Transformed for Impact with Barrett Bowden: Recent Episodes
Barrett Bowden
Barrett Bowden is the Lead Pastor of Island Community Church, a young, urban church in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee. On this podcast, we are committed to help you discover an authentic relationship with God and a passionate gospel purpose, both in your community and around the world. This podcast will give you God's Word, interviews with real-life Christians, and global insights to give you the opportunity to be transformed by Jesus to impact our world!
Barrett Bowden (Lead Pastor, Island Community Church), Steve Johnson (Pastor, Kingdom Church), Michael Thomas (Campus Missionary, Kingdom Church), and Jordan Frazier (Church Planting Resident, Island Community Church) have a conversation around Race and the Gospel, reviewing the summer study at Island Community Church.
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact!
This summer, we are diving headfirst into an important conversation at the intersection of race and the gospel.
This week, Steve Johnson, Pastor of Kingdom Church, teaches through episode four of "Race and the Gospel." In this episode, Steve helps answer the question "What is Gospel Unity?"
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact!
This summer, we are diving headfirst into an important conversation at the intersection of race and the gospel.
This week, Steve Johnson, Pastor of Kingdom Church, teaches through episode three of "Race and the Gospel." In this episode, Steve helps answer the question "What is Justice and Righteousness?"
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact!
This summer, we are diving headfirst into an important conversation at the intersection of race and the gospel.
This week, Steve Johnson, Pastor of Kingdom Church, teaches through episode two of "Race and the Gospel." In this episode, Steve helps answer the question "What is the Dividing Wall of Hostility?"
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact!
This summer, we are diving headfirst into an important conversation at the intersection of race and the gospel.
This week, Steve Johnson, Pastor of Kingdom Church, teaches through episode one of "Race and the Gospel." This week, Steve helps answer the question "Why Does Race or Ethnicity Matter to God?"
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact! Today we will be wrapping up our series Rhythms of Health: Choosing Less for More. In this series, we have been exploring a biblical roadmap for what it looks like for each of us, including you, to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the hurry of the world we live in.
We have used John Mark Comer's book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" as a framework for this series. On this episode, you will have the opportunity to explore what it looks like for you personally to live a life that rejects hurry, and embraces Jesus.
Thank you so much for joining us today! We hope this training benefits you greatly. Make sure you subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We love you, and we hope to see you soon.
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact! Today we will be continuing our series Rhythms of Health: Choosing Less for More. In this series, we have been exploring a biblical roadmap for what it looks like for each of us, including you, to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the hurry of the world we live in.
We are using John Mark Comer's book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" as a framework for this series. On this episode, you will learn Comer's fourth and final practice for living a life that rejects hurry, and instead follows after Jesus: Slowing.
Thank you so much for joining us today! We hope this training benefits you greatly today. Make sure you subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We love you, and we hope to see you soon.
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact! Today we will be continuing our series Rhythms of Health: Choosing Less for More. In this series, we have been exploring a biblical roadmap for what it looks like for each of us, including you, to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the hurry of the world we live in.
We are using John Mark Comer's book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" as a framework for this series. On this episode, you will learn Comer's third practice for living a life that rejects hurry, and instead follows after Jesus: Simplicity.
Thank you so much for joining us today! We hope this training benefits you greatly today. Make sure you subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We love you, and we hope to see you soon.
Welcome to Transformed for Impact! In this season at Island Community Church in Memphis, TN, we are having a conversation through our teaching series about spiritual habits. Ways that we can experience more of God's grace, and grow in his grace. These habits are a way for us to make a choice to be near Jesus, that we may experience Him and have a deeper relationship with Him.
In this episode, we will be talking with a dear member and deacon of ICC, Jim Warberg, about the spiritual habit of reading the Bible. We hope his testimony will bring you hope, and ignite a desire to know God more through His Word.
Make sure you subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We love you, and hope to see you soon!
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact! Today we will be continuing our series Rhythms of Health: Choosing Less for More. In this series, we have been exploring a biblical roadmap for what it looks like for each of us, including you, to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the hurry of the world we live in.
We are using John Mark Comer's book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" as a framework for this series. On this episode, you will learn Comer's second practice for living a life that rejects hurry, and instead follows after Jesus: Sabbath.
Thank you so much for joining us today! We hope this training from the Scripture benefits you greatly today. Make sure you subscribe to our podcast so you never miss an episode. We love you, and we hope to see you soon.
Welcome to Transformed for Impact! Today we will be continuing our series Rhythms of Health: Choosing Less for More. In this series, we have been exploring a biblical roadmap for what it looks like for each of us, including you, to stay emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the hurry of the world we live in.
We are using John Mark Comer's book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" as a framework for this series. On this episode, you will learn Comer's first practice for living a life that rejects hurry, and instead follows after Jesus: living in silence and solitude with Him.
We hope you will subscribe to our podcast and leave us some feedback, so you never miss an episode of TFI. Thanks again for joining us! We love you, and hope to see you soon.
Welcome back to Transformed for Impact! Are you desiring to move toward a healthier, more fruitful rhythm of life? Today we continue our training series on Rhythms of Health: Choosing Less for More, where we are exploring a biblical roadmap for staying emotionally healthy and spiritually alive in the chaos of the modern world.
We are using John Mark Comer's book "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" throughout the summer, and each week we will be tracing his compelling emotional and spiritual case against hurry in favor of a slower, simpler way of life: following the way of Jesus.
We hope you enjoy part two of this study, as Micah Roeder of our ICC family helps us understand what it looks like to embrace the easy yoke of Jesus. As always, we encourage you to subscribe to TFI and leave a review, so you never miss an episode. We love you, and we hope to see you soon!
In this fourth season of Transformed for Impact, follow along with our Summer Wednesday study "Rhythms of Health" at Island Community Church. This 7-week series taught by Barrett Bowden and a couple special guests will walk us through John Mark Comer's "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry". You really won't want to miss this series, as we explore a biblical approach to health and wholeness in every facet of our lives.
This week we address the problem: hurry.
Be sure to subscribe to our podcast so you don't miss an episode, and leave a review. Your input is valuable to us. We love you, Jesus loves you, and we hope to see you soon.
Do you ever struggle with maintaining control? Do you ever struggle to completely release yourself and your plans into the hands of God? In this episode, we will discuss how to surrender to the purposes and promises of God. Late in David's life, he made a prideful and tragic mistake that most of us can relate to. Rather than trusting his success and future into God's care, he decided to put confidence in himself and take things into his own hands. God had to use his failure to teach him an important lesson in trust and surrender.
As we follow Jesus, we must learn to choose (a deliberate act, a deliberate decision) to turn our lives and our wills over to the care of God.” In this episode, you will learn more about how to make that choice in daily life with Jesus. You will discover five common barriers to this choice. Additionally, you will learn four pathways to make a consistent choice to release yourself to Him.
In this episode, we are going to be talking about learning to stand in the grace of God. Once we know God's grace in salvation, how can we learn to stand (or continue) in that same grace of God in daily life? At the end of the book of 2 Samuel (Chapter 22), we are given a long song of King David, as well as a record of some of his last words. At the end of his long life with God and reign as king, David is reflecting over all the ways in which God has been faithful to Him.
At the end of the day, he recognizes that his story is a story of God's redeeming grace. He does not point to his own success, but God's success. He does not in pride say "I have been such a great man" but "God has been such a great Savior." In the passage, David points to God and His grace.
The purpose of this podcast today is help give you some practical ways in which you too can learn to stand in God's grace. David's song & last words reflect the end of a life of learning to stand in God's grace. He did not always do this perfectly. But he has learned. And we can too. In fact, we should. You will be encouraged and challenged by this reflection on 2 Samuel 22, Galatians 3, and some practical ways in which we can continue in the grace of God.
In today’s episode, we are going to be talking about extending restoration to others. As followers of Jesus, we are people of restoration. Our hope is built upon the person of a Restorer - Jesus Christ. As people who know his restoration personally, we should - above all people - be about the work of extending His restoration to others. Above all people, we should live with a heart of deep desire to see others restored. And above all people, we should live with a life committed to help other experience His restoration.
In this episode, we will be be overviewing a few chapters of the book of 2 Samuel - Chapters 19 through 21 - to look at how King David used his influence to extend restoration to others.
Together, we will discover five ways that David worked to extend restoration to the nation after a time of great brokenness, conflicted, sadness and trouble. We can learn from each of these steps that David took and consider how to grow in the work of extending restoration in our own lives.
In this episode, you will hear an incredibly personal and important conversation on the topic of Receiving God’s Redeeming Grace. Once we are saved, we must learn to LIVE daily in God’s redeeming grace, identity, and truth. It is a common struggle to forgive ourselves of what God has already forgiven you. This lack of forgiveness can be debilitating in our minds, hearts, and lives, keeping us from the fullness of what God desires. In this episode, we will talk about this reality and how to practically overcome it with gospel truth and transformation. In the story of 2 Samuel, you will hear how this played out in King David’s life after his horrific sins with Bathsheba and Uriah. In this episode’s interview with Rob Hodum, you will hear how this plays out today.
Have you ever felt like your family was a bit dysfunctional? Maybe especially dysfunctional? In one way or another, we can all relate. All of our families have problems of some kind within.
For followers of Jesus, two important questions emerge: How do we handle the presence and consequences of sin in our families? How can we live with hope in the midst of this dysfunction?
In this episode, you will learn six characteristics of those who live with hope in the midst of family dysfunction. In this episode, Pastor Barrett will help you understand these six godly attitudes toward your family from Scripture. He will also lead you toward a pathway to desire and experience these characteristics personally and practically in your life.
As we study book of 2 Samuel, we see that David’s sin led to incredible brokenness and dysfunction within his family. However, in the midst of his family conflict, he learns that God is still faithful to redeem and fulfill His covenant of grace. You can too! Listen to this episode and find help to know how to live with His hope in your dysfunctional family!
In this episode, you will hear Barrett interview someone who has a powerful, personal testimony of God’s redemption in sin and brokenness. Tim Keller once said: “The gospel says you are more sinful and flawed than you ever dared believe, but more accepted and loved than you ever dared hope.” We can understand this conceptually and study this biblically, but it is vital for us to experience this personally.
In this episode, you will hear the story of someone who has personal story to tell of God’s forgiveness and grace. If you know your brokenness and long to experience God’s redemption, you will be deeply encouraged by this interview!
In this episode, you will be reminded and equipped in one of the greatest opportunities you have as a follower of Jesus Christ: displaying the gospel in daily life. What does it look like to really show His love - the good news of Jesus - in our everyday life?
Together, we will look at several Scripture passages to remember that the gospel is something for us AND also something for others. It is meant to come to us AND to flow through us. The gospel is meant to be enjoyed AND also to be shared. The gospel must be received AND freely given. How can we embrace this joyful opportunity and obey this important responsibility?
You will also discover a biblical framework for Displaying the Gospel in Daily Life. Through the story of David and Mephibosheth in 2 Samuel 9, you will learn four things that David did to extend God’s gospel and grace to this young man in need. From this, you will learn important questions to consider to push us to see gospel needs and opportunities around us each day.
Have you ever gotten ahead of God in your planning? Or felt tempted to? In this episode, we will be talking about living in God’s plans, not our own. You will receive help identifying some potential obstacles to living in God’s plans, and then some biblical principles today that will help you keep you aligned with Him.
This episode draws lessons from a story in 2 Samuel 7, when David and his friend Nathan got ahead of God with a plan to build a permanent home for God. As we study this passage, we will discover two important and interesting lessons for times when we are desiring God’s will. First, we must saturating ourselves in the revealed will of God - the Bible. Second, we must choose to starting our planning with surrender, not assumption (and let God tell us no).
You will benefit greatly from this practical and biblical episode, receiving encouragement and instruction for how to live faithfully in the will of God!
In this episode, we will be talking about honoring God above tradition and family. Have you ever had a moment where you felt a TENSION between what other people's expectations are on you versus what God's expectations are on you? Have you ever had your family suggest, ask or even demand something of you that is contrary to God’s Word and desires?
Have you ever felt a tension between adhering to long-held traditions (whether it it's a family, cultural , or religious) and actually following the word & ways of Jesus?
In this episode, we are going to look at story in the Old Testament we can ALL relate to - the day that David’s wife got MAD at him for obeying God! Then, we will explore some teaching of Jesus in the New Testament that help us understand God's desire and instruction for us in situations where FAMILY and TRADITION put us in tension with GOD.
In this episode, we're going to talk about WAITING on the Lord. Waiting is hard. How can we learn to wait on God with faith? How can we grow in confidence in His character, commitments, and working?
We will explore how David waited for ten years when was an exile with a price on his head, fleeing from Saul and patiently anticipating the time when God would put him on the throne of Israel. As we consider his story and also our own, we will be explore and be encouraged in the trustworthiness of God.
You will learn six ways to cultivate greater faith in God’s trustworthy character. You will be challenged to continue to wait on the Lord for He who promised is faithful!
In this episode, we explore a topic that all of us can relate to: CONFLICT. On this side of the Fall, to be in relationship with another person or with a group of people (whether its a family, a friend group, a club, an organization, or country).... is to know and experience CONFLICT.
Conflicts are a sad and inevitable reality of life. Brokenness in relationships is one of the consequences of all of our sin, selfishness, self-centeredness, and rebellion against God. Conflicts affect us all. Even those who are in relationship with Jesus. For some of us, this is very personal. For some of us, this is very painful. And for some of us, this is very present in our reality.
Together, we will explore the topic of CONFLICT and talk about how we can handle it GOD'S way. As we look at the story of deep personal and national conflict within Israel in 2 Samuel 2-4, we will learn about two categories of POOR ways to handle conflict. Then, we will have opportunity to survey the Scripture to learn what the Bible teaches about GOD'S way of handling conflict. As people reconciled to God, we are called to resolve conflict in a way that is remarkably different from the way the world. We want to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be like Jesus.
As you listen to this episode, you will receive a NINE STEP biblical process of peacemaking and conflict resolution. You will also be helped and challenged to consider how you can lead in the peacemaking process God's way!
Grief is something that all of us face, both collectively and personally.
As we look at the world today from a macro perspective, we can see many reasons for grief: oppression, suffering, disease, injustice, and death. Collectively, we share grief and sadness for these people and these situations. Grief can be understood personally too. While all of our stories are different, all of us are affected by the brokenness of our world in ways that bring pain and grief.
In this episode, we will talk openly and honestly about grief. Relying on trusted content from the American Bible Society and their Trauma Healing Institute, we will explore: What is grief? What is the grief process? What are things that make grief harder? And, how can we grieve well? How can we grieve in a way that honors God?
Join us on a journey of learning how to grieve well in relationship with God, as we open with the story of David's grief from 2 Samuel 1.
In this last episode of our current season of Digging Deeper, we will explore the topic of Christian friendship. We should all desire to grow into a better understanding and experience of friendship with other Christians. The question many of us are asking is how.
Together in this episode, we will look at a story of two people in the Old Testament who experienced a really deep and godly friendship. We will discover: What is God's design? What is required of me? How can I make the most of friendships that I have established?
You will be helped and strengthened by the practical teaching and coaching from God's Word. You will have opportunity to learn how to take next steps toward experiencing the goodness of God's design in Christian friendship.
Jealousy. Discontentment. Resentment. Let's face it. We have all experienced moments where these things surface within us at one more or another. Perhaps this jealousy has even manifested itself outward in our behavior toward others. In this podcast episode, we will help you better understand jealousy - it's roots, it's problem, and ways to overcome it in relationship with God.
What does the Bible say about jealousy? How can we understand it and battle it from God's perspective? We will take a look together at several passages of Scripture together, including a story about the jealousy of Saul, the Ten Commandments, some teaching from Jesus in the gospel of Matthew, and some personal life experience from the Apostle Paul in Philippians. You will learn more about why jealousy is more than a problem to be managed but a sin to be forsaken and fought with faith in the sufficient satisfaction of God.
In this podcast episode, we will help you work toward a more Jesus-centered view of Old Testament study! In Luke 24:27, we read a story about when Jesus helped some people understand how all of the Old Testament was about him: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." All of Scripture - including the Old Testament - is about Jesus! In this episode, we will help you see that... but also know HOW to see that.
If you have a heart to see Jesus in the OT Scripture but don't know how, listen to this episode! We will give you three practical models for looking for Jesus in the Old Testament that will be very helpful for you to consider! Using these models from Christian leaders and scholars, you will have opportunity to grow personally in your own opportunity to see and worship Jesus through the Old Testament Scripture!
In this podcast episode, we will look at a perplexing story from the Old Testament that describes the presence of an evil spirit and King Saul's ineffective attempts to get rid of it. Is this kind of evil in an a supernatural spiritual realm reality today? Should the people of God expect to experience spiritual battles with evil and forces of spiritual darkness? If so, how are we to handle that? What tools are we provided? Can victory be experienced? How?
In this podcast, you will have opportunity to learn what the Bible teaches about spiritual warfare and the tools God provides to experience His victory. You will be encouraged and helped by practical teaching from Ephesians 6 on the reality of spiritual warfare and the tools provided in Christ to overcome the schemes of the enemy.
In this episode, we welcome a special guest on the podcast, Rob Hodum. Together, we will be discussing an important principle from the Bible: the principle of agreeing with others in prayer.
All of us have been in situations where we feel overwhelmed by circumstance or in a place where we feel pressed in by things around us. We’ve all experienced times in life when we wonder what we’re supposed to do. As we wait upon the Lord, we often wonder what direction He would have us to go.
In this episode, we will discover how to covenant with others in our life in prayer to humble ourselves in dependence on the Lord and discern His specific direction in our lives. You will benefit greatly from the truth from 1 Samuel 13-14, the practical application points provided, and the personal stories shared.
In this episode, we will discuss one of the most common questions that we ask as followers of Jesus. How does my sin affect my relationship with God once I am saved? Once I put my faith in Jesus, what affect does my sin have? This is something we all think about because all of us sin. Even after we come into relationship with Jesus, we still deal with lingering sin in our hearts and our lives. What does that do in terms of our relationship with God.
As we study Scripture, we find passages that speak to security in salvation by God’s grace to us in Jesus Christ. And yet we also find passages that tell us that God’s blessing is reserved only for those who obey God, and that tell us God opposes those who are sinful and disobedient. How are we to understand this seeming contradiction and tension?
Listen to learn about the difference of relationship with God and fellowship with God. Additionally, you will learn how this distinction makes personal and practical difference in our lives.
Many voices in our culture these days tell us to look WITHIN for the resources we need. We're told to embrace and believe this declaration: “I am sufficient." But this is not what the gospel teaches. As the people of God, we have a different declaration: "GOD is sufficient!"
In this episode, we will explore an interesting story in the Old Testament when the Spirit of God comes upon an ordinary man, Saul, to empower Him to serve God as King of Israel. In that moment, he experienced the ability to do something that he had never experienced before. What does this teach us? Is this supernatural empowerment to be an ordinary experience for God's people? How can we better understand and experience the person and empowering work of the Holy Spirit in our lives? How can rely on Him in everyday life?
I feel convicted that - now more than ever - we need to fill our minds with this truth... and share it with others. In our increasingly self-reliant culture, we must remember that our only calling and hope is to rely upon God. God alone is sufficient. Listen to this episode for opportunity to learn and receive encouragement to depend on the sufficiency and empowerment of God.
In recent years, political conversations and tensions have reached a fever pitch - in our society and also within the church. Some feel the need to be very engaged. Some feel the need to withdraw. Rather than go along with our personal feelings or our culture's norms, we need to know what God's Word says about these things. What does the Bible teach Christ followers about our relationship with government and politics?
In this episode, we will answer the questions: Is civil government biblical? What was God's original desire and design for government? What are the ways the people of God should be involved in government? Should Christ followers be involved in politics today? What are the priorities Christ followers embrace if politically involved?
Do you long to grow in your view of the bigness of God? This podcast episode is meant to remind you that it is an important and worthy pursuit to grow in our understanding of the character and purposes of God. If there is anything else we desire in life, we need to desire a growing vision of who God is.
What happens when the ark of God is taken from the people of Israel into enemy territory? As we examine this critical moment in the history of the people of Israel, we examine three lessons we can learn about God from this interesting story in the book of 1 Samuel.
“I want and need to hear from God! Will he speak to me?”
Many people long to hear from God. Many of us read stories in the Bible and wonder: "Will God will speak to me in similar and/or personal ways?" In this episode, Pastor Barrett will work to answer this common question. You will learn that God IS still speaking today. Through a compelling story, Scripture verses, and practical application, you will have opportunity to learn more about the way in which you can hear God’s voice speak to you today. Pastor Barrett will share three primary ways to listen to God’s voice… and encourage you to try it personally!
In this season of our podcast, we will be answering common questions that arise when studying the Bible. As I have pastored and taught the Bible over the last decade, I know that there are many things in the Scripture that can be complicated and confusing. We hope this episode and this season of our podcast provides help and hope to you!
In today’s episode, you will learn four helpful tools to study the Old Testament faithfully and meaningfully: You will learn to:
(1) Understand Old Testament Chronology (2) Understand Old Testament Genres (3) Understand the Right Approach to the Old Testament (4) Understand Right Questions to Ask in the Old Testament
In this season of the podcast, we will be answering common questions that arise when studying the Bible. We will take one common question per episode & spend to try to provide help from the Word in a concise and interesting way.
If you desire to grow in your ability to study the Old Testament meaningfully and faithfully, this episode is for you. You will have opportunity to better understand the timeline of Old Testament history. You will hear how to piece together a proper historical timeline and chronology with Old Testament books, understanding how they all fit together in the grand story.
In this episode, you will also have opportunity to understand the different types of Old Testament genres. What makes each genre unique? How does our approach to Scripture change with each type? Finally, you will have opportunity in this episode to discover some good questions to ask when approaching any Old Testament text. These questions will help you to make the right observations, interpretations, implications, and application as you study the Word.
“Help! The Old Testament is complicated and confusing! Is it really that necessary for me to spend time trying to read it and figure it out?” Find out in this episode!
Welcome to Season Two of our podcast! This season, we will be answering common questions that arise when studying the Bible. As I have pastored and taught the Bible over the last decade, I know that there are many things in the Scripture that can be complicated and confusing.
Where do we go to find information and answers on these things from a trusted source in a concise & interesting way? In this season of our podcast, I will take one common question per episode & spend to try to provide help from the Word.
In today’s episode, we ask the question: “Is the Old Testament important?” Many of us have faced frustration and confusion trying to read the Old Testament. It is full of unfamiliar things to us - customs, cultures, systems of religion, laws, geographical places, and more. Additionally, how are you supposed to understand the timeline of everything that is happening?
Perhaps you’ve heard or thought: “Now that we have the New Testament and relationship with Jesus, can’t we just leave the Old Testament behind? It is not that relevant for us anymore, right?”
In this episode, we will identify some common struggles, feelings, and concerns when approaching the Old Testament. Then, we will work to answer the question: “Is this important for Christians today?” Using God’s Word and biblical examples, you will be encouraged and challenged by five reasons to value and prioritize the Old Testament in your heart and personal study. In very personal and practical ways, you will have opportunity to consider how you can recommit to receiving from the whole counsel of God.
We continue today with our series, “Suffering Transformed.” I’m excited to bring you a conversation I had with a pastor friend, Jonathan Nason. Jonathan pastors in the heart of New York City, in Queens, at New Hope New York Church.
Have you ever wondered what is really happening in New York City right now? We’ve all seen stories on the news and statistics about how bad this pandemic has been in New York. But do you ever wonder on a personal level what’s been happening in the communities, on the streets, and in churches in New York? Bigger than that, are you curious about what’s happening in cities in general right now around the world? Are you interested in the trends of urbanization and what church planting looks like now in the midst of all that is going on? Have you ever been curious about what it looks like to share the Gospel in meaningful, yet normal ways? Have you ever been curious about what it could look like in the community that you live to take a next step to meet the needs of your community and to see opportunities to connect with people so that they might have a chance to know God? In this episode, we are going to be covering a variety of topics and answering these questions.
Jonathan is originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and is an authentic man with a sincere love for God. He’s been transplanted into a city that is very different, but in some ways similar to the one he grew up in here in Memphis. He is faithful and is finding great effectiveness at the work of relationally sharing the Gospel, planting churches, and leading a movement to be concerned for the city of New York. He has a lot to teach us from his own heart and experience as a pastor. His stories are riveting, and I’m really excited that you’ll have the opportunity to hear from him today. I hope you enjoy this conversation with Jonathan. I think you will be greatly helped!
On today’s episode, we continue with our series, “Suffering Transformed.” This episode is a very practical and incredibly helpful conversation on what it looks like to release to God and to live in deep trust and ongoing surrender before Him in the midst of seasons of suffering-- and really, in all seasons of life.
I am so excited to be able to welcome onto this episode a dear friend of ours, Kristin Hertler. Kristin is an OBGYN who recently moved back to Memphis from a season overseas. She is practicing medicine here in Memphis now, but before this season she served as a medical missionary for almost 7 years in some of the hardest and most needy places in the world both in terms of physical and spiritual need (places in Africa and South Asia). She has been a part of our church family for over 10 years, and we have had the joy of seeing God work incredibly in her life: growing her relationship with Him, calling her to missions, and then walking alongside of her as she was sent and as she was serving during her time overseas.
In today’s episode, she is going to be opening up in her conversation with me very personally and practically about how she has learned to release to God in three main categories:
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Releasing to God when our plans go wrong, and when things don’t turn out as we expected, desired, or hoped.
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Releasing to God when things we have built our identity on are stripped away from us, and what it looks like to release to Him then.
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Releasing to God in some of the most messy and difficult seasons of life, situations we encounter, and people we face.
All of us have experienced these three things and all of us have room to grow. I really believe today as you listen to Kristin, you’ll have the opportunity to hear God’s voice inviting you into deeper surrender and an opportunity to know what it looks like practically how to live in that.
On one final note, I am really excited that this interview is flavored with a global perspective. Kristin can’t help but bring that global perspective into the stories she shares about people she knew and the struggles she faced as a missionary. All of these things are really helpful for us to understand as we grow to be global Christians, because our God is a global God. Thank you for tuning in and listening attentively to this interview. I believe you will be encouraged and helped.
In this two-part interview, we continue our series Suffering Transformed, honest conversations about some of the hardest days and seasons in our lives and where we can go for help and hope. Barrett interviews Sladjan Milenkovic, who is from the country of Serbia. Barrett first met Sladjan during the season when he his daughter Sara were Memphis in receive treatment at St Jude for a serious, aggressive form of pediatric cancer that Sara had been diagnosed with in Serbia. A close relationship was formed between their families and Barrett’s church, which served as their church home while they were in Memphis. That relationship continues to this day, now in form of a partnership with Camp Hope, started by the Milenkovic family to minister to pediatric cancer families across the entire Balkan region. Sladjan is the director of HUB Bible.
Sladjan speaks about the topic of suffering out of his life’s experience. He discusses suffering he knows as a man, as a dad, and as a citizen of his country in Serbia. He speaks not only from his experience with Sara’s cancer but also, more recently, his personal experience battling COVID-19 in Serbia.
This interview discusses a variety of topics related to suffering, including how to make sense of it and deal with it as children of God. The conversation speaks from depth of experience and desire for knowing more of the beauty and purposes of God. In this second part of the interview, Sladjan opens up about the big questions he had during his suffering and the frustration he felt with trite things others would say in their attempts to comfort him during such dark and broken times. He discusses the ways he found strength and hope in God during such a difficult season, the unique opportunities suffering has given him to relate to others who have experienced similar brokenness, and how to take a bigger perspective of all that's going on in the midst of suffering. Sladjan also shares the profound and moving quote from his daughter Sara that completely transformed his thinking about what they had experienced together.
Not many people talk about these things as directly and authentically as Sladjan does, from his own heart, God’s Word, and the pain of his own experience. If you are in the midst of suffering, desire to know how to minister to others in the midst of suffering, or desire to be prepared for future season of suffering, this interview will benefit your greatly. As you listen to this conversation, you will be led to help and hope in realization that you are not alone in your experience and, more importantly, that God sees, knows, cares for, and loves you even (and especially) during suffering seasons.
In this two-part interview, we continue our series Suffering Transformed, honest conversations about some of the hardest days and seasons in our lives and where we can go for help and hope. Barrett interviews Sladjan Milenkovic, who is from the country of Serbia. Barrett first met Sladjan during the season when he his daughter Sara were Memphis in receive treatment at St Jude for a serious, aggressive form of pediatric cancer that Sara had been diagnosed with in Serbia. A close relationship was formed between their families and Barrett’s church, which served as their church home while they were in Memphis. That relationship continues to this day, now in form of a partnership with Camp Hope, started by the Milenkovic family to minister to pediatric cancer families across the entire Balkan region. Sladjan is the director of HUB Bible
Sladjan speaks about the topic of suffering out of his life’s experience. He discusses suffering he knows as a man, as a dad, and as a citizen of his country in Serbia. He speaks not only from his experience with Sara’s cancer but also, more recently, his personal experience battling COVID-19 in Serbia.
This interview discusses a variety of topics related to suffering, including how to make sense of it and deal with it as children of God. The conversation speaks from depth of experience and desire for knowing more of the beauty and purposes of God. In this first part of the interview, Sladjan primarily discusses the present personal and societal sufferings because of the COVID-19 pandemic Serbia. He describes its potential impact in bringing people to greater awareness of the brokenness and indiscriminate nature of suffering in the world. He also discusses the opportunity for believers to grow in greater embrace of weakness that can lead them closer to God.
Not many people talk about these things as directly and authentically as Sladjan does, from his own heart, God’s Word, and the pain of his own experience. If you are in the midst of suffering, desire to know how to minister to others in the midst of suffering, or desire to be prepared for future season of suffering, this interview will benefit your greatly.
In this episode, we welcome Chris Memminger to our podcast for a helpful and encouraging interview about how to stay focused and faithful in relationship with God in times of prolonged distress of circumstances and the soul.
Imagine you’ve given everything to train for a marathon. Then, you run it with everything you have. To your shock, as you cross the finish line with exhaustion and excitement for some relief, you get handed a bike. You're told it’s not a marathon but an Iron Man competition. Just when you thought you’d successfully endured the greatest athletic trial of your life, you realize you’ve still got biking and swimming to go. What does this leave you feeling?
This is the exact feeling that many of us have experienced lately. In the latest turn in the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, our community and country have seen trend lines headed in the wrong direction. Just when we thought that there might be a light at the end of the tunnel, that we might be getting back to normal…. it seems that we are all coming to the realization that this could go on for awhile longer. Just when we thought we’d successfully endured the greatest trial of our generation, we’ve been “handed a bike.”
This has led to a lot of feelings: discouragement, frustration, rebellion, resignation. This has also led to a lot of questions: What do we do? How do we survive? How do we thrive? How do we continue in trust, faith, and faithfulness in the right rhythms of life in ways that lead to help and hope? Our guest, Chris Memminger, served most of his career in the United States military. There are some incredible parallels between his time on deployment in the military and the situation that we are facing right now. He will describe many of the things he learned about God - about faith, living a life of faithfulness, perseverance, and living a life of right discipline - that very much apply to the season we are in right now. You will benefit greatly from this interview and be encouraged to continue to persevere in truth in Him!
I’m excited to announce today that we are going to be beginning a new series on this podcast called “Suffering Transformed.” In this series, you are going to have an opportunity to hear from many people that will help bring God’s perspective on times of suffering in our lives. They will help answer the questions: What should we do in times of suffering? And what does the Bible say about suffering?
Thankfully the Bible is not quiet about this topic. Throughout this series we will discuss different themes found in Scripture related to suffering including: perseverance, selflessness, finding hope, waiting on God, learning to surrender to God, and learning to walk in holiness. Join us as we look at how we can put our hope in God in ways that can lead to the transformation of our suffering.
1 Peter 5:10-11, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
In this episode of the podcast, Barrett talks to Zach Watts about the significance of being adopted by God in his life own. Abandoned by his own father at a young age and growing up in the foster care system, Zach talks about the heartache that comes from his earthly father and the transformation that happened to him when he realized that he was chosen and adopted by a Heavenly Father.
This has been one of the hardest weeks that I can remember as a citizen of the United States of America. This week, we witnessed video of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer while he was lying in custody on a sidewalk begging for the opportunity to breathe. It has been a week full of emotions for personally and corporately- for our community, country, entire world. It has spawned not only emotions but a wide range of action, including protests around the country. We are hearing loud cries for change. Most of us have been wrestling with a lot of emotions, heart ache, confusion, frustration, and questions. What is the right perspective on all of this? What is really going on? This moment is so much more than just this week. That’s why this moment feels so especially painful. What do I do? What am I to say? How do I love my black friends well here in this community and speak with them and advocate for them - not only here, but in our country and around the world?
That’s exactly why I invited Steve Johnson to be on this episode. Steve is a friend who I trust and admire greatly. He’s a pastor of a multicultural church here in the inner city of Memphis. I invited Steve here on this episode because I needed time with him this week. First, I needed him to understand that I love him and care for him. That I’m with him. I also needed to hear from him to get perspective and help. And to understand where he is looking for help. Steve is a black leader here in our community. He has the ability to help bring understanding through his experience and, through his own processing, help me to make sense of what’s going on and to know where to go from here. Our conversation today is not political but gospel-centered. The aim of it is just to seek God together. We desire to seek the good that God desires for our churches, community, country and the world at large.
In this podcast episode, you’re going to hear me ask questions that I wanted to ask Steve. I’m glad you get to listen in, but really this interview was to help me. I want to know his perspective as a black man on all that’s been happening and how it differs from mine as a white man. I want to know what he wishes white people knew about the experience of black people. I want to know how it is that I can be a better listener and friend. How it is that I can be a better advocate for my friends of color in this time and all the time? I want to know what it is that I can do, because so often I feel paralyzed by fear or inexperience in the issue. I want to ask him questions that people have asked me as I’ve begun to speak up in my own church and community. Some have pushed back against it - that we’re making race a bigger issue than it should be, that we shouldn’t discuss the color of people’s skin, that it’s not a gospel issue. I wanted to ask these questions to Steve to listen and learn. I also want to hear what he hopes for and pleads for on his knees in prayer, and also in conversations with others. Where should the church should be on this conversation on race at this time? I also wanted to be very personal to understand how he talks to his kids about this... and how I can talk to mine.
This is a very personal conversation and I am so grateful to Steve for his trust in me to allow me the opportunity to ask about some of these very personal issues that have brought great pain into his life in the past and even at this present moment. Today in this podcast, you are going to be listening to someone in the middle of processing their own grief and emotion, but doing it in a way that they are going to God and filtering it through the gospel. I believe you’re going to be greatly helped.
This interview is going to come to you in two parts and episodes. We did that to help give you space to process, repent, and pray. Make sure to subscribe and rate us in the iTunes Store.
This has been one of the hardest weeks that I can remember as a citizen of the United States of America. This week, we witnessed video of the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer while he was lying in custody on a sidewalk begging for the opportunity to breathe. It has been a week full of emotions for personally and corporately- for our community, country, entire world. It has spawned not only emotions but a wide range of action, including protests around the country. We are hearing loud cries for change. Most of us have been wrestling with a lot of emotions, heart ache, confusion, frustration, and questions. What is the right perspective on all of this? What is really going on? This moment is so much more than just this week. That’s why this moment feels so especially painful. What do I do? What am I to say? How do I love my black friends well here in this community and speak with them and advocate for them - not only here, but in our country and around the world?
That’s exactly why I invited Steve Johnson to be on this episode. Steve is a friend who I trust and admire greatly. He’s a pastor of a multicultural church here in the inner city of Memphis. I invited Steve here on this episode because I needed time with him this week. First, I needed him to understand that I love him and care for him. That I’m with him. I also needed to hear from him to get perspective and help. And to understand where he is looking for help. Steve is a black leader here in our community. He has the ability to help bring understanding through his experience and, through his own processing, help me to make sense of what’s going on and to know where to go from here. Our conversation today is not political but gospel-centered. The aim of it is just to seek God together. We desire to seek the good that God desires for our churches, community, country and the world at large.
In this podcast episode, you’re going to hear me ask questions that I wanted to ask Steve. I’m glad you get to listen in, but really this interview was to help me. I want to know his perspective as a black man on all that’s been happening and how it differs from mine as a white man. I want to know what he wishes white people knew about the experience of black people. I want to know how it is that I can be a better listener and friend. How it is that I can be a better advocate for my friends of color in this time and all the time? I want to know what it is that I can do, because so often I feel paralyzed by fear or inexperience in the issue. I want to ask him questions that people have asked me as I’ve begun to speak up in my own church and community. Some have pushed back against it - that we’re making race a bigger issue than it should be, that we shouldn’t discuss the color of people’s skin, that it’s not a gospel issue. I wanted to ask these questions to Steve to listen and learn. I also want to hear what he hopes for and pleads for on his knees in prayer, and also in conversations with others. Where should the church should be on this conversation on race at this time? I also wanted to be very personal to understand how he talks to his kids about this... and how I can talk to mine.
This is a very personal conversation and I am so grateful to Steve for his trust in me to allow me the opportunity to ask about some of these very personal issues that have brought great pain into his life in the past and even at this present moment. Today in this podcast, you are going to be listening to someone in the middle of processing their own grief and emotion, but doing it in a way that they are going to God and filtering it through the gospel. I believe you’re going to be greatly helped.
This interview is going to come to you in two parts and episodes. We did that to help give you space to process, repent, and pray. Be on the lookout for Part Two of my conversation with Steve Johnson. Make sure to subscribe and rate us in the iTunes Store.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like INSIDE a COVID-19 unit? What exactly is going on inside these special hospital centers on the frontlines of the healthcare battle against the Coronavirus? What is it like to have the disease? What is it like to be a healthcare worker treating and serving someone who has the disease? Many of us have heard some statistics or seen stories about the Coronavirus, but few of us have talked to someone who has been up close and personal its presence and impact. Through this interview, you will have this opportunity.
On this episode, you will have opportunity to hear from Curryann Potter, a Registered Nurse in Memphis, Tennessee who regularly works in a COVID-19 unit serving patients who have contracted the disease and are fighting for their life. She shares about the day-to-day experience and operations in these very serious and sensitive healthcare facilities, helping us know in more real ways how this virus is impacting people's lives and the lives of those who care for them. From her perspective as a nurse and a Christian, she shares things she wishes others knew about life inside their unit, misconceptions people have, and why this all is really so important.
Curryann shares many heart-gripping stories in this interview that will help form a more human perspective of this virus. She helps us know the experience and hardships of patients with the virus, even couples that are battling the virus in the hospital at the same time. She tells stories about what life is like for nurses and health care workers in the COVID unit, including the unique needs and opportunities they experience during time. She celebrates efforts to care for health care workers and explains what has helped encourage them the most. She also describes areas in which health care workers need continued support and prayer.
Curryann also opens up very personally in ways that will help you understand and appreciate the hope and practical implications of the Gospel even more. What are the personal effects of this virus on our frontline healthcare workers, especially those serving in these COVID-19 units? How do they cope with the fear and anxiety? Curryann describes how this season of working in a place of high-risk of exposure to COVID-19 has pushed her to turn to God in even greater ways for comfort, rest, and release of control. While there is a lot of opportunity to learn about COVID-19 units on this episode, there is an incredible opportunity to learn more about Jesus and living by faith in Him. Enjoy this episode with Curryann Potter!
Have you ever wondered: "Where is God in the middle of my circumstances and suffering?" Our guest in this episode will remind you that you are not alone in asking that question. Neither does it make you an inauthentic Christian. In fact, you are in good company among many people of God - both the Bible and around the world today. During this global pandemic, many are experiencing and questioning the presence of God in suffering more than ever before.
Our guest in this podcast episode is Rachel Welter, a gospel-centered, biblical counselor in Memphis, Tennessee who is in our church family. She opens up about her own struggles with depression, the tendencies of the human heart toward isolation, and the opportunity to know God more through suffering. Rachel is so skilled at articulating the deeper working of God’s grace in the midst of personal crisis and how to choose victory in truth and intimacy with God over the lies of anxiety and self-defeat. Don’t miss her incredible illustration around the 20 minute mark on the gracious gift of “surgery” that suffering can often be in our heart and life.
You will be helped through Rachel’s honest testimony and wise counsel in this episode. Thanks for listening and remember to rate, review, and share today’s podcast with others!
In the midst of the unprecedented stress of the Coronavirus pandemic, we turn to another trusted, skilled Christian mental health professional to provide help and hope.
In this episode, we interview Steve Roark, a licensed clinical social worker and Christian counselor of 42 years. Steve shares out of his lifetime of experience and wealth of wisdom in Christian counseling to help you know how to seek greater personal, relational, and family health.
During this dynamic conversational interview, Steve shares how crises can bring tough challenges that impact us personally and also relationally- especially with those closest to us and within our own household. Through many relatable personal examples and stories, Steve shares how you can find in these challenges unique opportunities for renewed perspective, investments, habits, and growth in relationship with God and others.
How can you handle stress, uncertainty, and frustration in a healthy, God-honoring way? What are some practical things you can do to improve your home life and invest in your marriage? What are the 10 habits of highly successful marriages? What personal ownership is needed to make adjustments for greater health? Steve will give wise, godly advice to help you pursue personal emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational health in moments of crisis and also in normal everyday life.
Steve Roark is the former Executive Director of Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Services and now serves as the CEO of Behavioral Health Foundation of Central Mississippi, which he founded. Steve also serves two churches as a staff counselor, First Baptist Yazoo City, Mississippi and First Baptist Oxford, Mississippi. In 2019, he was named one of the 10 most influential Christians in the state by “Mississippi Christian Living” magazine.
You will find great encouragement and practical tools to help your personal and relational challenges in this interview. Enjoy the episode and then consider sharing it with someone else!
John Stott once said: “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God!” In this podcast, we plan to regularly bring you global perspectives to help you grow in this way.
You will be encouraged and challenged by this global interview with Glenn Roseberry, a Christian missionary serving in East Africa. Glenn is a former business owner and entrepreneur. Over the last decade, God has transformed his life. Following God’s call on His life to make disciples, he now lives among the poor to serve some of the least reached and most underserved people on the planet.
Glenn helps us understand what life is like in East Africa during the time of the global Coronavirus pandemic. More than that, he brings helpful insight into heartbreaking suffering and health care disparities in the world. He also speaks about what he has learned about isolation, including how to make the most of opportunities of stillness and loneliness.
As a student of early church history, Glenn draws on lessons of the early church to help us see specific ways we can grow as individuals and communities of faith through the Coronavirus crisis. You will be challenged to make the most of your own suffering and consider others who suffer even more than you. We believe you will be encouraged and helped by this global interview!
Jesus said to his disciples: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
Do you ever wish you could just see things from the perspective of a child again? We should try. As it turns out, there is a lot that “grown ups” can learn from children - especially as it relates to choosing simple trust in God through all times, both good and bad.
In this episode, you will hear from Barrett Bowden’s 5 year-old daughter, Caroline. She describes some of her thoughts and feelings about Easter, the Coronavirus pandemic, and also the arrival of her new sister. With childlike faith, she points our attention toward God and simple trust in Him. She will also help you gain some insight and tips for how to lead children in faith in life, especially in uncertain times.
If you have a heart, experience, or influence with children of any kind, you will enjoy and be helped by this interview with Caroline. Jesus welcomes children. And he welcomes anyone who comes to Him with faith like a child. Will you go to Jesus with childlike faith?
Looking for skilled help and real hope during time of crisis? In this episode, a professional counselor shares perspective, resources, and encouragement to support you.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented anxiety and isolation to most of us in the world. How can we stay healthy - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually - during this time?
In this episode, I interview a professional counselor who practices in Memphis, TN who is also a Christian. She explains the symptoms, causes, and tools to battle both anxiety and depression. She shares about the effects of isolation in our lives, especially during the time of Coronavirus quarantine. Additionally, she discusses some of the potential ways that this crisis could have lasting impact in our lives.
We will work to regularly bring you intentional conversations with skilled leaders to bring help to our hearts and lives. You will find help and encouragement hearing the advice Whitney has to share!
This episode offers our very first interview of the podcast! We will regularly work to bring you intentional conversations with authentic Christians to offer encouragement and hope.
The Coronavirus has brought a season of unprecedented stress and change for all of us around the world. In this episode, I interview a young, professional Christian couple who is quarantined together in a tiny apartment in downtown Memphis amid the pandemic. In fact, one of them had a potential exposure.
You will find relatability and help hearing them share honestly about their struggles, fears, life hacks, working together from a tiny space, spiritual growth, and commitments to serve selflessly in this season. What does it look to live by faith in this uncertain time? Let Clayton and Anna help you through what they share!
Barrett Bowden is the Lead Pastor of Island Community Church, a young, urban church in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee. On this podcast, we are committed to help you discover an authentic relationship with God and a passionate gospel purpose, both in your community and around the world. This podcast will give you God's Word, interviews with real-life Christians, and global insights to give you the opportunity to be transformed by Jesus to impact our world!