Episode 97 - Spiritual Formation

Right smack in the middle of trying to build a stronger community, the topic of volunteering in church stirs up more than just dust. It's a whirlwind of questions: Are we asking too much from our volunteers? Is there a thin line between utilizing skills and outright exploitation? And what about burnout – that silent thief that sneaks up on the most willing of spirits? This week, Jesse, Evan, and Jen tackle these questions head-on, dissecting the delicate balance of volunteerism within church walls.

From the silent expectations to the loud cries for help, we sift through the complexities of leadership, commitment, and the true essence of serving. Is it possible to create a space where volunteering feels more like a two-way street and less like a one-way ticket to exhaustion? 

Pour a drink, grab a seat, and join us as we wade through the volunteer vortex, searching for the sweet spot between giving too little and asking too much.

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• FOUNDER'S BREWING CO – Oktoberfest
  Grand Rapids, MI
  • German Style Marzen | 6% ABV
• LAGAVULIN – 16 Year
  Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, Scotland
  • Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky | 6% ABV

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Let's talk fasting! What is the practice of fasting and why do we do it? Is it still applicable to our lives today? How do we keep our focus on prayer while fasting?

Join us as we talk about starting a 30-day fast with our church, what we're giving up, and what fasting has looked like for us in the past.

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• MAPLEWOOD BREWERY – Country Mile
  Chicago, IL
  • English Pub Ale | 4.5% ABV

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Join us in a toast as we mark a major milestone: our 100th episode of Christian AF Podcast! In this special edition, we're switching things up – your hosts become the guests. Dive into our personal stories, early influences, and those pivotal moments that have shaped our journey. We're setting our sights on the future, discussing our ambitions and dreams for the next chapter. This episode is a tribute to you, our dedicated listeners, who've been part of this incredible journey. So, raise your glass with us as we celebrate together. CHEERS to 100 episodes and many more to come!

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• BKS ARTISAN ALES – Counter Culture
  Kansas City, MO
  • New England IPA | 7% ABV
• ART HISTORY BREWING - Varitace
  Geneva, Illinois
  • Czech Style Dark Lager | 4.8% ABV

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Ever wondered what it would be like to receive a letter from the apostle Paul in today's fast-paced, digital age? In this intriguing episode, we embark on a thought-provoking journey into the hypothetical scenario of today's Western church receiving a letter from Paul.

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound impact of social media on our daily lives, the challenges of finding authentic community in our increasingly disconnected digital society, and the strong need to find our identity in Christ.

So, grab your preferred beverage, settle in, and join us as we navigate the crossroads of faith, culture, and the ever-evolving digital landscape.

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• BKS ARTISAN ALES – Pivo Project
  Kansas City, MO
  • 8º Czech Style Lager | 3.5% ABV
• VARITACE - Art History Brewing
  Geneva, Illinois
  • Czech Style Dark Lager | 4.8% ABV
• WINTHROPE - BKS Artisan Ales
  Kansas City, Missouri
  • Oatmeal Stout | 5% ABV

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In a world where quick fixes and instant solutions are often sought after, how does this impact the way we approach challenges in our churches? Are there really 'silver bullets' that can instantly resolve systemic issues, spur numerical growth, or transform congregational cultural dynamics? Or are we simply chasing after the wind?

This episode of Christian AF tackles the allure and the illusion of quick fixes in church life. Join us as we dissect the temptation to seek out 'silver bullets' for complex, deep-rooted problems within our faith communities. We'll be diving into why these seemingly simple solutions are not only ineffective but can sometimes lead us further from the meaningful, sustained change we seek. From the latest church growth hacks to the newest spiritual trends, we're scrutinizing the shortcuts and examining what it truly takes to address the multifaceted challenges facing our churches today. Tune in for a candid, eye-opening discussion that might just change the way you think about problem-solving in your faith community.

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• BKS ARTISAN ALES – Pivo Project
  Kansas City, MO
  • 8º Czech Style Lager | 3.5% ABV

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Does spiritual growth happen in isolation, or is it a journey best walked with others? In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, how important is community in our spiritual formation? This episode of the Christian AF Podcast dives into the dynamic between personal growth and communal development in our faith journeys.

We're excited to have Creig Day with us to explore the delicate balance between nurturing our individual faith and fostering spiritual connections within our community. We'll be challenging the modern emphasis on self-growth, examining the crucial role that community plays in shaping our beliefs, practices, and spiritual identity. Are we missing out on a deeper, more enriched faith experience by focusing too much on ourselves? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that questions the status quo and sheds light on the transformative power of community in our spiritual lives. Let's discover together how we can grow not only in ourselves but also as integral parts of a larger, vibrant faith community.

MENTIONED LINKS

• Renovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• 3 SHEEPS BREWING BREWING - Fresh Coast
  Sheboygan, WI
  • Juicy Pale Ale | 4.8% ABV
• BKS ARTISAN ALES – Repetitions on Citra
  Kansas City, MO
  • Double IPA | 8.5% ABV

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** LISTENER SPONSORED EPISODE **
This episode is sponsored by listener (and Jen fan) Tricia!

Ever find yourself questioning the "dos and don'ts" that sometimes pop up in Christian culture? Why is it that some believers are fine with cracking open a cold one or letting a swear word slip, while others see these actions as strictly off-limits? Is this a case of personal freedom, or are we missing something when it comes to our moral compass?

Get ready to pull up a chair with Jesse, Evan, and Jen as they tackle the nuanced topic of Christian moralism, with a special focus on drinking and swearing. Thanks to an insightful listener email, the team dives headfirst into the reasons they're cool with these acts, while still maintaining a strong sense of faith and ethics. Are they cherry-picking Bible verses, or is there a broader understanding of grace at play?

Whether you're toasting with a glass of wine or enjoying a good old-fashioned root beer, gear up for a candid discussion that challenges traditional Christian norms. Jesse, Evan, and Jen don't shy away from dissecting scripture, cultural influences, and personal experiences to provide a well-rounded view on this divisive subject.

So here's to freedom, responsibility, and the never-ending journey of understanding our faith a bit better. Cheers—or should we say, "Amen?"


EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• ABERFELDY - Scotch
  Aberfeldy, UK
  • Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• CRYSTAL HEAD - Vodka
  Newfoundland, Canada
  • Vodka

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Navigating the complex topic of the current war in Israel is no easy feat. How do we sift through the layers of history, politics, and faith to understand the deep-rooted issues? Even more so, what's the role of misinformation and disinformation in shaping our perspectives? And, perhaps most crucially, what should our response be as Christians in the face of such conflict?

Join Jesse, Evan, and Jen as they unpack the historical context of the ongoing war in Israel, and highlight the dangerous impact of misinformation. The trio doesn't shy away from asking the hard questions: What responsibilities do we have as believers to seek truth? How can we differentiate between facts and politically driven narratives? And what actionable steps can we take to be both informed and compassionate?

So whether you're sipping on an IPA or cozying up with a cup of hot apple cider, get ready for an in-depth discussion that grapples with the intersecting realms of faith, geopolitics, and ethics.

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• MORE BREWING - Huntley Helles
  Huntley, IL
  • Helles Lager | 4.5% ABV
• PRAIRIE STREET BREWING CO – Prairie Street IPA
  Rockford, IL
  • IPA | 6.4% ABV

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When it comes to church discipline, we often find ourselves walking a fine line. How do we balance the need to uphold our community's values with inclusivity? How do we differentiate between a loving correction and an outright rebuke? And at what point does someone's actions warrant being asked to leave the community?

Throughout church history, the approach to discipline has varied from one denomination to the next. Yet, its essence always remains the same: striking a balance between love and justice, community and individual responsibility. Discipline, in its truest sense, is about restoration, not punishment. But how can we ensure it doesn't become a tool for control or manipulation?

Join Evan, Jen, and Jesse in this episode as they explore scriptural perspectives and discuss the intricacies of church discipline. From setting boundaries to understanding the real motivations behind certain actions, they shed light on the importance of nurturing a community's spiritual well-being while ensuring every member feels acknowledged and valued.

Grab your favorite drink, be it bourbon or a Yoo-Hoo, and dive into a candid conversation about one of the church's most sensitive topics. Here's to understanding the heart of discipline and the grace that surrounds it!

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• YOO-HOO
  Chocolate Drink
  • Notes of Chocolate & Water
• E.H TAYLOR - SMALL BATCH
  Frankfort, KY
  • Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• YELLOWSTONE SELECT
  Lebanon, KY
  • Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

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Ever wrestled with the idea of universalism? Does everyone, regardless of faith or deeds, get a pass into the eternal afterlife? Is God's love and grace truly universal, or are there some boundaries we shouldn't cross? How does this theological stance fit in—or clash—with mainstream Christian doctrine?

Join us as we unpack the intricate and often controversial subject of universalism. We're cutting through the religious jargon, questioning long-held assumptions, and diving into some great discussion that might leave us with more questions than answers.

EPISODE DRINKING NOTES:

• PAVO REAL - Prairie Street Brewing Co.
  Rockford, IL
  • Mexican Lager | 5.7%

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