You're Not Crazy

When the apostle Paul warns Christians not to be overcome by evil (Rom. 12:21), he knows it will be difficult. Nonetheless, he challenges us to believe that God is at work in redemptive reversals. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund unpack the difficulty of death to self and consider how it looks to entrust ourselves to the Lord even as we face evil and wrongdoing. And they once again commend the beauty of gospel culture, where pastors and church communities “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Rom. 12:17).

Recommended resource:

• The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels about You by Dane Ortlund (Crossway)

What marks genuine Christian love? The apostle Paul lays out an extensive list in Romans 12:9–21. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry examine how Paul’s commands are meant to hold together as part of an integrated ecosystem that makes up the Christian life. They consider the humility and vulnerability required to give and receive genuine affection, and they challenge pastors and congregants to cultivate countercultural communities marked by gospel hope.

Recommended resource:

• Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie (Crossway)

In this episode, Ray and Sam dig into Romans 12:1–8 and how to live as recipients of God’s mercies. They model sober judgment as they reflect on the ways we tend to overestimate our own capacities, considering instead how we might acknowledge that we’re part of a greater whole. Recognizing we belong to one another, they encourage pastors to view themselves as members of Christ’s body, reveling in the beauty of relationships within the church.

Recommended resource: 

• ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible (Crossway)

Join Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry for this final season of the You're Not Crazy podcast, as they delve into the transformative passages of Romans 12-15 and equip you with fresh perspectives for leading and nurturing gospel-centered communities. This season, you can look forward to more in-depth discussions and practical insights that will further prepare and rejuvenate you for the work of pastoral ministry.

Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the upcoming season of You’re Not Crazy, where they’ll delve into Romans chapters 12-15 and focus on how to foster gospel culture in churches. They also introduce their forthcoming small group curriculum, based on the book You're Not Crazy, and announce the launch of the Center for Gospel Culture by Sam Allberry and Immanuel Nashville. The center will offer resources and events for pastors and churches, including a decade’s worth of sermons, manuals, and other materials. 

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address listener questions. They discuss:

• How to lead a staff team in building a gospel culture, emphasizing the importance of eye contact, laughter, openness, and vulnerability.
• Imposter syndrome in Christian ministry, sharing stories, and insights on how to cope with feelings of inadequacy.
• The transformative power of the gospel and the need for a shift in preaching focus—from challenging people to presenting Christ and his promises.
• The role of church membership in establishing a gospel culture and the importance of setting expectations for behavior within the church community.

The episode concludes with reflections on how pastors should seek feedback and criticism for personal growth and a desire for a Great Awakening rooted in the goodness of Jesus.

Recommended resource: Reactivity: How the Gospel Transforms Our Actions and Reactions by Paul Tripp
 

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss 2 Timothy 4:9-22, uncovering the weight of Paul's personal instructions to Timothy—his last words before martyrdom that shed light on his character and personal life.

Whether you're seeking to enrich your pastoral leadership journey or strengthen your faith, this conversation is for you. 

Recommended resource: Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund
 

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the timeless relevance of 2 Timothy for pastors—emphasizing its guidance for preaching in various seasons. They highlight the importance of patience and understanding in pastoral ministry, addressing cultural trends where people seek teachings that align with their passions.

Their discussion ends with reflections on Paul's perspective on impending death, emphasizing a sense of calm and fulfillment in ministry and the anticipation of a crown of righteousness for those who await the appearance of Jesus.

Recommended resource: The Beauty and Power of Biblical Exposition by Douglas Sean O'Donnell and Leland Ryken
 

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the importance of standing firm in the faith amid persecution and opposition. They emphasize the need for pastors to be open and vulnerable in their relationships, following the example of Paul and Timothy.

They address the dangers of moralism and the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of pastors, emphasizing the need to hold onto the gospel and continue to follow Jesus with a strong sense of identity and mission.

Recommended resource: Evangelical Pharisees: The Gospel as Cure for the Church's Hypocrisy by Michael Reeves

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the challenges of serving in a godless world and emphasize the importance of relying on Jesus and holding onto hope. They reflect on the difficulties faced in pastoral ministry and the prevalence of self-centeredness and pleasure-seeking in society.

As they warn against counterfeit Christianity and highlight the need for authenticity and true transformation, they also discuss the dangers of allowing unconverted individuals into positions of influence within the church and emphasize the importance of integrity and discernment.

Ortlund and Allberry also discuss the the vital role of pastors' spouses and highlight the significance of unity and support within the church community when it comes to enduring in ministry.

Recommended resource: Help! I'm Married to My Pasor by Jani Ortlund

A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.

Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy