theFormed.life

Poem:

O come, O come, and be our God-with-us

O long-sought With-ness for a world without, 

O secret seed, O hidden spring of light. 

Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name, 

Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame.

O quickened little wick so tightly curled,

Be folded with us into time and place,

Unfold for us the mystery of grace

And make a womb of all this wounded world. 

O heart of heaven beating in the earth, 

O tiny hope within our hopelessness

Come to be born, to bear us to our birth,

To touch a dying world with new-made hands

And make these rags of time our swaddling bands. 

~ Malcolm Guite

Hosts Bill Gorman and Jacob Nannie sat down with Andrew DeKanter, founder of Better Story Ministries and a passionate advocate for connecting young adults to the deeper, richer story of the gospel. The conversation explores what it means to "re-enchant" college students and young adults who are navigating complex cultural narratives–from the pursuit of achievement and romance to the overarching influence of secularism.

Andrew DeKanter shares his hands-on work with students at the University of Louisville, his thoughts on revival on campus, and how he helps young people live out the biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. This episode offers practical wisdom for parents, mentors, and anyone eager to make biblical truth compelling in a world full of competing stories.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Engaging Young Adults with the "Better Story" of the Gospel
   Andrew DeKanter emphasizes that young adults are often living within “lesser stories” offered by our culture (achievement, romance, and consumerism) that don’t fully satisfy. His ministry, Better Story Ministries, seeks to “re-enchant” students by showing how the grand narrative of Scripture (creation, fall, redemption, restoration) offers deeper meaning, purpose, and fulfillment than these cultural scripts.
2. The Power of Relationship and Story in Ministry
   Relational connection is foundational. Andrew and our hosts stress the importance of being a safe, trustworthy friend who listens well and moves toward others’ pain. It’s through real, ongoing relationships—not just handing out commands or quick answers—that the gospel truly connects to students’ questions about identity, purpose, and suffering. Storytelling—both from Scripture and personal testimony—becomes a bridge between biblical truth and lived experience.
3. Apologetics: From Argument to Invitation
   The discussion considers apologetics today as less about simply proving Christianity is true, and more about showing that it is both good and beautiful. Rather than “winning arguments,” it’s about connecting shared longings (love, justice, meaning) back to the biblical narrative, and inviting people into a story that makes the most sense of their desires and pain. This holistic, story-driven approach re-frames apologetics as an act of hope and hospitality.

Resources:

• Telling a Better Story - Josh Chatraw: https://a.co/d/d4rUOBF
• Cultural Apologetics - Paul Gould: https://a.co/d/3wSShEP

Timestamps:

00:00 "Connecting Gospel to Student Stories"

03:39 Campus Revival and Spiritual Awakening

09:57 Living with Purpose and Freedom

11:57 "Adventure, Suffering, and Hope"

14:36 Forming Lives Through Biblical Story

20:43 "Work and Purpose Through Faith"

21:50 Practical Bible Commands in Story

25:43 "Love in Christian Story"

30:55 Becoming a Safe Person

31:58 "Listening, Learning, and Exposing Scripts"
36:34 "Reenchanting Lives with the Gospel"

39:07 "The Author Steps Into Story"

41:43 College Ministry and Creative Communication

Poem:

Lord Jesus,
I have nothing to give today,
Except you.
I have nothing to receive today,
Except you.

A perfect day.

~ Esther Huhn

On today’s episode, Bill and Paul share some exciting news about an incredible journey Christ Community Church is embarking on in 2026 called “With God.” This isn’t just another sermon series. It's a year-long, church-wide experience that invites everyone, from kids to adults, to engage with the entire story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

They discuss how this initiative will weave together weekly sermons, daily reading plans, special events, and new resources, all designed to help individuals and families immerse themselves more deeply in God's word—not just on Sundays, but all throughout the week. Listen in as they reflect on the history and heart behind this vision, share personal hopes for its impact, and offer a glimpse of what’s to come for Christ Community in this pivotal season of spiritual formation.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Year of the Bible in 2026: Christ Community Church is launching a year-long, church-wide focus called "With God" in 2026. It is a journey from Genesis to Revelation. It’s designed to help everyone engage deeply with the whole story of the Bible—not just on Sundays, but in daily life.
2. Integrated Spiritual Formation: This initiative is much more than a sermon series. It involves multiple layers of engagement, including tailored Bible reading plans, the Formed.life spiritual formation resources, events (like the Story of Scripture seminar with Dr. Yarborough), and children’s and student ministry integration. The desire is for intergenerational participation and transformation.
3. Hope for Deep Transformation: Bill and Paul express their excitement and hope that the church community will fall more in love with God's word and be transformed by being "with God" through Scripture. Their vision is for this year to foster unity, spiritual growth, and a deeper commitment to living out biblical truths both individually and as a community, especially in a season of transition for the church.

Resources:

• Story of Scripture Event: https://www.thestoryofscripture.org/event/kansas-city-mo-january-2026
• theFormed.life: https://theformed.life/
• With God: cckc.church/withgod/
  
  

Timestamps:

00:00 "Engaging God's Timeless Word"

04:28 "Scripture Engagement and Growth"

06:29 "With God, Together Transformed"

Poem:

O King of our desire whom we despise,

King of the nations never on the throne,

Unfound foundation, cast-off cornerstone,

Rejected joiner, making many one,

You have no form or beauty for our eyes,

A King who comes to give away his crown,

A King within our rags of flesh and bone.

We pierce the flesh that pierces our disguise,

For we ourselves are found in you alone.

Come to us now and find in us your throne,

O King within the child within the clay,

O hidden King who shapes us in the play

Of all creation. Shape us for the day

Your coming Kingdom comes into its own.

~  Malcolm Guite

Scripture:
Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites. – Numbers 3:38

Poem:

Struggling to fall asleep,

I wrestle with tomorrow.

How will the people respond?

Will everyone cooperate? 

Bone-weary from the enormous task

That will greet me in the morning,

I must surrender

To the need for rest.

The rays of the morning

Slip under the flaps of the tent

To touch my eyelids

And welcome me to the new day.

The gentle sway of the curtain

Brings in dew-kissed morning air, 

But my mind already wrestles

With the burden I must carry.

My muscles protest

As I rise to respond. 

I step through the opening

Into the divine greeting

Of the Creator’s goodness.

I stand in awe of it all– 

As our God feeds us

With his faithfulness.

My feet feel the earth 

As my face soaks in

The gift of sunlight.

The pressure of 

Today’s responsibility

Sets up camp against me

Announcing its threat to my peace.

My God is with me.

I will breathe the next breath.

I will take one step forward. 

~ Esther Huhn, Today’s Responsibility

Hosts Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie consider the heart of the Advent season by exploring the question: "Where on earth does God live?" Centered around the upcoming Advent teaching series, "The Meaning of the Manger," the discussion journeys from the nativity scene and its connection to God's presence throughout Scripture. 

The theme of God dwelling with humanity is traced through five key moments in the biblical narrative: the garden of Eden, the building of the temple, the arrival of Jesus, the creation of the church, and finally God’s promise for the future. All these scriptural stories reflect humanity’s longing for connection with God during Advent and the anticipation of Christ’s return.

Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective on the Advent season or want to see how the entire sweep of the Bible speaks to God’s desire to be present with his people, this episode is the perfect place to begin your journey. 

3 Main Takeaways:

1. God’s Presence and Dwelling with His People
   From Eden, to the temple, to Jesus’ incarnation in the manger, and continuing with the presence of the Holy Spirit in the church, the biblical story is seen as a journey of God wanting to be intimately present with humanity.
2. Tracing God’s Dwelling Places Throughout Scripture
   The Advent series will journey through the major dwelling places of God. It starts in Eden, moves through the tabernacle and temple, reaches its climax with Christ’s first coming, and culminates in God’s ultimate dwelling with his people at the end of time. 
3. Anticipation and Hope in Advent
   Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation. It is not just remembering Christ’s first coming, but also looking ahead to his return when God will dwell with his people forever. 

Timestamps:

00:00 "Where Does God Live?"

05:12 "Temple Thread from Eden Onward"

09:51 "Local Church: Hope of World"

10:41 "God's Plan: The Church's Mission"

16:38 Unchanging Word in Transition

17:43 "Dream Jobs Beyond the Norm"

Hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman sit down with Dr. Mark Yarbrough, president of Dallas Theological Seminary and a passionate advocate for helping people grasp the overarching story of Scripture.

If you’ve ever felt lost trying to connect the dots in the Bible or wondered how individual stories fit into the grand narrative, this episode is for you.

Dr. Yarbrough shares his personal journey from a small town upbringing to his calling in ministry and education, revealing how his encounters with Scripture transformed his perspective. This conversation considers why understanding the Bible as a continuous, connected story can change how we see God, trust him with our lives, and participate fully in his story.

This discussion includes practical steps for reading the Bible more holistically, the importance of big-picture thinking, and the impact of experiences like The Story of Scripture seminar in churches across the country. Whether you’re new to the Bible or a lifelong student, this conversation will help you see yourself as a vital part of God’s unfolding narrative.

3 Main Takeaways:
1. Understanding the Bible as a Unified Story Deepens Faith:
Dr. Yarbrough emphasizes that seeing the Bible as one continuous, interconnected story from Genesis to Revelation can truly transform a person's spiritual life.

2. We Are Participants in God’s Story, Not Just Observers:
The power of engaging with Scripture as our shared narrative helps us recognize we are part of God’s unfolding story. Rather than standing back and looking at Bible stories as isolated events, Scripture invites us to participate in God’s mission.

3. Methodical and Big-Picture Bible Reading is Essential:
Developing Bible reading habits that connect the dots between individual passages and the overarching story, helps us approach Scripture with both the “forest” (the big narrative) and the “trees” (individual stories) point of view.

Resources:
- https://www.thestoryofscripture.org/event/kansas-city-mo-january-2026

Timestamps:
00:00 Church Engagement and Spiritual Growth
05:21 Bible: More Than Myth Stories
07:40 Faithful Parents Living the Gospel
10:14 Old Testament's Connection to Jesus
15:12 Journey to Dallas Seminary
18:06 "Big Picture and Little Picture"
20:57 "Bible's Story and Our Mission"
24:13 "Teaching the Bible to Youth"
28:27 Grace, Mission, and Understanding
30:30 "God's Continuous Story Explained"
32:57 "Resource Demand in Modern Age"
38:13 Yellowstone Fishing Adventure
38:49 Alaska's Midnight Milky Way