In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Matthew Bimstein about his education, influences, and the importance of music and the arts. Matt (aka Mr. B) shares insights on the challenges and rewards of being a band director, the impact of marching band on students, and the significance and role of community support. He reflects upon the influence of faith in his life and the legacy he hopes to leave with his students. Matt received numerous awards and recognitions while playing in the Tennessee Tech University Golden Eagle Marching Band while also receiving his Music Education degree. In addition, he has a Masters in Percussion Performance and Literature from the University of Tennessee; he also served as graduate teaching assistant for the percussion studio. Matt is a fan of "Mr. Holland's Opus" and is currently serving as Band Director at Clinton High School in Clinton, TN.

In this episode, Pastor Danny interviews Meredith Miller about nurturing faith in children and the metaphor of spider webs to illustrate resilience in faith. She discusses the dangers of oversimplifying Bible stories, the importance of rituals in spiritual formation, and the need for connection and fun in church settings. She also emphasizes the importance of recognizing each child's uniqueness in their faith journey and the role of trusted adults in shaping their understanding of God. Meredith has a B.A. in Religious Studies from Westmont College and an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. She's a pastor and a parent who helps grownups and the kids they love, engage the Bible in ways that are life-giving and a fit for their real lives. Meredith is the author of "Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From." And, you can find out more about her at www.meredithannemiller.com.

In this episode, Pastor Danny talks with Rev. Laura Stephens-Reed about the importance of celebrating church health, navigating transitions, and the interconnectedness of the pastor's health and the church's health and well-being. She also explores the concept of "soul repair", the challenges of church bullying, and the importance of accountability. The conversation highlights her own experience as a woman in ministry and concludes with thoughts on hospitality and the future of the church. Laura is a clergy and congregational coach and has undergraduate and graduates degrees from the University of Tennessee and the Candler School of Theology. She's currently working on her Doctor of Ministry from Lexington Theological Seminary. You can find out more about Laura and her work at laurastephensreed.com

In this episode, Pastor Danny reflects on the current state of political violence in America, especially with the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Danny draws parallels to events in America that occurred in 1968, while emphasizing the importance of preaching timeless truths from scripture. He discusses the challenges of preaching in today's culture, the need for the church to stay focused on its mission, and the importance of managing anger and responses in a polarized environment.

In this episode, Pastor Danny references 2 Timothy 3 and explores the importance of spiritual roots, the authority of the Bible, and the dynamics of community and criticism within the church. He emphasizes the need for individuals to stay true to their faith and navigate the challenges of modern life, including the influence of social media. He also highlights the significance of orthodoxy and orthopraxy as it relates to the church's influence in its community.

In this conversation, Kim Cook talks about the challenges of clergy burnout and the impact of clergy health on congregations. She discusses the importance of peer support, the effects of the pandemic on clergy, and the need for churches to care for their pastors. She also emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to well-being, including physical health and emotional support. Kim is a licensed clinical social worker and the Clinical Director at Elu; she works with families, couples, individuals, and groups on a variety of issues, including mental health, spiritual growth, trauma, parenting, and adoption/foster care. Kim has a Bachelor of Social Work from Messiah College, a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Arts from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. For more information about Kim, go to www.eluccc.org.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kim Cook and ELU

04:18 The Integration of Psychology and Theology

08:36 Understanding Stress and Clergy Burnout

12:39 The Impact of Clergy Health on Congregations

16:52 Isolation and Support Systems for Clergy

21:17 The Aftermath of the Pandemic on Clergy

25:29 Addressing Trauma and Church Hurt

29:17 Coping with Grief and Loss in Ministry

33:44 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Pam Durso shares her journey to becoming President of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, her experiences during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her insights on the role of women in ministry. She discusses the evolution of theological education and reflects on the challenges and joys of leadership in a diverse and changing environment. Pam has B.A. and Ph.D. (Church History) degrees from Baylor University and a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. An ordained minister, she is the author and editor of several books, including The Story of Baptists in the United States and This is What a Preacher Looks Like: Sermons by Baptist Women in Ministry. You can follow Pam on social media and learn more about Central at cbts.edu.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Pam Durso

01:48 Pam's Journey to Seminary Presidency

05:27 Navigating Leadership During COVID-19

08:46 The Baptist Identity and Personal Faith

13:02 Challenges and Encouragements in Ministry

17:18 The Importance of Story in Ministry

21:25 Supporting Women in Ministry

25:48 The Evolution of Central Baptist Theological Seminary

30:22 Reflections on Church and State

34:12 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode, Pastor Danny reflects on a recent sermon, using a baseball game analogy to illustrate the importance of following the right path in life. He discusses the greatest commandments of loving God and loving one's neighbor, emphasizing the need for true compassion and authenticity in the church. He also challenges listeners to embrace hospitality and community engagement, urging them to focus on genuine love rather than mere religious observance.