theFormed.life

Introduction:

Welcome to another episode of theFormed.life podcast! In today’s conversation, host Paul Brandes is joined by Brent, student pastor at the Leawood campus, and Anna, a thoughtful seventh grader from Christ Lutheran School in Kansas City. Together, they explore what it’s really like to live as a middle school student in 2024 while following Jesus. Anna shares candidly about her daily school life, the joys and challenges of adjusting to a new and smaller environment, and the significance of forming deeper connections with classmates.

The conversation dives deep into the realities students face: discovering belonging, navigating brokenness in relationships, and how faith can transform even the most ordinary moments—yes, even homework and lunch tables—into opportunities for growth and praise. With insights from Brent on what today’s students are craving most, and encouragement from Anna on finding purpose by keeping God at the center of daily routines, this episode invites listeners to recognize the redemptive possibilities hidden in the rhythms of school life. 

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone curious about the role faith can play in our formative years, you’ll find hope and inspiration in this honest and hope-filled discussion.

Bio

Anna is a thoughtful and curious student who found her seventh grade religion classes especially engaging and relatable. While studying books like Lee Strobel’s The Case for Faith and preparing to read The Case for Christ, Anna has developed a strong interest in exploring deep questions about faith—questions such as why God allows suffering and why church history can be troubled. Through reading and classroom discussions, Anna gained new insights and enjoys pausing to talk through challenging ideas with classmates, eager to find meaningful answers and understanding.

Quotes

• You don't have all the answers. You don't have to know what that looks like every single day. That's part of the process of growing up. And secondly, remembering the fact that Jesus knows what it means to grow up. He was a middle schooler at some point. He was a high schooler. He knows the tensions of what it is to have to go and learn and also work and discover the beauty of how God has wired you. He cares deeply about you. He knows what it's like to grow up. - Brent Bovitz

3 Main Takeaways

1. School as Meaningful Work with God’s Purpose
   The conversation explores how students can view their daily school life, not just as a repetitive routine of homework and classes, but as significant work where they can honor God—even in the “boring times.” Anna shares how keeping God in mind transforms her perspective, motivating her to praise Him through the everyday, echoing the message from 1 Corinthians 15:58 that her work “in the Lord is not in vain.”
2. Relationships and Belonging are Central in the School Experience
   Both Anna and Brent discuss the importance of relationships among students. With a small class size, Anna finds joy and support in her classmates, but also notes the challenges of belonging and exclusion—especially for new students. Their reflections highlight that while school can be a place of brokenness (like cliques or feeling left out), it also offers the chance to extend kindness and create a culture of inclusion, especially by involving younger students during recess.
3. Redemption in Everyday Interactions and Formation Through Service
   A significant focus is on “redemption”—how students like Anna actively seek to bring about positive change. She shares practical ways she tries to include others and support younger grades, inspired by Jesus’ example and teachings. The hosts emphasize that these small acts of kindness and presence carry lifelong impact, helping form both Anna’s character and the broader school culture for future generations. The power of noticing God’s opportunities and serving others—even as a seventh grader—is celebrated as a hopeful and transformative force.

Resources 

• The Case for Faith - Lee Strobel: https://a.co/d/2flhXzD
• The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel: https://a.co/d/3j97uEJ

Timestamps:

00:00 School Life with God's Purpose

04:12 "School as Work: A Student's Perspective"

08:44 Seventh & Eighth Grade Religion Studies

11:15 Navigating School Transitions and Exclusion

13:59 "Striving for Belonging Together"

16:17 Encouraging Young Kids' Belonging

19:32 Encouragement for Young Christians

25:11 Prayer for Anna's New School Journey

25:57 "Alternate Life Paths Question"

29:20 Podcast Appreciation and Episode Reference

Hashtags

#StudentFaith #VocationAndCalling #ChristianEducation #MiddleSchoolLife #RedemptionStory #BelongingAndCommunity #ClassicalSchooling #SpiritualEncouragement #YouthMinistry #theFormedLifePodcast

On this episode of theFormed.life Podcast, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman are joined by Dr. Rebecca DeYoung, a professor of philosophy and renowned author, to dive deep into the ancient world of virtues and vices—and why they’re still wildly relevant for us today. Together, they explore how concepts like pride, envy, gluttony, and vainglory aren’t just relics of the past, but powerful forces that shape our character, relationships, and spiritual growth in the present.
Dr. DeYoung shares her own journey into the study of ethics and virtue theory, reflecting on how naming and understanding our “capital vices” can be the first step toward true transformation. The conversation highlights practical ways we can identify unhealthy patterns, intentionally pursue Christlike virtues, and invite God’s grace into our everyday lives. Whether you’re striving to break free from destructive habits or hoping to cultivate more humility, courage, or love, this conversation will challenge and encourage you with timeless wisdom and actionable insights for your faith journey.

Bio:
Rebecca DeYoung is a Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University, where she has taught for over two decades. Her research focuses on virtue ethics, the seven deadly sins, and spiritual formation, blending philosophical insight with Christian theological traditions. She is the author of several books, including Glittering Vices: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins and Their Remedies, which explores the relevance of ancient moral traditions for modern life. A sought-after speaker and writer, DeYoung contributes to various academic and spiritual formation communities, including Renovaré and the C.S. Lewis Institute. Her work is marked by a deep commitment to integrating intellectual rigor with spiritual growth.

Quotes:
The idea with spiritual disciplines is that you're intentionally engaging in practices of open handedness to the Spirit's transforming work. - Rebecca DeYoung

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Vices Aren’t Just Isolated Failures
Dr. DeYoung highlights that vices become dangerous when they form persistent “grooves” in our lives—habits or patterns that shape who we’re becoming, rather than just one-off mistakes.

2. True Growth Is About Spiritual Discipline, Not Just Self-Improvement
The path to overcoming vices isn’t about “bootstrapping” or self-powered virtue. Instead, it’s about practicing spiritual disciplines—open-handed, receptive practices that invite the Holy Spirit’s transforming work.

3. Virtues Lead Us Into Deeper Communion
The ultimate goal isn’t just personal perfection, but being drawn into deeper relationship and communion—with God and others. Cultivating virtues isn’t about earning love, but responding to the unconditional love we have already received.

Resources :
- Renovaré (spiritual formation resources)
- Conversatio.org (the fellowship of the Dallas Willard legacy)

Timestamps:
00:00 Descent from Virtue to Philosophy
04:07 Discovering 'Pusillanimity': Medieval Imposter Syndrome
07:15 "Protestant Views on Deadly Sins"
11:35 "Embrace Spiritual Disciplines"
15:37 "Self-Worth Through Habitual Lifestyles"
18:06 Exploring Vainglory and Other Vices
21:29 Confronting Sloth in Daily Life
25:05 Publicity Challenges Vulnerability and Growth
29:10 Money Management Anxiety
30:25 Overcoming Excessive Attachment
36:20 Gratitude as a Christian Virtue
37:31 Slow Living and Inner Peace
41:00 Vices of Self-Regard
44:20 Scarcity Mindset and Envy
48:31 Books, Skills, and Glacier Hikes

Hashtags:
#VirtuesAndVices #SpiritualFormation #Sanctification #ChristlikeCharacter #GlitteringVices #Vainglory #SpiritualDisciplines #ChristianVirtue #RebeccaDeYoung #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords:
Virtue, vice, seven deadly sins, capital vices, sanctification, spiritual growth, spiritual disciplines, character formation, pride, envy, sloth, vainglory, humility, courage, love, gratitude, wisdom, justice, temperance, greed, gluttony, self-help, spiritual formation, grace, Protestant theology, transformation, Christian ethics, Aquinas, church tradition, spiritual healing

Welcome to another enlightening episode of theFormed.life podcast, where we delve into the profound intersection of beauty and faith. Today, our hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman are joined by Dr. Jeff Hoffmeyer and guest host Gabe Coyle, as they navigate the compelling conversation around how beauty manifests in Christianity. They explore the role beauty plays in reflecting God's character, how it influences our everyday lives, and how embracing beauty can deepen our faith experience. From appreciating the grandeur of creation to understanding the beauty in art, relationships, and even the crucifixion, this discussion invites us to see God’s work in the unexpected. Whether you're an artist or just someone looking to find awe and wonder in the world, this episode will inspire you to recognize and integrate beauty into your spiritual journey. Join us as we dive deep into the transformative power of beauty and its ability to connect us with the divine.
Bio
Jeff Hoffmeyer is the Vice President of Advancement at the Denver Institute for Faith & Work. Prior to this role, Jeff served for 15 years as a pastor in various churches, including as Senior Pastor at La Cañada Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles and in interim and teaching pastor roles in Boulder and Fort Collins, Colorado, and Sacramento, California. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology from the Graduate Theological Union and a Master of Divinity from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He also has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Colorado. Jeff's experience includes ministry, teaching, and leadership, with a focus on spiritual formation and discipleship. He also has experience in fundraising and development from his time in pastoral roles. 1 

Quotes
God who became human, lived a human life, and then loved us to the end, even death on a cross — that event in history is beautiful, and redefines for us what beauty is. - Jeff Hoffmeyer

3 Main Takeaways
Beauty and Faith Intersect: The episode explores how beauty and faith intersect in the Christian life, emphasizing that beauty can play a powerful role in deepening our understanding of God's goodness and drawing us closer to Him. Jeff Hoffmeyer highlights that beauty, often experienced through creation, art, and relationships, reflects the character of God and is an integral part of Christian theology.
Community of the Beautiful: The discussion delves into the concept of the church as a "community of the beautiful." This refers to a community that beholds Jesus Christ and is transformed by Him. The speakers emphasize that we become what or whom we behold, and as a church community centered around Jesus, believers are called to reflect His beauty and love to the world.
Beauty in Everyday Vocation: The episode highlights the importance of recognizing beauty in everyday work and vocation. It suggests that beauty can be found in the intricacies of our daily tasks and how faith and work are interconnected. By seeing our vocations as avenues to serve God and others, and by being sensitive to the cries for mercy around us, we can embody the beauty of God's kingdom in our work and communities.
Resources 

Books
Art and Faith - Makoto Fujimura
Culture Care - Makoto Fujimura
Every Good Endeavor - Tim Keller
The Glory of the Lord - Hans Urs von Balthasar
Essay: "The State of Culture 2024" by Ken Goya
Grunewald's Crucifixion Painting – Matthias Grünewald (Referenced for visual art on theological themes)
Teach Us to Pray Podcast – Jeff Hoffmeyer
Faith and Work Podcast – Denver Institute for Faith and Work
Timestamps:
00:00 Beauty's Role in Faith Exploration
06:22 "Becoming What We Behold"
09:51 God's Glory: Christ Crucified
13:32 Artists Illuminate Faith and Attention
14:48 "Art's Place in Modern Culture"
17:59 "Faith, Work, and Craftsmanship"
23:24 The Cross and Unjust Suffering
24:32 "Triumph of Divine Love"
29:03 "Overcoming the World Through Christ"
31:36 "The Church as Living Drama"
35:57 "Podcasts on Faith, Work, Prayer"
38:30 "Faith and Work Podcast Intro"
41:22 Mako's Insightful Art Translations
44:55 "Astounding Global Pop Star"
Hashtags
#ChristianBeauty #FaithAndArt #GodsGlory #CommunityOfTheBeautiful #TheologicalAesthetics #ArtAndVocation #BeautyInWorship #ScripturalImagination #FaithAndWork #theFormedLifePodcast
Keywords
Congregations, Beauty, Christian life, Creation, Art, Theology, Atonement, Faith, Spiritual practice, Gospel, Worship, Incarnation, Redemption, Public theology, Community, Formed Life, Scripture, Attention, Artists, Vocation, Faith and work, Prayer, Culture care, Crucifixion, God's glory, New Testament, Drama, Overcoming, Tim Keller, Hans Urs von Baltasar

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Introduction
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of theFormed.life podcast! In this episode, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman sit down with the insightful Kutter Callaway for part two of their engaging conversation. Dr. Callaway, an esteemed professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and a self-professed lover of humor, delves into the significance of laughter in the life of a Christian. He explores how humor, when used wisely, can be a powerful tool to navigate the absurdities of life, find joy amidst chaos, and foster deeper connections within our communities. Whether you're curious about the intersection of faith and comedy, or just looking for a good laugh, this episode promises both depth and levity. So, tune in as we explore why Christians might need to laugh a little more and how humor can have an important place in God's story.

Bio

Dr. Kutter Callaway is a scholar and faculty member at Fuller Theological Seminary, specializing in the intersection of theology, media, and culture. His work focuses on analyzing how film and digital technologies shape contemporary understandings of faith, identity, and community. Through writing, speaking, and online platforms, he explores the complex relationship between theology and popular culture, examining media's impact on spiritual formation and ethical considerations within digital environments.

Quotes

"If you know that you're ultimately secure, if your identity is in Jesus, it'll actually allows you to not take yourself too seriously." - Dr. Kutter Callaway

Three Takeaways

1. The Role of Humor in Faith: Kutter highlights the importance of humor in Christianity, emphasizing that laughter helps confront the absurdities of life and serves as an appropriate response when we acknowledge that we are not in control. It encourages Christians not to take themselves too seriously and to find joy in God's sovereignty in the face of uncertainty. This aligns with the idea that a deeper understanding of the gospel allows us to not overly stress about our imperfections.
2. Boundaries in Comedy: Kutter discusses how humor often involves flirting with boundaries, which can make it powerful yet dangerous. He points out that good humor requires knowing where the lines are and how to appropriately push them without causing harm. He also notes that Christians might struggle with comedy because it requires us to challenge boundaries, which can be uncomfortable for a faith community focused on maintaining certain behavioral norms.
3. Humor in Scripture: The episode touches on examples of humor in the Bible. Kutter finds humor in biblical stories like Elijah mocking the prophets of Baal or the disciples being mistaken for being drunk at Pentecost because it's only 9 in the morning. These examples show that humor has a place in the Bible and faith life, and that acknowledging the lighter side of Scripture and human nature can be a way to connect more deeply with others and God's story.

Resources 

• The Christian at Play - Rob Johnston: https://a.co/d/29NTQVg
• What's So Funny About God? A Theological Look at Humor - Steve Wilkins: https://a.co/d/3WMSayn
• Jews and Humor - Leonard Greenspoon: https://a.co/d/03Zw76T
• All work by Terry Lindval on humor and film

Timestamps

00:00 Comedy, Faith, and Dr. Callaway

04:01 "Early Life Medical Challenges"

08:15 Relational Comedy Limitations

12:35 Comedy's Boundaries and Humor

16:30 Christian Humor in Cultural Shifts

19:19 Crafting Relatable Yet Honoring Stories

22:40 Sunday Night Church Torture

25:03 Biblical Humor: Rehoboam's Rise

27:24 Laughing at Our Hypocrisy

30:11 Dark Humor and the Power of Laughter

34:41 Comedy, Faith, and Coping

37:56 "The Humor in Self-Importance"

42:34 Comedy Show Misstep: Interpreter Mockery

45:23 "Echo Chamber Humor Critique"

48:21 Theology of Play and Playfulness

52:46 Campfire Laughter: Hilarious Pastor Story

53:37 Pastor's Awkward Surgery Encounter

Hashtags

#ChristianHumor #FaithAndComedy #LaughMore #SpiritualFormation #TheologyAndCulture #NateBargatzy #SelfDeprecatingHumor #JoyInChristianity #HumorInScripture #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

Laughter, Christians, Comedy, Stand-up, Humor, Theology, Culture, Podcast, Storytelling, Faith, Control, Self-deprecation, Absurdity, Arrogance, Education, Resilience, Worship, Arts, Public speaking, Jesus, Playfulness, Society, Happiness, Identity, Limits, Responsibility, Engagement, Punching down, Compassion, Empathy

Welcome to theFormed.life podcast, where we explore how integrating faith and work can lead to personal and societal transformation. In today's episode, "Work Matters," hosts Bill Gorman and Paul Brandes are joined by Tom Nelson, lead senior pastor and author of the new book Why Your Work Matters, and Johnny Daigle, associate director of Seminary Partners for Made to Flourish. Together, they discuss the expanded and updated version of Tom's 2011 book Work Matters, which delves into contemporary workplace dynamics like remote work, work-life balance, and technology. They explore how everyday vocations can transform us, our neighbors, and the world, and share insights into vocational discipleship, the importance of Sabbath, and the role of technology in our lives. Tune in to gain fresh perspectives on how your daily work can be a profound act of worship and a pathway to meaningful change.

Bio
Tom Nelson, a dedicated pastor known for his work in bridging faith and daily life, originally penned the influential book "Work Matters," aimed at reshaping how individuals connect their worship with their work. Over the years, Nelson remained faithful to biblical theology, striving to help people integrate their spiritual and professional lives. His latest book represents a complete rewrite of his earlier ideas, infused with the depth and insights gained from more time and experience. Through his writings, Nelson continues to inspire readers to harmonize their Sunday worship with their Monday work, making spiritual practice a vital part of everyday life.

Johnny Daigle had the unique opportunity to be a part of the long-standing pastoral residency program at Christ Community, an experience he describes as both a privilege and a thrill. Under the mentorship of Tom, a seasoned author and pastor, Johnny was invited to apprentice with him on his latest book. This collaboration allowed Johnny to delve deeply into the writing and editing processes, learning valuable skills along the way. He fondly recalls the experience as akin to a child helping an adult mow the lawn—an invaluable hands-on learning opportunity where he was actively involved in meaningful work, even as he continued to grow and develop his own skills.

Quotes
"The observation that Moses was called by God in his workplace. And the burning bush of God's presence and empowerment and direction and wisdom, right, the overwhelming sense of God's presence was in his workplace." - Tom Nelson

Three Takeaways
Holistic Transformation: Understand how everyday work, whether paid or unpaid, can be a tool for personal transformation and societal impact. Tom Nelson emphasizes that our mundane world is the primary place we worship God and engage in spiritual formation.
Vocational Discipleship: Discover how God uses our vocations to develop us as "whole-life disciples." This new book elaborates on how the intersections of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation shape our work as an integral element of our faith journey.
Work-Life Integration: Gain practical wisdom on achieving work-life balance in a tech-driven world. Tom and Johnny Daigle discuss overcoming burnout, the importance of Sabbath, and strategies to integrate faith and work without overtaxing ourselves.

Resources 
Link to the book "Why Your Work Matters": https://www.amazon.com/Why-Your-Work-Matters-Vocations/dp/1587436477#:~:text=Book%20details&text=Nelson%20explores%20the%20grand%20story,just%20now%20but%20for%20eternity.
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Previous Episodes on Technology in the Workplace: Navigating Faith and Ai with Dr. John Dyer
Timestamps
00:00 Rewritten book connects worship with work.
05:04 Apprenticeship with Tom in writing and editing.
09:29 Sustainable pace, kingdom work transformation, deeper gratitude.
12:21 Fresh insights on creation and biblical theology.
16:03 Learning from decade-long conversations with pastors.
17:23 Workplace discipleship embodies Christ's transformational presence.
21:25 New dual role, seeking God's guidance story?
24:45 Recognize God's presence everywhere, especially workplaces.
26:14 Excited about upcoming book release and availability.

Hashtags
#WorkMatters #FaithAndWork #VocationalDiscipleship #SpiritualFormation #BurningBushMoments #GospelPlausibility #MadeToFlourish #WholeLifeDiscipleship #SundayToMonday #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords
Work life balance, remote work, technology in the workplace, Sabbath, common good, personal transformation, societal transformation, everyday occupation, vocational discipleship, vocational mission, spiritual formation, whole life discipleship, biblical theology, creation, fall, redemption, consummation, Jesus as a carpenter, Sunday to Monday, gospel plausibility, gospel witness, neighborly love, workplace worship, family rhythms, burnout, naming the animals, cultural mandate, AI, future of work, pastoral recruitment, Made to Flourish