Sabbatical. The concept of the sabbatical is based on the Biblical practice of shmita, which is related to agriculture. According to Leviticus 25, Jews in the land of Israel must take a year-long break from working the fields every seven years. A "sabbatical" has come to mean an extended absence in the career of an individual to fulfill some goal, i.e. writing a book or traveling extensively for research. Does that sound appealing or do you feel restless? On this weeks show, Professor Dr. Brad Shuck talks about his sabbatical experience and the challenges he did not expect, as well as the surprising benefits of an extended time off from work to “sharpen the saw.“ How can we, as men, learn the benefits of solitude, rest, and margin in our life. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

Five minutes. That’s about how long it takes to go though the drive thru at a restaurant or to brush your teeth. What about spending time with God? Can God do a work in someone in only five minutes a day? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome former NFL champion Amos Martin as he discusses his new book Time Out for God. Part autobiography, part devotional, part journal, but all pointing in the direction of God and His transforming power. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

When you hear the words “foster care” what do you think about? Or more importantly, who do you think about? The child? The social worker? The birth parents? Foster parents? If it sounds complicated, you’re right.. So what can you do to help change a complicated situation into a blessing? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome three men who have been involved in the foster care process. They give a father’s perspective on how society (including those in the church) have either intentionally or unintentionally turned a blind eye toward a problem that effects so many. There are 437,000 kids in foster care in the US. 25% have had parents rights terminated. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

When you hear the word “sabbath”, what do you think of? A day of full of rules about what you can and cannot do, or is it a day of things you get to do? Could it be that when we do less we are actually able to do more? On this week’s show, Chad and Kurt welcome Mike Amos and Ross Knecht to discuss what God intended for Sabbath. In addition, the guys talk about the ancient practice of Lectio Divina (“Divine Reading” in Latin). Lectio Divina teaches that reading and reflecting on smaller portions of scripture can reap big benefits for our souls, and for those around us. Observing the Sabbath, Lectio Divina, and much more will be covered at the Soul Register now for Soul Transformation retreats put on by Further Still Ministries (beginning again) in 2027. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad host the annual Listener Appreciation Dinner, recorded in front of a live audience. Dan Webster is the guest - he is an author and the founder of Authentic Leadership ( www.authenticleadershipinc.com ). Dan talks about a challenging passage out of scripture that challenges the world’s image of what a leader looks like. It doesn’t matter what your job or position is, every man is called to lead where he is planted. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

“Freedom isn't free.” That's a bumper sticker for some people, but it's been a way of life for the men, women and families of the United States military. On this weeks sh, Kurt and Chad sit down with veterans Don Waddell (Air Force, Vietnam) and Derek Henricks (West Point, Army, Afghanistan). Don and Derek talk about their experiences and perspectives on military service and the high cost of freedom - for the veterans, and for their families as well. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy!)

He was born into a cult. His father left when he was 2. He was fatherless until 9. Is it possible to have reconciliation, and even a relationship between the father and son? On this weeks show, Chad and Kurt talk with Chris Ball about his journey - first as a son and then as a father himself. In his words, this is God’s business - Our Father in Heaven is in the business of bringing dead things back to life and making things new. Chris advises Dads - take the first step.

#539 A Fathers Day Story About A Beautiful Rescue From Legalism 6/22/26 by Solid Steps Radio Kurt Sauder Chad Russell

Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart. It is the wellspring of life.” How do we parent our children so they will not only be driven by behaving well and will actually have insides that match the outside? On this week’s show, Kurt and Chad welcome Ken Idleman - former pastor, college president and current consultant for The Solomon Foundation. Ken talks about reaching a child's heart without losing the importance of teaching behavior. (This is a repeat episode - enjoy)

Everything is fine. Work is going well, family is in cruise control. Life is good. And then moments later you cannot walk, talk or use your hands like you could when you woke up that morning. On this weeks show, Kurt and Chad welcome Mark Green to talk about life before and after a stroke, and how one of the worst days of his life turned out to be one of the most important. The guys talk about the connection between your inner world and your outer world, and how both need to be cared for in a man’s life.