Pastor Gabe Kasper explores how our networked, globalized world has fractured into competing narratives about meaning and purpose—and why the gospel offers the transcendent perspective we desperately need.

• Aiming for happiness directly will never work; we must aim for something greater
• Modern culture offers four primary narratives: moralism, hedonism, therapeutic mindset, and nihilism
• Leaders grow through the books they read and the people they meet
• Pastor as curator—reading widely to serve people in an information-saturated age
• We weren't designed to know everything happening globally, which creates unmanageable anxiety
• Seeking identity in political tribes leads to moralism rather than gospel freedom
• Our deepest longing is to be fully seen yet fully loved—something only Christ offers
• The revolutionary concept that God cares about individuals, not just collective groups
• Finding the "second naïveté"—returning to simple gospel truths with deeper understanding
• In our extremes: to the hedonist, "you will die"; to the nihilist, "you will live"

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Pastor Jason Schleicher shares insights from his new book "Good Lord: A Not So Shocking Look at the Goodness of God," exploring how we can recognize divine goodness even amid life's struggles and pain.

• God's goodness is visible throughout creation—from breathtaking landscapes to the intricacy of our bodies
• Starting with listening is crucial when people question God's goodness during difficult seasons
• Peter's story demonstrates how God's goodness includes redemption for our failures and shortcomings
• Color reveals God's artistry—from Hawaiian landscapes to everyday beauty that we often overlook
• We are literally "made of light" at our cellular level, reflecting our creator in profound ways
• Encouraging words build relational safety and allow difficult conversations to happen productively
• Rest is essential for experiencing God's goodness—we should work from rest, not work to rest
• Maintaining boundaries and systems helps church leaders balance ministry demands with family needs

Find Jason's book at goodlordbook.com or contact him at [email protected]

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Kim Marxhausen shares invaluable insights on caring for caregivers, drawing from her personal experience with in-laws who had dementia and her professional background in educational psychology. She explores how brain science, emotional intelligence, and faith-based practices create sustainable patterns for those supporting others through illness or aging.

• Understanding primary vs secondary emotions helps caregivers respond appropriately in stressful situations
• The "superhero syndrome" can trap caregivers in feeling solely responsible for outcomes
• Jesus modeled self-care through retreating for prayer, accepting care from others, and even napping
• Morning routines that include spiritual practices create a foundation for resilience
• Research confirms Bible reading four or more times weekly significantly improves mental health
• The framework "feed your faith, find your fellowship" provides practical wisdom for caregiver wellness
• Reorienting your thinking from being the superhero to doing the small tasks before you relieves pressure
• Looking for people who want to help relieves the burden of trying to do everything alone

Find Kim's book "Weary Joy: The Caregiver's Journey"

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Sarah Crowder shares her approach to teaching high school theology, creating inclusive spaces where students feel valued, and uncovering hidden stories of the Reformation while addressing Gen Z's unique challenges.

If you're a parent trying to help your teenager through their faith journey, finding someone who's gone through it before can help you know you're not alone. The gospel gift of forgiveness and restoration is exactly what our world needs.

• Designing classroom spaces where students feel they "belong here" regardless of faith background
• Approaching scripture with humility rather than standing over God's word
• Using music to help imprint God's love and promises into students' hearts
• Addressing Gen Z anxiety by recognizing mental health as physical health
• Creating safe spaces for students to ask questions and express curiosity
• Introducing students to lesser-known Reformation figures like Justice Jonas and Catherine Parr
• Incorporating prayer as a powerful way to connect with even non-religious students
• Building parent communication that supports family spiritual growth
• Embracing the Lutheran mission of sharing the gospel with communities

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Transforming leadership through faith and vulnerability. Join us in discovering Julie Eesley’s inspiring journey from teacher to Executive Director at King of Kings Lutheran Church. 

• Journey from education to church leadership 
• Importance of embracing one's unique experiences 
• Roles of executive directors in advancing church missions 
• Creating welcoming environments for newcomers 
• Establishing one-on-one meetings for team accountability 
• Power of gratitude in fostering community relationships 

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The episode explores the core characteristics of effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the need for confidence in faith and strong emotional intelligence. Bill discusses the importance of knowing congregants by name and engaging them in ministry, highlighting the dangers of clericalism and advocating for a culture where all believers actively participate in nurturing their faith. 

• Characteristics of pastoral leadership: confidence in faith, strong communication, and care for congregants 
• Emotional intelligence as a vital skill for pastoring 
• The significance of knowing names to build community and connection 
• Empowering the priesthood of all believers to participate in ministry 
• Critique of clericalism and its impact on the church 
• Jesus as the ultimate model of servant leadership and engagement 
 

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Josh Dotzler shares a compelling narrative of how purpose transforms lives through community revitalization and leadership development. His experience highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues while fostering local talent for lasting impact.

• Discusses the transition from sports to community service
• Explores the challenges of urban revitalization and systemic inequities
• Highlights the importance of empowering local leaders
• Discusses the impact of faith on community building
• Addresses societal stereotypes of urban communities
• Calls for holistic investment in relationships and leadership development
• Encourages collaboration between churches and organizations for greater impact

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This episode emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with God's mission through active participation in our communities. By sharing personal stories and insights, Greg Finke illustrates how everyday discipleship transforms lives and encourages listeners to embrace their role in loving and serving others. 

• Importance of recognizing God's calling in our lives 
• The role of community in practical discipleship 
• Embracing a 'life of love' as a mission statement 
• Fear of God as a push toward deeper faith, not a barrier 
• Active participation versus passive observance in faith

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Pat Hickcox shares his remarkable journey from a military background through struggles with PTSD and a fractured relationship with faith to the founding of Alpine Cowboy Church. His experiences underscore the importance of love, community, and personal vulnerability in healing and returning to a life of purpose.

• Pat's military service and initial disconnection from faith 
• The role of relationships in rekindling faith and resilience 
• Addressing the realities of PTSD among veterans 
• The transformative experience of caring for horses 
• The establishment of Alpine Cowboy Church as a healing community 
• The call for others to engage in service without special training or education

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Ever wondered how to balance the demands of ministry with the joys and challenges of parenting? Join us as we engage in a meaningful conversation with Andy Ritchie, the senior pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, who shares his personal journey of spiritual leadership and family life. Through his stories, we uncover the triumphs and setbacks that have shaped his ministry and the unanticipated joys of watching his children grow into their faith. Andy delves into his experiences, emphasizing the delicate balance between offering guidance and allowing his children to forge their own spiritual paths, all under the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Takeaways

• Seeing God work in my kids always brings me joy.
• Keeping conversation around the dinner table open is crucial.
• Be humble, be willing to apologize for mistakes.
• It's important to empower others in ministry.
• We should be putting ourselves out of business as pastors.
• Open communication leads to easier conversations about difficult topics.
• It's okay to have something not work or even fail.
• Trust your leaders and allow them to take ownership.
• Jesus showed us the way to develop leaders.
• We need to adapt to the changing climate in ministry. Adaptive leadership is crucial for addressing pastoral shortages.
• Local context matters in ministry; different areas have unique needs.
• Developing healthy habits in ministry leads to long-term joy.
• Confession and mission should not be seen as opposing forces.
• The priesthood of all believers is essential for church growth.
• Mentorship is vital for the development of young pastors.
• Community engagement enhances the church's mission.
• Trust among church leaders fosters collaboration and growth.
• Cultural sensitivity is important in diverse ministry contexts.
• Leadership development should focus on empowering others.

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