Some people forever change your life by showing you better choices and giving you an example with following.  Having mentors and being a mentor is a blessing to many of us.Keith Stonehart is a friend whose Christian story has several incredible turns. He told his conversion story in episode 53. In this episode, he introduces us to a man who became an important friend and father figure at a time he desperately needed both.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

Learning to lead takes experience and wisdom. Even then, leadership in local churches can be tricky. Especially in the age of Coronavirus, we've all been learning about the limits of leadership.Max Dawson is one of the leaders of the Dowlen Road church of Christ in Beaumont, Texas, I've heard lots of good things about that group and found out some of their secrets to both caring for each other and communicating Jesus. Find out the difference between a shepherd meeting and a sheep meeting and how they use something called "Kingdom Performance Indicators."Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

How do you build a group of people who are helpful, don't bicker, and make each other better? You might think that's impossible. I mean, have you seen what's going on in Facebook land? Well, it's more than possible. While social media is both an easy target and the butt of almost every joke about online relationships gone awry, it's also a powerful tool to build positive relationships as well.This week I try to help you be an influence for good in a place many have already abandoned.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

How do you make sense of the Bible? This week I talk with Wes McAdams about his reading plan that makes a case for reading entire books in one sitting. We also talk about how he uses digital tools to help spread Christiainity.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

So how do you choose to be joyful when the world around you is crumbling? Jeremy Dehut is a new but good friend. He's helped me see both from his example and in his family's choice to let God help him choose joy in the face of tragedy. I'm grateful for people like Jeremy and Anna and how they share their struggles and show us how to allow God to let us become better.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

One of the big differences in online communication is the ability to talk back to the people who make the stuff you consume. In other words, we're all consumers and producers of online content, and I think that's incredibly beneficial. But how do you do it well? We'll talk about how to participate intentionally and thoughtfully.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

If your'e anything like me, you get intimidated when you think about evangelism and teaching others about Christ. Andy Cantrell can help you with this. He has helped distill the problems we have with evangelism into four tools which can help us be better at spreading God's word. Andy also has an amazing story about why Christianity means so much to him, and who he admires in the faith. I know Andy helped make me better at sharing my faith. See if he doesn't help you as well.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

This is the fourth part of digital literacy and it's how we recreate context for what we're finding online. Christians should already "get this" because we have to do it all the time with the Bible. But for some reason, we don't use these same skills when it comes to online communication. See how to create context in the conversations you're finding onlne.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

I wasn't sure what to expect from someone who came from a life of rock and roll. I mean, I know all the stereotypes. Were they right? Evangelist Keith Stonehart sets the record straight, and shows how Christianity helps fix our brokenness. Keith is the evangelist for the Fultondale church of Christ, and co-host for the podcast The Real Deal.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)

So what is your influence like? Influence isn't particular to just online communication, but it sure can go bad quickly. We talk about how to manage both your identity and image online, and at the same time keep yourself grounded.I also celebrate one of the most meaningful events in my life.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/balancingthechristianlife)