Travis Michael Fleming and Jim Wilder discuss the intricacies of spiritual formation and how our relationships (i.e. attachments) affect how we live and what we believe.

Together, they examine how our understanding of God, ourselves, and our interactions with others shapes our spiritual landscapes. Wilder invites us to reconsider the foundational elements of our faith, arguing that while theological correctness is a necessity, it is our relational dynamics that shape our spiritual identity.

This framework emphasizes the importance of community (i.e. church) and shared life experiences as catalysts for growth, and how our belief is seen in our loves and how we truly love people.

By fostering genuine connections, we can cultivate environments where transformation flourishes, challenging the prevailing tendencies toward individualism in contemporary society. Wilder's insights serve as a call for a renewed focus on relational engagement, echoing the biblical narrative that our identities are forged in the context of community, love, and shared purpose.

Takeaways:

• The brain is inherently relational, seeking connections with others to facilitate shared life experiences.
• Transformation occurs through relational dynamics rather than mere theological understanding or behavioral modification.
• Neurotheology reveals that spiritual formation is fundamentally communal and embedded in our brain's design.
• The early church thrived on relational connections, which are crucial for genuine spiritual growth today.
• When we engage in authentic community, we unlock the potential for personal and collective transformation.
• Understanding our identity is shaped by how others perceive us, necessitating the importance of identity groups over accountability groups.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis Michael Fleming and Malcolm Guite continue their conversation on the Christian imagination. They explore the historical context of imagination within Christian thought, tracing its evolution from the Enlightenment to the present day. They discuss how figures like Coleridge and Kant influenced our understanding of imagination, positing that imagination is a necessary faculty for discerning meaning and beauty in a world often perceived as grim. By recovering a 'sacred way of seeing', the hosts challenge listeners to cultivate their imagination, suggesting that creativity and artistry are not just ancillary to faith but central to living out the Christian narrative. This episode thus serves as a clarion call to engage deeply with the arts as a means of expressing and enriching one's faith.

Takeaways:

• The historical divide between science and imagination has led to a grim perception of the world, which we must counter with the eye of imagination.
• Imagination is a crucial aspect of our Christian walk, as it enables us to engage with God's story in a profound manner.
• Malcolm Guite emphasizes that imagination is not merely a creative exercise but a vital aspect of our understanding and relationship with God.
• By cultivating our imagination through the arts, we can deepen our comprehension of truth, beauty, and the divine, as expressed in Christian faith.
• Cultural apologetics serves to establish a Christian voice within society, highlighting the significance of imagination in conveying the gospel effectively.
• The act of creation is an eternal process, reflecting God's nature and inviting us to participate in shaping our perception of reality.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis Michael Fleming and Malcolm Guite's conversation offers a rich exploration of the Christian imagination and its pivotal role in spiritual life and cultural discourse. Guite reflects on his transformative experiences with poetry, particularly the impact of John Keats on his understanding of beauty and transcendence. He emphasizes the necessity of imagination in articulating the complexities of faith, suggesting that it allows believers to navigate the intricacies of existence with a renewed perspective. By engaging with literature and the arts, Guite argues, individuals can discover a deeper connection to the divine, fostering a sense of wonder and awe. This dialogue not only highlights the interplay between imagination and faith but also challenges listeners to actively cultivate their imaginative faculties as a means of enriching their spiritual journeys and engaging with the world around them. Through Guite's insights, the episode serves as an invitation to reimagine the intersections of belief, creativity, and culture.

Takeaways:

• The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of the Christian imagination in understanding existence.
• Travis Michael Fleming recounts a profound experience with the Psalms that altered his perception of reality.
• Malcolm Guite discusses the necessity of cultivating a rich Christian imagination in contemporary society.
• The episode explores how literature and poetry can illuminate deeper truths about the human experience.
• Both speakers articulate the significance of vulnerability in relation to faith and divine love.
• The dialogue highlights the importance of community and shared experiences in fostering spiritual growth.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis Michael Fleming and Jerry Root delve into the inspiring legacy of C.S. Lewis, particularly as it pertains to the realm of evangelism. They discuss how Lewis, despite his scholarly acumen, possessed a unique ability to communicate complex theological concepts in an accessible manner, thereby inviting individuals from various backgrounds to engage with the Christian faith.

Root emphasizes that each believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ, underlining the imperative nature of evangelism in the life of every Christian, regardless of their specific gifts or vocations. T

hrough their discussion, they share poignant anecdotes from Lewis’s life, illustrating how he actively sought to share the gospel, often in unconventional settings, such as the Socratic Club at Oxford or through his extensive correspondence.

This episode is enlightening and encouraging, and serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of personal testimony and relational evangelism, encouraging you to embrace opportunities to convey the message of Christ to those around you.

Takeaways:

• Travis Michael Fleming and Jerry Root emphasize that we are mere ambassadors of God, tasked with sharing His message of love and grace.
• The discussion highlights that the act of evangelism transcends one’s personal gifting, as every believer is called to share the Gospel.
• C.S. Lewis's unique ability to communicate profound truths in accessible language serves as an inspiration for effective evangelism.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage with individuals where they are, using personal relationships to facilitate meaningful conversations about faith.
• The podcast underscores the importance of viewing all people as created in the image of God, which necessitates sharing the Gospel with everyone we encounter.
• Jerry Root illustrates the necessity for ongoing relationships in evangelism, suggesting that spiritual growth often requires time and patience.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis Michael Fleming and Jerry Root engage in a conversation on the intersections of C.S. Lewis's literary imagination and the practice of evangelism. Central to their discussion is the assertion that Lewis's imaginative prowess facilitates the understanding of complex theological concepts, making them accessible to a broader audience. Root explores how Lewis employs narrative and metaphor to penetrate the defenses of skepticism, thus allowing individuals to encounter the divine in compelling and transformative ways. They explore the implications of fostering a Christian imagination within contemporary culture, arguing that such creativity can revitalize evangelistic efforts and deepen one's faith. This conversation serves as an invitation to rediscover the richness of Lewis's work and its relevance in our mission to share the love of God amidst a fractured world.

Takeaways:

• Travis Michael Fleming and Jerry Root explore the transformative power of C.S. Lewis' imagination in evangelism during their insightful discussion.
• Root emphasizes the importance of engaging the imagination to effectively communicate the gospel message in contemporary culture.
• The conversation highlights how Lewis' works evoke deep longings within individuals, prompting them to seek spiritual fulfillment and truth.
• Lewis' ability to transcend denominational boundaries allows him to resonate with a diverse audience across various Christian traditions.
• Travis shares personal anecdotes about evangelism, illustrating how relational connections can facilitate meaningful conversations about faith.
• Root discusses the necessity of community in theological exploration, asserting that individual understanding flourishes within a collective context.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Thank you for making a difference!

Join the Blueprint Cohort – Starting May 28!

Are you ready to go deeper in your faith and discover how to live out God's Kingdom in today's world?

Sign up for the Blueprint Cohort, a 5-week guided journey through Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World. We’ll meet Wednesdays from 12–1 PM ET, starting May 28 via Zoom.

🗓 Meeting Dates:

• May 28
• June 4
• June 11
• June 18
• June 25

Whether you're a pastor, leader, or simply hungry to grow, this cohort is designed to refresh, equip, and encourage you.

👉 Sign-Up Link Here!

Spots are limited, so sign up today!

The dialogue unfolds with a profound exploration of the contemporary ecclesiastical landscape, particularly through the lens of Apollos Watered and Travis Michael Fleming's literary contribution, Blueprint. The discussion is enriched by Dr. Scott Duncan, a senior pastor who has navigated the complexities of ministry in the culturally rich yet challenging environment of Huntington, West Virginia. Through this engaging conversation, we delve into pressing issues facing church leaders today, such as biblical illiteracy, the necessity for apologetics, and the urgent need for culturally responsive discipleship. Dr. Duncan shares his pastoral experiences, highlighting the disconnect between the church and the surrounding community, where a staggering 70% of individuals do not identify with any Christian faith. This reality serves as a backdrop against which the insights from Blueprint become a critical resource for revitalizing church engagement and fostering spiritual growth. The episode emphasizes the importance of equipping leaders to confront these challenges with clarity and conviction, ultimately fostering a church that is both rooted in the Gospel and responsive to the cultural shifts of our time.

Takeaways:

• Travis Michael Fleming and Scott Duncan underscore the significance of engaging with diverse theological perspectives for the enrichment of understanding in ministry.
• The podcast highlights the pervasive issue of biblical illiteracy within congregations, necessitating a robust approach to teaching the overarching narrative of Scripture.
• Scott Duncan emphasizes the importance of fostering community and connection among church members to combat spiritual apathy and enhance collective witness.
• The discussion reveals the challenges faced by church leaders in modern culture, where traditional values often clash with contemporary secular beliefs.
• Both speakers advocate for the necessity of equipping church leaders through resources such as Travis's book, Blueprint, to navigate the complexities of faith in today's world.
• Apollos Watered seeks to empower leaders by refreshing their commitment to the gospel as they engage their communities with clarity and conviction.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Thank you for...

Join the Blueprint Cohort – Starting May 28!

Are you ready to go deeper in your faith and discover how to live out God's Kingdom in today's world?

Sign up for the Blueprint Cohort, a 5-week guided journey through Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World. We’ll meet Wednesdays from 12–1 PM ET, starting May 28 via Zoom.

🗓 Meeting Dates:

• May 28
• June 4
• June 11
• June 18
• June 25

Whether you're a pastor, leader, or simply hungry to grow, this cohort is designed to refresh, equip, and encourage you.

👉 Sign-Up Link Here!

Spots are limited, so sign up today!

The podcast episode delves into the intricate dynamics of community within a post-Christian context, highlighting the necessity of belonging and the transformative power of genuine fellowship.

Irwyn Ince Jr. articulates a profound understanding of community as a divine reality, drawing upon the concept of perichoresis to illustrate the interplay of unity and diversity within the Trinity. This theological foundation suggests that true community is not merely a human construct but a reflection of God's nature.

As the discussion unfolds, it becomes evident that the journey towards authentic community demands vulnerability and a willingness to extend oneself beyond familiar boundaries, particularly for those from minority backgrounds.

Along with Ince, Jr., the episode features insights from such leaders as Bishop Claude Alexander, Allen Yeh, Stephen O. Presley, O. Alan Noble, N.T. Wright and Michael Goheen emphasize that the church, as a microcosm of the Kingdom of God, must embody diversity and reconciliation. Ince Jr. poignantly raises critical questions regarding the cost of belonging, urging listeners to consider the sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of genuine community and the importance of creating spaces where all voices are heard and valued. The overarching message underscores the call for maturity within the church, advocating for a collective journey that embraces discomfort as a catalyst for growth and unity, ultimately reflecting the beauty of the Gospel in a fractured world.

Takeaways:

• The need for community and belonging is essential for every individual, transcending mere desire to become a fundamental requirement.
• The concept of perichoresis, representing the divine dance within the Trinity, serves as a foundational principle for understanding authentic community.
• True community is not merely a human construct but rather a reflection of God's divine nature, emphasizing unity amidst diversity.
• Engaging with diverse perspectives within the church enriches our understanding of God and enhances our communal worship experience.
• The journey towards authentic community necessitates maturity, which often entails discomfort and personal growth in faith.
• To fully embody the Gospel, the church must embrace its missional identity, engaging with the world in love, justice, and faithfulness.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join...

Love God.

Love people.

Sounds simple, but in many churches today, the Great Commandment has largely been unintentionally overlooked.

Today's conversation is about rediscovering the Great Commandment, which calls us to love God with the entirety of our being and to extend that love to our neighbors. But it's not about love in abstract theory, but everyday practice. It's a call to learn the skills of how we love our neighbors (and our enemies).

We delve into the profound implications of this commandment and how love must permeate our existence and interactions, shaping our identity as a community of faith.

As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it becomes evident that the act of loving others necessitates recognizing their intrinsic value as creations of God, a foundational truth that undergirds our relationships. Throughout our conversation, we grapple with the challenges of maintaining this love amidst distractions and cultural divisions, and we explore the necessity of fostering a communal identity that embodies these principles. By emphasizing love as a transformative force, we aspire to cultivate a community that not only professes but actively practices the essence of the Great Commandment in every facet of life.

Takeaways:

• The Great Commandment emphasizes the necessity of loving God and loving others, which serves as the foundation for all Christian living.
• True transformation in the church occurs not merely through information but through love that is relational and communal in nature.
• When we lose our first love, we risk losing our identity as a church, which must be rooted in love and humility.
• The church should foster a community where joy and love are central, shaping the character of its members and their interactions with the world.

Keep up with updates from Apollos Watered: The Center for Discipleship & Cultural Apologetics.

Get Travis's book Blueprint: Kingdom Living in the Modern World.

Join Travis's Substack, Deep Roots Society

Thank you for making a difference!