In this deep dive into Christian denominations we hope to create pathways of understanding. We dive deep into background issues that make denominations different from each other. Many nuances make church denominations and congregations unique. Understanding these can only enhance understanding among believers. Our season 1 podcast, “5 Principles of Interpretation” answering, “How do you build your faith from the core out?” is a good companion to this podcast. When someone says I’m going to give church a try the next question is, “Which church?” Here’s a resource to make one aware of the factors that go into making that decision.Support the show

Church experience can have a lot of negatives, still, in this podcast we talk about how one life can make a difference in the lives of other people in this environment we call the church. Meet Mary, who when her church closed said to herself, “I decided to pick up my faith one more time and find a new church.” Find out why and how she made church life better for many.  We could get so hung up on the details of the structure or doctrine of the church, that those can be spot on to what we believe is right, and the church can be unhealthy in relationships because people are not being open and honest and not connecting with each other. Scriptures include Acts 11:19-26.Support the show

The ideal “to never stop praying” has fed a misconception that the most heartfelt practice of prayer is impromptu, extemporaneous, or conversational.Mindful prayer IS in the moment, yet that does not mean that the words of my prayer must always be without forethought. Impromptu prayers can leave us with fewer and fewer words to speak to God. This approach to prayer may become just as repetitive as any prepared or memorized prayers. We  consider new approaches to prayer to help move us out of prayer doldrums, engaging our creative selves to be intimately talking to God. Scriptures include 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 6:7-13, and Psalms 3, 5, 8 and 139.AND, there’s a lot of singing in this episode - impromptu singing!Support the show

Let’s talk dirt and plants, “nature” and mindfulness, and spiritual experience. It’s common to think that nature has little to do with Christian spirituality. We discuss ways we can be in the elements and experience God - to know him better. Knowing our elemental composition may lead us to engage fully in life. Listen in as Tony, Sandy and Micah share personal ways they connect to nature. The last 10 minutes includes an exploration about the elemental nature of church sacraments. Bible passages include Genesis 2, Psalm 8, and Psalm 139.Check out our previous podcast (Season 2, Episode 9, Let’s Talk About Zombies & Ghosts.Support the show

Meditations with pace, rhythm, and cadence can strengthen the practice of mindfulness. Words or phrases that help one to be in the moment rather than in the future lead to the best practice in mindfulness. Find passages to coincide with your circumstances such as:Meditations of inner serenity; Meditations of personal or spiritual growth;Meditations of community. Mindfulness is a fundamental practice to let good dwell in one’s heart and soul. Passages in this podcast include Psalms 27 and 46; Zephaniah 3:17; Colosians 2:5-7; and Matthew 25:40.Support the show

A perfect way to practice mindfulness is during seasons like Lent, Easter, Advent, Christmas or any other spiritual holy day or season. Jesus asked his followers to keep watch (vigil) with him on the night he was betrayed. His birth found shepherds keeping watch over their sheep at night. Keeping watch opens us up to new spiritual experiences. Passages include Mark 14:32-42.Support the show

What's the big deal about mindfulness? Why bother? Many are drawn to mindfulness through the desperation of their anxiety. Others are looking for a competitive edge in the workplace. Some practice it to be one in reality. Some Christians pursue mindfulness to attain a holiness of life and others to know God. Explore reasons to practice mindfulness with us in this podcast. Passages include Psalms 131 and 46. Support the show

Listen in on a conversation that introduces the why and how of the practice of mindfulness. Growing in mindfulness in a simple moment sets us up to be mindful in a chaotic moment. One leaves behind the double-mindedness that works against mindfulness. Passages include Genesis 2:7, James 4:8, and Luke 6:44-46. Previous podcasts referenced are Zombies and Ghosts and What is a Soul?Support the show

We want to share a Christmas meditation for this season. You may be longing for a good Christmas experience and we want to encourage you. In this podcast we share how we may experience Christmas peace. What can you do to have that peace? Listen to this meditation for some ideas.Support the show

What is a mentor? How can I find one? How can I be a good one? A mentor in the basic sense is a role model in some area of life: work, family, spirituality, and so on. Become acquainted with the mentoring relationship of Paul and Timothy found in the Bible. Mentees are inclined to imitate a mentor. It's the reason they may have chosen that person as a mentor. A mentor is looking for someone who is striving to grow.Support the show