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The Extra Mile: Listening Like Jesus

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their conversation on the transformative power of listening—not just with our ears, but with our hearts. Drawing from Jesus’ invitation to go the extra mile, they explore what it means to carry someone’s emotional or spiritual load by offering your full attention and presence.

With stories from encounter weekends, medic training, and the life of Jesus Himself, the hosts highlight the difference between “active” and “engaged” listening. They share how true listening builds trust, invites healing, and fosters deep relational and spiritual connection.

Michael and SJ reflect on the pain of being misunderstood, the power of asking good questions, and the sacred ministry of simply being with someone in their moment. In a world that often talks too much and listens too little, this episode is a call to love others by listening well—like Jesus did.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

Hearing God Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2CxbBdJ5je0lxLcQl6Gki5ECUruT3EJC

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org

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The Art of Listening: Building Trust, Connection, and Space for the Soul

In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings begin a new series on listening—not just hearing, but truly engaging. They explore how good listening fosters trust, empathy, and connection, while poor listening erodes relationships over time. From the noise of everyday life to the emotional distractions within us, the hosts unpack why listening well is harder than we think—and more important than we realize.

Drawing from personal stories, humor (including a nod to comedian Brian Regan’s “me monster”), and practical tips, Michael and SJ introduce the idea of “engaging listening”—a deeper, more relational approach that requires presence, emotional awareness, and intentionality. They reflect on their own growth, the pitfalls of distraction, and the small habits that either build or break connection over time.

This episode also hints at what’s ahead: listening not just to others, but to God. Because in a world full of noise, creating space to hear His voice might be the most transformative practice of all.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more:
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
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Galatians 6: Gentle Restoration, Personal Theology, and the Gospel of More

In this final episode of the Galatians series, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore Paul’s closing words in chapter 6—an invitation to live with gentleness, forgiveness, and mutual care. As they reflect on the early church’s challenges, Michael and SJ draw parallels to today’s world: pandemics, polarization, and the constant pull toward disunity.

At the heart of the conversation is the reminder that we were never meant to walk alone. Whether it’s gently restoring a brother or bearing one another’s burdens, Paul’s charge is clear—live the gospel together. The hosts share personal stories of confrontation, accountability, and how grace multiplies when it’s sown in kindness rather than control.

They also dive into the principle of sowing and reaping, using vivid metaphors (like boomerangs) to illustrate how our actions—good or harmful—have lasting impact. Listeners are invited to examine their “personal theology” and notice where they may be relying on a “Christ plus” mindset, instead of resting in Christ alone.

With reflection, prayer, and gratitude, this episode closes the Galatians journey by pointing back to the bigger truth: there is always more freedom, more love, and more grace available in the life God invites us into.

We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!

📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
🌐 Learn more:
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
📚 Explore Base Camp: https://www.zoweh.org/basecamp