Chasing Elephants Podcast

Significance of Easter in Christianity: "the teachings and the lives of Jesus, they're the foundations of the christian faith. And so the reason why this is so significant is because when we think about resurrection Sunday and we think about Easter and the significance of it, it is the center point of our faith." — Jeff Wallace 00:00 LIFT TOUR RECAP 03:45 Students respond to gospel, declare countercultural commitment. 07:56 Reflecting on Lent, Easter, and Christian faith. 10:57 Lent is about lengthening and importance. 13:41 Self renewal, reflection, discipline to redeem time. 16:28 Anticipation is crucial in worship and disciplines. 21:34 Emphasis on caring, prayer, and fasting. Biblical teaching. 23:27 Paul emphasizes giving from the heart, cheerfully. 27:20 Practice righteousness for the right reasons. 30:02 Brian gave permission to be Protestant, observe Lent.  @SLULead 

"It is when we are going slow, we are walking wisely through our lives, and we are being intentional to pay attention to all of, as you pointed out earlier, as we move through these five points of a relationship, from friendship to marriage, potential marriage, I think it's important man to go slow. So you're present in every moment, but you're also able to discern what is good and bad for you in each one of those moments." — Brent Crowe 00:00 Making god-honoring dating decisions in five phases. 04:17 Talking to students about relationships and life. 07:52 Seek guidance from healthy, like-minded couples. 12:16 View date through lens: image bearer, family, love interest. 14:27 Value a partner who respects you deeply. 17:35 Dating led to discomfort, avoided anniversary celebration. 22:51 Let go, move on, embrace future life. 23:54 Avoid becoming enablers and saviors; seek growth. 27:55 Advice for dating and parenting in conversation.

Wisdom & Dating - "Don't ever trust yourself. I would tell my kids all the time, the reason why we're having these conversations is because I want it to be so embedded in your mind and your heart that you need to approach every aspect of your life through the lens of having a strong faith and belief in Jesus. Because if you step outside of that, you begin to believe your own press. And don't ever think that you are that strong and I'm that much in. No. The moment that you begin to think that you have it all together is the moment where you will lose a lot." - Jeff Wallace 00:00 Dating: How to do it right? 04:00 Pressure to mimic cultural dating norms from social media. 08:07 Confusion about having two dates at once. 09:34 Dad gave money for one date only. 13:42 Walked to gas station, asked for help. 15:53 Awkward moment during date, feeling embarrassed. 20:42 Quit dating due to faith, wanted to honor. 23:49 Friends until 16, then assess readiness together. 26:05 Ethical guidelines: do all for God's glory. 31:22 Applying Christian freedom principles to dating in 2024. 32:46 Deep faith roots prevent compromising character and integrity. 36:13 Trust Jesus, not yourself, for strength. 40:04 Decide right from wrong based on faith. 44:05 Respectful approach to dating for sons and daughters. 47:39 Planned visit, reluctant but wise response given. 50:44 Approach dating with Christ at the center.

00:00 Intro 06:03 Nashville and Orlando popular for diverse visitors. 07:59 Fasting is neglected, but important in modern world. 11:52 Bible uses fasting for various purposes, challenges. 13:49 Technology's impact on attention and emotions. 20:08 Part one dissects problem, part two offers strategy, part three re-engages. 23:20 Always-on lifestyle leads to exhaustion, affects bonding. 25:39 iPhone popularization in 2012 affected child development. 28:25 Smartphone use: discerning distractions from utilities. 33:51 Social norms proposal: no phones in schools. 36:44 Discussing the benefits of applying a digital fast. 40:07 Let go of phone, enjoy the moment. 41:22 Evaluate belongings and apps for joy and health. 45:49 Without stillness, we lose connection with God. 48:30 Restoring and redeeming for a better future. 51:34 Boys and girls behavior compared, bulk church buying. 55:16 Preorder now, no rush, Lent's flexible tradition. 
 

00:00 Pivoted to new beginning theme and freedom.

03:36 Identify quitting, pursue, prevent, and intentional growth.

07:55 New season for new church in Philippi.

10:30 Ian Bounds emphasizes the necessity and impact of prayer.

13:34 Accessing God through prayer is paramount.

16:22 Unstoppable love for Jesus never stops pouring.

20:08 Importance of love in learning and practice.

23:28 Knowledge leads to holiness and holy living.

26:40 The value of being without imperfections.

30:10 Constant communication fosters healthy, strong marriages.

32:29 Goal: Intentional time with the Creator every day

We engage in a candid conversation about the significance of quitting certain behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to our beliefs and goals. . 00:00 Exciting event talking about chasing elephants in 2024. 06:13 Sister sent tree with decorations in plastic. 09:11 Maintain humility and prioritize making Jesus known. 11:15 Acknowledgment of reliance on divine guidance for opportunities. 15:28 Committing to a digital fast for insecurity. 17:47 Being intentional, efficient, and purposeful in life. 22:53 Reflecting on excess and prioritizing presence. 24:42 Focus on experiences rather than acquiring material items. 29:58 Struggling with gratitude and finding peace. 33:38 Registration for youth pastor summit opening soon. 36:57 Practical strategies for staff retention and recruiting. Ethical questions answered in small group labs. 37:57 People like D.A. Horton will address ethical and mental health challenges in Dallas. 43:07 Register now for VIP access on January 9th. 44:14 Exciting youth pastor summit coming soon. Mark calendar.  @SLULead 

0:00 INTRO 00:31 Exciting Thanksgiving episode with special guest. 05:40 Thankful pumpkin tradition brings family joy. 07:10 Unpredictable practice, early Christmas, Thanksgiving blessings. 12:36 Generosity, a key focus for glorifying God. 15:26 Generosity: Give to all, without expecting return. 18:09 Generosity in ministry exemplified through SLU. 23:26 Impactful stories from passionate summer staff interns. 26:08 Board member Edwin Robinson served SLU for 20+ years, bringing talent and experience. Community members play a vital role. 29:03 Students actively cultivate leadership talents and inquire. 32:31 Generous family supports ministry, alumni give back. 34:54 Connected with Brent and you at YPS Brought 5 groups of African American students Mind-blowing experience at SLU 101 38:16 Appreciate podcast opportunity, be generous this season. 41:26 Nikkihoff: Power 7, Enjoy Holidays, Be Intentional

Time Stamps!

01:37 Renowned Christian artist with extensive touring experience.

04:09 Orlando is centrally located in Florida.

06:57 Elval is great at engaging creatives and leaders.

11:45 Finding supportive churches to cultivate and nurture spiritual gifts.

14:41 Kicked off stages, called names, seeking approval.

17:07 Encourage diverse talents without segregating individuals.

21:42 Educate people on purpose and patience in creativity.

23:37 Creatives are diverse church leaders with artistic expressions.

28:44 Creatives need acknowledgment and shepherding by leaders.

31:09 Excellence isn't priority; simplicity brings God's move.

34:15 Leaders must leave space for creative development.

38:36 Don't treat creative work like takeout; collaborate.

40:11 Church creative enlightens non-creative with flyer process.

42:27 First ministry job, low pay, extra jobs.

6-Ways to Celebrate Veteran’s Day

1. Write a simple letter, postcard, or email.

1. Consider donating to a veteran-focused charity. 

1. How to Fly the Flag Correctly 

• Never drag a U.S. flag on the ground or let it touch the ground.
• Don't drape it over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.
• Don't display the U.S. flag above any other flag and keep it at the center when it's surrounded by other flags.
• Don't display a tattered or torn flag. Flags that are tattered and torn should be disposed of in a respectful way, preferably by burning.
• Never use the flag as apparel, bedding, or drapery

1. Engage a veteran about their service.

Questions to ask a veteran.

Here are some questions to get you started:

• What did you do in the military?
• How long did you serve?
• What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service?
• Did anyone else in your family serve?
• Why did you go into the service branch you did?
• Do not ask whether they've killed anyone, and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don't have to say anything; just listen and give them your full attention.

1. Visit a VA Hospital

1. Don’t confuse Veteran Day with Memorial Day.

• Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both. 

In Part 4 of our "7 Things" series, listen as Jeff and Brent talk about 7 Golden Thoughts and Rules to Live By.

1. “If you’re always the smartest person in the room, you’re probably in the wrong room.” - Pastor Tyrone Barnette (Jeff’s Pastor)

2. “We teach what we know, but we reproduce who we are” - John Maxwell

3. “Your circle today will determine your direction and destiny tomorrow” - Jeff Wallace to his kids.

4. “Feel your muscle, not your pulse” - Dr. Jay Strack

5. “There are only two days in life that matter…this day and that day" - Martin Luther

6. “Let your view of God determine everything about you” - Dr. Bill Bright)

7. "Make sure your enemies could tell your story” - Sir Michael Hobbs

Connect with our Hosts:

• Brent's Instagram
• Brent's Twitter
• Jeff's Instagram
• Jeff's Twitter

Connect with SLU:

• Instagram
• Register for SLU
• Learn more about The LIFT Tour
• Learn more about YPS

In Part 3 of our "7 Things" series, listen to the 7 books that Jeff and Brent think every leader should read!

1. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

2. Spiritual Leadership by Henry Blackaby

3. The Leadership Challenge by James Kouze and Barry Posner

4. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

5. Linchpin by Seth Godin

6. The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones

7. The Cross of Christ by John Stott

Connect with our Hosts:

• Brent's Instagram
• Brent's Twitter
• Jeff's Instagram
• Jeff's Twitter

Connect with SLU:

• Instagram
• Register for SLU
• Learn more about The LIFT Tour
• Learn more about YPS

In Part 2 of our "7 Things" series, listen to the 7 awkward moments that Jeff and Brent have learned from during their time as leaders!

Connect with our Hosts:

• Brent's Instagram
• Brent's Twitter
• Jeff's Instagram
• Jeff's Twitter

Connect with SLU:

• Instagram
• Register for SLU
• Learn more about The LIFT Tour
• Learn more about YPS

PRAY FOR ISRAEL:

1. Pray for peace in Israel and for its citizens. (Psalm 122:6)
2. Pray for protection. (Psalm 121)
3. Pray for justice. (Micah 6:8, Amos 5:24) 
4. Pray for resolution that leads to reconciliation (Matthew 5:9) 
5. Pray for the enemy (Matthew 5:43-48)

Notes on Day of Atonement:

Yom Kippur, the most important day inn the religious calendar of Israel, falling on the tenth day of Tishri (the Hebrew month corresponding to mid-September through mid-October). On that day, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies of the tabernacle (or temple) to atone for the sins of all Israel. The basic idea of atonement is a "covering" of sin; the purpose is to accomplish reconciliation between man and God. In the NT the Day of Atonement was referred to as the "fast" (Acts 27:9). To the rabbis it was the "Day" or the "Great Day." 

Connect with our Hosts:

• Brent's Instagram
• Brent's Twitter
• Jeff's Instagram
• Jeff's Twitter

Connect with SLU:

• Instagram
• Register for SLU
• Learn more about The LIFT Tour
• Learn more about YPS