiah teaches us about obedience in difficult seasons.

Drawing from recent preaching through Jeremiah, the conversation explores what it means to remain faithful when the message is costly, the response is disappointing, and the outcome feels uncertain. Jeremiah’s story is one of obedience without immediate reward, faithfulness without applause, and trust in God even when everything feels uphill.

Together, they discuss the kind of discouragement that can creep into ministry, marriage, and everyday discipleship—and how Scripture calls us to remain steady even when the results aren’t what we hoped for.

Learn more about Hope Alliance Bible Church:
https://hopealliancebiblechurch.org/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lCDxCptIc68

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
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Watch on YouTube:
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If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

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Who actually has the authority to declare war—the President or Congress? And why does it feel like that line isn’t always clear?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Dr. Mark Caleb Smith of Cedarville University—Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, Director of the Center for Political Studies, and Professor of Political Science—to break down one of the most important and often misunderstood questions in American government.

Together, they walk through what the Constitution actually says about war powers, how those powers have been interpreted over time, and why modern conflicts don’t always fit neatly into the categories the Founders had in mind.

The conversation explores how executive authority has expanded, what role Congress is supposed to play, and why these questions still matter for everyday Americans—even if you’re not a political junkie.

As always, the goal isn’t just to understand the system, but to think more clearly and thoughtfully about leadership, responsibility, and the weight of decisions that impact lives around the world.

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cwV1icVoxzQ

Support the Show:
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If this episode helped you better understand how our government works, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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Be honest… when was the last time you thought about your website?

In this episode, Brian and Lauren welcome their web designer, Jonah Swenson, to the podcast to talk about why your website matters more than you think. From first impressions to clear communication, Jonah breaks down how design shapes the way people experience your brand, ministry, or business.

They talk about why so many websites miss the mark, what people are actually looking for when they land on your page, and how small changes can make a big difference in how you’re perceived.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your website is helping or hurting you… this episode might answer that question.

If you like our website, have Jonah design yours:
https://ikigais.design/

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KEBXDr3sBNE

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
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If this episode helped you rethink your online presence, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

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Mother’s Day can be a beautiful celebration—but for many women, it’s also a painful reminder of loss.

In this episode, Brian and Lauren are joined by Erica Kurcsak from Maranatha Bible Church’s Grace and Beauty Ministry to talk about caring for women who are often overlooked during this season—those who have experienced the loss of a child, infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Erica shares how their ministry walks alongside women in grief, meeting them exactly where they are in their journey. Together, they talk about the complex emotions that can surface, what it looks like to support someone well, and how God meets women in the midst of deep pain and loss.

Grace and Beauty Ministry is hosting a brunch on May 2nd for women who are navigating these experiences, and they would love for you to join them or share this opportunity with someone who might need it.

Learn more and get involved:
https://www.mbc95.org/women

Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QUnVeNEju3U

Support the Show:
Exclusive content from Ron and Daria is available on our Patreon for only $10/month:
https://patreon.com/thethirdplacepodcast

Watch on YouTube:
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Learn more about Stained Glass Media:
https://stainedglass-media.com

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend.

Donate to our nonprofit, The Cleveland Ministry Collective - https://www.clevelandministrycollective.org/

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