How should a pastor process a calling to leave a church and transition to a new ministry setting?

Pastoral transitions can be difficult for churches and leaders to navigate. Sometimes pastors move on for the wrong reasons. But sometimes, the Spirit of God is on the move. How can we discern the difference? In this episode, Chris opens up about a forthcoming transition in his own ministry. We discuss the importance of relational trust, self-awareness and discernment, inviting community into the process, and the practical realities of leading through change.

Chapters:
(0:00) Introductions: Christmastime = Snack Time
(1:02) Chris is Departing Omaha
(4:49) Moving from Good to Good
(14:54) The Stages of Reckoning with a Pastoral Shift
(19:33) Questions Pastors Should Be Asking
(29:31) Questions Churches Should Be Asking

How should Christians approach contraception and family planning?

Unless a Christian couple has taken the time to investigate contraceptive and family planning options, it can be hard to know what exists, what is safe, and what is ethical. In part two of this two-part episode, we continue our conversation about how to honor God in our approach to family planning. We discuss the risks of hormonal birth control and respond to some additional listener questions about when to start having kids — and also whether it's OK to be done.

Chapters:
(0:00) Introductions: Resetting the Discussion
(1:45) Fertility Awareness vs. Hormonal Birth Control
(8:13) When Are You Ready to Have Kids?
(17:30) Is It OK to Be Done Having Kids?
(22:38) Christian Freedom in Family Planning

How should Christians approach contraception and family planning?

Unless a Christian couple has taken the time to investigate contraceptive and family planning options, it can be hard to know what exists, what is safe, and what is ethical. In part one of this two-part episode, we address a listener's question about how to honor God in our approach to family planning. We discuss the predominant cultural narratives about contraception, how a Christian view is different, and why the fertility awareness method offers a unique wisdom in this area.

Chapters:
(0:00) Introductions: Listener Justin Has a Question
(3:16) The Cultural Starting Point for Contraception
(9:03) Strengths & Weaknesses of Protestant Thought
(13:33) Reflecting on Our Assumptions about Birth Control
(21:44) Jenn Newman Joins Us to Talk About Fertility Awareness