Fall Rhythms | POD 076

Hosts: Jacob Nannie

Guests: Carolyn Poage & Deb Tosh

Introduction

This episode explores how the arrival of fall brings shifts in routines and busyness, especially with the start of the school year. Carolyn, a pastor and mom of three, and Deb, a retired school nurse and grandmother, discuss how to stay connected to God amid hectic schedules, competing responsibilities, and changing life seasons. The conversation highlights the importance of grace, presence, and sustainable spiritual rhythms, offering practical insights for navigating both the demands and blessings of fall.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Embrace Grace, Not Perfection, in Spiritual Rhythms

Both Carolyn and Deb emphasize that connecting with God doesn’t require rigid routines or perfection. During busy seasons, especially in the fall, it’s important to let go of unrealistic expectations—whether for ourselves or our families—and to instead seek God in the everyday moments, embracing grace even when our spiritual practices don’t look ideal (05:02, 25:26).

2. Ordinary Life Is Where Connection with God Happens

Everyday activities—driving kids, walking outside, or even the stresses of work—can become cues for prayer and gratitude. Both speakers describe how God meets us in these ordinary, sometimes chaotic, moments, and that discipleship often happens in small, daily interactions rather than set-apart, uninterrupted times (08:00, 09:00, 10:01).

3. Community Is Essential in All Seasons

The conversation underscores how friends, church groups, mentors, and intergenerational relationships provide practical and spiritual support, especially when personal rhythms feel inconsistent. Being open, visible, and plugged into community isn't just helpful—it’s foundational for encouragement, accountability, and experiencing communal grace (18:44, 19:54, 22:44).

Resources

Lamentations 3:22–23, referenced by Carolyn as a reminder of God's steadfast love and new mercies each day (27:28).

Matthew 11:28–30, referenced by Deb as a comfort for those who are weary, emphasizing coming to Jesus with burdens (27:54).

Timestamps

05:02 — Carolyn reflects on the difference between life-giving spiritual rhythms and spiritual performance, emphasizing God's desire for connection over achievement.

07:15 — Deb shares how she experienced God's presence during her work as a school nurse, especially through coworkers and everyday moments.

09:09 — Carolyn describes transforming the stress of busy afternoons driving her kids by intentionally inviting God into those moments and creating a liturgy for school pickup.

12:07 — Deb discusses what she wishes she had understood about God’s sovereignty, busyness, and faithfulness during her working years.

24:21 — Deb and Carolyn offer one small, sustainable spiritual practice for fall, along with encouragement to release unrealistic expectations.

Keywords

Fall, Rhythms, Routine, Busyness, Grace, Spiritual rhythms, God's presence, School year

Prayer, Community, Rest, Seasons, Family, Slowing down, Spiritual practices

Introduction

Gloria Van Den Bosch joins our conversation focusing on global mission, cross-cultural ministry, and understanding the heart of God for people from every nation. One concept discussed was how the story of Jonah challenges personal biases about who deserves mercy and highlights God's compassion toward all people. The discussion explores personal experiences in vocational mission, the importance of being available to serve both locally and globally, and practical ways to live with a mission mindset wherever one is placed.

3 Main Takeaways

1) God’s Mercy Extends Beyond Boundaries

Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s mercy is not limited by our personal preferences, prejudices, or sense of justice. He pursues and loves people we might avoid or struggle to care for, and calls us to do the same—even with those who have hurt us or whom we see as enemies. This challenges us to wrestle honestly with our own hearts and to ask if we truly desire mercy for all people, not just those like us (02:13).

2) Mission Starts at Home

Successful vocational missionaries are those who are already serving and loving people where they are. Churches play a vital role by equipping and supporting individuals (17:45).

3) Every Christian Is Called to Be on Mission—Here or There

A mission mindset is not reserved solely for those who go overseas. All followers of Jesus are invited to be faithful wherever God has placed them—whether as parents, coworkers, friends, or neighbors. This means being intentional about noticing and serving others, building relationships with those who might be overlooked, and praying for people both locally and globally. Prayer, in particular, is highlighted (20:27).

Resources
https://reachglobal.ministries.efca.org/

Timestamps

02:13 – Gloria reflects on what the book of Jonah teaches about God's heart for mercy that extends beyond our personal preferences and prejudices, challenging listeners to wrestle with their own willingness to see God love those they've struggled to love.

04:16 – Gloria recounts the unexpected call into cross-cultural mission, describing the pivotal church presentation that changed her family’s direction toward serving in Romania.

15:56 – Gloria discusses the lack of preparation and models for missionary care when she and her husband began, and how their journey shaped their later work assessing and training missionaries.

20:27 – Gloria offers practical advice for developing a mission mindset wherever you are: noticing who God might want you to see, being intentional in prayer, and redefining success as faithfulness rather than busyness.

23:07 – Gloria challenges listeners to build relationships with overlooked people and those they might consider enemies, emphasizing that God’s heart and mission are broader than our own comfort zones.

Keywords

Mission, Jonah, Mercy, Cross-cultural, Romania, Calling, Vocational missionary, Prayer,

Church planting, Support, Discernment, Compassion, Training, Community, Faithfulness

This podcast conversation focuses on the concept of justice from a Christian perspective, exploring its biblical roots, especially in the Old Testament prophets, and its relevance in public life. A key theme that emerges is the idea of “proximate justice”—the recognition that perfect justice is unattainable in this world and must be combined with hope in God’s ultimate justice. The discussion explores the limits and importance of law, the responsible role of Christians in politics, and the necessity of disagreeing with empathy and respect.

3 Main Takeaways

1. Justice Must Be Paired with Hope

The conversation focuses on the biblical grounding of justice, emphasizing that ultimate justice is only fully realized in a future hope. Worldly justice, no matter how well-intentioned, is always imperfect and incomplete. The discussion explores the idea that Christians should anchor their understanding of justice on the promises of God and an eschatological vision rather than expecting perfect outcomes in this life (00:00:00, 00:05:25).

2. The Limits and Importance of Law and Politics

A key theme that emerges is the necessary yet limited role of law and political engagement in pursuing justice. Law is vital for human flourishing and protecting the vulnerable, but it is inherently coercive and cannot bear the full weight of the kingdom of God. Several points are raised, including the dangers of investing ultimate hope in political outcomes and the reminder that Christians’ ultimate allegiance is not to any nation or political party (00:08:39, 00:11:07, 00:29:06).

3. Forgiveness and Empathy are Central to Faithful Public Life

One concept discussed is the necessity of forgiveness and empathy in addressing injustice and navigating disagreements. Justice is advanced not only through laws or policies but through the everyday, sometimes small, practices of making things right and extending forgiveness—even in situations where perfect justice isn’t attainable. The discussion explores empathy—not as full identification with another, but as a Christlike effort to understand and care—alongside practices of hospitality, neighborliness, and patient engagement with those who differ (00:15:15, 00:19:02, 00:24:19).

Resources

Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference

Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect

Socials

Timestamps

00:01:02 The discussion explores the central question of what faithful Christian justice looks like in both Scripture and public life, establishing the foundation for the episode's theme.

00:05:25 One concept discussed is the idea of "proximate justice"—that in this world, justice is always partial and imperfect, leading to a vital connection between hope and justice.

00:09:08 The conversation focuses on the role of law in society, emphasizing its necessity but also its limitations and reliance on coercive power.

00:12:16 Several points are raised, including the warning against equating the fate of Christianity with the fate of the United States, reminding listeners of the global and historical scope of God's work.

00:25:05 A key theme that emerges is the real-world impact of forgiveness as a realization of justice, with practical examples illustrating how forgiveness can transcend the limits of legal and societal remedies.

Keywords

Justice, Hope, Prophets, Scripture, Proximate justice, Law, Public life, Forgiveness, Empathy

Political engagement, Disagreement, Pluralism, Conviction, Mercy, Restoration

Introduction

In this episode of Christ Community’s podcast, Bill and Jacob sit down with journalist Danny Funt, author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. The conversation explores the rapid mainstreaming of sports betting in the U.S., the forces behind its explosive growth, and the broad social, financial, and personal impacts on fans, families, and communities.

3 Main Takeaways

1) Legalization Fueled by Business Interests

The explosion of sports gambling in the U.S. followed the 2018 Supreme Court decision, but the groundwork was laid years earlier by shifting attitudes among sports leagues and media, primarily driven by the potential to boost media rights and profits, often outweighing concerns for fans’ wellbeing 00:01:31.

2) Gambling and Technology Are Deeply Intertwined

The spread of mobile phones has made betting constant and accessible, transforming every moment of a game into a gambling opportunity—often exploiting users' attention and addictive tendencies, with industry insiders openly describing their tactics as aiming to create a “sticky” and habitual user experience 00:10:07 and 00:11:49.

3) The Hidden Costs Go Beyond Money

Sports betting is not just about financial loss—studies show higher bankruptcy rates, damaged relationships, addiction among young people, and emotional consequences like lost time and attention with loved ones; warning signs include chasing losses, constant betting urges, and misunderstanding betting as legitimate investing instead of gambling 00:17:33 and 00:22:56.

Resources

Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling - Kindle edition by Funt, Danny. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Socials

X: @dannyfunt - Bluesky: @dannyfunt.bsky.social - Substack: https://dannyfunt.substack.com/

Timestamps

The Supreme Court Decision That Changed Everything

The 2018 Supreme Court ruling and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 2014 op-ed as turning points in legalizing sports betting are discussed at 01:31.

How Media Rights Drove Leagues Toward Gambling

Explanation of how sports leagues saw gambling as a way to boost media rights revenue at 05:18.

The Rise of Microbets and Addiction Tactics

Discussion of the shift to "sticky" microbetting and how it hooks users, including an industry insider’s perspective (11:24).

Financial and Emotional Toll on Families

Real-life stories about the devastating financial, emotional, and relational costs of gambling, including families being torn apart, (17:33).

The Illusion of Beating the House

An explanation of how the odds are stacked against bettors and industry advertising as "untruthful," including the reality that 1 percent of bettors ever win, (27:16).

Keywords

Sports gambling, American culture, FanDuel, DraftKings, Supreme Court, Legalization

Media rights, Micro bets, Gambling addiction, Advertising, Predatory tactics, Financial loss, Gambling industry, Parlay bets, Prediction markets

Introduction:

This episode features Chris Justice, co-founder of Engenious Design, discussing how his work in engineering—particularly in developing medical devices—intersects with faith, the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship, and building a company culture that values both people and excellence. The conversation explores seeing all work as meaningful, practical examples of innovation, and the challenges and rewards of growing a business with purpose.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. Redemptive Entrepreneurship in Practice

Chris describes how entrepreneurship—whether through designing lifesaving medical devices or improving everyday tools—can be a redemptive act by addressing pain points and making the world better, one innovation at a time 05:07.

2. Faith Shapes Company Culture

Building Engenious Design was deeply influenced by the belief that all work, not just pastoral or missionary roles, can serve God's mission in the world. This perspective shapes not only product development but also workplace culture, hiring, and how the team treats applicants and clients 00:01:28, 00:12:42.

3. Embracing Uncertainty and Trust

Chris emphasizes that real entrepreneurship dispels the illusion of control—it is a journey marked by uncertainty. This reality has deepened his faith and reliance on God, especially as he shoulders the responsibility of his company and its employees 00:00:00, 00:19:29.

Resources:

https://www.engenio.us/

Timestamps:

00:01:28 — Chris describes the pivotal shift in viewing engineering and entrepreneurship as integral to God’s mission, not just work.

00:05:07 — Chris explains the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship and how Engenious Design seeks to improve the world through product development.

00:07:15 — Chris provides a concrete example of partnering with a physician to innovate a medical tool that lowers healthcare costs and increases accessibility.

00:12:42 — Chris reflects on how his faith shapes company culture: striving for excellence in both primary work and supportive processes for employees and applicants.

00:19:29 — Chris discusses the illusion of control in entrepreneurship and how running a business deepens faith and reliance on God.

Keywords

Engineering, Medical devices, Redemptive entrepreneurship, Engenious Design, Product development, Faith, Company culture, Design process, Job applicants, Teamwork, Calling, Innovation, Patient care, Business growth

The Power of Communion | POD 071

Introduction:

In this episode, Hannah Miller King joins the podcast to discuss her book Feasting on Hope, exploring the role of Christian hope, especially during difficult times, and how the practice of communion (the Lord's Supper) shapes faith, embodies hope, and fosters unity within the church. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of regular communion, the importance of embodiment in worship, and the balance between the ordinary and the special in spiritual disciplines.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. The Lord’s Supper as a Source of Hope in Hard Times

Hannah Miller King emphasizes that communion is both an act of obedience to Jesus and a profound mystery that shapes, heals, and sustains believers—especially in seasons of grief and wilderness. Drawing from her own experience with childhood loss, she explains how the Lord’s Supper embodies the "already and not yet" aspect of Christian faith: it is simultaneously a participation in resurrection life and a reminder that full restoration is still to come 05:19, 06:07.

2. Communion’s Embodiment of the Holistic Gospel

The conversation highlights the embodied nature of the sacrament, pointing out that salvation involves both body and soul. Regular participation in communion reminds the church that faith is not just intellectual or spiritual but is worked out in community and in physical acts. This embodiment stands in contrast to trends that could disembody Christian practice (such as technological or individualistic shifts) 09:47, 10:42.

3. Communion and Christian Community—Union and Unity

Communion is a deeply communal practice that forms believers not just in union with Christ, but also in union with one another—across differences, generations, and cultures. The ritual counters transactional faith with relational presence and calls participants to reconciliation, humility, and mutual care. Weekly repetition, rather than making it "ordinary," shapes believers' lives together, forging new habits of grace and forgiveness 13:15, 17:33, 20:12.

Resources:

Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness

Timestamps:

00:00:02 – Overview of the episode’s theme: Christian hope in hard times and the role of communion (Hannah Miller King).

00:01:13 – Discussion of a common question: “Why communion?” and how many lifelong churchgoers still find it mysterious.

00:02:20 – Explanation that even if we don’t fully understand communion, we trust Jesus’ command and participate in its mystery.

00:03:27 – The origin story behind writing the book; connecting personal grief and how God met her at the communion table (Hannah Miller King).

00:05:19 – Exploration of communion as a source of hope amidst grief; how the Lord’s Supper teaches about faith in the “already, not yet” reality.

00:06:37 – Personal testimony of childhood grief and the role of faith and the table in coping with loss (Hannah Miller King).

00:09:47 – Importance of embodiment in communion: how bodily rituals help internalize spiritual truths (Hannah Miller King).

00:12:14 – The value and impact of practicing weekly communion and its formative effect on the church family (Hannah Miller King).

00:17:11 – Communion as union with Christ; moving beyond transactional faith toward relational union.

00:22:24 – Reassurance about receiving communion “in a worthy manner” and the posture of humility and hunger for grace (Hannah Miller King).

Keywords

Communion, Lord’s Supper, Feasting on Hope, Christian hope, Embodiment, Resurrection

grief, Suffering, Liturgy, Union with Christ, Spiritual discipline, Community, Forgiveness, Repetition, Mystery, Table, Healing, Eucharist, Church family

Introduction:

This episode, co-hosted by Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie, explores the connection between our culture’s pursuit of happiness and the rise of despair, drawing on themes from Andrew Root’s book Evangelism in an Age of Despair. The conversation with Dr. Root unpacks how traditional evangelism methods intersect with our longing for transformation, the problem of loneliness, and how Christians can practice “consolation” by being present with others in their everyday lives.

3 Main Takeaways:

1) The modern pursuit of happiness often leads to despair rather than fulfillment 00:01:25.

2) Evangelism should shift from being a sales pitch for happiness or counting converts to offering real consolation and presence, especially amid sorrow and loneliness 00:09:25.

3) Evangelism and discipleship are deeply intertwined—Christians are called to embody hope and consolation, especially in everyday life beyond Sunday gatherings 00:17:41.

Resources:

Evangelism in an Age of Despair: Hope beyond the Failed Promise of Happiness: Andrew Root: 9781540968715

Timestamps:

00:01:25 — The claim that the cultural obsession with happiness has led to collective despair is introduced.

00:02:05 — Andrew Root discusses how pursuing happiness as the gauge for self-fulfillment can leave people miserable.

00:04:14 — Analysis of popular memoirs as stories of transformation and their secular roots.

00:06:35 — The critique of traditional evangelism as a "sales pitch" for happiness, leading to despair.

00:07:55 — Reflection on Protestant churches' shared tendency to quantify evangelistic success by numbers or attendance.

00:10:02 — Introduction of the idea of "consolation" as a key word for a new approach to evangelism.

00:12:00 — Observation that society’s unhappiness and loneliness are linked, and digital spaces fail to offer real consolation.

00:17:12 — The fictional story of Marianne is introduced as a narrative method for understanding evangelism in everyday life.

00:23:23 — The real-life story of a grieving woman consoled by a cab driver, illustrating consolation as evangelism.

00:27:30 — Examination of Mark 9 and Jesus’ consoling question, highlighting how evangelism can be about attentive presence rather than diagnosis or salesmanship.

Keywords

Happiness, Despair, Evangelism, Secular age, Self-fulfillment, Transformation, Memoir, Counting, Consolation, Theology of the cross, Loneliness, Presence, Discipleship, Suffering, Storytelling