When We Walk

Raising Kids Who Thrive | Episode 52 Nov 18, 2024

Are you pushing your child toward their dreams—or pushing them toward burnout?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen get real about the challenges parents face in balancing the creation of opportunities with letting kids grow at their own pace. Parenting with purpose is a journey of balance and intention. They discuss the importance of supporting kids' potential while helping them build resilience, set boundaries, and make meaningful choices. Through honest conversation, Pastors Micah and Shireen share insights on raising kids who thrive—not just in what they achieve, but in who they become.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

What does "purposeful parenting" look like in your life, and how do you make it a priority? How can you support your child’s potential without overwhelming them with expectations? What values do you want to instill in your kids beyond just achieving success?

Questions in the Dark | Episode 51 Nov 11, 2024

When dreams are hard-fought or delayed, is that a sign of God’s plan, or a chance to trust Him differently?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen tackle tough late-night questions kids often ask. How do our desires and plans fit into God’s will? Is struggle a sign of His purpose, or are we called to simply trust? They talk about dealing with disappointment, comparison, and the feeling that life hasn’t gone as expected. Rather than comparing our journey to others, we’re invited to trust God’s timing, learn from disappointment, and rely on His character. In every season, He’s working for our good, even when we can’t see it.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How do you usually handle disappointment when things don’t go as expected? What might God be teaching you in your current season of waiting or uncertainty? Where do your dreams, desires, hopes, and plans fit into God's will?

Election Week Anxiety | Episode 50 Nov 04, 2024

How do we ensure our passions enrich our lives without consuming us?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen discuss the emotional and mental weight that comes with election week. Regardless of how involved you’ve been, the buildup has left many of us seeking ways to cope or escape. Together, they examine the role of hobbies and routines—how these can be healthy outlets but may also distract us if they take the place of our relationship with God. In this emotionally intense season, the discussion focuses on embracing life-giving practices that promote peace and grounding, highlighting God as the ultimate source of stability and joy.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How do you differentiate between healthy solitude and isolation? What impact does social media have on your emotional state during intense periods like election week? How do you anchor yourself in God during emotionally turbulent times?

American Church Mindset | Episode 49 Oct 28, 2024

Ministry looks different in each context, yet the message of God’s kingdom remains consistent.

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen share their experiences from a recent trip to the UK and Scotland, where they explored different cultures and witnessed the unique ways God’s kingdom operates among people. They reflect on the contrast between American and UK churches: while the UK leans into its post-Christian culture, revitalizing dying churches and bringing new life to communities, the US often builds walls that separate the church from those it seeks to reach. This conversation delves into how we can partner with the Holy Spirit to transform our surroundings, build bridges with our neighbors, and reflect Jesus more fully in the world. Micah and Shireen challenge the American church mindset, urging us to lead with vulnerability and weakness, ultimately shifting the focus to God.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How do you express your faith creatively in your daily life? What small actions can you take this week to reflect Jesus more fully in your community? What personal beliefs or fears might be preventing you from connecting with others who have different viewpoints?

An Inevitable Faith Crisis | Episode 48 Oct 21, 2024

What if your doubts and disappointments are the very tools God uses to build you?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen discuss “The Wall”- a season of life marked by faith crisis, disappointment, and uncertainty. The Wall isn’t meant to break you- instead, it’s an invitation from God to wrestle, surrender, and trust Him in the unknown. Though painful, this journey ultimately leads to a deeper connection with God, teaching us that while we may not get what we want, He always provides what we truly need.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How have you responded at a time when your faith was tested? Who is someone in your life that will sit with you at your “wall”? How might God be using your current struggles to prepare you for something greater?

We Aren’t Defined By a Red or Blue Dot | Episode 47 Oct 14, 2024

Is your political identity drowning out your faith?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen explore how we can engage thoughtfully, stay grounded in Christ, and focus on unity over division during an election season. For these times that feel massively divided, Jesus calls us to love in every direction. Micah and Shireen discuss how to stay grounded in Christ rather than placing our identity in political parties. As believers, we aim to align our hearts with God's will as we make decisions about our nation's future. Ultimately, our political engagement is just one part of a larger picture.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

What role does your faith play in political decisions? In what ways do you think voting can reflect your love for your neighbors? How can you encourage curiosity and understanding in political discussions rather than judgment?

Finding God in Chaos | Episode 46 Oct 07, 2024

Instead of relying on the world’s solutions, we’re called to bring our concerns to God, remembering that people are not our enemy—sin is.

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen explore the Book of Habakkuk, drawing parallels between Babylon’s obsession with power and the world we live in today. Just as Habakkuk brought his complaints to the Lord amid destruction and evil, we too can feel overwhelmed by the darkness in our own "Babylon season." But rather than turning to worldly answers, we’re encouraged to focus on God—loving Him, loving others, and holding on to the truth that real hope lies in His Kingdom. Will you look to the Lord, set boundaries, and trust that righteousness is winning, even when it seems hidden?

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

Where do you stand in this modern Babylon? In what ways are you tempted to put your trust in power, success, or control instead of God? What boundaries do you need to set with worldly distractions in order to grow spiritually?

Finding God in the Digital World | Episode 45 Sep 30, 2024

It's easy to let screens and social media take control of our lives.

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen invite listeners to consider how our phones and social media shape our hearts and minds, often pulling us away from God's purpose. They highlight the importance of finding balance in a tech-saturated world. It's not just about limiting screen time—it's about intentionally turning away from distractions to draw closer to God. By setting boundaries with our devices, we can experience spiritual growth, build stronger relationships, and refocus on what truly matters. Ready to reevaluate your relationship with technology?

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

What boundaries can you set with your phone to create more space for God? When was the last time you took a break from social media? What is one step you can take today to disconnect from technology and reconnect with God?

Is God Safe? | Episode 44 Sep 23, 2024

We often seek comfort and predictability while God challenges us in ways we don't always understand.

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen tackle the tough questions about the nature of God, safety, and faith. We often seek comfort and predictability while God challenges us in ways we don't always understand. What happens when God doesn’t answer prayers the way we expect? And how can we trust in His unchanging nature even when life feels unpredictable? True safety is found in the consistency of who God is, not in the guarantees of life.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

What fears or insecurities do you find difficult to bring to God? How might understanding His unchanging nature help you overcome them?

We’ll Rest When We Get to Heaven | Episode 43 Sep 16, 2024

Jesus is our ultimate Sabbath rest, but how do we incorporate that into the six other days of the week?

In this episode, Pastors Micah and Shireen unpack the meaning of sabbatical, what happens when things don’t go as planned, and how rest isn’t just about personal relaxation. Join us as we explore the tension between work and rest, and how true rest can only be found in Christ, regardless of what’s happening around us. They discuss how our family backgrounds, personalities, and even society shape our views on work and rest. It’s about surrendering control and learning to rest in God, even when circumstances challenge our peace.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

Why does our culture push us to work non-stop, and where does this pressure come from? What is the source of what is coming at us?

Season 3 LIVE Kickoff | Episode 42 Sep 09, 2024

In this episode of the When We Walk Podcast, Pastors Micah and Shireen go live to answer your REAL questions in REAL TIME.

Here’s what you asked:

If you weren’t pastors, what do you think you would be doing for a living?

It seems like you both have very different personalities. How are you most alike and most different? And how do you settle those personality differences that end in an argument?

It seems that everywhere we look there is division in our society. Jesus commands us to prioritize unity. How do you propose we do that as a church, through an election season, and when our values are divisive in our culture?

How does God speak to you, and how do you know He is speaking to you?

As Christians, how do you feel about cremation?

If there was one thing you could communicate to the younger (gen z) generation, what would it be?

How do you know if the person you’re dating is the person God has for you?

What, in this season of life, is the attribute of Jesus that you’re most drawn to?

As I am learning more about Biblical context and more accurately interpreting passages of the Bible, how do I reconcile my new understanding with what I was taught as a child in Sunday School or youth group?

How can I make peace with feeling let down by people who preached sermons which led me to inaccurately understand aspects of my faith?

What are some ways to help/support someone whose marriage is struggling?

My husband has stopped believing in God because of things that happened to me. He does believe in a higher power. I want a God centered marriage. How do I help him back to being a believer?

What book (outside of the Bible) most impacted your life?

If you could meet anyone in history (except Jesus) who would it be and why?

What do you think Jesus’ favorite sneaker would be?

Make Room at the Table | Episode 41 Jul 15, 2024

Is there such a thing as too much “me” time?

In this episode, Pastor Micah and Shireen discuss the declining efforts of communal dining and its impact on loneliness in American culture today. They highlight how dining together fosters connection, intimacy, and community, referencing Jesus' practice of consistently gathering around a table. They emphasize the importance of reclaiming shared meal times as a tool to combat isolation and encourage believers to invite others into their homes. The conversation suggests that despite modern trends and individualistic tendencies, we are called to give up things in our lives and challenge individual thinking. The table remains an equalizer and a source of meaningful human connection. As Jesus sets a place at the table for us, we must begin by doing the same for others.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

Am I willing to pull up another chair? What is hindering me? Who can I invite to my table?

The Secret Place | Episode 40 Jul 08, 2024

For us as believers, it takes a longer attention span to sit with the Lord and grow our relationship.

In this episode, Shireen talks about her most recent trip and recalls her daughter having difficulty remaining focused after a new church experience went long. She emphasized the impact of cultural and technological changes on our attention spans. As a society, we are forced to adjust, but God won’t. Micah and Shireen stress the importance of cultivating longer attention spans to develop deeper relationships with God and each other. They advocate for intentional quiet time with the Lord, suggesting practices like walking, journaling, and reading to foster this connection. Micah and Shireen conclude by encouraging individuals to reflect on their quiet time practices and how they can improve their focus and relationship with God. Any relationship requires attention, to cultivate that, we still need practice to grow our attention span.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

What does quiet time look like to you? What can you replace in your day now with quiet time? How can you grow your attention span? What is your starting point?

Miracle Mindset | Episode 39 Jul 01, 2024

The #1 reason for doubt is unanswered prayer.

We often create formulas about how we think God should show up, causing us to walk away when we don’t get the result we expected or asked for. God is okay with us testing Him in these areas because He can handle it. What causes discord is when it isn’t answered the way we want it to be.

Micah and Shireen emphasize that God is completely predictable in who He is, not what He will do. Although we can’t predict how He will respond or show up, God has proven that His character is never changing. When we pray those bold prayers, no matter what happens, we can anchor in the truth of who God is. We have to know His nature so that if something doesn’t turn out how we want it to, we have an anchor in what we know He is.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

What is it you would love to see God do in your life? What bold prayers are you holding on to? Are you ready to take the risk?

Consumer Culture | Episode 38 Jun 24, 2024

Consumer culture has infected the air we breathe.

In this episode, Micah and Shireen talk about the constant want for the newest and next best thing. Many of us have begun shaping a new lifestyle based on desires over needs. All of this connects with greed in the human heart. As a result, materialism has become the new dominant system of identity. By asking: “why am I doing what I’m doing and is this the wise way to live?” it allows us to bring our desires to God and to ask Him instead of doing just what we want. Being open-handed about materialistic things and smart about what you are digitally feeding into creates room for simplicity and generosity in our lives.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How do we avoid finding our identity, fulfillment, and status in what we own? Where are you most vulnerable to the world around you influencing you? What is it feeding in your life?

Guarding to Guiding | Episode 37 Jun 17, 2024

In this episode, Micah and Shireen talk about the complicated, confusing, and challenging topic: Parenting.

Things you do as a parent that have worked before, may need to change. Adaptability is one of the most important qualities for a parent to have as their children get older. God has created a world that naturally teaches us to be wise through the natural consequences to our actions. But how do you do that with a five year old? We want to save our children from pain, but that isn’t really how God parents us. Allowing mistakes, focusing on wisdom, and navigating failures demonstrates that we have agency and we can listen to His wisdom or stray from it.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

Where does wisdom fit in your strategic approach to parenting? What's the one thing you'd want to teach your kids? How can you adapt to the new season your kids are entering?

Forming a Compassion Driven Culture | Episode 36 Jun 10, 2024

Micah shares a time he was caught off guard by a challenging question asked by one of his kids in public. Often times, we question if we know enough to answer the hard questions.

In this episode, Micah and Shireen discuss our original design and natural responsibility to value life. By understanding that it is ultimately a heart issue over a political stance, we can then focus on effective ways to help mothers and children within our communities. God has tasked us to embrace these families as a church by acting as the hands and feet of Jesus. The end goal isn’t a particular law or candidate because God is bigger than that. Yet we must still be wise with the influence we do hold.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How can we care for mothers and children? How can I talk well about these topics? How do I embody conviction and compassion?

Redefining Happiness | Episode 35 Jun 03, 2024

The desire for happiness is part of our makeup and design. Where we go wrong, are the things that make us happy.

Our culture has twisted the true meaning of a fulfilling and enjoyable life. Many followers of Jesus believe that they are deserving of certain things because God “wants us to be happy”. However, scripture defines true joy as suffrage on earth. Micah and Shireen explain that by choosing to follow Jesus in a culture that will condemn you and turn on you, you will need to understand what it means.

They discuss that when you choose to redefine joy, it won't always feel like a sacrifice. It's what we were originally designed for, and will instead become the desire of your heart. There is a deep-seeded joy and long-lasting happiness available to you.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions: How do you currently define happiness? Where are you finding your joy? Are you ready to suffer?

Sound Bite Culture | Episode 34 May 27, 2024

Everyone has an initial emotional response to their algorithm, the difficult part comes down to how you react.

In this episode, Micah and Shireen discuss a heated topic: Harrison Butler’s commencement speech. They remind us that responses can change with context and urge their listeners to listen to the entire speech before choosing to cancel or celebrate Butler. In today’s culture, people are forced to pick a side, and once you pick, you dare not criticize it; however, there is a credibility that comes when you can challenge your own party. Overall, his speech has sparked an important conversation about the next generation that Micah and Shireen dive into.

Before you pick your side, are you willing to say “my own team doesn’t always do everything right”?

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions: What is the biggest calling in your life? What is becoming your idol? Are you feeding in to cancel culture?

The Future of the Church is Ancient | Episode 33 May 20, 2024

Micah and Shireen discuss a sensitive topic for many: getting older.

But this sparks the question: is getting older “in” again?

In this Episode, Micah and Shireen challenge the idea that new is always better. In a culture where we want to stay young, hip, and relevant, we don’t value getting old. Instead of creating new language, what if we go back to the very beginning? They reflect on the early church and its purest form before cultural movements worked their way into the church. The best place to root our faith is in what was first planted.

As you listen to this podcast, reflect on these questions:

How do we navigate an increasingly spiritually confused world? How do we stay grounded as a church? How do we incorporate early spiritual practices in our lives?

Love Your Digital Neighbors | Episode 32 May 13, 2024

We love the redemption stories but we don’t always understand the work it takes to get there.

Micah and Shireen reflect on the first big fights in their relationship. This sparks the conversation about how conflict resolution has quickly lost value as people tend to prioritize standing their ground over finding peace and reconciliation. Micah highlights that though Jesus was a man of conviction, He was also a man of compassion. We often forget how Jesus Himself walked in a politically hostile environment. But how did He go about things?

As you listen to this podcast, ask yourself these questions:

Are there any relationships in your life with active conflict? How can you resolve it? Can you have strong convictions and not let it lead you to strong devices?

Singleness in the Church | Episode 31 May 06, 2024

Micah kicks off this episode by asking Shireen a big question: "what would her life look like today if they'd never met?" This then leads them to discuss singleness and how the church has made marriage the finish line and seen singleness as something to "fix". They offer a different perspective based on Paul's statements that elevate singleness to the same level as marriage. They share from their experiences, practical ways to bridge the relational gaps we find in our lives that will actually produce a more fulfilling life.

After this episode, consider the following:

How can your relational status can be a gift to the world? If you're married, how can your marriage be a gift to those around you? If you're a parent, how can your parenting be a gift to the world? If you're single, how can your singleness be a gift to the world?

Where in the World is God? | Episode 30 Apr 29, 2024

At the recording of this podcast, Micah and Shireen have just returned from visiting Lifegate's three campuses in Serbia. They talk about the perspective shift that happens when you begin to see how God is moving in our world and the differences in cultures and worldviews. Experiencing life outside of our American context opens our eyes to how much bigger God is than we previously thought. We also discover that some of our long-held "Christian" ideas may actually have more to do with our culture than Jesus.

Compression socks, communism, honor-shame societies, gen Z and DVT are some of the topics covered in this fascinating episode.

More Valuable than We Think? | Episode 29 Apr 22, 2024

This week Micah and Shireen approach a topic that causes tears, fights, distance, joy and pleasure: trips.

When it comes to trips, Micah and Shireen couldn't have grown up in more different of families. They both share their experiences with traveling while growing up - from miserable drudgery to creating core family memories of fun. Discover the secrets to successful trips through the stories they share and the hidden benefits they've found along the way.

Some questions as you finish this episode:

Where do trips fit in my life? Do I value them? What do those I'm in community with think about trips? What's my next trip and who am I going with?

Do I Have A Calling? | Episode 28 Apr 15, 2024

Micah and Shireen talk about the challenge of hearing God's voice and figuring out your purpose in life. How do I hear God's voice? Do I have a calling? What's my mission? Shireen shares her own story of discerning God's leading in different seasons of her life - from missions, to nursing, to raising kids and being in ministry - and the themes that stayed consistent throughout. They discuss the idea of God's will and compare it to a current to flow in rather than a tightrope to walk. But first, Micah shares a question about Jesus that makes them laugh!

After you complete this episode, ask yourself this question:

In my current phase/season of life, what is my understanding of my role in God's mission? What would those I'm in community with say in answer to this also?

Sourdough Identity | Episode 27 Apr 08, 2024

Shireen shares her journey of achieving her sourdough-making dreams and Micah ranks his favorite breads. This leads to a discussion on the topic of identity. Who am I? What is my identity? What do I offer to the world? Many of us experience identity as a constant wrestling match with the labels we allow to stick to us in life. Micah and Shireen share some simple ways to manage the tension of identities always being more temporary than we'd like to think. They share some stories from their own lives about perceived identities through different seasons.

Something new for Season 2! Ask yourself these questions after listening to this episode:

What’s in my bio? What is my identity rooted in right now? Ask those around you: "How would you describe me?" Which labels do I carry that I have pride in and which ones are weighing me down? Reorient this and ask God what He sees.

Season 2 Kickoff Q&A | Episode 26 Apr 02, 2024

Hey y'all! We're Pastors Micah and Shireen Eldridge and we're so excited you are joining us as we kick off Season 2 of the "When We Walk" Podcast. This episode is all about you - your questions from the comments are what we're going to be discussing today!

We Did It! | Episode 25 Feb 29, 2024

Our first season of When We Walk is a wrap! Join us in a few weeks when we launch Season 2 and make sure to share your ideas and comments below.

Give it Away | Episode 24 Feb 19, 2024

(Listen to this episode when you're alone or just with your spouse - this is not an episode for kids!) Sometimes talking with our spouse about sex can feel harder and more vulnerable than just having sex. This episode provides a great framework for how to have these conversations. Micah and Shireen unpack the four components involved in great sex: our bodies, emotions, spirituality and thoughts and cover specifics like foreplay and orgasms. Yes, we just included those words in our summary! ;) Getting better at our communication about sex can create an incredible connection and blessing in marriage that goes way beyond personal gratification.

The View from Twenty | Episode 22 Feb 05, 2024

It's February and love is in the air, in the stores, on our minds. This is a great time to talk about relationships and the next few episodes will center on this. During this conversation, Micah and Shireen focus on the topic of intimacy. Often our highly individualistic culture is at-odds with creating and maintaining intimacy but getting this right is a key to building relationships that thrive. They give many examples of getting it right - and learning from mistakes. Wilson the volleyball is mentioned and in-laws are brought up. Also, their worst anniversary experience is remembered and their waitress saw it all!

Written TO Us? | Episode 21 Jan 29, 2024

Micah and Shireen are joined by their good friend Mike Hintz who has a passion for the Bible and a degree to prove it! Mike shares why he loves the Bible and how the questions that arise when we read it can lead to powerful meditation. They cover a lot of ground in this conversation and even talk about the practice of writing Jeremiah 29:11 on every graduation card. At the end, all three reveal their favorite people from the Bible and Mike's is ultra-obscure!

Bible Hurdles | Episode 20 Jan 22, 2024

Micah and Shireen continue their focus on the Bible by talking about common hurdles we experience when reading the Bible. What should we do with confusing stories and things that make us ask, "How could God do that?!" This fascinating discussion covers a lot of ground: translations, the creation story in Genesis, interpreting meaning, science, evolution, context, Jesus, Old Testament, New Testament and so much more! Hopefully you are encouraged and equipped by the end of this talk to engage with the pieces of scripture that are challenging instead of just skipping them or writing off the Bible entirely. They also share how their daily walks have become fireside chats as the weather has gotten dangerously cold.

Bible Basics | Episode 19 Jan 15, 2024

Micah and Shireen roll up their sleeves and answer a ton of questions about the Bible: who wrote it, is it reliable, what motivated its creation, does it have a purpose - and more! They share some tips on where to start for beginners and also ways to keep it fresh for those who have been reading it for a long time. Micah shows off his new daily devotional and Shireen shares her plan for the next month. Plus - the question is asked: does walking 22,000 steps at Disney count as exercise?

Hard Reset | Episode 17 Jan 01, 2024

It's a new year and Micah and Shireen are getting ready to fast for ten days. They talk about the challenge of choosing to suffer through fasting and how to dial-in your fast. They share some epic fasting fails plus sage advice from their decades of experience with this spiritual practice. You'll be encouraged to hear that there is so much freedom to be found in fasting if we set ourselves up to truly lean into God.

Highs & Lows | Episode 16 Dec 25, 2023

Micah and Shireen wrap up 2023 with a funny Christmas story and get reflective when thinking back over the year with their own personal highs and lows. New Year's resolutions come up and they discuss ways to mark important seasons of our lives while trusting God with our dreams. Plus, Shireen shares a scripture milestone she achieved this year!

Joy | Episode 15 Dec 18, 2023

Micah and Shireen had to take a walk to catch their breaths after the Georgia Bulldog's historic loss. Micah shares the benefits of breathing deeply and Shireen connects the dots to joy. They discuss the similarities and differences between joy and happiness and why "treat-yo-self" can fall short of producing true joy. Plus, Shireen gives Micah the gift he already knew she'd ordered...

Peace | Episode 14 Dec 11, 2023

Micah and Shireen talk about the challenge of finding peace and how to spot a fake! Not all things that bring us comfort or calm actually produce lasting peace in our lives or our world. Peace that we receive from the person of Jesus is lasting, while the peace we manufacture for ourselves fades. The discussion ranges all the way from why Micah won't use hand weights on his walks to the fascinating resurgence of Stoicism. At the end, Shireen casually mentions that she hates coffee...

Waiting Game | Episode 13 Dec 04, 2023

This week Micah and Shireen talk all about waiting. Having to wait can make us wonder if we've done something wrong or if God's not coming through for us - but what if there is more for us in the waiting? Can we place our hope in the one who brings the result more than the result itself? In this episode, Micah quotes a symphony conductor and Shireen shares what not to say to a friend who is waiting. Plus, Micah makes a major Christmas confession and Shireen is shocked...

Can Christmas be More Fun? | Episode 12 Nov 27, 2023

From their clashing gift giving philosophies to strong opinions on when it's ok to put up the tree - this episode is full of great ideas for getting more fun and enjoyment out of Christmas this year. They share some hard-won lessons from their years of celebrating Christmas with four young kids and what it looks like for them today. Plus, they share the good that ended up coming from their 2022 Christmas Day flight debacle (Southwest is not a sponsor of this podcast.)

Holiday Frenzy | Episode 11 Nov 20, 2023

"Let's circle back after the holidays..." This statement represents the frantic, stress-filled pace many of us have begun to expect from the holidays - but does it have to be this way? Micah and Shireen talk about what they do to manage stress in their family's lives during the holiday season and beyond. They also discuss how they recognize when there is too much on their plate and how they handle this together. It may seem counterintuitive, but they are convinced that practicing the sabbath - even through the holidays - can truly increase our peace and enjoyment this season! Thinking about the holidays, the talk naturally turns to their favorite Thanksgiving foods.

Church Hurt | Episode 10 Nov 13, 2023

People fail us all the time, but failures of spiritual leaders have a uniquely painful impact. In this episode, Micah and Shireen talk about how to process this pain and give examples from their own experiences. Not all hurts are equal and this means our approach isn't one-size-fits-all. In many cases, the most difficult part is avoiding getting stuck in two ditches: writing people off completely or brushing their failures under the rug. Plus - as Halloween is over and all the candy has been collected, they talk favorite candy. Spoiler alert: Shireen's is disappointing and Micah's is basic.

Deconstruction | Episode 9 Nov 06, 2023

While it can feel like a recent buzzword - deconstruction is nothing new. We talk about this often misunderstood concept and share our own experiences with it. Did you know deconstruction even appears in the Bible? Viewing it as more of a fork in the road than a destination can help us walk through the doubts we and our friends may face and come out reconstructing a faith that lasts. We wrap up discussing Micah's shoe game and its genesis moment: his first pair of Jordans!

Is Halloween EVIL? | Episode 8 Oct 27, 2023

Halloween decorations are up all over our neighborhood and this got us talking about the range of opinions on this holiday and we share where we've landed for our family. Below the surface of the Halloween question is another: how do we as followers of Jesus view spiritual warfare? Can a holiday defile us? Can believing lies? We cover a lot in this talk - and you'll also discover what Micah's first mask was!

How to Battle Anxiety | Episode 7 Oct 23, 2023

We get very personal and very transparent as Shireen shares her own story of fear, anxiety and panic attacks. Our conversation covers what approaches worked - and didn't work - and the big realization that it's ok to need extra help. How we knew things were improving and the steps we took afterwards also factor into our chat. Plus - we actually talk about walking and the cold-weather walking gear we love!

Renewal, Revival & Awakening | Episode 6 Oct 16, 2023

Our friend Pastor Lee Cummings from Radiant Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan joins us for a conversation this week that goes deep fast! Pastor Lee is passionate about seeing God move in our day and is an expert on historical moves of God which he shares about in our time with him. We also find out what he's reading lately!

Mediums, Counterfeit Voices and the Prophetic | Episode 5 Oct 09, 2023

A lot of conversations we have on our walks center around words we’ve received from God— through dreams, visions and other people. There is no doubt our world has a longing to hear from the divine…and that there are voices that want to speak to us. We see this in the increase in interest in mediums and other counterfeit voices. In this episode, we talk about New Testament prophecy, ways to determine if a word is from God, and how to posture ourselves to receive and share words.

Kelce, Swift & Good Old-Fashioned Comparison | Episode 4 Oct 02, 2023

Pastors don't compare with others right?

Our last walk was in the rain - which was a bummer for Shireen. The topic was something universal - our tendency to compare at all times. We discuss the many forms of comparison - possessions, performance, identity and how to combat the vain imaginations that want to steal our joy. We share three simple questions to ask yourself that we've found incredibly helpful as we seek to be content. PLUS - because you asked, we reveal our favorite Mexican restaurant ... but you may be disappointed!

R.I.P. Humility Sep 25, 2023

Is humility even a thing anymore?

We talk a lot about cultural behavior on our walks. Today we're discussing the absence of humility in public life. From sports to politics, it can seem that humility is a sign of weakness and to be avoided at all costs. Yet, Jesus shows us a different way. When we act with humility, we add back in a missing ingredient for healthy relationships. We hope these simple examples and tips will help you reincorporate humility into your life without feeling humiliated!

The Stroke Sep 15, 2023

When dark thoughts invade our minds, is there anything we can do about them?

Micah and Shireen discuss the inner battles they fought when they recently had to rush to the hospital one morning. When the doctor said Micah had a stroke - all the thoughts came crashing in and the temptation was to believe the worst. They talk about how they overcame these fears and doubts and clung to God - believing He held their identities and outcomes.

Ten Years of "Yes" Sep 08, 2023

What happens when God calls us to something different than we expected?

In our inaugural episode we talk through one of the biggest recurring topics on our walks - the challenge of discerning and saying "yes" to God's calling. Our context is the succession process we walked through over ten years at Lifegate Church and the many "yes's" and "no's" along the way. We hope that our honest account of making a daunting decision will encourage you with the life-changing choices you face.

Intro Episode Sep 08, 2023

In this intro episode we give the background story behind this podcast and invite you to join us for the journey! Some of our biggest "aha" moments in our walk with Jesus came from our times walking together. This is why we've decided we're going to sit on a couch (the irony is not lost on us) and talk about when we walk!

We're Micah and Shireen Eldridge, Pastors at Lifegate Church in Omaha, Nebraska. Over the years, we've found our best conversations happen on walks together and this is what inspired our "When We Walk" Podcast. Join us as we sit on a couch and talk about the things we have celebrated, grieved, wrestled with and laughed about on our walks together. Our hope is to encourage you in your own walk with Jesus and help you go even further.

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