Craft & Character

Having the Perseverance to Finish Well with Jon Thompson Oct 29, 2024

In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Jon Thompson from Sanctus Church in Toronto, Canada about the importance of perseverance in pastoral ministry.

Jon is one of Canada’s most thoughtful and insightful shepherds and he shares about a book he wrote that unpacks 15 different observations at the halfway point about how to finish well.

Bobby Clinton, the legendary Fuller Professor once said only 30% of leaders finish well. How do you become one of the 30%?

Reading and mediating on Pastor Thompson’s observations are definitely a gift for those starting out in ministry, at the midway point, or closing in on the finish line.

BIO

Jon Thompson is the Senior Pastor of Sanctus Church – a multi-site church in the Greater Toronto Area and online – where he has served for 25 years. He holds a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale Seminary and a Doctorate of Missiology from Fuller Theological Seminary. After spending his childhood in Ecuador with his missionary parents, Jon began his ministry as the Youth Pastor before assuming his current role as Senior Pastor at Sanctus Church. Jon is married to Joanna and has three kids.

EPISODE LINKS

https://jonthompsonresources.com

@pastorjon_t on Instagram

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Preaching and Plagiarism with Mike Goldsworthy Oct 16, 2024

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Mike Goldsworthy around the topic of plagiarism and the crafting of sermons.

Mike shares ways we can easily give credit to an idea or author without slowing down the flow of the teaching. He also unpacks what’s happening in a pastors life that makes them believe this is ok.

The character required to give proper credit actually communicates the time, effort, and learning into a message.

BIO

For over 20 years, Mike has helped people approach their life with more wholeness, intentionality, sustainability, and fulfillment. Helping people both engage more fully in the life that’s right in front of them while also discovering the unlived life that’s within them, he creates a safe space to be challenged towards action.

Having served as a non-profit leader, adjunct professor, and executive consultant and coach, Mike puts his Masters Degree in Transformational Leadership to work as he helps leaders and organizations recognize the impact that a transformed leader can have not only on themselves, but also on their team and in their organization.

Utilizing his certifications in Working Genius, Transformational Coaching, and Primal Question Coaching, he has worked with leaders and teams, both large and small, in corporate as well as nonprofit spaces.

EPISODE LINKS

@mgoldsworthy

www.mikegoldsworthy.com

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Art of Discernment with Ruth Haley Barton Oct 01, 2024

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with author, spiritual director, and founder of the Transforming Center, Ruth Haley Barton about the importance of spiritual formation for pastoral care.

Ruth Haley Barton offers up so many moments of pure gold as she talks about the soul, the art of discernment, and how she came to discover the goodness with spiritual formation decades ago. This is an important episode for any pastor and leader.

If you haven’t read her work, please check out Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, Sacred Rhythms, Pursuing God’s Will Together, or Life Together in Christ.

BIO

Ruth Haley Barton (Doctor of Divinity, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary) is founder of the Transforming Center, a ministry dedicated to strengthening the souls of pastors, Christian leaders, and the congregations and organizations they serve (www.thetransformingcenter.org). A sought-after teacher, retreat leader, and trained spiritual director, Ruth is the author of numerous books and articles on the spiritual life.

Educated at Northern Seminary, the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and Loyola University Chicago Institute for Pastoral Studies, she has served on the pastoral staff of several churches including Willow Creek Community Church and is Professor of Spiritual Transformation at Northern Seminary.

EPISODE LINKS

@transformingctr on Instagram

www.ruthhaleybarton.com

www.transformingcenter.org

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Broken to Beloved with Brian Lee Sep 17, 2024

In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews pastor and thought leader Brian Lee about healing from church hurt.

Brian has a heart for those who feel like wanderers looking for a safe place to land. He has created an incredible community for anyone who has felt cast aside, betrayed, or hurt from religious institutions.

Brian is hosting a conference for pastors to learn how to be better trauma informed and how to create a safe place for their congregation and staff.

Also for any congregant looking to find healing and community he is hosting a gathering in late September (2024) which is going to be powerful.

BIO

Brian Lee is a pastor, coach, and speaker. As a survivor of spiritual abuse and religious trauma, he has spent his time since leaving vocational ministry in 2021 working to provide recovery and resources for fellow victims and survivors.

He has worked with individuals, churches, teams, and denominational groups. He offers coaching in areas of recovery and healing from spiritual abuse, deconstruction and reconstruction, discerning how to stay or leave an organization, and more. He has also led team workshops, seminars, and trainings, and has facilitated mediations.

EPISODE LINKS

Conference Website: https://www.brokentobeloved.org/conference

Brian's Website: https://www.brokentobeloved.org

Social Media: @brokentobeloved

@steveryancarter

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The Expectation Gap with Steve Cuss Aug 27, 2024

On this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with pastor, founder of Capable Life, and author Steve Cuss about the tiny gap for preachers between our beliefs and experiences of God.

Steve Cuss unpacks why this matters from theological, emotional, and character fronts, so we can begin to confront these gaps with curiosity and openness.

Steve Cuss offers us a way forward to not just help the pastor's spiritual well-being and experience of God, but to also invite your congregation into newfound depth and honesty with the Lord.

BIO

Steve Cuss is a pastor, former chaplain, and founder of Capable Life which helps people lower internal and relational anxiety in the work place and home place. Steve, his wife, Lisa, and two sons and a daughter live in Erie, Colorado.

EPISODE LINKS

@stevecusswords on Instagram, X and threads

www.stevecusswords.com

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Discipleship Opportunity with Daniel Im Aug 13, 2024

There is a discipleship opportunity right now that pastors and preachers must take advantage of. Pastor Daniel Im and Steve Carter discuss how we must understand the audience is different in our congregations than from 10, 20, 40 years ago. They’re asking different kinds of questions. They’re more cynical in some ways and wildly curious in others.

When our messages can invite people into the deeper streams, challenge them in the right ways, and truly wrestle with the questions they’re wondering about, we have a chance, a grand opportunity to disciple more and more people than ever before.

BIO

Daniel Im is a pastor, Bible teacher, writer, and podcast host with a passion for the local church. He is the Lead Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, Alberta, and the author of several books.

His latest book is The Discipleship Opportunity: Leading a Great-Commission Church in a Post-Everything World. He has also written No Silver Bullets: Five Small Shifts that will Transform Your Ministry, Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting Churches that Multiply (2nd Ed), and You Are What You Do: And Six Other Lies about Work, Life, and Love.

Daniel has an M.A. in Global Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary and has served and pastored in church plants and multisite churches ranging from 100 people to 50,000 people in Vancouver, Ottawa, Montreal, Korea, Edmonton, and Nashville.

EPISODE LINKS

New Book: The Discipleship Opportunity

@steveryancarter

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Healing What You Can’t Erase with Christopher Cook Jun 11, 2024

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews the Win Today Podcast host Christopher Cook about how leaders can transform their mental, emotional, and spiritual health from the inside out.

Christopher shares wisdom he has learned, how the reliance on the Holy Spirit is everything, and what courage looks like as you face past trauma.

This episode explores key insights from Cook’s new book Healing What You Can’t Erase and will give you some practical steps to partner with the Holy Spirit to take your next right step in your personal spiritual formation.

BIO

Christopher Cook is a leadership coach, author, and podcast host focused on transformation and wholeness. With an aptitude for strategy and execution, his ability to unearth clarity out of complexity drives his mission to help individuals and organizations thrive in their true identity. His work has appeared in outlets such as SUCCESS Magazine, and he has spent over a decade coaching leaders in both the marketplace and non-profit sectors. His weekly podcast, Win Today with Christopher Cook, equips wellness-minded listeners to move beyond the limitations of self-help, and instead, toward an integrated life of wholeness from the inside out. Pulling from his own experiences with adversity and personal transformation, these efforts, embodied by his passion for mental health, emotional health, and spiritual maturity, along with his educational credentials in business administration, leadership, and ministry, have led to helping people experience healing and transformation in their spirit, mind, and body.

EPISODE LINKS

@wintodaychris

Wintoday.tv

New Book: Healing what You Can't Erase

@steveryancarter

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How to Avoid Pastoral Burnout with Alan Briggs May 28, 2024

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews leader, coach, and author Alan Briggs about avoiding burnout and finishing the race well.

Alan recently released a new book called AntiBurnout that will help you lead for the long haul by sharing practical steps that he has learned advising pastors and business leaders. This episode is so practical and will help you take a good hard look within to see if how you are working today is actually going to work well for you in the seasons to come.

BIO

Alan Briggs helps CATALYTIC LEADERS leverage CATALYTIC MOMENTS for SYSTEMIC CHANGE. He serves businesses and nonprofits as a Leadership Coach, Sabbatical Coach, team consultant, podcaster, and speaker. He founded and leads Stay Forth Coaching to help leaders experience deep health and impact and create healthy cultures around them.

He curated the "Right Side up Journal" as a three-month journey to find healthy and proactive rhythms, and he uses it every day. His latest book AntiBurnout; a lighter way to live and lead in a heavy world invites leaders in any field to resist the pull toward exhaustion and overwhelm and experience lighter leadership. The principles, frameworks and tools in this book stem from 13 years of coaching leaders.

Alan's past books, Staying is the New Going, Guardrails, and Everyone's a Genius focus on specific areas to be faithful to your creative wiring and unique calling.

EPISODE LINKS

@alanbriggs on Instagram

Stayforth.com

New Book: AntiBurnout

@steveryancarter

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How to Love the Life You Already Have with Luke Norsworthy May 14, 2024

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Westover Hills Senior Pastor Luke Norsworthy about having the internal character to meet the six demands of life.

It can be so easy to give time and energy wondering if my life would be better if I was in a new role or at a new church; but Luke beautifully articulate to love the life you already have isn’t about changing your circumstances but being the version of yourself that inhibits your life.

Luke walks us through each of the six demands that he writes about in his new book How To Love The Life You Already Have.

BIO

Luke, his wife Lindsay, and their three daughters live in Austin, TX where Luke is the senior minister of the Westover Hills Church. He is the author of God over Good, Befriending Your Monsters, and How to Love the Life You Already Have. For a decade, he has hosted Norsworthy, a podcast that helps his listeners navigate faith in the modern world.

EPISODE LINKS

Luke's New Book: How to Love the Life You Already Have

Podcast: Norsworthy

Website: www.lukenorsworthy.com

His Church: Westover Hills Church

@lukeanorsworthy

@steveryancarter

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Grieve, Breathe, Receive with Steve Carter May 07, 2024

In this special episode, the host of the Craft & Character, Steve Carter, unpacks how holy weekend is an incredible gift to anyone walking out a grief journey.

Steve opens up about what led to him writing these words, what his hope is for Grieve, Breathe, Receive, and how to honor what comes up when change shows up.

This is a book that will help you know what to do when life shocks us or we experience hurt, loss, death, an end to a relationship, or any form of change.

Give this episode a listen and may it show you how to grieve with hope.

BIO

Steve Carter is the bestselling author of The Thing Beneath The Thing, host of the Craft and Character podcast, a coach to communicators who are looking to find their unique voice or take their next step of growth in speaking and teaches regularly at churches, conferences, and various businesses around the country. His next book Grieve, Breathe, Receive releases on May 7th, 2024. He is the former lead teaching pastor at Willow Creek Community Church and currently serves as the lead pastor at Forest City Church. Steve lives outside Chicago, Illinois, with his wife and two kids.

EPISODE LINKS

Books: Grieve, Breathe, Receive and The Thing Beneath The Thing

Social - @steveryancarter on IG, Twitter, and Threads

www.stevecarter.org

@craft_character

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The Slower Way with Micha Boyett Apr 26, 2024

In this Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews author and youth pastor Micha Boyett about her new book Blessed Are The Rest Of Us.

Micha talks about how she discovered the slow way when her son was born with Down Syndrome and later diagnosed with autism, she was drawn into the ancient teachings of the Beatitudes.

In a culture that values performance, perfection, and strength, Micha found in this small passage of ancient text a new language to honor the worth of her son and to push against the intrinsic ableism in our culture’s response to disability: blessed—whole—are the weak ones, the grieving ones, the ones who long for peace, the misunderstood.

In other words, blessed are the rest of us, who will never live up to the world’s exacting standards. Micha shares what this could look like fully embodied in our churches today.

BIO

Micha Boyett is an award winning podcaster, as well as a writer and speaker. In addition to Blessed Are The Rest of Us, she is the author of Found: A Story of Questions, Grace, and Everyday Prayer and a contributor to the New York Times bestseller A Rhythm of Prayer, edited by Sarah Bessey. She cohosts The Lucky Few podcast and is the creator and host of The Slow Way podcast.

EPISODE LINKS

Book: Blessed Are the Rest of Us

@micahboyett on Instagram and Threads

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Why Every Pastor Must Learn to Listen, Listen, Speak with Jay Kim Apr 09, 2024

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews author and pastor Jay Kim about how to hear God’s voice and communicate truth in a noisy world.

Jay unpacks what led him to write his new book that comes out on April 16th called Listen, Listen, Speak. He talks about how discernment, mastering the art of listening well to God and one another, and also being able to clearly speak to the times is important for every preacher.

Jay is one of the wisest, most thoughtful and accessible pastoral voices of our day. His insights will help you in your time alone with God, leading one-on-one meetings with staff, congregants, elders as well as helping to best engage, respond, and speak order into the chaos.

BIO

Jay Y. Kim serves as lead pastor at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley of California and is the author of Listen, Listen, Speak (Faithwords, 2024), Analog Christian (IVP, 2022), and Analog Church (IVP, 2020). Jay is also host of the Digital Examen podcast and the Making Space podcast.

EPISODE LINKS

Jay’s new book: Listen, Listen, Speak: Hearing God and Being Heard in a Noisy World

Jay’s other books: Analog Church, Analog Christian

Website: jaykimthinks.com

@jaykimthinks

@steveryancarter

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Alive in You with Carrington Gaines Mar 26, 2024

The relationship between a worship pastor and the preacher is crucial, especially on holiday weekends. In the latest episode of the Craft and Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews the worship pastor at Forest City Church, Carrington Gaines about how to work well together.

Steve and Carrington serve together and breakdown how they planned out the Good Friday and Easter services around the song “Alive in You.” They talk about the trust required between preacher and worship pastor, how to dream, push each other, and bring out the best in one another.

Carrington shares his process of writing a song as they break down the lyrics of "Alive in You."

BIO

Carrington Gaines is a husband, father, artist, songwriter, and a lover of all things Buffalo Bills related. He is the worship director at Forest City Church in Rockford & Elgin, Illinois, where they create spaces for anyone and everyone to encounter Jesus in the most authentic way they can!

EPISODE LINKS:

Worship Page: https://linktr.ee/forestcityworship

Website: https://www.carringtongaines.com

IG: @forestcityworship

IG: @carrington_gaines

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A Call to Resilience with Jay Hewitt Mar 12, 2024

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews pastor and author Jay Hewitt about finding strength in our deepest need and weakness.

A few years back Jay was diagnosed with brain cancer and during his chemo treatment he decided to train for an Ironman to show his young daughter what resilience looks like. Jay ended up completing the Ironman and wrote an incredible book called “I Am Weak, I Am Strong” about what God has taught him during this fight with cancer.

Steve and Jay stood in each other's weddings, are dear friends, and this episode is one of the most moving because of how personal, tender, and difficult as Jay shares the reality that the brain cancer has returned.

BIO

Jay Hewitt is a pastor, author, and motivational speaker whose life journey is an awe-inspiring testimony of courage and faith. Diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at thirty-seven, he found strength through God, embracing his purpose as a storyteller. In his memoir, I Am Weak, I Am Strong, Jay shares his extraordinary quest to become an IRONMAN while battling cancer.

EPISODE LINKS

Book: I Am Weak, I Am Strong

Website: www.jayhewitt.org

Social: @jayhewitt

@steveryancarter

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Transparent Preaching with Justin Davis Feb 27, 2024

In this episode of Craft and Character, Steve Carter interviews Justin Davis about how transparency leads to transformation. Justin details the hard lessons he had to learn and what God has redeemed and refined because of it.

They also unpack Justin’s latest book entitled Being Real > Being Perfect and how to embody that from the pulpit, in our leadership, marriage, and with the deepest friendships.

BIO

Justin is an author, speaker, and pastor and has dedicated his life to helping people experience life change through the power of authenticity. He co-founded RefineUs Ministries and is the author of the Being Real > Being Perfect: How Transparency Leads to Transformation and co-author of Beyond Ordinary: When a Good Marriage Just Isn't Good Enough, which he wrote alongside his wife, Trisha.

EPISODE LINKS

Sermon Series - https://www.refineus.org/greatersermons

Book - Being Real > Being Perfect: How Transparency Leads to Transformation

Instagram - @justindavis33

Website - www.refineus.com

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Lent and Sobriety with Jenn Kautsch Feb 13, 2024

In this episode of Craft and Character, Steve interviews author Jenn Kautsch, who is the founder and creator of the SoberSis community. They talk about the season of Lent, what being sober curious is all about and how to renegotiate our relationship with alcohol.

Jenn opens up about showing up to church many Sunday mornings a little foggy from the night before. You would have never known this was an issue, but Jenn knew she was relying on something other than Christ to help get her through.

Jenn shares practical wisdom for what pastors can say and embody to help people in their congregation walking through this season.

BIO

Jenn Kautsch is the founder and creator of the SoberSis community and leader in the "Sober Curious" movement. SoberSis was "born" Christmas Day of 2017 and since then more than 200K women have downloaded her free "Happy Hour Survival Guide" and over 30K have participated in the 21 Day Reset Challenge. Those numbers are growing every month as she works hard to get the message out to more women! She is a motivational speaker and author of Look Alive, Sis.

EPISODE LINKS

Website: https://www.sobersis.com/home38426642

Blog: https://www.sobersisblog.com/

IG: @sobersis

Free Happy Hour Survival Guide

Jenn's Book: Look Alive, Sis!

@steveryancarter

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The Spirit of Politics with Michael Wear Jan 23, 2024

The majority of pastors are not looking forward to this 2024 presidential election season. The division between parties. The vitriol online. The angst within the congregation. The last few elections have been so difficult to navigate. There has to be a better way!

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Michael Wear who is the President of The Center of Christianity and Public Life as well as the author of The Spirit of Our Politics. Michael shares how Dallas Willard’s teachings helped him understand a better way to engage with politics.

This interview will help pastors reframe the conversation of politics as an invitation for spiritual formation and how our depth with Christ will help us heal, bring hope, unite, and showcase the kind of goodness that Christ embodied.

EPISODE LINKS

Website: MichaelWear.com

IG: @michaelwear

X: @michaelrwear

Michael's Book: The Spirit of Our Politics

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Hidden Wisdom of the Beatitudes with Mark Scandrette Jan 09, 2024

As we kick off 2024, Mark Scandrette offers up profound wisdom from the nine sayings of Jesus from the Beatitudes. It’s what Mark writes about in his latest book, The Ninefofd Path of Jesus. This episode is an invitation to the postures that the beatitudes provide us personally but also how to communicate these from pulpit. Mark unpacks his preaching methodology, how he arranges a sermon to be practice focused to help the congregation try on the concept.

EPISODE LINKS

Mark’s book: T he Ninefold Path of Jesus

Website: www.markscandrette.com

The Ninefold Path website: https://ninefoldpath.org/

IG: @scandrette

@steveryancarter

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Start to Finish with Mark Dance Dec 26, 2023

Do you ever feel like the tyranny of the urgent runs your life? Do you ever feel shame for wanting to take a day off or go on a vacation?

As pastors, the needs are great and time is limited. Sadly, for many this means neglecting the things that matter most: our relationship with God, family, and the health of our souls.

In this episode, Mark Dance, Director of Pastoral Wellness for Guidestone Financial Resources, explains to Steve Carter that orienting our lives around the two greatest commandments一loving God and neighbor一can be a joyful, restful experience. To deny yourself, as Jesus commands, doesn’t mean you should neglect yourself.

In his new book, Start to Finish, Mark explains how to reclaim the life God wants for you as a leader一a life defined by balance, peace, friendship, rest, and wisdom.

Every dollar from book sales go to Mission:Dignity, an organization that honors retirement-age ministers, workers, and widows struggling to meet basic needs through advocacy and financial assistance.

EPISODE LINKS

Mark’s books: Start to Finish: The Pastor’s Guide to Leading a Resilient Life and Ministry

Website: https://markdance.net

Guidestone: https://www.guidestone.org/

@markdance

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Good Baggage for the Holidays with Ike Miller Dec 12, 2023

How much does your upbringing influence your life now? The answer for all of us is ... more than we realize.

In today’s episode, Ike Miller一who pastors Bright City Church alongside his wife Sharon一shares about his new book called Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships.

Growing up in a dysfunctional family impacted by alcoholism and divorce, Ike shares firsthand wisdom about:

Cultivating a regular rhythm of counseling.
Why saying no is necessary to stay healthy.
How to stop editing our identity to please others.
How to prioritize rest and resist the idol of success.
How to build a healthy church and home culture.

During the holidays一a season laden with complex family dynamics and packed schedules一let this episode remind you that God is with you, loves you, and is working through your story.

EPISODE LINKS

Ike’s book: Good Baggage

Website: https://ikemiller.com

Church: Bright City Church

@ikefmiller

@steveryancarter

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The Shepherd's Heart with Lee Eclov Nov 28, 2023

Every pastor needs a pastor一someone to offer wisdom, empathy, and an example of finishing well. Lee Eclov is a shepherd to shepherds, and in this episode he shares with Steve Carter:

How to care more about people and less about numbers.
The role of spiritual formation in preaching.
The importance of working through a text in your own soul before you preach.
Why thinking of Scripture as a song will enrich your preaching.
How to write sermons that touch people’s minds and hearts.

If you’re a pastor, please don’t miss this episode! Lee’s voice resounds with grace, is seasoned from decades of ministry, and offers countless insights that will help you finish well.

EPISODE LINKS

Lee’s books: Shepherding the Shepherd: Devotions for a Pastor’s Soul

Website: https://leeeclov.com

Sign-Up for Lee Eclov's Weekly Pastor's Devotional Newsletter: https://newsletters.christianitytoday.com/preachingtoday/subscribe.html

@leeeclov

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AI, Ethics, and Preaching with Jason Thacker Nov 14, 2023

As the world continues to progress technologically, how do we begin to approach this theologically. Jason Thacker, a professor of ethics and author joins Steve Carter on the craft and character podcast to help us better understand what is at stake and what we can do about it. Technology is not a net neutral conversation; but rather one we must approach with greater wisdom and discernment. With the advent of AI and other technological advancements, we as preachers have an opportunity to help our people understand what formation, ethics, and life in the kingdom truly looks like

Jason Thacker serves as an assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a senior fellow in Christian ethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is the author of several books including Following Jesus in a Digital Age and The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. He also serves as the editor of The Digital Public Square: Christian Ethics in a Technological Society and co-editor of the Essentials in Christian Ethics series with B&H Academic. He is the project leader and lead drafter of Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles.

EPISODE LINKS

Website - jasonthacker.com

Books - Following Jesus in a Digital Age, The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity

@jasonthacker

@steveryancarter

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Discerning the Times with Jon Huckins Oct 31, 2023

As headlines convulse with the latest news about the Israel-Hamas war, how should followers of Jesus respond?

Jon Huckins, professor, author, and founder of Journey Home, shares with Steve Carter about what peacemaking looks like一first in our own hearts, then in the world God calls us to love. This convicting conversation point us toward the way of Jesus, helping us see the image of God in people on all sides of the conflict.

Jon and Steve, who recently hiked the Camino de Santiago together, reflect on the lost art of pilgrimage and how it helps us relinquish control, reawaken to the Spirit’s movement, forgive, and rest in the love of God. This inner work, in which we allow God to calm the storm inside, is the first step toward spreading peace around us.

Ultimately, the conflict is not a call to coldly evaluate political and religious “sides.” It’s an invitation to pray fervently for all people, inviting the Spirit to transform us in the process.

EPISODE LINKS

Jon’s organization

Website: https://jonhuckins.net

Journey Home

Jon’s books: Mending the Divides, Thin Places, Teaching Through the Art of Storytelling

@jonhuckins

@steveryancarter

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A Church Planter's First Sermon Series with Micah E. Davis Oct 10, 2023

As a leader, how well do you know your people and city? As a preacher, how much does your context shape your content?

For Micah Davis, the pastor of teaching and vision at a new church plant, The Sanctuary in Indianapolis, there’s a deep connection between who he serves and how he leads. After hearing God whisper “pastor your neighborhood” during a prayer walk, he’s ignited by the realization that God raises up particular people in specific places一a vision that excites and fuels his church plant.

In this conversation with Steve Carter, Micah highlights some key aspects of planting a church, especially in a Gen Z, urban context:

How to lead people into spiritual formation, not just more information.
How to choose your first sermon series.
The profound role of prayer一something that’s easy to overlook.
Why it’s important to exegete your city一to know its hurts and strengths.

This conversation will rekindle your heart for the place and people God is calling you to lead and teach.

Also, check out Micah’s forthcoming book: Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God’s Purpose For Your Life.

EPISODE LINKS

Micah’s books: Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God’s Purpose For Your Life

Website: https://www.micahedavis.com/

Church: https://sanctuaryindy.com/

@micahedavis

The book Micah mentions: Joshua Becker, The More of Less

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Reconnect to the Rhythms of Faith with Kayla Craig Sep 26, 2023

If you’re a parent, how do you nurture and guide your children? If you’re a pastor or leader, are you truly creating an environment that draws kids to Jesus? The responsibility of stewarding young hearts can feel immense, but the good news is: you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Today’s guest is author Kayla Craig, whose new book, Every Season Sacred, is a collection of practical tools and reflective prayers to help families build a culture of discipleship in the ebb and flow of everyday life.

Kayla speaks candidly with Steve Carter about the chaos of family schedules and the mystery of finding God in the midst of daily commutes, fast food drive-thrus, and the scattered moments of the day一all of which are opportunities to be intentional with our kids. This episode will inspire and equip you to lead your children well, in a way that works best for your stage of life.

EPISODE LINKS

Kayla’s books: Every Season Sacred, To Light Their Way

Website: https://kaylacraig.com/

@kayla_craig

@steveryancarter

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How Every Church Can Pivot to Be Tov with Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer Sep 12, 2023

How do we call out injustice and seek shalom without becoming self-righteous?

In their new book, Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church Into a Tov Culture, father-daughter duo Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer follow up their previous book, A Church Called Tov一charting a course for those seeking to create a healthier church culture.

In this episode, they share with Steve Carter:

How healthier churches exist when leaders listen to the Spirit and surrender to his leading.
How to build a church culture in which power is stewarded, not abused; where people are shepherded, not manipulated; where leadership is accountable, not untouchable.
How to diagnose the health of your heart and team, even when everything looks “put-together” externally.
How to respond thoughtfully to abuse and scandal in the digital age.

This book is a must-read for any pastor, leader, discipler, human, who aches to see the church become tov.

EPISODE LINKS

Scot and Laura’s co-written books: Pivot, A Church Called Tov

Laura’s website: https://www.laurabarringer.net/

Scot’s Substack: https://scotmcknight.substack.com/

https://www.churchcalledtov.org/

@scotmcknight

@laurambarringer

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Art of Rhetoric in Preaching with Theon Hill Aug 22, 2023

Want to become a better preacher? Listen to hip hop.

That’s the advice of Dr. Theon Hill一an enthusiastic hip hop fan who serves as Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College. As an expert in rhetoric, Dr. Hill explains to Steve Carter:

The three primary ways to reach an audience
How to anticipate and teach to diverse perspectives in your audience
Why preaching is about transformation, not just information
Why hip hop is a great primer for preaching in our cultural moment

Throughout this episode, Dr. Hill walks Steve Carter through Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, highlighting simple principles every preacher can put into immediate practice. As the 60th anniversary of King’s famous address arrives on August 28th, Preaching Today invites you to celebrate “Share the Dream Sunday.”

EPISODE LINKS

The Jazz of Preaching by Kirk Byron Jones

Share the Dream Sunday resources from Preaching Today

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Preaching Faith as a Spider Web with Meredith Miller Aug 08, 2023

Teaching kids about God is one of the greatest tasks of our lives. Even with good intentions, It’s easy to slip into behavior-driven moralism that emphasizes good behavior while neglecting the heart of God.

This disconnect一between head and heart一is why Meredith Anne Miller wrote her forthcoming book, Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From. In this episode, she explains to Steve Carter some of the simple shifts that can help you disciple kids better:

Simplify: limit the amount of info and the length of the lesson
Age appropriate: emphasize ideas kids can actually grasp developmentally
Make God the focus more than “what kids should do”

Kids are not an afterthought in our ministry; they are first in line to the Kingdom. Does your ministry reflect Jesus’ heart to disciple children? This episode will help you get there.

EPISODE LINKS

Meredith’s book: Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From

Website: meredithannemiller.com

Church: Pomona Valley Church

Ask Away podcast

@meredithannemiller

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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When the World Breaks with Jason Miller Jul 25, 2023

The world is broken. When we see and feel that brokenness, it sometimes feels impossible一even illogical一to cling to faith. In this episode, Jason Miller, lead pastor of South Bend City Church in Indiana, describes his own journey with loss and how it led him past hollow platitudes into a deeper, more sacred space with Jesus.

His new book, When the World Breaks: The Surprising Hope and Subversive Promises in the Teachings of Jesus, is a refreshing reminder that God’s love sustains us in life’s darkest seasons.

Weary of injustice? Aching for renewal, in yourself and the world? Wondering why you can’t shake the sting of loss or disappointment? In this conversation with Steve Carter, Jason unpacks how the beatitudes opened his eyes afresh to the wonder of Jesus.

This podcast, along with Jason’s book, will remind you that you can bring your full self to God, knowing that一in Jesus, Immanuel一you always have his full heart.

EPISODE LINKS

Jason’s books: When the World Breaks

Website: jasonadammiller.com

Church: South Bend City Church

@jasonadammiller

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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How to Reach Urban Youth with Tommy Nixon Jul 08, 2023

Steve Carter chops it up with his best friend Tommy Nixon一CEO of the Urban Youth Workers Institute一about how to reach the next generation for Christ. Tommy unpacks 20+ years of urban ministry, including:

What to do about the 1.2 million young people leaving the church every year
How to communicate effectively to a church that’s increasingly young, urban, and multiethnic
The two key ingredients for communicating to urban youth
Why suffering must shape our lives and message
How to use humor to connect with your audience, deliver hard truths, and show humility
Why honest feedback is crucial for your soul

Tommy’s voice is punchy and prophetic, courageous and catalytic. This episode will equip you to love your neighbor and communicate the gospel like never before.

EPISODE LINKS

Website: www.tommynixon.org

Urban Youth Worker Institute: uywi.org

Tommy’s Church: www.onelifecitychurch.org

Where Tommy got his stats: www.greatopportunity.org

@tommyuywi

@uywi

@onelifecitychurch

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Having Something to Say with Michele Cushatt Jun 27, 2023

Every communicator must decide: Am I going to be the person pretending I don’t have flaws, or am I going to be someone with something to say?

For Michele Cushatt一author, speaker, and communication coach一three bouts with tongue cancer, which left her with only two-thirds of her tongue and a permanent lisp, have taught her it’s the foundation of her life, not a polished facade, that makes her a transformative communicator.

Michele’s conversation with Steve Carter explores the unwanted pain life inevitably brings and the healing work God does in the midst of it. Drawing from her own story, vulnerable about her own weakness, Michele usher us onto the holy ground between despair and denial一where we can lament, rejoice, and speak with conviction that only comes from abiding in Jesus.

How can you build a stronger faith foundation? Pick up a copy of her book, A Faith That Will Not Fail, which unpacks ten simple practices to connect you with God.

EPISODE LINKS

Michele’s books: A Faith That Will Not Fail, Relentless, I Am, Undone

Website: https://michelecushatt.com

@michelecushatt

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Master the Art of Storytelling with Nick Benoit and Paul Johnson Jun 13, 2023

If you’ve ever felt creatively fatigued from the demand to preach week after week, meet Bravingbird: a go-to resource to help you communicate the gospel story with more clarity, beauty, and authenticity.

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Nick Benoit (creative director) and Paul Johnson (executive director) about why the art of storytelling is a powerful communication tool for churches and organizations:

Storytelling makes room for artists in the church who are often overlooked and undervalued.
Storytelling pierces our defenses, moving truth from head to heart.
How preachers can tell stories with more impact.
The lingering potency of stories in an age of information overload.

Jesus told a lot of stories一to answer questions, field criticism, and teach profound truth. If compelling narratives flowed from the greatest teacher in human history, shouldn’t pastors today be experts in the craft of storytelling too?

EPISODE LINKS

Website: https://www.bravingbird.com

@bravingbird

YouTube channel Watch Nick performing “Stronger Stuff” at Willow Creek

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Find Healthier Ways to Preach on Sex with Sheila Wray Gregoire May 23, 2023

Sex is designed by God to be a gift, but tragically, it’s horribly misused to objectify women一not only in the world at-large一but also in the church. In this episode, Sheila Wray Gregoire, author of The Great Sex Rescue, She Deserves Better, and The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex, explains some heartbreaking trends in evangelicalism:

Why sex has become about male entitlement and female obligation, rather than an mutual expression of intimacy and pleasure
How gender stereotypes about sexual drive and wiring have damaged women
What many of the prominent evangelical books and curriculums about sex get terribly wrong (and the cost of those mistakes)

Based on years of extensive research, Sheila also explains to Steve Carter how the church can recover from the blunders of purity culture:

How the church can talk about sex in a healthy way
Tips for pastors offering premarital counseling
Advice for honeymooning couples who feel crippled by pressure to perform on their first night together
Five essentials to help align a couple’s libido in a way that’s considerate, not manipulative

God’s heart for us, sex included, is to find healing and wholeness. So listen well. Learn. Pray that God’s Spirit will transform the broken perceptions and practices we subconsciously (or intentionally) embody. It’s only when we recognize (and repent of) what’s marred and broken that we can savor what’s beautiful.

EPISODE LINKS

Sheila’s books: The Great Sex Rescue, She Deserves Better, The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex

Her ministry: Bare Marriage

Website: https://sheilawraygregoire.com

@sheilagregoire

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Finding Streams in the Wasteland with Andrew Arndt May 09, 2023

Andrew Arndt had an airtight plan for his life: keep preaching at the same church as lead pastor until his final breath. But when God led him out of his small, artsy community into a megachurch, while grateful for his new assignment, he found himself disoriented and mourning the loss of his former role.

That’s when a friend recommended, “You should read the Desert Fathers and Mothers.” So he did, and it changed everything.

The Desert fathers show us that in the midst of disorientation is an invitation一not to suppress what’s inside, but to welcome God into it. Andrew explains to Steve Carter some of his key learnings, which will help anyone struggling through a disorienting season:

How simple gratitude reconnects us to God
Why embracing the mystery of God frees us from ego-driven expectations
How to preach deeply and supplant the superficiality of our age
How to replace perfunctory preaching with Scripture-sparked fire

Many of us long to benefit from the wisdom of the Desert Fathers, but aren’t sure where to begin. This episode, along with Andrew’s book, Streams in the Wasteland, will plunge you into their world. Chances are, like Andrew, you’ll never be the same.

EPISODE LINKS

Andrew’s book: Streams in the Wasteland, All Flame

The book he read about the Desert Fathers/Mothers: Sayings of the Desert Fathers

Website: https://andrewarndt.com

Church: https://north.newlifechurch.org

@theandrewarndt

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Preaching the Centrality of Christ with James Forsyth Apr 25, 2023

Every time James Forsyth preaches, his goal is to set hearts ablaze一like Jesus in Luke 24, when he opened the scriptures with his disciples and their “hearts burned within them.”

As the senior pastor at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN, James is not interested in conjuring a response in himself or his people but wants to genuinely encounter the living God through Scripture.

In this episode, James explains some of his best preaching practices一from prep to delivery一with Steve Carter:

● How and why to schedule your preaching calendar for the whole year

● How to use your theological chops without getting too technical in the pulpit

● How to preach with clarity so people can follow you

● Why the last 10% of message prep makes all the difference

● Why preaching is just as formative for the preacher as it is for the congregation

EPISODE LINKS

James’ podcast: Live Deeply

Church: Cedar Springs Presbyterian

@jameswforsyth

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Having Words with God with Addison Bevere Apr 11, 2023

Prayer is the one thing we know we’re supposed to do, but often the thing we don’t know how to do一or if we’re 100% honest一the thing we don’t always want to do.

In this episode, Steve Carter talks with Addison Bevere, who’s forthcoming book Words with God tackles questions like: How should we pray? Why isn’t God answering? Why do other Christians seem to hear from God daily, while we experience silence?

Drawing from the prayers of Jesus himself, he also offers practical pointers: our prayers should be specific, steadfast, and surrendered. And yet, Addison reminds us that prayer is not a formula, but rather an invitation to wrestle with the God who loves us. This conversation will equip and encourage you to seek God in new ways, trusting that he is for you.

EPISODE LINKS

Addison’s new book: Words with God: Trading Boring, Empty Prayer for Real Connection

Other books: Saints: Becoming More Than “Christians”

Website: addisonbevere.com

@addisonbevere

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Preaching Theology for Everyone with Joel Muddamalle Mar 28, 2023

Knowledge often produces hubris, not humility, which is why Joel Muddamalle is such a refreshing theological voice. As the Director of Theology and Research for Proverbs 31 Ministries, and a preaching pastor at Transformation Church in South Carolina, his passion is to show how theology can be lived out in everyday life.

With grandparents who were missionaries in India, and parents who immigrated to the U.S., Joel grew up learning how to toggle between two social-ethnic worlds. He masterfully brings this cultural sensitivity to the Bible一a Book which feels foreign to many people一and helps translate the ancient world of Scripture into modern terms people can understand and apply.

Joel was part of a feedback forum for Steve Carter’s most recent book, The Thing Beneath the Thing, where they discovered a mutual love for Scripture and communication. In this episode, they chop it up about how to responsibly approach historical context in a passage, balancing confidence with humility, and why it’s important to surround yourself with people who know and love you apart from any platform or achievement.

EPISODE LINKS

Website: https://muddamalle.com

Church: https://transformationchurch.tc

Proverbs 31 Ministries: https://proverbs31.org

@muddamalle

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Becoming Strong Like Water with Aundi Kolber Mar 14, 2023

Back by popular demand, author and therapist Aundi Kolber shares about her forthcoming book, Strong Like Water. This book debunks stoic, soul-depleting platitudes like “No pain, no gain,” instead showing that healing from trauma is only possible through freedom, safety, and compassion.

Aundi masterfully integrates psychology, neurology, and theology, and explains to Steve Carter three categories of strength: situational, transitional, and integrated. Steve and Aundi also reflect on how Jesus dignified pain一and entered into it himself一rather than denying it. If God himself engaged with the full spectrum of human emotion, as the church we must follow his example.

Whether navigating your own trauma, or as someone who longs to love people more deeply, Aundi is a seasoned guide who offers brilliant insights, along with practical resources and rhythms to implement in everyday life.

EPISODE LINKS

Aundi’s new book: Strong Like Water

Other books: Try Softer

Website: aundikolber.com

@aundikolber

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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A More Accessible Theology with Ricky Jenkins Feb 28, 2023

UPDATE: Audio has been updated from the previous version. So, if you were only able to listen to the first 7 minutes, now you can hear the entire episode.

For Ricky Jenkins, lead pastor at Southwest Church in Indian Wells, CA, preaching is “an exchange between heaven and earth.”

He explains how diligent prep overlaps with sensitivity to the Spirit during the sermon一just as jazz music riffs freely while still submitting to the key to a song. Growing up in the black church taught him how to lean into the text while also leaning into the room. Like Paul, Ricky strives to not only share the gospel with his people, but also his very life (1 Thess. 2:8).

As a fourth-generation pastor, Ricky explains to Steve Carter the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy for your children一not a legacy built on likes, livestream stats, or church size一but one of simple, consistent fidelity to God’s Word over decades.

At the end of his race, Ricky hopes to hand his children a Bible saying, “Here you go. I’ve kept it intact. Your turn.”

Also, check out a special worship song: "Imagine" by Carrington Gaines. May this song bless you, as we eagerly anticipate Easter.

EPISODE LINKS

Church: Southwest Church

@rickyjenkins

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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4 Commitments of Preachers with Jared E. Alcántara Feb 14, 2023

Some people transport us beyond our blind spots and comfort zones一introducing us to a chorus of diverse voices echoing across God’s kingdom, from both church history and our own age.

Jared Alcantara is one of those guides.

Growing up in a bi-cultural home in a diverse low-income neighborhood, and now as Professor of Preaching at Truett Theological Seminary, his homiletics classes prominently feature Black, Latino(a), and Asian North American preachers. He’s written two books on one of his preaching heroes, Gardner C. Taylor.

Jared talks with Steve Carter about his book, The Practices of Christian Preaching, which offers four practical ways to grow as a communicator:

Focused Attention
Concrete Goals
Constructive Feedback
Willingness to Take Risks

Jared explains that, although receiving feedback is vulnerable and humbling, no preacher, regardless of pedigree, can avoid plateauing without it. Ultimately, growth is not about accruing accolades or platform building: it’s so listeners will see and savor the beauty of God and the gospel.

EPISODE LINKS

Jared’s books about Gardner Taylor:

Learning From A Legend: What Gardner C. Taylor Can Teach Us About Preaching

Crossover Preaching(his dissertation)

Preaching Today article on Gardner C. Taylor: "Learning from a Legend"

Jared’s other books:

The Practices of Christian Preaching: Essentials For Effective Proclamation

How To Preach Proverbs

Book by Matthew Kim & Daniel Wong:

Finding Our Voice: A Vision For Asian North American Preaching

Book by K. Anders Ericsson:

Peak: How All of Us Can Achieve Extraordinary Things

Truett Seminary

@jaredealcantara

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Developing a Preacher's Hermeneutic with Joe Grana Jan 24, 2023

In this special episode, Steve Carter talks to one of his mentors, Dr. Joe Grana, a longtime professor and dean at Hope International University, and currently a teaching pastor at The Refinery Christian Church in Arizona.

Dr. Grana explains the importance of hermeneutics (the process of interpreting Scripture) and how it rescues teachers from the highly subjective “reader’s response” approach to Bible study. Rather than shoehorning a passage into what we think it means, preachers can discover its original (and timeless) meaning by following three basic steps:

Observation
Interpretation
Application

After showing these three steps in action, using Luke 4:14-21 as his anchor text, Dr. Grana shares his vision for 2023: to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

EPISODE LINKS

Church: The Refinery Church

Books recommended by Dr. Grana:

Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes

Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

RELATED PREACHING TODAY RESOURCES

Human Authors, Words of the Spirit, and Preaching Christ, by David E. Prince

A Preacher's Temptation: Forgetting or Neglecting Basic Hermeneutical Practices, by Douglas Sean O'Donnell

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Preaching with No Regrets with Steve Sonderman Jan 10, 2023

“Ministry to men is on their time, their turf, and their agenda.”

Steve Sonderman first heard those words from a mentor, and after pastoring at Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin for 34 years, serving as a chaplain for the Milwaukee Brewers, and launching No Regrets Men’s Ministry, he’s spent over three decades equipping the church to effectively disciple men.

He currently serves as the president of No Regrets full-time, and this year marks the 30-year anniversary of the organization’s annual men’s conference. Steve Carter listens to the fascinating story of how the conference began, and how its impact reaches far beyond a single day, through a leadership cohort designed to disciple men for a whole year after the event.

Steve Sonderman also drops some time-tested wisdom on how to engage men from the pulpit, including things like: relevance, relatable stories, authenticity, and application. Ultimately, his goal is to reach men for Jesus, root them in Jesus, release them for kingdom impact, and reproduce them as leaders in life.

You can find info on how to host or attend the No Regrets Men’s Conference here.

EPISODE LINKS

Steve’s books: How To Build a Life-Changing Men’s Ministry, Mobilizing Men for 1-on-1 Ministry

@noregretsmen

noregretsconference.org

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Preaching on Mission with Jordan Gustafson + Andrew Richards Dec 27, 2022

What topic is on every page of the Bible?

The answer is MISSION: God’s heart to seek and save those who are not yet a part of his family. This mission is not just something we read about in Scripture一it’s happening right now, and you can be a part of it!

In this final episode of 2022, Steve Carter, along with his friends at Food For the Hungry (FH), ask you to donate to the severe famine impacting 36 million people in Africa. Every 36 seconds, someone will die from hunger-related causes. As God’s people, we can make a difference!

Donate to FH’s Africa relief efforts HERE.

Steve Carter talks with Jordan Gustafson (Director of Organizational Partnerships) and Andrew Richards (Organizational Partnerships Manager) about FH’s mission to help impoverished communities around the world become self-sustaining. This episode is packed with practical wisdom about how to love and help those in need, whether they live next door or across the globe.

EPISODE LINKS

Donate to Africa here.

Website: www.fh.org

@food4thehungry

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Preaching Funnel with Jarrett Stevens Dec 13, 2022

Most communicators know the agony of staring at scattered notes, wondering how to shape them into a compelling message.

Enter Jarrett Stevens, lead pastor Soul City Church in Chicago, who has spent 25 years honing his writing and outline process into what he now affectionately calls the “funnel of love.” Rather than a predictable formula, the funnel is like a trellis, undergirding messages with a thoughtful structure, while also letting them thrive in the freedom of the Spirit.

Steve Carter asks Jarrett about how to balance levity and gravitas: When should we use humor in sermons? And when should we hold back? They also chat about Jarrett’s helpful training course: The Communicator’s Masterclass.

EPISODE LINKS

Website: jarrettstevens.com

Church: soulcitychurch.com

@jarrettstevens

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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How to Preach Advent Like Never Before with Vanessa Stricker Nov 22, 2022

For a lot of people, the holidays are physically frenetic, emotionally overwhelming, and spiritually distracting. Few slow down long enough to ponder what’s happening in their own souls, or to give more than a passing thought to the significance of this season: God coming to earth.

That’s why Steve Carter is excited to introduce you to an incredible Advent devotional, written by his good friend Vanessa Stricker, who is the Pastor of Peacemaking and Justice at One Life City Church in Fullerton, California.

Advent Reflections earnestly reminds individuals and families that hope, love, joy, and peace come from the God who does not shrink back from lament or suffering, but willingly embraces it to bring light into darkness. With Advent just days away, this is a great resource to guide you through the coming season, so that you might experience his nearness.

EPISODE LINKS

Buy Vanessa’s Advent Reflections here.

Vanessa’s blog: onthesideofgrace.com

Church: onelifecitychurch.org

@onthesideofgrace

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

PREACHING TODAY CHRISTMAS RESOURCES

My Favorite Christmas Theme: Create Meaningful and Memorable Christmas Services, by Bri Johns

Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem: As a Christian I love Christmas; but as a Preacher I dread it, by Paul Hoffman

Preach Nothing New This Christmas ... And It Will Be Novel: Do we always have to find a new spin on the Christmas story?, by Mandy Smith

Christmas and the Minor Prophets: For Advent let the 12 Minor Prophets lead us to Christmas, by Taylor Turkington

Mary Christmas!: Exploring the lives of the 4 Marys in the Christmas story, by Scott M. Gibson

Christmas Holiday Resource Page

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Preaching to a Divided Nation with Paul A. Hoffman Nov 08, 2022

The 2022 midterm elections, like most political events in our age, will undoubtedly spark new fires of division in our country一not only in the nation at large, but sadly, within the church. Enter Paul A. Hoffman, the lead pastor of Evangelical Friends Church in Newport, Rhode Island, and co-author of a new book: Preaching To A Divided Nation: A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity.

Steve Carter asks Paul to walk through the seven crucial steps every Christian can take to live out the reconciliation-filled power of the gospel. In this click-bait-laden, polarized cultural moment, these steps help us start conversations rooted in what bonds us, not what divides us.

EPISODE LINKS

Paul’s books: Preaching To A Divided Nation, Reconciling Places

Church: efcnewport.com

@pastorhoffman

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

Paul's Christmas Preaching Article: Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem

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How Every Preacher Must Fan the Flame with Jim Cymbala Oct 25, 2022

In his new book, Fan the Flame: Let Jesus Renew Your Calling and Revive Your Church, Jim Cymbala distills the Spirit-fueled, Bible-saturated ethos of his 50+ years in ministry. As Steve Carter affectionately quips, "Jim is like a firehose of passion and wisdom."

In this episode, Jim explains why Acts 20 is the “spiritual selfie” every pastor should aspire to. He pushes back against the church growth movement一which is consumeristic in its mission and methods一instead imploring pastors to preach the full counsel of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the singular purpose of pointing people to Christ.

Jim offers a practical picture of his daily devotions, which includes a mixture of devotionals, Scripture, singing, and prayer. Rather than formulaic, his routine reminds novices and veterans alike that, above all, the call of every pastor is to spend time with God.

EPISODE LINKS

Jim’s new book: Fan the Flame

Jim’s other books: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, Spiritual Warfare Is Real

Church: brooklyntabernacle.org

Jim’s Facebook

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

Preaching in the Power of the Holy Spirit - Preaching Guide on Preaching Today

Preaching Today's Christmas Article: "My Favorite Christmas Theme," by Bri Johns

Christmas Resources Page on PreachingToday.com

Advent Resources Page on PreachingToday.com

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The Essential Preaching Frequencies with Erwin McManus Oct 11, 2022

Erwin McManus has spent decades honing his skill as a communicator, at Mosaic (the church he founded in Hollywood, CA), at conferences around the world, and in living rooms filled with a handful of friends. Wherever he goes一even in places where he doesn’t speak the native language一he’s able to communicate in a profound way. Why?

Erwin explains to Steve Carter that it’s all about “frequencies,” a concept he unpacks in his recent MasterClass titled “The Art of Communication.” Frequencies are the key to understanding your own voice, as well as intuitively sensing the needs of your audience in real-time. Until you develop this awareness of self and listener, you’re likely to communicate as ineffectively as “the loneliest whale in the world.”

Want to know what that means? Listen to the episode!

EPISODE LINKS

Erwin’s books: The Genius of Jesus, The Last Arrow

His masterclass: The Art of Communication

Website: thegeniusof.com

Church: Mosaic

@erwinmcmanus

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Preacher's Checklist with Luke Norsworthy Sep 27, 2022

This episode is packed with insights from Luke Norsworthy, pastor of Westover Hills Church in Austin, Texas, and author of God Over Good and Befriending Your Monsters. His conversation with Steve Carter meanders through all sorts of topics:

How to put yourself into sermons without being narcissistic.
Why Luke uses a checkmark system to track sermon writing progress.
How the sobering but hope-filled journey of an Afghan family is shaping Luke’s church.
How Luke receives sermon feedback before Sunday, and why he’s a better preacher because of it.

Luke’s final advice? Be grateful every time you preach, regardless of how you feel it went. There will always be another goal to reach, criticism to field, or growth area to explore. For today, be content with where you’re at, trusting grace to carry you wherever you need to go.

EPISODE LINKS

Luke’s books: God Over Good, Befriending Your Monsters

Podcast: Norsworthy

Website: www.lukenorsworthy.com

His Church: Westover Hills Church

@lukeanorsworthy

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

Check out the book that inspired Luke to write 500 words a day: The War of Art

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Help Is Here with Max Lucado Sep 13, 2022

“I can’t do another meeting. I don’t want to preach another sermon. Lord, help me!”

Two years into his pastorate, Max Lucado offered this prayer as a last-ditch effort to stay in ministry. God answered him, and now decades later, he’s written a new book that offers hope and wisdom to others feeling burned out and wiped out.

The book is called Help Is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Like all of Max’s writing, this book masterfully tills the hardened soil of the heart, so that more of God’s grace can be sown there. This book calls us to trade independence for Spirit-reliance. It’s a reminder that, because He dwells in us, we never walk alone.

The church often struggles with the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit, but this, says Max, is part of the point: the Spirit can’t be fully explained or contained. He is unpredictable, yet totally dependable. He is the unfailing friend of every saint. He is our helper. That’s good news in our world of unprecedented anxiety. When we receive from the Spirit, not only can our souls be refreshed, but our character can be formed into the people God made us to be.

EPISODE LINKS

Max newest books: Help Is Here

Website: https://maxlucado.com/

Church: oakhillschurch.com

@maxlucado

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Best of You with Alison Cook Aug 30, 2022

In Christian circles, thinking about yourself is often labeled selfish. Psychologist and theologian Dr. Alison Cook pushes back on this assumption, explaining why caring for yourself is actually the best way to care for others. It’s the oxygen mask principle you always see in airplane safety videos: Put on your own mask so you can assist those around you.

With jolting clarity, Dr. Cook debunks the narratives we use to justify self-neglect:

We tell ourselves it’s all about them, but actually we just want to be needed.
We tell ourselves we’re being sacrificial, but actually we lack healthy boundaries.
We tell ourselves they are the problem, but actually we’ve trained them to be codependent.
We tell ourselves we must solve every issue, but sometimes it’s ok to walk away.

Many of us want to care for ourselves, but years of bad habits have atrophied our self-awareness and self-care. Dr. Cook offers a simple, yet profound model called “the MEPS,” which involves taking a regular inventory of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual condition.

This episode is a must-listen for every preacher, spouse, parent, friend一every human!

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Cook’s new book: The Best Of You

Other books: Boundaries For Your Soul

Dr. Cook’s website.

@dralisoncook

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Learnings from Seminary with Preaching Today’s Biblical Preaching Award Winners Aug 23, 2022

In this episode, Steve Carter chops it up with four recipients of the 2022 Preaching Today Biblical Preaching Award: Ryan Roach (Western Seminary, Portland, OR), Abby Stuckle (George W. Truett Seminary, Baylor, TX), Rachel Koch (Denver Seminary, Denver, CO), and Christian Schmitt (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA). This award is given on the basis of faithful biblical exposition, clear and simple structure, creativity, pastoral application to daily life, and urgency in delivery.

These students beautifully embody not just the excellence of world-class theological education, but also the humility of Jesus. They tackle some hard-hitting homiletics topics like:

How to preach in a multiethnic church.
Why preachers should know their passage AND their people well.
Why expository preaching is a gift to the preacher and congregation.
How to preach in a way your audience can absorb and process.
The pros and cons of Haddon Robinson’s legendary “big idea” preaching model.

This episode will add tools to your belt as a preacher, while infusing you with hope about the quality of today’s rising expositors.

EPISODE LINKS

You can read each guest’s award-winning sermon here.

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The Required Humility with Steve Carter Aug 09, 2022

In this special episode of Craft and Character, Steve Carter shares why humility is the key to growing as a preacher一a reflection sparked by a conversation he had with Nancy Beach.

Communicators give many reasons for neglecting their own development, but as 1 Timothy 4:14-15 reveals, honing our craft is a matter of stewardship, not just excellence.

Steve gives three practical ways to embrace humility and grow as a preacher:

Development
Coaching
Feedback

This is a timely reminder that, to give ourselves wholly to the task of preaching, we must showcase a relentless consistency to get better each day as people, disciples, and preachers.

Don’t forget to sign up for Steve’s epic book giveaway, featuring titles from past guests on the show!

EPISODE LINKS

Steve’s books: The Thing Beneath the Thing, This Invitational Life

Website: stevecarter.org

Church: forestcitychurch.com

Preaching Cohorts: theascentleader.org

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Digital Hygiene with Jay Kim Jul 26, 2022

Like many of us, Jay Kim often feels that involuntary urge to reach for his phone. As the lead pastor at Westgate Church in San Jose, CA, he knows firsthand that modern people crave guidance for using devices well. Jay’s new book, Analog Christian, explains how Christians can respond to the values of the digital world一not by abandoning technology一but by faithfully stewarding it.

Jay also shares with Steve Carter some valuable leadership practices, like pausing email while he’s on vacation, resisting the pressure to respond to every headline immediately, and honestly admitting when he needs more time to hear from God. He paints a practical and compelling picture of life that’s peaceful, not frenetic一intentional, not aimless. And in our overstimulated world, that’s a vision we desperately need.

EPISODE LINKS

Jay’s new book: Analog Christian

Jay’s other book: Analog Church

Website: jaykimthinks.com

Church: Westgate Church

@jaykimthinks

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Heart of Preparation with Ken Shigematsu Jul 12, 2022

“Ken, if the ship sinks now, everyone will blame you.”

It wasn’t the ideal pep talk for a pastor in his first few days on the job, especially at a church that had gone through 20 pastors in 20 years. But when someone spoke those words to Ken Shigematsu, he stuck it out. 25 years later, he’s still leading Tenth Church in Vancouver, Canada.

Steve Carter asks about his sermon prep process, and Ken explains how a tidbit from preaching legend Haddon Robinson transformed his method from anxiety-laden to prayerful一from crammed to creative.

Ken shares why he’s thankful for his Japanese heritage, and how he’s learned to surrender outcomes to God through Father Thomas Keating’s “The Welcoming Prayer,” and practicing sabbath. He also uses an app called Centering Prayer that pings him throughout the day, reminding him to receive from God, not just achieve for God.

EPISODE LINKS

Ken’s books: Survival Guide for the Soul, God In My Everything

Church: https://www.tenth.ca

@KenShigematsu

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Speaking to the Soul with Jeanne Stevens Jun 28, 2022

The modern world is a relentless waterfall of information一sound bytes and images flood our minds and trouble our hearts. Enter Jeanne Stevens, whose recent book, What’s Here Now?, unpacks the power of presence and how it offers peace so many ache for in our frenzied age.

Steve Carter asks Jeanne to unpack her book’s punchy tagline: How to stop rehashing the past, and rehearsing the future, and start receiving the present. Presence begins with an awareness of your body, emotions, and thoughts一aspects of our God-created existence that have been neglected in the church.

Jeanne also shares some preparation hacks she’s honed through the years: the vital role of eliminating content, how to speak to the soul, the urgency to touch on tension in the first five minutes of a talk, and how to share stories that showcase her humanity rather than airbrush it.

EPISODE LINKS

Jeanne’s book: What’s Here Now?

Website: jeannestevens.com

Church: soulcitychurch.com

@jeannestevens

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Make the Good News Your Life's Work with Nick Hall Jun 14, 2022

Nick Hall’s mission is to raise up the next generation of evangelists. In our anxiety-filled age, Nick boldly models how the gospel offers the exact hope and comfort the world craves. His voice is prophetically challenging一pointing out the ease with which apathy creeps into the church. But he’s also relentlessly hopeful that God is stirring the next generation to share Jesus and transform the world.

Steve Carter talks with Nick about the upcoming Together ‘22 conference, which seeks to empower the next generation of Christians to make Jesus known. Significantly, it will take place on the 50th anniversary of Explo ‘72一a historic evangelistic conference that transformed the lives of many people in Nick’s life, including his dad.

Nick’s call to evangelism is bursting with zeal, yet rooted in reality. He says the goal is not arrival, but growth: all of us can take the next step in obedience. By God’s grace, the character of our lives will open people’s hearts to the gospel on our lips.

EPISODE LINKS

Hall’s book: Reset: Jesus Changes Everything

Website: https://pulse.org/

Register for Together ‘22 here.

@nickhallpulse

@pulse.movement

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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A Church Worth Fighting For with Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley May 31, 2022

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Nancy Beach and her daughter Samantha Beach Kiley一two women humbly modeling what it looks like to lead the church in a skeptical age. They are both pastors, leaders, and champions of the local church.

Steve unpacks a recent sermon Samantha delivered at Church on Morgan in Raleigh, NC and the way she writes her messages with such verbal precision.

Nancy and Samantha love the local church and they spend time unpacking how they would debrief moments in a service or sermon around the kitchen island most weekends.

Their forthcoming book, which they co-authored, looks honestly at issues plaguing the church: racism, patriarchy, exclusivity, abuse, and unchecked power. In light of these sobering realities, Nancy and Samantha are hopeful about the future of the church and fiercely committed to seeing it thrive.

This conversation showcases the beautiful dynamic of a mother and daughter partnering in life and ministry一and also what it looks like when a veteran leader champions the next generation.

EPISODE LINKS

Nancy and Samantha’s book: Next Sunday: An Honest Dialogue About the Future of the Church

Website: nancylbeach.com

@NancyLBeach

@SamanthaBeachk

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Starting with Scripture with Annie F. Downs May 10, 2022

Annie F. Downs hosts a podcast called That Sounds Fun一a title which captures the contagious joy emanating from everything she does. Her content travels the globe through speaking tours, books, and podcasts, but her most cherished role is serving on the teaching team at Cross Point Church in Nashville. Her rootedness in this local community keeps her grounded, accountable, and reflects her heart to prioritize people over platform.

For any communicator who struggles against the time clock, or who gets overwhelmed by everything they want to say, Annie helpfully explains her process of elimination when crafting a talk. As a traveling speaker challenged to meet fluctuating time limits, she prepares 30, 45, and 60-minute versions for all her major messages. She also practices out loud, often in front of a football or baseball game on her TV.

Steve Carter and Annie also reflect on the important voice of women in the church, and how she winsomely navigates the tensions facing female preachers today. They end with a discussion on the four Gospels and how they’ve been transformative in Annie’s life in the past few years.

EPISODE LINKS

Annie’s books: That Sounds Fun, Remember God, 100 Days to Brave, Looking for Lovely

Cross Point Church: crosspoint.tv

www.anniefdowns.com

@anniefdowns

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Speaking by the Numbers with Sean Palmer Apr 26, 2022

Ever deliver a message—from the pulpit or in a meeting—that excited some but bored others? Why is the response in the room a mixed bag? Sean Palmer, teaching pastor at Ecclesia in Houston, TX, shares an Enneagram-informed strategy that helps him answer the one question plaguing communicators: How do I reach my entire audience?

Sean explains to Steve Carter, how every person has three intelligence centers: thinking, feeling, and doing. We need to understand the demographic of our people to transform the effectiveness of our pulpits. While statistics are helpful, Sean doesn’t reduce effective communication to crunching numbers. As he says, spending time with people, and listening to them deeply, is indispensable to crafting a powerful message.

EPISODE LINKS

Sean’s books: Forty Days On Being a Three, Speaking By the Numbers, Unarmed Empire

Ecclesia Church

www.seanisaacpalmer.com

@seanisaacpalmer

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Framing a Talk with Jonathan Pokluda Apr 12, 2022

Jonathan Pokluda believes that good teachers are exceptional listeners. As the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX, he’s intentional about checking the pulse of his people. Every Friday he hosts a Q&A session on Instagram Live, often with his wife and kids in the car. Of the 2,000-ish questions that pour in weekly, he tackles 50-100 of them. Inquiries come from people of all ages一boomers to Gen Z, and span all topics: sex, marriage, faith, divorce, friendship, you name it. At 3 pm every Thursday, a small group of people from his church listen to his full sermon, then offer honest feedback.

Jonathan’s humility to listen fuels his courage to speak on raw issues, like his recent series: The 7 Deadly Sins of Suburbia. Underneath his creative teaching approach to framing a talk is a 7-part outline, which he unpacks with Steve Carter in this episode:

Image
Subject
Need
Preview
Text
Summary
Conclusion

EPISODE LINKS

Jonathan’s books: Outdated, Welcome to Adulting, Welcoming the Future Church

Harris Creek Baptist Church: www.harriscreek.org

jonathanpokluda.com

@jpokluda

@harriscreek

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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The Last Supper on the Moon with Levi Lusko Mar 22, 2022

What Bible verse did Buzz Aldrin take to outer space? What was the first meal eaten on the moon? What do space travel and the Christian life have in common? In this fascinating conversation, Steve Carter interviews Levi Lusko, the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah and everywhere online, about his new book, The Last Supper on the Moon, which plays off NASA’s 1969 lunar voyage to draw powerful principles about what it means to follow Jesus.

Sometimes we need to hear age-old truths in a new way, which is arguably Levi’s forte. Whether curating a user-friendly digital livestream, or requiring all church employees to read a Michelin-rated restaurateur's manual on hospitality, Fresh Life Church is leading the way in engaging our cultural moment. At the core of his sermon prep and writing is a practice Levi calls “collect and connect,” which is a relentless quest to learn, catalog stories and ideas, then use them as illustrations. He also shares how suffering has shaped him as a pastor, and how something as simple as taking a deep breath can be instrumental in cultivating character.

Episode Links

Levi’s newest book:The Last Supper on the Moon

His kids devotional: Roar Like a Lion

Fresh Life Church

levilusko.com

@levilusko

@freshlife

@steveryancarter

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How We Love Matters with Albert Tate Mar 08, 2022

For Albert Tate, a sermon isn’t about words streaming from your mouth, but truths running through your life. He explains how the best sermons start in the head, move to the heart, then lodge in your gut一until the Spirit grips you with conviction, you aren’t actually preaching yet. A cursory glance at Tate’s dynamic teaching reveals not only a willingness to say hard things, but to preach them to himself first.

Steve Carter interviews Tate about his forthcoming book, How We Love Matters: A Call To Relentless Racial Reconciliation. With his trademark blend of creativity and conviction, Tate tackles a culturally contentious issue, building off his upbringing in Mississippi and decades of church ministry in Southern California. He views the Table as utterly transformative一a place where, like Jesus, we sit with people drastically different than ourselves. When we learn to listen well, we learn to love well.

Episode Links

Preorder his new book: How We Love Matters

Read Albert’s chapter in a book on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

His church: Fellowship Monrovia

alberttate.com

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Living Undistracted with Bob Goff Feb 22, 2022

Whether in his books or live talks, Bob Goff seems to have ten lifetimes worth of stories. He has an uncanny knack for putting himself in unlikely places with unlikely people. He talks to dozens of strangers every week, because he listed his cell phone number in the back of his New York Times bestselling book, Love Does. He teaches classes at Pepperdine University and San Quentin State Prison. After the Taliban took control of major cities in Afghanistan in 2021, Bob called them to ask if they would allow women to return to a school he helped launch there. They said yes.

Steve Carter talks with Bob about his forthcoming book, Undistracted一a manual for navigating life with purpose and passion. As always, Steve chops it up with Bob about how to put together a talk. They discuss how to spark action in people’s lives, rather than spoon-feeding an audience prepackaged to-do’s. The thread running through this whole conversation is Galatians 5:6, a verse that could easily serve as Bob’s mantra: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Episode Links

Bob’s website

The Oaks Retreat Center

Bob’s books: Love Does, Everybody Always, Dream Big

Preorder his new book: Undistracted

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If the Tomb Is Empty with Joby Martin Feb 08, 2022

Few aspects of Joby Martin’s ministry journey have been predictable. His first sermon was an impromptu talk at a youth camp, thanks to a coach who believed in him and tossed him into the deep end. He planted a church almost without realizing it. On Mondays he prepares sermons while hunting, tucked away in the woods, or poised quietly in a tree stand. He rarely plans sermon illustrations beforehand一they just sort of come to him in the moment.

Through the ups and downs of 20+ years as a pastor, now as the pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, the gospel of grace has kept him buoyant and grateful. Steve Carter draws out the hacks and habits Joby has refined through the years, including the storytelling culture Joby grew up in and how it informs his preaching, the necessity of humility, how to map out a preaching series that’s culturally engaging and biblically robust, and the habits that enable pastors to finish well. They also chat about Joby’s new book and it’s central thesis: “If the tomb is empty一then anything is possible.”

Episode Links

The Church of Eleven22

If the Tomb Is Empty: Why the Resurrection Means Anything is Possible by Joby Martin

If the Tomb is Empty Study Guide by Joby Martin

@jobymartin

@steveryancarter

@craft_character

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Fighting Racism Through Preaching with Jemar Tisby Jan 25, 2022

“We are living in times that demand a decision on justice.” In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Historian, Author, and Speaker, Jemar Tisby. Tisby walks listeners through why we have to be pushing people towards the gospel truth, his expansive understanding of what progress looks like, and why the transformation of the heart as people pursue racial justice still gives him hope. He encourages pastors not only on WHY to lead your church well through racial justice, but provides priceless and practical recommendations on HOW to bake racial justice into the core of your culture. Finally, Tisby reminds pastors that as you pursue racial justice, you don’t have to come up with it yourself. If you are ready to proclaim the good news for everyone in your preaching, you won’t be disappointed.

Episode Links

The Color of Compromiseby Jemar Tisby

How To Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby

How to Fight Racism: Young Leader’s Edition by Jemar Tisby

The Witness Inc

White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means To Be White by Pastor Daniel Hill

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Wanderlust and the Power of Place with Daniel Grothe Jan 11, 2022

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor, Teacher, and Author, Daniel Grothe. The vow of stability and place is counter cultural. We live in a world of cultural impermanence… and Daniel challenges us with the question, “How is that going for us?” Place matters. Stability matters. You have to fight to stay. “If salvation is going to break into the world, it’s going to be local and personal.”

EPISODE LINKS

Follow Craft & Character on Instagram: @craftandcharacter

Find Daniel at DanielGrothe.com

Get Daniel’s New Book: The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age

YouTube: Rev. C L Franklin Sermons

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A Yearlong Quest of Jesus with Mark Moore Dec 27, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews teaching pastor and author of Quest 52 Mark Moore about how to intentionally pursue Jesus. Mark Moore is an NT scholar that has the ability to unpack the person, preaching, power, and passion of Jesus in ways that are wildly accessible. Steve and Mark discuss different passages that Mark writes about in Quest 52, playing off one another, diving deeper into the text to discover what it meant then and what it means for us today. Mark ends the podcast by examining the humility required to pastor today. The lessons learned in this alone are worth the entire episode.

Mark joined the staff at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona in July 2012 as a teaching pastor. CCV currently has ten locations and over 35,000 in weekly attendance. Prior to joining the CCV team, Mark was a Professor at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, (1990-2012). Currently, he is an online professor for Ozark, an Adjunct Professor at Hope International University in Fullerton, California, and Haus Edelweiss, Vienna, Austria. Mark is also the author and co-author of many books mostly on the Life of Christ, the book of Acts, and Revelation.

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Finding True Rest with Dr. Paul Alexander Dec 14, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews Hope International University President Dr. Paul Alexander about the importance of soul care and his findings in a study he conducted with over 2200 pastors about depression and anxiety in the pastorate. Dr. Alexander is an ordained pastor, licensed therapist, and has a doctorate in organizational leadership. His love for the local church, his compassion for the loneliness from which many pastors suffer, his transparency, and the way in which he walks you through how you can find true rest and care for your soul is deeply refreshing. YouTube link for conversation mentioned by Dr. Alexander: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ8xjkIBlbI

Who is Paul Alexander?

Paul Alexander is the President of Hope International University in Fullerton, California. Having served as a long-time faculty in the area of Psychology, Paul speaks in churches regularly on anxiety, depression, and leadership. Paul is an ordained pastor as well as a licensed therapist. Paul and Leslie have two adult children and are involved at Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim, California.

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Spirit and Truth with Daniel Im Nov 30, 2021

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The Power Of The Spoken Word With Hosanna Wong Nov 16, 2021

In this episode of Craft & Character, preacher and author of How (Not) to Save the World, Hosanna Wong, unpacks how poetry has influenced her preaching. Growing up in San Francisco, Hosanna competed in various underground slam poetry contests and she learned the art of storytelling, the rhythmic patterns within sentences, and how to speak truth using the fewest words possible. She talks candidly about what the transition was like moving from spoken word artist to preaching regularly at her church and around the world.

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Charisma over Character with Mike Cosper Nov 02, 2021

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews the creator of the Rise And Fall Of Mars Hill Podcast, Mike Cosper, about what he discovered unpacking the Mars Hill story. We discuss which interview from the podcast broke his heart the most, why people are drawn to charisma over character, people’s critiques of the podcast, and what he’s looking for in a preacher and pastor.

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Simple Prayer with Charlie Dawes Oct 19, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Pastor and Author Charlie Dawes. Charlie and his team planted Hill City Church in the greater DMV ( DC + Maryland + Virginia) area. Steve and Charlie talk about how prayer plays a crucial part in the sermon prep process. Charlie wrote a fantastic book a few years ago called “Simple Prayer” about learning to speak to God. Charlie speaks candidly about the practice of prayer, not needing to hype up moments but rather how to stay wildly open to the burning bush moments that occur all around us, shaping us and the messages we get to preach.

Who is Charlie Dawes?

Charlie Dawes pastors Hill City Church in Alexandria, VA. He is the author of Simple Prayer and a loyal Cubs fan that hopes it won’t be another 108 years until the next World Series. He is married to Nicole and they have 3 incredible kids (Caden, Hailey, and Declan).

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Ache, Desires, and Strongholds with Steve Carter Sep 20, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character Podcast episode, Steve Carter takes your questions about how to dive deeper into your sermon prep. Steve unpacks how every person tuning into a sermon has an ache and good desires. As communicators, we must keep searching, praying, studying, and marinating to name the ache people are feeling and also how this text can call out good desires within. Every context we speak in has unique strongholds that must be addressed when we preach. In this episode, Steve will help you identify the problem (these three words), name the premise (what the scriptures have to say about it), and articulate the promise (what a person's life will look like if they apply it to their life). Who is Steve Carter? Steve Carter is a pastor, speaker, author, podcaster, and sports enthusiast. He is the author of, The Thing Beneath The Thing. He is the host of the Craft & Character Podcast and also the Home Team Podcast, a weekly show that talks about the intersection of sports, culture, and faith. Steve currently travels all over speaking to congregations and coaching communicators through The Ascent Leader. He resides in Phoenix, Arizona with his wife Sarah and their 2 children.

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Preaching Logos with Passion with Mark Moore Sep 06, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews author, professor and Christ Church of the Valley Teaching Pastor Mark Moore about the makings of a great talk. Mark explains his process, why he believes he needs to practice preaching a message six times before ever speaking it to an audience and how he has framed talks for students, college classroom, and adult congregation. What Mark shares about the importance of character at the end is worth the whole episode. Who is Mark Moore? Mark joined the staff at Christ’s Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona in July 2012 as a teaching pastor. CCV currently has eight locations and 28,000 in weekly attendance. Prior to joining the CCV team, Mark was a Professor at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, (1990-2012). Currently, he is an online professor for Ozark, an Adjunct Professor at Hope International University in Fullerton, California and Haus Edelweiss, Vienna, Austria. Mark is also the author and co-author of many books mostly on the Life of Christ, book of Acts, and Revelation. His 2019 ECPA bestseller book Core 52: A Fifteen-Minute Daily Guide to Build Your Bible IQ in a Year, helps readers master the 52 of the most important passages in the Bible.

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At Your Best as a Preacher with Carey Nieuwhof Aug 24, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews author, leader and former senior pastor of Connexus Church Carey Nieuwhof about how to get time, energy and priorities for every preacher working in their favor. Carey speaks candidly about what he learned from burning out and the wisdom he has acquired along the way that will help every single communicator to get out of the stress spiral and live well in the thrive cycle. Who is Carey Nieuwhof? Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. Carey’s passion for helping people thrive in life and leadership is evident in his latest book, At Your Best: How To Get Time, Energy And Priorities Working In Your Favor. Pastor Niewhof is also a gifted speaker and the best-selling author of, Didn’t See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects But Everyone Experiences. From Carey: “I met the most amazing woman in my first year of law school. We got married before we graduated. By far...she's the best thing to come out of law school for me! The second thing that happened was I experienced a call to ministry. Honestly, the call confused me as much as it compelled me. I finished law and out of obedience, enrolled in seminary. In 1995, as I was wrapping up seminary, I started ministry as a student pastor among three little mainline churches an hour north of Toronto. When I started, one of the churches had an average attendance of 6 (not making that up). Much to my surprise I had discovered a community I'm still a part of over 20 years later. Our church has changed everything in those two decades...the music, the buildings, our governance, our mission, our vision....everything, really. We even left our denomination and now are a multisite church with three locations reaching over 1500 people each weekend. Along the way, I developed a passion for helping other leaders lead like never before.”

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Preaching towards Discipleship with Sharon Hodde Miller Aug 10, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter talks with Bright City Church Teaching Pastor Sharon Hodde Miller. Sharon is an accomplished author and a thoughtful communicator who has an incredible ability to put her Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School to good use while also making her messages widely accessible. Sharon and Steve unpack her message, “We are heirs,” from Bright City Church, process how she preps for her talks, and how her words compel people towards becoming disciples of Jesus. Who is Sharon Hodde Miller? Sharon leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike. She writes, travels around the country speaking at churches and conferences each year, and holds a Ph.D. on women and calling. Sharon is the author of two books: Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It's Not About You, and Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked, And How God Calls Us to More. Sharon lives in North Carolina with her husband and 3 young children. To read more of her writing, you can visit her site, SheWorships.com, and you can connect with her on Instagram at @sharonhmiller.

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Seven lessons for every communicator with Noah Herrin Jul 13, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character Podcast episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Noah Herrin about the seven lessons he learned in his first five years of communicating. Noah is a gifted teacher of God’s word, has a heart of gold, and offers up an honest reflection of the crucial lessons he has learned throughout his ministry. Whether you’re just starting out preaching or have been doing it for years this episode is for you. Who is Noah Herrin? Noah is a 26 year old communicator and pastor based in Atlanta, Georgia. His passion is to reach the next generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2017, Noah founded The Gathering young adult movement in Cleveland, TN that reached thousands of young adults on a weekly basis. Since that time, he has become a trusted voice to the GEN-Z and Millennial generations. In 2021 Noah founded a non-profit called “Neighborhood Young Adults” that seeks to disciple and raise up communities of Young Adult followers of Jesus in every Neighborhood in the United States. His messages have been received by many around the globe as he encourages people to not just know Jesus but to follow Him. Noah can also be found online through his podcast “All our ways” or on social media (@NoahHerrin). Noah is happily married to his wife Maddy since the Summer of 2019. They enjoy eating Chick-Fil-a, traveling, playing board games and walking their son (A miniature Goldendoodle puppy) named Mogley.

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Bearing witness with Tyler Burns Jun 29, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews pastor Tyler Burns about his commitment to being a local pastor and how in bearing witness to the pain of his people there comes a newfound power in his sermons. Tyler breaks down his prep for his Q Conference talk and shares a plethora of mentors, pastors and authors who have helped him shape and form a talk. What Tyler shares about his prep process is information you can immediately implement in your own talk creation process. Who is Tyler Burns? Tyler Burns is the President of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective (thewitnessbcc.com), Host of the Pass the Mic Podcast with Jemar Tisby and the Lead Pastor of New Dimensions Christian Center. Tyler is married to Mylena and they have two beautiful kids and live in Pensacola, FL.

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The Journey of the Soul with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere Jun 15, 2021

About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode Steve Carter interviews Spiritual Directors Bill & Kristi Gaultiere about the soul journey every pastor and follower goes on to experience more intimacy with Christ. Bill & Kristi run www.soulshepherding.com and have a heart to help people discover the pathway towards emotional honesty, spiritual maturity and how to handle those dark nights of the soul. Bill & Kristi also work with pastors around taking a sabbath break and how to best structure that so your heart, mind and soul can experience true replenishment. Who are Bill and Kristi Gaultiere? Bill is a psychologist (PhD; PSY12036 in CA) and ordained pastor, specializing in ministry to pastors. He and Kristi are the authors of Journey of the Soul, which was #1 on Amazon in Christian Counseling. He was personally mentored for many years by Dallas Willard and Ray Ortlund Sr. His earlier book Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke tells the story of his spiritual renewal from anxious living and burnout and introduces the message and way of Soul Shepherding. As a Spiritual Formation Pastor, he has served in a mega-church and a church plant. He’s also trained over 1,000 lay counselors and taught courses in Christian psychology and spirituality at the graduate school level. He and Kristi train pastors and other men and women in ministry in their Soul Shepherding Institute and Spiritual Direction certificate program. Bill has been speaking in churches and conferences since 1987 and especially enjoys speaking with Kristi. You can listen to their weekly Soul Talks podcast or read their weekly Soul Shepherding blog. Kristi is a psychotherapist (Psy.D.; LPC4 and MFT29887 in CA) and spiritual director for women in ministry and pastors’ wives. She co-leads Soul Shepherding with Bill. She was personally mentored by Jane Willard and Dr. Jan Stoop. As a pastor’s wife, mother, and ministry professional, Kristi offers empathy and wisdom from her experience personally and as a therapist who has spent many thousands of hours caring for people. Kristi enjoys speaking, training, teaching, consulting, counseling, and retreat leading with Bill, as well as recording their weekly Soul Talks podcast.

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Learning to Linger in the Word with Jay Kim Jun 01, 2021

On the latest Craft & Character podcast episode Steve Carter interviews Westgate Lead Teaching Pastor and Analog Church author Jay Kim about his sermon prep process. Jay is hands down one of the most thoughtful communicators on and off the stage. The process that Jay uses is deeply inspired by his story, his love for music and learning the spiritual gift of lingering. Too often we rush an idea; but Jay will help you see how sitting with an idea and truly lingering on a verse or theme can bring about deep revelation. Jay also talks about his award-winning book Analog Church - a must-read for any church leader. Jay serves as lead pastor of teaching at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley area of California and teacher-in-residence at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He is also on the leadership team at The ReGeneration Project, where he co-hosts The ReGeneration Podcast. Some of his written work has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Relevant, Missio Alliance, Outreach, and Pastor Resources. Jay is the author of Analog Church (InterVarsity Press, 2020). Analog Church discusses the many challenges and opportunities churches face in the digital age, offering a new and hopeful way forward. My next book, tentatively titled Analog Christian, will be released in 2022. I’m also a contributing author to Before You Lose Your Faith (The Gospel Coalition, 2021) and The Upside Down Kingdom Study Bible (Zondervan, 2023). Jay and his wife, along with their two young kids, call the Silicon Valley area of California home.

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Image Management with PreachersNSneakers creator Ben Kirby May 18, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character Podcast episode, Steve Carter interviews Ben Kirby - author and creator of the PreachersNSneakers Instagram account. Steve and Ben talk openly about the pressure of image management, the power that can come from the pulpit, and what truly motivates what we wear, post on social media, and communicate. Ben opens up about what led him to start the account, the criticism he received, and what he ultimately hopes it will accomplish - especially for pastors. Ben’s love for Christ and the Church is apparent in this episode and it’s a must-listen for any preacher. Ben Kirby is the creator of the viral social media sensation PreachersNSneakers, an Instagram account that caused an uproar across the globe after showing the values of designer clothing preachers were wearing on stage. Along with growing from zero to hundreds of thousands of followers in just a few weeks, his work has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wallstreet Journal, Buzzfeed, Fox News, Complex, and many more. He also hosts a popular podcast with the ultra-creative name, The PreachersNSneakers Podcast.

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A Burning in my Bones with Winn Collier May 04, 2021

On the latest Craft & Character Episode, Steve Carter interviews author Winn Collier about the life and legacy of Eugene Peterson. Winn unpacks stories from his latest book, A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message. The stories he shares detail how Eugene understood the calling to be a pastor, how his geography shaped his theology, how he fought to have his character lead the way, and what made Eugene such an important pastoral voice. Winn Collier was the founding pastor of All Souls Charlottesville. He now serves at Western Theological Seminary as Director of The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination & Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination. He is also the director of the Genesis Project. Winn Collier received a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia where his work centered on the intersection of literary fiction and religion, particularly the sacramental landscape of Wendell Berry’s fictional town of Port William. Winn Collier is husband to the beautiful and graceful Miska Tolleson Collier and dad to Wyatt and Seth, who he says have, “pulled strands of love out of me that I didn’t know existed.” “I’m friend to a few misty-eyed men and a few courageous women. I prefer what’s slow over what’s efficient. I’m weary of all the bullhorns. I’m partial to things that are worn and a bit ragged. I think truth is best told slant. I believe in hope.”

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Try Softer with Aundi Kolber Apr 20, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews therapist and author Aundi Kolber about the importance of language and tone as a counselor or a preacher. Aundi unpacks the heart behind the message of Try Softer and discusses how pastors can return power to the congregation through their lives and sermons. Aundi’s deep, kind, and thoughtful voice provides insight on what to look for in a pastor and church community. Aundi Kolber is an author and licensed professional counselor in Castle Rock, CO. Her work has been featured on Relevant, CT Women, The Huffington Post, The Mudroom, Happy Sonship, and Circling the Story. Aundi is a speaker and consultant for churches, mental health professionals, and organizations on topics including trauma recovery, healthy emotional processing, identity formation, and infertility. In 2020 she authored Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--and into a Life of Connection and Joy. Aundi and her husband live in Colorado with their two children. Thanks to our sponsors: CDF Capital and Food For The Hungry.

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Spirit + Word with Kevin Queen Apr 06, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews Cross Point Church lead pastor Kevin Queen about the important role prayer plays in the preparation and delivery of a sermon. One of the keys Kevin brings to everyday life and the stage is his ability to walk in the Spirit, and talk about the Scriptures in practical and accessible ways while keeping an ear tuned to heaven. Kevin shares how living this way helps him in his sermon prep, in loving his family well, and in his role as lead pastor. Kevin Queen is a husband, father, pastor, and communicator. Born and raised in the Atlanta area, he’s a graduate of the University of Georgia, New Orleans Seminary, and Bethel Seminary. Before joining Cross Point’s staff in August 2017, Kevin served for 14 years on staff at 12Stone Church, a large multi-site church with 8 campuses in Metro Atlanta. During his last 10 years at 12Stone, he served as both a campus pastor and teaching pastor.

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Identifying the Trap with Darren Whitehead Mar 16, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter talks with Church of the City lead minister Darren Whitehead about identifying the traps that often take senior leaders down. Of the 14 transformational practices offered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, 11 of them deal with sex, money, or power. From there, Darren employs years of research to help us begin to identify the potential traps in our own lives. On the local church front, Darren reveals what the Church of the City is planning for Easter and how his team approaches telling the Resurrection story creatively each year. In 2013 when Darren and Brandy Whitehead and their small team founded Church of the City, they had a vision to plant a family of churches that live in the way of Jesus for the renewal of global cities. The team has now planted 6 congregations across Nashville and New York City. Originally from Australia, Darren has lived in the United States for over 20 years. He earned his Master’s in Ministry from Wesley Seminary and his Doctorate from Capital Seminary and Graduate School, with his dissertation focus on millennials and the future of the Western Church. He recently released his second book, Holy Roar: 7 Words That Will Change The Way You Worship, co-authored with worship leader Chris Tomlin. Darren lives with his wife Brandy and their 3 daughters in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The Power of Verbal Precision with Ashlee Eiland Mar 02, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Mars Hill teaching pastor and author Ashlee Eiland about how she writes and rewrites each of her messages, fighting to find the perfect words. Ashlee is a gifted and accomplished author, and she shares her process of journaling, studying, and freewriting to capture the heart and essence of a talk. Ashlee exists to join God in His redemptive work here on earth. Her purpose is to help humanity build bridges back to the truth of who God is and between one another in redemptive, healing relationship. Her passions for Scripture, family, writing, elevating women in the Church, and the holy journey of adoption are core to who she is. Ashlee serves as formation and preaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI, and she is the author of Human(Kind): How Reclaiming Human Worth and Radical Kindness Will Bring Us Back Together. Ashlee and her husband Delwin have three kids, Brooklyn, Myles, and Journey.

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The Importance of Preparation with Danielle Strickland Feb 16, 2021

The Importance of Preparation with Danielle Strickland

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Disciple Out Racism with Albert Tate Feb 02, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter talks with Fellowship Church Monrovia senior pastor Albert Tate about how preaching racial reconciliation is an act of spiritual formation. “Racism was discipled into the church,” he says, “and it must now be discipled out of the church.” As church leaders, we cannot avoid this conversation, and Albert offers great wisdom and insight. Who is Albert Tate? Albert Tate is the founding pastor of Fellowship Church Monrovia, a gospel-centered, multiethnic, intergenerational church that has established a solid foothold for life transformation to the glory and honor of Christ. Albert is passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ both to the local church and the global community. Blending the power of storytelling with a good sense of humor, Albert enjoys illustrating God’s amazing grace and love in church, academic, and conference settings. Albert and his wife LaRosa have 4 beautiful children. Albert serves on the Board of Trustees for Azusa Pacific University, the Museum of the Bible, and Stadia Church Planting. He was recently published in Letters to a Birmingham Jail: A Response to the Words and Dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. You can hear the latest from Albert on The Albert Tate Podcast.

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Managing Leadership Anxiety with Steve Cuss Jan 19, 2021

For most pastors, there has never been a year filled with more turmoil, tension, criticism, and anxiety than 2020. Our congregations were divided by politics, masks, in-person gatherings, and the appropriate reactions to racism in our country. Pastors struggled with preaching through cameras to invisible congregations while making impossible decisions, where any choice would disrupt half the church. 2020 was filled with leadership anxiety, and many of us were never fully equipped to manage it well. In this episode of Craft & Character, author and pastor Steve Cuss talks with Steve Carter about his book Managing Leadership Anxiety. They review what anxiety actually is and how to best take care of your personal struggles while shepherding your congregation through worry and anxiety. Who is Steve Cuss? Steve Cuss grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and came to the United States to study theology. He and his wife Lisa have two sons and a daughter. Steve holds a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel Christian Seminary and is a spiritual care professional in the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. Since 2005, Steve has served as Lead Pastor of Discovery Christian Church in Broomfield, Colorado. DCC is an innovative and entrepreneurial church that intentionally welcomes spiritual seekers and skeptics and is passionate about partnerships that break the local and global poverty cycle. Steve previously served at a megachurch in Las Vegas, as a chaplain at a level-one trauma hospital, on a ranch for struggling teens, and as a youth minister in the Appalachian region. His passion is to help leaders notice, name, and move through the pressures and anxieties inside them and around them to encounter the grace of God in deeper ways and build healthy team cultures. When Steve is not working, you can find him laughing with his family, knee-deep in a trout stream, or trying a guitar he cannot afford at a local music store.

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Leading through Preaching with Gene Appel Jan 05, 2021

In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter talks with Eastside Christian Church senior pastor Gene Appel about effective leadership through preaching. Gene is an incredible mix of strategic leader and kind pastor, and he leads with integrity. He refers to this mix of strategy as “directional leadership” and explains that his goal of shepherding his congregation influences both his message preparation and his sermon calendar. Gene’s clarity of mission plays a key role in moving the church forward.

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Chuck DeGroat on Narcissism in the Church Dec 15, 2020

In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Western Theological Seminary pastoral care professor Dr. Chuck DeGroat about narcissism in the local church. Chuck explains the narcissism spectrum and discusses how pastors can demonstrate characteristics that lead to unhealthy and toxic narcissistic actions. This might be the most important Craft & Character podcast to date. If you’re a church or ministry leader, Chuck’s wisdom will help you recognize and combat unhealthy narcissism within yourself, your ministry, and Church culture as a whole.

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Carlos Whittaker on the Art of Storytelling Dec 01, 2020

For over a decade, Carlos Whittaker was one of the leading worship voices in the church, but he began to feel a stirring toward preaching and teaching. A little over 4 years ago, he took that brave step and hasn’t looked back. In this latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter asks Carlos about the process of obedience to move into the communicator’s space and the keys that Carlos uses for effective storytelling. His comments are pure gold for anyone desiring to master this craft. Finally, Steve and Carlos discuss the importance of consecrating your day and how doing this regularly prepares Carlos for what God has in store for him.

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A Church Called Tov with Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer Oct 20, 2020

In this latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews New Testament scholar Scot McKnight and author Laura Barringer about their latest book, A Church Called Tov. Scot and Laura unpack the stories of abuse at Willow Creek, Harvest, and the SBC that led them to write these words. This is a different kind of episode than we have ever done—but we feel it is paramount to talk honestly as pastors, preachers, and teachers about our burden to do whatever we can to create cultures of goodness and not abuse. This episode will teach you about the Hebrew word “tov” and how we can bring “tov” to the pulpit and to our churches. It will also move you to consider what a pastor is truly called to be in this day and age.

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Into Me You See with Derwin Gray Sep 29, 2020

In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Derwin Gray about the importance of personal discipleship, intimacy with Christ, and helping people truly discover what the gospel is all about. Derwin dives into everything from discipleship vs. leadership in the Bible, and how the church has forsaken one for the other, to the most pastoral and compelling way one can experience deep intimacy (or “into-me-you-see”) with Christ.

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In the Beginning Was a Conversation—with AJ Sherrill Sep 15, 2020

In this episode Steve Carter talks with AJ Sherrill about his process for crafting messages and six the values that drive each talk he creates to be a transformative preacher. These six (character, identity, cultivation, authenticity, confidence, and teachable) will help your posture be open to all God wants to do within you and through you. One of the highlights of this episode is hearing AJ’s honesty regarding what he must say no to in order to truly live the life God desires for him. We also talk about AJ's latest book, The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation.

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When the Pastoral and Prophetic Intersect—with Tara Beth Leach Aug 18, 2020

In this Craft & Character podcast Steve Carter interviews Tara Beth Leach, Senior Pastor at First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (“PazNaz”) in Southern California. Tara Beth discusses her prep process, how she invites the pastoral and the prophetic to intersect, the importance of preaching live via video during this COVID season, and the critical spiritual exercises that help her character lead the way.

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Meant for Good with Megan Fate Marshman Aug 04, 2020

In this Craft & Character episode, Steve talks with Megan Fate Marshman, an incredible teacher, pastor, and author of Meant for Good. Megan shares how she started preaching, the art of storytelling, the importance of pacing, and key spiritual practices that are crucial for her.

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Rich Villodas on Desiring One Thing as a Preacher Jul 07, 2020

Steve Carter and Rich Villodas have a lively conversation about how to stay both prophetic and pastoral as a preacher. The two will dig into Rich's sermon “Desiring One Thing” that he delivered last September after returning from sabbatical. Rich shares openly and honestly from moments in his leadership when he has spoken out and what practices have shaped him and propelled him to do so. Rich also discusses practices that are crucial for him and the heart behind his forthcoming book, The Deeply Formed Life.

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Digging New Wells with Dr. Glenn Packiam Jun 16, 2020

In this episode, Dr. Glenn Packiam and Steve Carter unpack Glenn's teaching "Blessed," which was part 1 of a 3-week series based on his book Blessed, Broken, Given. Glenn and Steve talk about the importance and struggle of making a message theologically weighty yet accessible for the congregation. Glenn Packiam is Associate Senior Pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Lead Pastor of New Life Downtown. To learn more about Glenn, head to his website: www.glennpackiam.com

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John Mark Comer on Telling the Story and the Importance of Therapy Jun 02, 2020

In the first ever episode of The Craft & Character Podcast, Steve Carter and John Mark Comer talk about a sermon John Mark preached in early May entitled “Holy Uncertainty.” John Mark shares some specifics around how he builds a talk and opens up about his story, the importance of therapy, and specific practices that are helping guide him through the liminal space of 2020. John Mark Comer lives in Portland, Oregon and pastors Bridgetown Church, right in the center of the city. Bridgetown is built on the idea of practicing the way of Jesus together. John Mark has authored several books, including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and God Has a Name. Want to know more about John Mark Comer or listen to the entire sermon being discussed? www.johnmarkcomer.com (Bridgetown.church/teaching/house-to-house/holy-uncertainty/) Bridgetown.church/teaching/house-to-house/holy-uncertainty/ (Bridgetown.church/teaching/house-to-house/holy-uncertainty/)

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Trailer: Introducing Craft & Character May 19, 2020

We are so pleased to announce one of the most pivotal partnerships CDF Capital is a part of: Craft & Character with Steve Carter. Steve is a nationally renowned pastor and communicator and will be leading our efforts to serve local church leaders with their public speaking craft and their personal character development. No one can preach God’s Word well without first being personally transformed by it. You can find out more at craftandcharacter.org (http://craftandcharacter.org/). We’d like to invite you to be a part of a live online event called “The Craft & Character Backroom Conversation,” where Dharius Daniels, Carey Nieuwhof, Steve Carter, and Sean Morgan explore of the reality of communicating the gospel in the new landscape of church. Participate live in the conversation and have your questions answered.

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