Exploring More: Recent Episodes
Michael Thompson - Zoweh
Zoweh's Exploring More Podcast is an invitation to conversations committed to sharing our discoveries of the wild and wonderful Kingdom of God… how it works, who we are in it, and the Love and Life that is constantly pursuing us. The Kingdom of God isn’t easy nor is everything in our story good—there are predators and parasites in the spiritual realm, another kingdom, the kingdom of darkness that exists and violently opposes our discovering and becoming more.
Exploring More is hosted by Michael Thompson, produced by Zoweh, and recorded in Durham, NC.
Kings Row with John Eldredge: Experiencing Jesus in Daily Life
In this special episode of Exploring More, Michael Thompson welcomes bestselling author John Eldredge to launch the new series Kings Row. Together, they explore deeper spiritual experiences—not through religious striving, but through daily relational union and communion with Jesus.
John shares his heart behind Experiencing Jesus, a guide to recovering ancient practices and creating space to connect with God. Drawing from Psalm 91, neuroscience, and his own journey, he introduces the “ordinary mystic”—believers who walk intimately with God in everyday life.
The conversation explores the challenge of a culture driven by speed and distraction. John names the toll of technology and invites listeners to unplug and return to practices that foster healing and peace. From angelic encounters to Star Trek, the episode offers wisdom and wonder in how God meets us.
Michael and John also highlight the role of spiritual fathering, mentors, and tools like the Pause app—resources to reorient the soul and experience God in real time.
This episode invites you to linger in God’s presence, embrace the unseen realm, and rediscover the joy of walking with Jesus daily.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast 🕊️ Pause App & Experiencing Jesus Module: https://www.pauseapp.com
Healing the Father’s Heart: Questions, Connection, and the Power of Apology
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the deep waters of fatherhood and healing. They explore how a father’s spiritual health and emotional presence can shape not only his own heart but also the hearts of his children. The invitation is clear: walk with God, get your heart back, and reconnect with your children—no matter what season of parenting you're in.
Through personal stories, including bread baking requests, football games, Star Trek marathons, and the hard lessons of missed moments, Michael and SJ unpack practical ways for fathers to stay engaged and grow in empathy. From asking better questions to reading books and watching shows alongside their kids, they share everyday strategies that create opportunities for meaningful connection.
A major theme of the episode is the healing power of sincere apologies. The hosts offer guidance on how to make amends—not from a place of shame, but from a place of humility and love. They emphasize that even past mistakes, when owned and addressed, can become sacred moments of restoration.
The conversation also highlights the spiritual dimension of fatherhood: praying for and with children, standing in spiritual authority, and staying attentive to God’s voice in the parenting journey. Resources like Zoweh’s Daily Prayer and the book King Me are recommended as tools for this sacred calling.
Whether you're in a season of reconnection or just beginning to examine your own story, this episode offers hope, honesty, and help for the road ahead.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Training Up a Child: Discovering Gifts, Asking Questions, and Fathering with Intentionality
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Josh Overton invite listeners into a candid and heartfelt conversation about the ongoing journey of fatherhood. Drawing from Proverbs 22:6 and their own lived experiences, they explore the sacred responsibility of training up children—not in a rigid mold, but in alignment with each child’s unique personality, giftings, and “bent.”
Fatherhood, they reflect, is not about mastery—it’s about discovery. Whether it’s planning one-on-one adventures, reading books their kids love, or simply asking the right questions at the right time, Michael, SJ, and Josh share how intentional moments of connection become anchors for a child’s identity. The episode emphasizes the value of listening deeply, affirming consistently, and staying curious—especially as children grow into their own.
The conversation also highlights how a father’s story—his wounds, growth, and transformation—inevitably shapes the map he offers his children. From stories of moving day emotions to navigating different personality types, the episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for dads walking through every stage of parenting.
Ultimately, Michael, SJ, and Josh point to the deeper reality that to father well, a man must be fathered by God. Healing the false self, becoming more self-aware, and leaning into community are all part of the ongoing work of fatherhood. This episode is a reminder that while parenting is hard, no man is meant to do it alone.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Fatherhood and the Healing Journey: Reconciliation, Empathy, and Presence
In this heartfelt episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson, Josh Overton, and SJ Jennings take listeners into the complex and sacred terrain of fatherhood. Through honest conversation and personal stories, they explore how generational wounds, busy lives, and missed moments can shape our parenting—and how empathy and reconciliation can transform it.
As Josh shares his experience coaching his son Judah and revisiting conversations with his son Steven, the episode paints a vivid picture of the power of a father’s presence—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Michael and SJ reflect on the ways a father's understanding of his own story, including that of his parents and grandparents, plays a vital role in the healing process.
The conversation moves between themes of masculine identity, parenting sons vs. daughters, and the shift from dictating to listening. With warmth and humility, the hosts highlight the importance of addressing past wounds—even the ones we don’t remember—and choosing empathy over control. Through their stories, they invite every father to consider the lifelong invitation to be a safe place for his children.
Reconciliation isn’t about fixing the past—it’s about offering new love in the present. Whether it's through a conversation, a moment of shared laughter, or simply showing up differently, the journey of fatherhood becomes a path of growth for both parent and child.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Fathering Through the Stages: Presence, Healing, and the Power of a Dad's Yes
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into the sacred and strategic role of fatherhood—unpacking what it means to guide children through the stages of growth with intention, love, and grace.
From boyhood to beloved son, explorer to warrior, and eventually king and elder sage, each stage of a child’s journey asks a father different questions: Do you see me? Do you love what you see? Will you walk with me? Michael and SJ explore how a father’s response—through presence, time, and affirming words—can either fuel a child’s identity or deepen their wounds.
The conversation highlights the power of modeling a real, intimate relationship with God. Drawing from personal experiences, parenting wins and do-overs, and biblical truths like Proverbs 22:6, the hosts remind us that good fathering is less about perfection and more about orientation. When a dad is oriented—anchored in God’s love and aware of his influence—he can lead his children with clarity and strength.
Listeners will hear practical strategies for parenting: from playing games and navigating emotions to recognizing when wounds have been left unaddressed—and going back to make things right. Michael and SJ also use helpful metaphors, like building the right "boats and charts" for the uncharted waters of parenting, urging dads to be intentional rather than reactive.
This episode is an invitation to every father to show up, make course corrections, and step more deeply into the role God has entrusted to them—not out of pressure, but out of love.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org 🌐 Learn more: https://www.zoweh.org/events https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
The Heart of a Father: Leading with Presence, Healing, and Grace
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings step into the sacred space of fatherhood—a role both powerful and profoundly influential. With studies showing that 92% of family behavior follows the father’s lead, the stakes are high. Michael and SJ unpack how a father’s presence—or absence—shapes the heart of a home.
The conversation explores the vital link between a man’s personal healing and his ability to father well. They reflect on the wounds many men carry into parenthood and how those unaddressed hurts can manifest in reactivity, addiction, or disengagement. Rather than shame, this episode offers hope: that healing is possible, and authenticity is more powerful than perfection.
Listeners are introduced to the Dad Series, a companion podcast aimed at equipping fathers to lead with courage, humility, and love. Through stories, insights, and spiritual reflection, Michael and SJ encourage men to shift from reaction to response, from self-protection to wholehearted presence.
Fatherhood isn’t a calling for the perfect—it’s a journey for the willing. And this episode is a compelling invitation to every dad to recover his heart, reengage his role, and rediscover the joy of leading with love.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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The Fuel of Fear: How God's Love Disarms the False Self
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings return to the powerful themes of hiding, proving, and fearing—three intertwined patterns that shape a man’s internal world. They examine how fear fuels a “false self” and keeps men from living in the freedom and love God offers.
Through personal stories, biblical insight, and years of spiritual formation experience, Michael and SJ unpack the metaphor of a heart running on empty—pushing through the desert until it reaches the “filling station” of God’s love. This image frames a larger conversation about identity, healing, and the invitation to live with nothing to hide, prove, or fear.
Listeners will discover how fear-driven behaviors often trace back to wounds, and how perfect love—real, experienced, and relational—can cast out that fear. The episode emphasizes the power of grace, honest self-reflection, and community in helping men step into the life of an oriented man: grounded in truth, formed by love, and surrounded by support.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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The Weight of Proving: Finding Worth in God's Love
This episode of the Exploring More Podcast delves into the concept of "something to prove" within the broader journey of masculinity and spiritual identity. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings examine how men often develop a false self rooted in hiding, proving, and fearing—patterns shaped by both societal pressures and personal experiences. Through honest storytelling, including anecdotes from childhood sports and relational struggles, they explore how these themes manifest in daily life and how deeply they affect a man's sense of worth and belonging.
The hosts emphasize the need for a shift from performance-based identity to a heart grounded in the love of God. They discuss how personal theology—shaped by real-life experience—often speaks louder than biblical theology unless men actively encounter God's unconditional love. This love, they argue, must be more than a concept; it needs to be an experienced reality that reshapes how a man sees himself and others.
Throughout the conversation, Michael and SJ also unpack how fear often drives the compulsion to prove worth and hide vulnerabilities. Cultural references like John Hughes films and stories of athletic and emotional challenges help illustrate how deeply embedded these dynamics can become. They stress the importance of grace, not merely as unmerited favor, but as the empowering presence of God that enables transformation.
The episode also looks at the role of affirmation, validation, and community in either reinforcing or healing the false self. The journey to becoming an "oriented man" is not one of perfection, but one of authenticity, spiritual formation, and deepening connection with God and others. The conversation ultimately invites listeners to reframe their personal theology in a way that aligns with biblical truth and reflects the freeing reality of being fully loved.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Living With Nothing To Hide: The Journey from False Self to Freedom
In this reflective episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings revisit foundational themes of the season—hiding, fearing, and proving—and how these traits are deeply rooted in the false self. Through honest storytelling and personal reflection, they unpack how these tendencies often form early in life, influenced by environments like church, sports, and family. Whether it’s the fear of being judged or the drive to earn approval, the hosts highlight how these patterns subtly shape our identity and keep us from living freely.
The heart of the conversation centers on the call to become an "oriented man"—someone who no longer needs to hide, prove, or live in fear. Michael and SJ emphasize that transformation doesn’t come from performance, but from receiving unconditional love and learning to live from a place of belovedness. They share moments from their own journeys that illustrate how freedom grows through vulnerability, grace, and a willingness to be seen as we truly are.
The role of brotherhood and trusted community is woven throughout the episode, reminding listeners that healing rarely happens in isolation. Instead, it unfolds through support, presence, and being known. From these safe places, men can begin to let go of the false self and walk into the life of courage, authenticity, and wholeness they were made for.
As the episode closes, listeners are invited into deeper exploration—with resources like The Heart of a Warrior and an open door to reach out for connection and support. This episode serves as both a mirror and a compass, offering perspective, hope, and a clear path forward into freedom.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear: The Journey to Authenticity
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack a transformative phrase that strikes at the heart of a man’s internal world: “Nothing to hide, nothing to prove, nothing to fear.”
Drawing from biblical narratives like Adam’s hiding in Eden and Peter’s denial of Jesus, the hosts explore how these ancient stories mirror the modern male struggle with shame, self-worth, and identity. Personal moments—like the frustration of painting a camper—serve as vivid metaphors for deeper emotional triggers, revealing patterns of fear, anger, and a false self shaped by wounds and societal expectations.
The conversation emphasizes how crucial it is for men to become self-aware, confront their past, and choose vulnerability. By naming emotions, recognizing emotional patterns, and engaging in healing practices like journaling and prayer, men can move from a place of hiding and proving to living free and whole.
Community also plays a vital role. Whether it's support from a spouse, brothers in faith, or a spiritual counselor, the journey toward authenticity and freedom requires others. Cultural and social factors—like racial identity or childhood messages—are also addressed as part of what shapes the false self.
Ultimately, the episode invites men to live “dangerous for good”—free from fear and shame, anchored in their true identity in Christ. Through grace, reflection, and authentic connection, men can walk a path of continual healing and lasting transformation.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Brotherhood and the Deep Work of Friendship
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the heart of masculine friendship—unpacking the power of vulnerability, time, and intentionality in building deep, lasting brotherhood.
They explore the difficulty many men face in creating meaningful relationships, particularly the courage it takes to be known and the investment of time required. True friendship, they say, isn’t just about shared interests—it’s about showing up, telling the truth, and choosing to engage when it matters most.
Through stories, personal reflections, and practical suggestions, the conversation highlights rhythms that foster connection, like journal-sharing, outdoor activities, and carving out regular time for honest dialogue. They also emphasize the role of accountability—not as policing, but as a loving invitation to live fully and authentically.
Milestones, serve as touch points for growth, healing, and honoring the journey of friendship. Listeners are encouraged to rethink the way they show up for one another: to listen better, ride together, and move toward deeper connection.
Brotherhood takes effort, but the fruit is worth it—a life lived with others, known and loved in return.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Finding Rhythms: Rest, Reflection, and Brotherhood
In the rush of life, how do we maintain the rhythms that keep us grounded? This episode of the Exploring More Podcast dives into the balance between productivity and rest, focusing on the intentional rhythms that connect us with Jesus and with our brothers in faith.
Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore the significance of solitude, reflection, and being present with God throughout the day. Drawing inspiration from The Chosen series, they discuss the Sabbath as a foundational rhythm—one that can be difficult to honor in a world that constantly demands more of us.
The conversation offers practical steps for cultivating healthy spiritual habits, from creating the right environment for solitude to practicing audible prayer and revisiting past questions with a fresh perspective. They challenge listeners to not just bring requests to God, but to engage in meaningful dialogue, listening for His response.
As life pulls us in every direction, intentional rhythms become essential for staying connected to God and each other. Join the conversation and discover how to create space for rest, reflection, and deeper faith.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jHsq36_NTU
Breaking Free: The Journey from Shame to Freedom
Shame thrives in silence, convincing us that our worst moments define us. But what if we could name it, face it, and walk into freedom?
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their deep dive into the journey of healing from shame. Through personal stories—like the sting of a high school basketball defeat—they explore how shame takes root, how it shapes identity, and how we can begin to break its grip. They discuss the importance of choosing the right support system, practicing grounding techniques, and embracing vulnerability with God’s perspective as the ultimate guide to healing.
They also touch on the power of grace, the role of confession, and breaking shame contracts that keep us stuck in cycles of guilt. With insights from counseling and spiritual practices, this episode offers practical tools to help listeners find relief and transformation.
Shame may whisper that you’re alone, but freedom comes when you step into the light. Join the conversation and discover how to break shame’s hold and reclaim the identity God sees in you.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Brene Brown video: https://youtu.be/KZBTYViDPlQ?si=0S21UhVY7ob63X31
From Shame to Holy Regret: Reclaiming Freedom and Healing
Shame keeps us stuck—bound to past mistakes, false identities, and wounds we were never meant to carry. But what if we could reframe our regrets and step into healing?
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into the transformation from shame to holy regret. They unpack how early experiences shape our sense of self, how soul ties and past wounds keep us bound, and why facing shame—rather than running from it—is the key to freedom. With stories of personal revelation, the power of vulnerability, and the unwavering presence of God’s grace, they reveal a path toward healing that leads to true redemption.
Shame doesn’t have the final word. Tune in and discover how reinterpreting your past with God’s love can empower you to become the person He’s always seen in you.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Breaking the Cycle: Finding Freedom from Sexual Shame
Shame thrives in silence, especially when it’s tied to sexual experiences and behaviors. In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings uncover how guilt and shame often drive self-destructive cycles, particularly in the context of pornography and unwanted sexual behavior.
Drawing from personal stories, cultural insights, and spiritual truths, they address how societal pressures, media influence, and even well-intentioned messages about love and performance can fuel shame’s grip. The conversation highlights the importance of confronting these root causes, seeking wise counsel, and embracing God’s love as the ultimate path to freedom and healing.
If you’ve wrestled with feelings of shame tied to your past or present struggles, this episode offers hope, understanding, and practical steps toward restoration.
We invite you to listen, reflect, and take that first courageous step toward breaking free. Your story matters, and healing is possible.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Shame: The Silent Thief of Identity | Breaking Free Through Christ
Shame is more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a force that erodes identity, distorts relationships, and keeps us trapped in cycles of self-doubt and self-destruction. In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into the nature of shame, comparing it to cancer in the spiritual realm—silent, invasive, and deeply damaging.
Through personal stories, expert insights from Brene Brown and Jay Stringer, and biblical truths, they uncover how shame often takes root in relational moments, shaping false identities and leading to self-protective behaviors. But there’s hope. Jesus offers a way to break free—not through punishment, but through love, grace, and the restoration of our true identity.
Join us as we unpack the systems that reinforce shame, the impact it has on our lives, and the liberating power of the Gospel to set us free. If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, this conversation is for you.
Let’s explore more together. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments—we’re on this journey with you!
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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Breaking Free from Shame: Jesus’ Power to Heal
In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their deep dive into the impact of shame and the path to freedom. Through biblical stories like Peter’s denial of Christ and the woman at the well, they reveal how Jesus confronts and transforms shame—not with judgment, but with love, grace, and restoration.
The conversation explores the harmful effects of shame, particularly when it remains hidden in secrecy and silence. They discuss the importance of confession, empathy, and community support in healing from both personal and sexual shame. Through personal stories and metaphors, they illustrate how shame operates like an unwanted intruder—one that must be exposed and expelled to make room for healing and freedom.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by shame, this episode offers practical steps and spiritual insights to help you break free.
Tune in to Exploring More and discover how Jesus' love and truth can release you from the burden of shame and lead you into a life of freedom.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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From Shame to Freedom: Breaking the Cycle
Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they dive into the universal struggle of shame—how it takes root, thrives in secrecy, and impacts our identity, relationships, and spiritual lives. Drawing from personal experiences, literature, and biblical perspectives, they reveal how shame distorts our self-worth and fuels isolation, addiction, and unhealthy behaviors.
Referencing insights from Brené Brown and the biblical transition from shame under the Old Covenant to grace in the New Covenant, they explore how Jesus' love and acceptance offer a path to freedom. They discuss practical ways to break free from shame, including vulnerability, connection, and spiritual healing, and emphasize the importance of confronting shame rather than letting it define us.
If you’ve ever wrestled with feelings of unworthiness or struggled to silence the voice of shame, this episode offers deep encouragement and practical steps toward healing.
Tune in to Exploring More and discover how freedom from shame is not just possible—it’s within reach.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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How God Speaks Through Our Desires and Experiences
Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they dive into the practice of hearing from God and the importance of discernment. They discuss how God speaks through our deepest desires, the things we love, and life’s unexpected moments, offering encouragement for those seeking to recognize His voice more clearly.
Through personal stories—like discovering a heart-shaped rock or receiving a bronze statue labeled Wagon Master—they illustrate how God uses tangible signs to affirm His presence. They also explore the challenges of hearing from God during spiritual dry spells and the role that dreams, visions, and past experiences play in divine communication.
If you’ve ever questioned how to discern God’s voice or wondered if He is speaking to you, this episode provides practical steps, encouragement, and insights to help you posture yourself for deeper connection. Tune in to Exploring More and discover how slowing down, paying attention, and being open to God’s voice can transform the way you experience Him.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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How Hearing from God Transforms Your Life
Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they explore how hearing from God is not just an experience but a transformational process. When we recognize and respond to His voice, it creates a positive feedback cycle—one that deepens our faith, strengthens our relationship with Him, and opens our hearts to even greater clarity and direction.
In this episode, they share stories of specific moments when they unmistakably heard from God—moments that reshaped their journeys, provided life-altering clarity, and affirmed His presence in ways they could never have anticipated. As they unpack these experiences, they reveal how each encounter with God’s voice fuels the next, reinforcing a cycle of trust, responsiveness, and transformation.
If you’ve ever wondered how to hear God more clearly—or how listening to Him can truly change your life—this episode will offer both practical insights and deep encouragement.
Tune in to Exploring More and discover how hearing from God isn’t just possible—it’s life-changing.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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How Does God Speak to Us?
Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they continue their journey into exploring spiritual truths in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast. This time, they dive into a question that resonates with so many: How does God speak to us?
They unpack the incredible and diverse ways God communicates with His people. Drawing inspiration from Scripture and personal experience, they explore how God’s voice can come through various channels—and how we can develop discernment to recognize Him more clearly. Through honest conversations and personal stories, they share how they’ve experienced God’s voice in their own lives.
From whispers of the Holy Spirit to the vivid imagery of creation, this episode sheds light on: The Scriptures, God’s essential and authoritative way of connecting with us. The hosts discuss how His Word frames our own stories within the greater story of walking with Him. The inner voice, What if our imagination is part of the process? Discover how to invite God into your thoughts and impressions while developing discernment. The World around You, God’s voice permeates His creation. Hear how circumstances, nature, and even coincidences can carry His message directly to your heart.
Then they share personal stories of how they’ve encountered God’s voice through these diverse ways.
Whether you’ve struggled to hear God’s voice or want to strengthen your connection with Him, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement. With a focus on intimacy with God, Michael and SJ provide tools to help you hear Him more confidently.
Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast for a deeper understanding of how God speaks and how clearing the way can lead to a richer, more intimate relationship with Him.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
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creation calls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwGvfdtI2c0
What’s in the Way of Hearing from God? Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they continue their journey into exploring spiritual truths in the second topical episode of this series. This time, they tackle a question that resonates with so many: Why can’t I hear God’s voice?
Michael and SJ dive into the barriers that often block our ability to hear from God. Drawing from Scripture, they explore how distractions, wounding and trauma, and even misconceptions about God can hinder communication with Him. Through honest conversations and personal stories, they share how they’ve wrestled with these challenges, and misconceptions, in their own lives, and how they’ve learned to re-evaluate them. With a focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and speaking to us, this episode offers practical insights to help you identify what might be standing in the way and take steps toward removing those obstacles.
Whether you’ve felt distant from God’s voice for a long time or are simply seeking to strengthen your connection with Him, this discussion will inspire and equip you for the journey.
Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast to uncover how clearing the way can lead to a richer, more intimate relationship with God.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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God Wants to Speak to You!
Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they dive into the first topical episode of this series. In this thought-provoking and inspiring discussion, Michael and SJ tackle a profound question: Is hearing from God truly for everyone?
While their answer is a resounding "YES," they dive deep into the complexities that make this topic so impactful. Drawing from John 14-17, they explore what Scripture reveals about hearing God's voice and share personal stories of their own journeys—from believing it wasn’t possible for them, to discovering that it was, and how it has transformed their lives.
Throughout the episode, the focus remains on the Holy Spirit’s vital role in communication with us. Whether you're new to the idea of hearing from God or eager to strengthen your relationship with Him, this series offers practical insights, heartfelt encouragement, and inspiring testimonies.
Tune in to the Exploring More Podcast and discover how listening to God’s voice can bring clarity, peace, and a deeper sense of intimacy with Him.
We hope you enjoy this episode and invite you to connect with us!
📧 Email us: ExploringMore@zoweh.org
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https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Happy New Year from the Exploring More Podcast! Join hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings as they kick off an exciting new series to ring in the new year. In this thought-provoking and inspiring episode, Michael and SJ dive into the profound topic of Hearing from God. Together, they unpack what it truly means to hear God’s voice and why it’s such a transformative experience. This episode sets the stage for an in-depth journey over the coming weeks, as they explore key questions like: Is God’s voice meant for everyone? What barriers might be preventing us from hearing Him? How do we discern His voice in the midst of life’s noise? And perhaps most importantly, what impact can hearing from God have on our spiritual growth and daily lives? Whether you’re new to the idea of hearing from God or seeking to deepen your connection with Him, this series promises practical insights, personal stories, and heartfelt encouragement. Tune in and discover how opening your heart to God’s voice can lead to clarity, peace, and a more intimate relationship with Him. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102
In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings finish up responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. Diving in and knowing your story, and being able to share that is a very important tool for healing and training. Michael and SJ share during this episode about how this looks in Chapter .004, from the Wild at Heart’s series, and how it is a beautiful thing. They highlight key themes, such as feeling alone as a man, and coming to believe your parents are not safe.. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial
https://www.zoweh.org/give
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102
In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. Diving in and knowing your story, and being able to share that is a very important tool for healing and training. Michael and SJ share during this episode about how this looks in Chapter .003, from the Wild at Heart’s series, and how it is a beautiful thing. They highlight key themes, such as shame, and how that can leak into a mans life and how it shows itself. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial
https://www.zoweh.org/give
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102
In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. Diving in and knowing your story, and being able to share that is a very important tool for healing and training. Michael and SJ share during this episode about how this looks in Chapter .002, from the Wild at Heart’s series, and how it is a beautiful thing. They highlight key moments and insights that stood out to them. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial
https://www.zoweh.org/give
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102
In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. With strong personal ties to Wild at Heart, Michael and SJ wanted to share their interaction with Wild at Heart, and how John has blessed their mission in taking the message of the Heart to the East Coast. The episode begins with Michael and SJ telling this story of blessing and Kingdom connection between Zoweh and Wild at Heart. They then transition into discussing Chapter .001 from the Wild at Heart’s series, highlighting key moments and insights that stood out to them. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. They respond to three different portions of the episode, each highlighting a different theme that stuck out to them and why they believe it to be important. For some insightful responses and provoking questions to explore, tune in to with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial
https://www.zoweh.org/give
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Wild at Heart - The Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXe4GhWn0uc&list=PLjs2zu6yacQWl8Zm5zW1Lxo8dNAXqtdKb&pbjreload=102
In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off a brand-new series responding to a powerful resource from the Wild at Heart organization. With strong personal ties to Wild at Heart, Michael and SJ felt compelled to dive deep into the content, believing it holds significant value for them and our listeners. The episode begins with Michael and SJ setting the stage, explaining why this series resonates with them and why they believe it’s essential to explore. They then transition into discussing the first half of the prologue from Wild at Heart’s series, highlighting key moments and insights that stood out to them. Their thoughtful reflections and candid discussion bring the themes to life, making connections that feel both personal and universally relatable. Next, they explore the second half of the prologue, continuing to unpack its rich content. They share their reactions, favorite takeaways, and hopes for what the rest of the series will offer. Their heartfelt dialogue invites listeners to journey alongside them as they navigate these meaningful ideas together. Tune in to explore more with Michael and SJ as they dive into this compelling new series. Whether you’re a long-time Wild at Heart follower or new to its resources, this episode offers valuable perspectives and encouragement. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Wild at Heart - https://www.youtube.com/@WildatHeartOfficial
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In this week’s episode of the Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings bring their series on Kingdom Masculinity to a thoughtful and engaging close. This final installment focuses on the essential and often overlooked subject of romance—exploring how men can and should embrace it as part of their lives in the Kingdom. Michael and SJ delve into what it means to be romanced by God, the role of romance within a marriage, and the vital nature of pursuit in both relationships. They take a deep dive into the elements that make romance meaningful, unpacking the importance of being fully known by your partner and acting with intention and commitment. The hosts also discuss the often-uncomfortable idea of being romanced by Jesus, encouraging listeners who feel unsettled by this concept to take their concerns to God. They emphasize that this intimate relationship is not just significant—it’s transformative. Furthermore, they address the challenges posed by spiritual warfare, explaining how the enemy actively works to disrupt romance, whether in our connection with the Trinity or within our marriages. Through this discussion, Michael and SJ highlight how the different ingredients of romance combine to form a powerful and beautiful expression of Kingdom Masculinity. This conversation is more than just a conclusion; it’s an invitation to continue the journey of exploring and embracing what it means to live out Kingdom Masculinity. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, our hosts talk about intimacy with God. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how the scriptures back up intimacy with God, being a key part of Kingdom Masculinity. They dive into the topics of biblical references, modern day parables in movies, and intimacy being a critical ingredient in your walk with the Trinity. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into what intimacy really means, as opposed to what we have come to know it as. Knowing and being known by others is their definition of intimacy. They emphasize what love in this space really looks like, being loved by God. Just as spiritual warfare has played into the rest of the conversations, they explain how the enemy can and does get in the way of your intimacy with the Father. The conversation takes a deep look giving and receiving gifts, both from the Trinity, and from others in our lives, and how they speak to being known by others. The overarching message is the incredible importance that intimacy with God is the best thing you could pursue in your life. This conversation between Michael and SJ is another step in the journey of exploring Kingdom Masculinity together. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, our hosts talk about living as your true self vs. your false self. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how the enemy can use us to do his work for him through our false self that is operating in us. They dive into the topics of biblical references, modern day parables in movies, and signals of the false self. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being your true self, who God created you to be, to come fully alive. They emphasize that statements like “It’s just the way I am” are most likely justifying and pointing to a false self. Just as the enemy has files on you, you also can have files on the enemy. The conversation takes a deep look at Galatians 5 and what the false self life plays out to be filled with. The overarching message is the incredible importance that living as your true self directly impacts your own journey and kingdom masculinity. This conversation between Michael and SJ is another step in the journey of exploring Kingdom Masculinity together. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Https://www.zoweh.org/2r2k
https://www.dfgsummit.com
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we continue to dig into our series on "Kingdom Masculinity" and how it contrasts with "Biblical Masculinity” by exploring Spiritual Warfare. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by sharing how important it is to be awakened to the fact that spiritual warfare is very real and alive. They dive into the topic of practice and training, being able to see things as they come. Michael and SJ take a deep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being a masculine image-bearer of Jesus. They emphasize that Jesus talked to his disciples about spiritual warfare, and that his disciples wrote letters to the early church all about spiritual warfare. We need to actively be alert and aware to the warfare that is happening in and around us. The conversation also touches on examples, or modern day parables, such as the matrix, and the allusion to being asleep or becoming awakened. The overarching message is the incredible importance that spiritual warfare has in the Kingdom. This insightful discussion between Michael and SJ is a great continuation of what has been an enriching series so far. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we begin to dig into our new series on "Kingdom Masculinity" and how it contrasts with "Biblical Masculinity." Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off the discussion by exploring what it means for men to be image-bearers and how this concept shapes a man's life. They dive into the topic of false identities, addressing how these affect a man's self-image and his perception of Jesus. Michael and SJ take adeep dive into the idea that true kingdom masculinity is rooted in being a masculine image-bearer of Jesus. They emphasize that while Jesus is a powerful model for masculinity, simply knowing this isn’t enough. We need to actively walk with Him and experience His presence in our lives to fully embrace our true identity. The conversation also touches on how our personal stories, starting from boyhood, along with the influences (or lack thereof) from our upbringing, play a significant role in shaping our view of masculinity. They caution that telling men to "just be like Jesus" without context or deeper understanding isn't particularly helpful. This insightful discussion between Michael and SJ is a fantastic starting point for what promises to be an enriching series. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we kick off the first series of season 4, diving into the concept of Biblical Masculinity vs. Kingdom Masculinity. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings set the stage for this thought-provoking conversation, exploring what biblical masculinity truly means. They raise the important question: is biblical masculinity the ultimate answer, or is there a different approach? Michael and SJ introduce the idea that Kingdom Masculinity may provide a more complete and dynamic perspective—one that involves living in communion with the Trinity. As they delve into this discussion, they touch on the complex topics: image-bearing, spiritual warfare, the concept of the true self versus the false self, romantic relationships, and intimacy with God. Although this episode merely scratches the surface of these subjects, it opens the door to exploring how Jesus' life provides a model for masculinity. They emphasize, however, that masculinity is not just about knowing who Jesus is, but about truly experiencing a walk with Him. Additionally, they explore how our understanding of masculinity is influenced by our boyhood and the stories we carry. The hosts suggest that these early influences—whether positive or negative—shape our view of manhood and must be examined and, in a lot of cases, undone to embrace a fuller understanding of what kingdom masculinity means. This episode with SJ and Michael serves as an intriguing introduction to the upcoming discussions in this series, offering a roadmap for what's to come. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by this episode of The Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
On this week's episode of the Exploring More Podcast, we bring you a special edition recorded live at the Heart of a Warrior Encounter. Host Michael Thompson is joined by Josh Wilson from Uncensored Advice for Men, and together, they have a heartfelt conversation in front of a live audience. In this episode, they explore the three essential things every man needs to hear: "I love you," "I’m proud of you," and "I’m sorry." Michael and Josh dive deep into how these words are not only vital to hear from God, the Father, but also from the important men and influences in our lives. They discuss the significance of understanding and accepting the Father's perfect love, while also emphasizing how our love for each other plays an essential role in shaping us as men. The two share personal stories about what it means to hear "I’m proud of you" from someone who matters, and how these words have impacted their lives and relationships. Finally, they talk about the healing power of the words "I’m sorry" and how seeking and granting forgiveness, both from God and from others, can lead to deep inner freedom and healing from past wounds. This bonus episode featuring Josh Wilson was an incredible experience for Michael Thompson, and we highly recommend checking out Josh's podcast, Uncensored Advice for Men. You can find his information below. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
Josh’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@uncensoredadviceformen
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Season 4 of The Exploring More Podcast is finally here, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with you! After a month-long break, we’re returning with some truly captivating and thought-provoking conversations. This season, our aim is to inspire a fresh stirring in the hearts of men, inviting you to dig deeper into your own story and emotions. We hope the content sparks new reflections and encourages you on your journey. In the season premiere, we kick things off with a special Director/Producer interview featuring Michael Thompson and Caleb Richwine. They dive into what’s in store for the season and share how we’ve tailored the content to be engaging and relevant, offering discussions we believe you’ll want to hear. We start with our first series, focusing on an intriguing comparison between Biblical masculinity and Kingdom masculinity. Michael and Caleb explore the differences between the two and discuss how understanding them can help in redeeming generational masculinity. But that’s not all! Next week, we’ll release a bonus episode featuring Josh Wilson from Uncensored Advice for Men. Josh has been a close friend of ours for a long time, and this conversation is one you won’t want to miss. From there, we dive into our second series, where we gathered Michael and four special guests around a roundtable to discuss King Me. These conversations offer powerful insights into the themes and hopes we have for the series. Finally, Michael and Caleb chat about everything else happening at Zoweh, from the DFG Men's Summits to the upcoming Deepening Weekend and much more. You can catch all of this and more in the season premiere of The Exploring More Podcast. We’re so glad to have you back with us!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.dfgsummit.com
Https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings wrap up their discussion on the current state of masculinity, diving deeper into the hope for men today. Building on the entirety of the series and the season, where they explored the importance of recognizing what’s at play, how it is affecting you, and partnering with God to get your heart back, this episode takes listeners into a wrap up of all of that and the importance of self-examination and introspection. Michael and SJ paint a compelling picture of what it looks like when men who are fully oriented—those who are in tune with God's work in their lives—come together to see masculinity redeemed. They envision men who are not just passive participants but active partners with God in the pursuit of a life filled with meaning and More. Throughout this episode, Michael and SJ emphasize that awareness isn’t healing. They encourage listeners that this will be a journey of finding the symptoms, treating the diagnosis, and walking through healing with other men. By fostering a community of oriented men, they believe that the landscape of masculinity can undergo a radical transformation, leading to the redemption of generational masculinity and a future where men live with greater purpose, strength, and connection. We are so thankful with how you have engaged with Season 3 of The Exploring More Podcast. We hope you enjoy this final episode of season 3 with Michael and SJ. We will see you October 1st!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their thought-provoking discussion on the current state of masculinity, diving deeper into the hope for men today. Building on their previous conversation, where they explored the importance of accurately interpreting one's life and becoming oriented to the good that God is doing in their life, this episode takes listeners on a profound journey into the heart of what it means to live a life filled with purpose and direction. Michael and SJ paint a compelling picture of what it looks like when men who are fully oriented—those who are in tune with God's work in their lives—come together to speak into each other’s lives. They envision men who are not just passive participants but active partners with God in the pursuit of a life filled with meaning and More. The episode opens with personal stories from the recent DFG summit held in the southern Ohio area, where the hosts witnessed these concepts in action. They share powerful examples of how the principles of initiation, validation, and orientation played out among the men who attended, offering a vivid illustration of the transformative potential of these ideas. Throughout the episode, Michael and SJ emphasize the critical role of walking with God as the cornerstone of healing and restoration. They encourage listeners to engage deeply with their own hearts, to embrace the vision of redeeming generational masculinity, and to commit to doing life together with others. By fostering a community of oriented men, they believe that the landscape of masculinity can undergo a radical transformation, leading to the redemption of generational masculinity and a future where men live with greater purpose, strength, and connection. This episode is a call to action for men to not only reflect on their own journeys but to actively participate in the collective healing and growth of masculinity. By partnering with God and each other, Michael and SJ argue that we can reshape the future for generations to come, creating a legacy of strength, compassion, and godly leadership that will resonate through time.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In the latest episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings tackle a profound and challenging question: What are the odds that you have truly interpreted your life correctly? Building on their previous conversation about biblical masculinity—what it is, and what it should ideally look like—this episode delves into even deeper territory, examining how our understanding of our own lives shapes our perceptions of God and, consequently, of ourselves. Michael and SJ open up a thought-provoking dialogue on the ways in which our life interpretations, often flawed and distorted by personal pain and misjudgments, have led to significant wounds in our spiritual and emotional lives. These wounds, they suggest, are often at the root of the "false self" that many men struggle with—the version of ourselves that we present to the world, which is often a far cry from the person God sees and knows us to be. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the importance of walking with God as a path to healing and restoration. They encourage listeners to take a closer look at the stories they tell themselves about who they are and where they come from, and to consider how these narratives may be influenced by past hurts or misconceptions. By doing so, they argue, we can begin to dismantle the false self and move closer to the true identity that God has intended for us all along.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
What is Biblical Masculinity? Do we have the right understanding of it? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into these questions as they continue their extensive conversation about the challenges men face today. In the previous episode, they explored the obstacles preventing men from achieving a healthy sense of masculinity. This episode delves further into defining what that healthy position of masculinity looks like. Michael and SJ discuss how biblical masculinity can often be confusing and simplify it to ‘just be like Jesus’. This leads to the crucial discussion: ‘Do you have the correct view of Jesus?’ Without a proper understanding of Jesus and how He sees us, we cannot truly grasp our identity to walk Dangerously for good. Join Michael and SJ as they guide listeners through a thoughtful discussion on walking with God to be restored to how He sees us. This episode of The Exploring More Podcast invites you to dive deeper into your heart and listen to what God is speaking to you. Don't miss this opportunity to explore more about your true self and spiritual journey.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Is there something in the way of masculinity becoming redeemed? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deep into this question as they continue an extensive conversation about the challenges facing men today. In the previous episode, they explored what might be missing from a man's life and the factors that have shaped men's experiences, rather than simply focusing on men's shortcomings. This episode delves further into the obstacles hindering the redemption of masculinity. Michael and SJ discuss how men are raised and portrayed in the media, from Disney movies to news outlets, and how these influences shape our understanding of masculinity. They explore the idea that we are born as disciples, but what we choose to follow or believe in is up to us. While we may start as disciples of our environment, we ultimately have the power to choose to be disciples of Jesus, working, with him, towards restoring and redeeming the parts of our lives that have been corrupted. Join Michael and SJ as they guide listeners through a thoughtful discussion on walking with God to be restored to how He sees us. This episode of The Exploring More Podcast invites you to delve deeper into your heart and listen to what God is speaking to you. Don't miss this opportunity to explore more about your true self and spiritual journey in this episode of The Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Is there something missing from masculinity that needs to be redeemed? In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings embark on a thoughtful discussion about the struggles faced by men today. Rather than focusing on what men are doing wrong, they explore what might be missing from a man's life and what has happened to men over time. This deep dive into the concept of restoration sets the stage for further conversations on the topic. Michael and SJ emphasize the masculine journey and their understanding of men's roles within the Kingdom. The episode serves as an entry point into a broader, more intricate discussion filled with historical context and various facets. Quoting Graham Cook, they highlight the idea that God doesn’t see what's wrong with you; He sees what's missing from the image you were created to be. Join Michael and SJ as they guide listeners through a conversation about walking with God to restore ourselves to how He sees us. Tune in to this episode of The Exploring More Podcast to delve into your heart and discover what God is speaking to you.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In this week's episode of The Exploring More Podcast, hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their discussion on the importance of glory. They explore what it means to discover and embody your own glory in everyday life. This conversation delves into the idea of being image-bearers of God, being restored to an image, highlighting how we can reflect this image in our actions and choices. Building on the theological insights from the previous episode, the hosts shift their focus to healing and the journey of finding your glory. Utilizing resources like King Me and It’s Your Call, they discuss the importance of understanding for whom your glory exists. True fulfillment comes from living in your glory without conditions, rather than seeking love through achievement. Join Michael and SJ as they unpack these profound ideas, encouraging listeners to reflect on how these insights can transform their spiritual journey and everyday lives. This episode promises to dive deep into what it means to walk in the fullness of your created purpose. Thanks for joining us on The Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
This week's installment of The Exploring More Podcast delves deeply into the important concept of Glory. Hosts Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings embark on an exploration aimed at understanding whether Glory is in us. Throughout this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the notion of being image-bearers of God, illuminating what it truly means to reflect this image in our daily lives. Drawing from a list of biblical passages and insights from theologians such as Gary Barkelow, Howard Thurman, and C.S. Lewis, Michael and SJ provide a biblical perspective on embracing and embodying one's true Glory. They reflect on the implications of living authentically within this identity, offering practical wisdom and a biblical framework for navigating life's journey with Jesus. Join them as they unpack these ideas, inviting listeners to consider how these insights can transform their understanding of spirituality and daily living. This episode of the Exploring More Podcast promises to dive deep as it encourages a deeper exploration of what it means to walk in the fullness of one's created purpose.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/2R2K-map
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
This week on The Exploring More Podcast, we are diving into the last part of our series called "The 4 Assumptions," which originated from our weekend events. In this episode, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore assumption number four: "God Still Speaks" a topic they frequently revisit. They emphasize why this assumption is pivotal for experiencing the fullness of the gospel. They discuss the interconnected nature of all four assumptions and highlight how God's ongoing communication encompasses them all. The conversation begins by grounding the idea of God's desire and ability to speak to us in biblical teachings. From there, they transition into practical insights on how to implement this understanding in daily life. They consistently affirm the importance of these four assumptions in fully embracing the Gospel: living as Kingdom Men and Women, engaging in spiritual warfare, embracing restoration, and recognizing God's continuous communication. Join Michael and SJ in this finale of this series on the Exploring More Podcast as they unpack these concepts, offering a biblical approach on how to go about life with Jesus.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/2R2K-map
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
This week on The Exploring More Podcast, we continue our compelling series titled "The 4 Assumptions," inspired by our weekend events. In this episode, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore assumption number three: “Restoration is Available.” The concept of restoration being available suggests both a state to be restored from and an ideal to be restored to, as an image bearer. The conversation delves into these aspects, outlining what the journey of restoring your heart with Jesus entails. Zoweh considers this foundational enough to include in our 4 assumptions. By embracing these assumptions—such as living as a Kingdom Man or Woman, acknowledging spiritual warfare, recognizing the availability of restoration, and understanding that God continues to speak—Zoweh believes one can fully experience the richness of the gospel. Join Michael and SJ in this enlightening episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they delve into these concepts, offering practical insights and perspectives on how to integrate these truths into everyday life.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
This week on The Exploring More Podcast, we continue our captivating series titled "The 4 Assumptions" derived from our weekend events. In this episode, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings delve into assumption number two: "There is a War." They use metaphors to illustrate the spiritual forces at play, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and engaging in this warfare. The discussion expands to include strategies for navigating these challenges, including insights on how the enemy uses wounded individuals to perpetuate harm, and the significance of equipping oneself to discern and walk with God through such trials. These foundational assumptions underpin Zoweh's commitment to embracing the expansive Gospel fully. By affirming beliefs such as being a Kingdom Man or Woman, acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare, understanding the availability of restoration, and recognizing God's ongoing communication, Zoweh believes that individuals can experience the profound depth and richness of the Gospel. Join Michael and SJ in this enlightening episode of the Exploring More Podcast as they delve into these concepts, offering practical insights and perspectives on integrating these truths into everyday life.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
This week on The Exploring More Podcast we kick off a series we call the 4 assumptions that come from our weekend events. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and Josh Overton dig into assumption number 1, You are a Kingdom man. What does being a Kingdom man mean, look like, and what is the Kingdom life? MT & JO talk about enhancing or expanding our knowledge of what a Kingdom lifestyle looks like. The 4 assumptions are statements that Zoweh believes to be pivotal in going into the fullness of the larger Gospel. If you can agree with 1. You are a Kingdom Man or Woman 2. We are in a War 3. Restoration is available & 4. God still Speaks, we believe you can experience the fullness of the gospel. Dig into more as that is exactly what Michael, and Josh talk about in this conversation on this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
In last weeks episode, Michael and SJ talked about spiritual orientation to the bigger story and war that is going on. It is not good for man to go through this story alone. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings dig into a quote that Zoweh has come to love from Dan Allender. It says “Find like-hearted kings living in the same direction. Sign treaties. When one kingdom is at war, both are at war.” The Kingdom is meant to be a brotherhood full of Allies. You’ll hear conversation around why that is important, what a divine brotherhood can look like, hardships in brotherhood, and stories of the ultimate good that came from it. Dig into more this episode with Michael, and SJ, to fuel the conversation around redemptive community in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Being attuned, oriented, and aware, of both the good God is up to in your life, and what the enemy is doing in your life is the heart behind the Dangerous For Good Men’s Summits. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings continue the conversation about DFG summits, and what those summits will look like, more heart behind them, and the hopeful result of hosting and/or attending one. As image bearers, we are called to look like Jesus, who was Dangerous For Good. This looked like spending time with the Father, being oriented to spiritual warfare, and living out the call of Love. The Dangerous For Good Men’s Summit is designed to be a catalyst event for the men in your church or community to experience an encounter with God and to begin a journey of orientation and wholeheartedness. Dive into this episode with Michael, and SJ, to explore more of what God has for DFG in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
The reclaiming of words can be a hard and fragile process. Aslan is not safe, but he is good, Dangerous For Good. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings start the conversation about what Dangerous For Good means, and what it can look like in a man’s life. As image bearers, we are called to look like Jesus, who was Dangerous For Good. The difference between how men have been dangerous and being Dangerous For Good is vastly different. Reclaiming the idea of a dangerous man to be for the fighting of good in the spiritual battle is what we are after. Dive into this episode with Michael, and SJ, to explore more of what God has for DFG in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
That’s My King - Dr. S.M. Lockridge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzqTFNfeDnE
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
Is hearing from God even possible? Does God still speak? Have you ever wondered these questions? In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and Josh Overton tell stories of hearing God’s voice, when they realized that it is for everyone, and the theology behind it. Hearing God’s voice is something that the Father wants all of his beloved Son’s and Daughter’s to experience. With our new YouVersion bible app reading plan ‘Comforted By God’ you can experience one way, that we believe, God still speaks. Jump into this episode to hear all about stories of walks, sports, rocks, and how God works through all of them. Tune in to Michael, and Josh, to explore more in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
https://www.michaelthompson.me
https://www.zoweh.org/dfgsummit
Living in more and more freedom comes from exploring more of the healing that Jesus offers us. As we continue this walk we get to further experience more of the Zoweh John 10:10 life Jesus is talking about. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings talk about what the recovery of the heart can look like. Using the Healing Along the Masculine Journey YouVersion plan that Zoweh has released, they walk through the last three days of the plan, and what healing within those stages can do and look like in your life. With the Heart of a Warrior Encounter having just happened, Michael and SJ encourage men to be intentional about their re-entry back in to the world. Look into your Lover, King, and Elder Sage stages and recover what was taken, in partnership with the Lord. Dive into these practices and rhythms with Michael, and SJ to explore more in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
https://www.michaelthompson.mel
Walking through life disregarding our wounding, our hurt, and our trauma, is not the life Jesus offers us in John 10:10. Recovery of those experiences and healing is a big piece of the fullness of life that Jesus offers us. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings talk about what the recovery of the heart can look like. Using the Healing Along the Masculine Journey YouVersion plan that Zoweh has released, they walk through the first three days of the plan, and what healing looks like. With the Heart of a Warrior Encounter having happened this past weekend, Michael and SJ encourage men to be intentional about their re-entry back in to the world. Look back at your boyhood, explorer, and warrior stages and recover what was lost, in partnership with the Lord. Dive into these practices and rhythms with Michael, and SJ to explore more in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/podcast
https://www.michaelthompson.me
Preparing your heart for an encounter with Jesus is a pertinent thing to do, because Jesus Changes our lives. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and SJ Jennings talk about how they practice rhythms of solitude, quiet, and presence to prepare their hearts to hear from the trinity. With the Heart of a Warrior Encounter coming up this weekend, Michael and SJ encourage men to get into a rhythm of slowing down and listening. How, why, and the effects, of practicing slowing down and getting away with God in your own life. Are you comfortable with the quiet? Do you want to hear from the Lord? Dive into these questions with Michael, and SJ to explore more of what’s in it for a man, who can slow down, and find a walk in the rhythms of grace, in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.michaelthompson.me
Hearing what women think about generational masculinity is a perspective that is incredibly important. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, his wife Robin Thompson, and his friend Sherry Jennings, talk about what they are hopeful for in the work of redeeming generational masculinity for the healing of men, women, marriages, and families. They tell stories of hurt and hope. How men have let down, and not rose to the occasion of treating a feminine heart with curiosity, kindness, and strength, as well as sharing how the continued healing of men around them has had a beautiful effect in their lives. Hear and share this incredibly important perspective of why it is so important for a man to get his heart back, to his work, and walk with God. Jump in with Michael, Robin, and Sherry to explore more of how the freedom of a mans heart can positively effect the world, women, marriages and their families, in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.michaelthompson.me
On this special edition of The Exploring More podcast we are featuring an episode of the Men in the Arena podcast with Jim Ramos. Jim had Michael onto his show to talk all things King Me, Kingdom, and moving forward! Here’s what he had to say about the episode: ‘Every man has a kingdom. Not every king rules well. If you ever feel powerless at work or home, wonder how to become the hero in your life story, or just want to make sure you're wielding the power God has given you well, this episode is for you. In this week's interview, author Michael Thompson joins Jim Ramos to discuss his book, "King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World" and help you reclaim the heroism, power and authority God made you to wield.’ Jump into this engaging conversation between Michael and Jim in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast!
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.michaelthompson.me
Getting away with God is something that we love to talk about. Extended time alone with God has lead to some of the most important life change and experiences in Michael and SJ’s lives. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and his friend SJ Jennings, talk about the impact of spending time alone with God, in relation with Redeeming Generational Masculinity. They answer the questions, ‘what is the vision God has given us?’ ‘How does a mens retreat impact generational masculinity, for the healing of men, women, and marriages?’ ‘How does our training with God play into our daily lives?’. Hear about the importance of putting in the effort to fight for time away with God so that you can show up, in your life, as the man God has created you to be. Is this your desire for life? Michael & SJ explore more of how the heart can change by taking extended time away with God in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/events
https://www.michaelthompson.me
Story is one of the most important piece of a mans life. In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and his friend Josh Overton, watch, react, and respond to stories of men having encounters with God, and why they want that for their friends, families, and marriages. They tell stories and talk about their own hearts, and how God has met them in similar spaces that these men are talking about. Hear invitations into mission, God encounters, life change, and transformation. Learn about the impact of taking a weekend away, and hearing from God. Do you want to access life changing encounters with Jesus? Michael & Josh dig into how the Heart of a Warrior is all about setting the table for a meeting between you, and God. Hear more on this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
https://www.zoweh.org/stories
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https://www.michaelthompson.me
In this Episode of Exploring More Michael Thompson, and his friend SJ Jennings, celebrate the one year anniversary of Michael’s newest book, King Me! They tell stories, talk about their own hearts, and how this book continues to effect Michael differently than even 6 months ago. Learn about the dynamics of walking with Jesus to bring this message into book form, and then how Jesus will continue to use the same message to come after our hearts newly every day. Hear reviews and responses to King Me from the people who have been effected by this book. Do you want to dig into a new way of living? Michael & SJ dive into how King Me is all about a way of living with Jesus in this episode of the Exploring More Podcast.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
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https://www.zowehoutpost.com
https://www.michaelthompson.me
Redeeming Generation Masculinity is an exciting thing for men in the Warrior stage. In this Episode of Exploring More hear Michael Thompson, author of King Me, and his friends Josh Overton, and Caleb Richwine, explore the Warrior stage from a Kingdom perspective. Learn about the desires and awakenings that are discovered by a man in the warrior stage of his masculine journey. The orientation that is available, with Jesus, for a man in his 20s & 30s is life changing when you start to see the bigger picture. Do you want to know more? Dig in deeper with Michael and friends in this episode of Exploring More.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
http://www.zoweh.org/eldersage http://www.zoweh.org/events
Loving and leading well in a wounding world is the key focus for a King. This is exactly why Michael Thompson authored the book, King Me, and exactly why he and his friends Scott Jennings, Keith Daniel, and Josh Overton, explore the King’s role from a Kingdom perspective in this conversation. Learn about the recovering, healing, and deployment that is available for a man in the King stage of his masculine journey. You have some reign and rule over your ‘small k’ kingdom, will you use it to love and lead well? Dig in deeper with Michael and friends in this episode of Exploring More.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
http://www.zoweh.org/eldersage http://www.zoweh.org/events
Retirement is not a license to become a recluse. Rather, an exit from the regular workforce becomes an entrance into a valuable phase of life where Elder Sages can contribute meaningfully to others. Michael Thompson, Tom Benner, and Jim McCauley explore the Elder Sage role from a Kingdom perspective. Learn what the presence, purpose, and posture of an Elder Sage brings to relationships in this episode of Exploring More. Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ discuss the concept of redeeming generational masculinity and why Zoweh wants to focus on this for 2024. Healthy masculinity comes from oriented men who take their responsibility to love and lead humbly. Transmitting healthy masculinity from the older generations to younger generations takes intentionality. The Elder Sage Initiative invites the elders to continue their intimate heart-healing journey with God while engaging the next generations (Kings, Warriors, and Explorers) to walk more intimately with God. Connect with the Zoweh team at ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
On this special Valentine's Day edition of Exploring More, Michael and SJ field questions about love and marriage. The Greeks used words for love like eros, agape, and koinonia. How do these words apply to the love one has for a spouse? Additionally, the book and topic of "The 5 Love Languages" surfaces and how it might intersect with the False Self. Join the discussion on learning to love as the Holy Trinity intended. Share your stories, questions, and comments with the Zoweh team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
Jesus' First Coming broke through the barriers of darkness and ignited His revolution against the enemy of our souls. In doing so, He was crucified as a rebel. Yet His death brought life and freedom. As souls are set free, they seek to set others free. Redeeming generational masculinity invites oriented men who can guide younger men to wield their power and authority as Jesus intended. Join Michael and SJ as they discuss the importance and need of the Elder-Sage Initiative. Connect with the Zoweh team - ExploringMore@zoweh.org.
Unjust conditions, masses of people who are fed up, and a reformer with a vision and a glimmer of hope provide the key ingredients in the recipe for rebellion. Michael and SJ delve into the concept of rebellion - reformers willing to take a stand against oppression that echoes through the annals of history. As Zoweh rebels against the kingdom of darkness, we shine the light on the connection between the physical and spiritual realms in the ongoing battle for the hearts of men, women, and all they hold dear. Share your thoughts with the Zoweh team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
The enemy of God's Kingdom wants to keep us divided, but God calls us to Reconciliation and Unity under Christ. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. understood and pursued this in his work. Our Zoweh founders, Michael Thompson and Keith Daniel, discuss the impact of the King's life and work, the parallels between Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr., and a current course offered by Keith titled CDR - Christianity Deconstructs Racism. Peace comes by understanding and understanding by conversation. Join the conversation by sending an email to ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
In this second part of the Word of the Year series, Michael and SJ journey through the Word of the Year devotional fully walking through Days 1 thru 7. In the process, Michael shares his word of the year which brings forth the topics of forgiveness, grief, and refinement. We invite you to join the journey with the 7-day Word of the Year devotional available on the YouVersion Bible App. Share your Word of the Year and your stories with the team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
What if God has a banner, an anthem to sing over your heart this year? When my kids were young, I would sing songs to them as they fell asleep. Over their early years, certain songs became their own personal anthems - ones they chose over and over or ones that welled up in my heart in the closing moments of the day. Imagine God singing the verse you land on today over you as you move throughout this year. May it become a sweet song of his particular kindness for your heart over this mile marker in your story.
Join Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings for part 1 of this conversation on The Exploring More Podcast, as they invite us to journey with God to uncover this anthem for our heart!
Pick up your FREE COPY of the Word of the Year Devotional here or start a reading plan on YouVersion's Bble app here.
Inaugurating the Kings Row Podcast, Michael Thompson engages in a compelling dialogue with Brian Tome, the pastor of Crossroads Church in Ohio, leader of Man Camp, and author of The Five Marks of a Man. Together, they delve into the profound realm of identity and exploring the image men hold of Jesus. Brian emphasizes the significance of Brotherhood, Man Camp, and discipling men on making and developing friendships. This transformative conversation ranges from the misunderstood toughness of Jesus to the crucial need for men to operate from a foundation of strength rather than succumbing to performance-based faith. Men must be ready for battle for themselves and their families.
Delight is the anticipation of preparing a gift and then watching the recipient open and express surprise and gratitude. Gifts have the power to invite both the giver and the recipient into a shared Presence of Joy. Michael and SJ take a trip down memory lane sharing some of their favorite Christmas gifts from childhood. Now as parents of adults, they remember some of the gifts given to their kids and the impact the gifts had. What about you? What was your favorite Christmas gift? Share your stories with the Zoweh Team - ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
During the Christmas season, we consider God's message and his gift, Emmanuel, God with us! His appearing and his coming declares to us our worth and to let us know that we Belong! The pain of Rejection can be felt more acutely during the holidays; God provides a way to escape the crushing weight of isolation and separation. Learn how Michael and Greg cultivate Belonging through time and connection with family, friends, and Zoweh allies. Connect with the Zoweh Team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
Belonging is a key ingredient of love, and yet most of the time belonging ends up in the conditional category. One can feel "I belong if...one acts a certain way, one looks or dresses in a particular manner, or one talks like the group." How can we shift from "I belong if" to "I belong because"? Michael and Greg explore the idea of belonging and how Zoweh creates resources and spaces to cultivate belonging. Connect with the Zoweh team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
The kingdoms of light and darkness that battle over our hearts have to follow the rules set up in God's universe. Michael and SJ discuss the legality of these terms and the algebra equation of wounds, vows, and agreements. Learn how invite God to help you solve the equation and restore freedom in your heart. Connect with the Zoweh team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
The first step to healing is to identify the wound. Relational and spiritual wounds are tricky because the symptoms often do not match the underlying cause and could go for years without being treated. Furthermore, we are not likely to rush to the Emergency Room of a spiritual doctor as we would rush to a medical doctor if we had a physical ailment. Join Michael and SJ as they delve into where wounds come from and how to identify the False Self agreements that are made in response. Do you need resources for healing emotional and spiritual wounds? Connect with our team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
No matter how we parse or define the heart, we recognize the critical function of the heart in governing our thoughts and actions. Why does the Bible say that we must guard our heart? Who could break into our heart and what damage could possibly be done? Can we escape having a wicked heart? Is it even possible to be pure in heart? Michael and SJ discuss the importance of guarding the heart and how it's possible to have a new heart that is yielded to God. Connect with the Zoweh team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
Getting your heart back begs the question, "Where did it go?" Although we are born with a wandering, wayward heart, once Jesus takes residence and breathes in new life, we are transformed. Is the heart still wicked after Jesus has transformed it? Join Michael and SJ as they explore the concept of the heart as described in Scripture and how God is in the heart renovation business to ensure we can partner with Him in His Kingdom. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Haste makes waste including wounding relationships. Discover the benefits of slowing down - creating a gap between the stimulus and the response. Taking time to ask the question, "God, what's going on here?" allows for discernment and deliberate decision making. Join Michael and SJ as they unpack the Do's and Don'ts after a mountain top weekend encounter experience. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
To share or not to share, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler after a "Major Encounter with the Lord" to share emphatically with thy family, or to take a different approach and thereby experience wins via Practicing the Presence of God and Patient Endurance. Join Michael and SJ as they tackle the challenges of Re-Entry to the Home Front after a weekend Encounter. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Kindness begets kindness. Michael and Robin explore both fiction and real-life stories where kindness is a central theme or plays a significant role. As we begin to notice and experience kindness, we can discover ways to employ kindness in situations where it may be difficult such as kindness to self and kindness to enemies. Imagine a world where the default trait is kindness to diffuse anger, to encourage the downtrodden, and to loving confront wrong choices. Connect with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Discouragement and disappointment can invade one's heart when something doesn't go well. And yet...the provocation could usher in a Dangerous Encounter with God. Sometimes a disruptive whistle blowing event is needed to get our attention so we will talk to God. Are you willing to take a time-out to quiet your heart and mind to dialogue with Him? Join Michael, SJ and Caleb as they discuss stories of learning to collaborate with God. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Who or what do you associate with kindness? Would strength be a word that you initially choose to pair with kindness? Join Michael and SJ as they explore how the meaning of kindness has deepened an understanding of the fruits of the Spirit, helped to process emotions and self-talk, and open the doors for honesty and clarity. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Showing kindness is easy when people are kind to you. Kindness shown in an adversarial environment exhibits "next level" Kingdom grace and strength. Extending kindness to self, especially one's younger wounded self, may be the greatest challenge to overcome in this Kingdom journey. How does the pursuit of kindness land on your heart? Join the discussion and share with the Zoweh team - exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Narnia buffs know the answer to the question, "Is Aslan safe?" 'Course he isn't safe, but he's good. In the Old Testament, encounters with the divine often started with an angel stating, "Fear not." In the New Testament, the disciples learned that walking with Jesus became a dangerous proposition. Today, in the age of grace with the Holy Spirit operating fully, we can experience dangerous encounters that change us forever. Are dangerous encounters safe? 'Course they aren't safe, but they're good. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Every community has a culture. Some of us have a good guide book to navigate the community and some don't. Chances are high that you've experienced things not going well in your community. What are your options? Michael and SJ discuss how people react when friction creates discomfort or dissastifaction within community. Discover stories in the Bible where men walked through disagreement, but later learned to embrace reconciliation. Connect with the Zoweh community at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Community is a two-sided coin. On one side there are amazing benefits like fellowship and the sense of belonging, while on the other side there are risks of things going badly. What motivates people to become a part of a community? What are the risks involved with existing community members versus new members? Join Michael and SJ in the discussion to explore more about community and how it affects our lives. Connect with the Zoweh community via email at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael, SJ, and Josh discuss how a man becomes Dangerous For Good: he's a man with a whole heart, a full life, and Kingdom authority. He joins arms with his Kingdom brothers on a mission to protect the hearts and lives of others. Learn the lies and traps that the enemy sets to cause warriors to stumble. Discover more about how the Zoweh team recruits DFG men at the Heart of a Warrior Encounter weekends. Connect with the Zoweh team by email: exploringmore@zoweh.org
As part of the battle cry against the kingdom of darkness, Zoweh has adopted the phrase "Dangerous For Good." Michael shares where he first encountered the phrase while he, SJ and Josh discuss what the phrase means to each of them. How do we see Jesus as being Dangerous For Good and ultimately how can we wield power and authority to better defend and uplift what is good and right in this world? Join the Zoweh team on this expedition. Connect with the Zoweh team by email: exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Elder Sage Ron Gascho stated, "If you want to know who you can encourage or who you can validate, just find somebody breathing." Michael unpacks two words on the Zoweh Validation Coin, kindness and healing, that are resonating with him in this season of life. SJ shares how God recently orchestrated a validation ceremony for Zoweh teammate Christopher. Explore more regarding a culture of honor and the power of validation in this final episode on the Honor and Validation series. Connect with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
We hunger for validation, but often search for it in the wrong places such as social media. How can we cultivate healthy validation and a culture of honor? In the military, challenge coins are a symbol of honor and commitment. In this episode, Michael and SJ reveal Zoweh's validation coin including the process to create it and the importance of images and the words inscribed on both sides of the coin.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
As a key ingredient of love, validation provides food for the soul. Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack the concept of validation and how it's evident from social media to movie clips to everything in between that people are hungry for validation. How does God validate us and how can we build a culture of validation for those around us? Join us on the journey of honor and validation as we explore more of God's Kingdom together. Connect with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Our hearts overflow with the stories we want to tell, but often something stops us. Perhaps we don't have a trusted story listener who will hear and care about our story. Maybe we have a jaded view and have resigned never to share stories of the heart. Michael and SJ discuss the benefits of pausing to rest on the Observation Deck to share and listen with God, to consider stories that tug at our own heart's story, and to explore the effect that your story has had upon your soul. Your story matters. You matter. Discover what The Author has to say about your vital part in the Larger Story. To connect with the team, send an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Have you ever felt a strong connection with a character in a book or movie? Michael and SJ delve into story with a focus on character. Certain stories and characters move us deeply. Why is that? Discover how to notice and to explore characters near and dear to your heart in this week's episode. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
One name for God is Yahweh which is connected to the idea of your breath. What if you were able to slow down life to one deep breath at a time and shift your focus to experiencing God in a practical, real way? Michael and SJ discuss what "getting away with God" looks like for each them. They highlight some valuable ingredients that are helpful to notice and be more aware of God with Him. Beware of letting the autopilot of daily distractions and mental ruts take over! Learn the ways of settling into a pace of conversing with God. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Our hearts and the hearts of those we love are under assault in little and big ways each and every day. Michael and SJ finish the King Me book podcast series by highlighting the chapters about our children, the heirs to the kingdom, and spiritual warfare. Ultimately, our hope is that King Me will spur a revolution on masculinity because it needs healing and restoration on a grand scale to right the wrongs. Discover the power that healing and forgiveness have in thwarting the assaults and turning the tide in the battle over our life, our "zoweh," to victory in Christ Jesus. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
An oriented king cherishes the glory of his queen. As Michael and SJ continue the discussion regarding about King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World, they talk about the reign of a king and the valuable relationship between the king and the queen. The kingdom of darkness lures men to draw strength from women whereas the kingdom of light empowers men to provide strength for women. Explore more of the kingdom with the valuable questions that Michael and SJ share. Connect with the Zoweh team exploringmore@zoweh.org.
We've all heard plenty about original sin, but not too much about original glory. Are you curious about the glory that God has in mind for you? God created you to bring something unique to the world that only you can. As Michael and SJ explore Part 3 of King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World, learn how getting healed of past wounds along with the encumbering vows and agreements can release you into more freedom. Imagine the effect on your heart and how it will impact the hearts and lives of others. Connect with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org
Have you interpreted your life accurately? Chances are there may be a few things that you misinterpreted. Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings discuss the second part of the book, King Me: Leading in a Wounding World. This section of the book invites the reader and the listen to take inventory by looking at the Six Stages included in the Masculine Journey. Discover what it takes to become a good king and to be able to handle expansion of your kingdom. Connect with the Zoweh team via ExploringMore@Zoweh.org. Get a free chapter of the book at http://www.KingMeBook.com. Follow Michael Thompson on Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZxmWsv to be alerted when his book is released.
What's the injury rate of a ______? 100% Michael and SJ delve into the complex topic of masculinity with the soon-to-be released book "King Me: Loving and Leading in a Wounding World." We explore the nuances of being a leader in one's kingdom and how being wounded can affect this role. The book is divided into four main parts with the first part being the Heart of a King. Having an accurate understanding of Jesus affects our hearts and from that flows everything else in our lives. SJ serves up a few quotes from the book to discuss including the Six Lies that Hinder Kingship. Tune in to this episode to learn more about masculinity and leadership for your kingdom. Get a free chapter of the book at KingMeBook.com.
Michael, SJ and Greg are excited to share upcoming events, updates and the latest around King Me in this episode of Exploring More!
How well do you know your spouse's heart? Michael and Robin invite you to explore your marriage relationship with questions from the upcoming My Wife's Heart / My Husband's Heart Journal. In this episode, our Zoweh founders share the story of how they met and how they have learned to cultivate a practice of curiosity and listening through the highs and lows that every relationship experiences. Shift from remorse to rekindling a deeper intimacy with your spouse.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Is time alone with God a discipline? In this episode, Michael, shares the critical difference between "quiet time" and "getting away with God." SJ highlights an important relational question that fosters deeper intimacy. The goal is not to impose a holy Christian checklist, but to encourage listeners to cultivate a way of life that prioritizes time with God in a way that resonants with each individual. Discover more on how to prioritize the most important relationship in our lives. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org. Reference to Godspeed Video: The 3mph God - https://vimeo.com/200206468 SJ's story - https://pdf.ac/Jm2gj The Daily Prayer - https://www.zoweh.org/the-daily-prayer
Every hero needs a wise elder sage to help them in the journey. Michael and SJ open the discussion on the Elder Sage Initiative exploring the issue of fatherlessness and the importance of having an Elder Sage through the Stages of Masculinity. Jim Chenet and Jim McCauley join the discussion in the second half to share the reason why we need Elder Sages and invite the audience to explore more of this topic in the forthcoming Elder Sage Video Series. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
SJ interviews Michael regarding the soon-to-be released book, King Me. As a man become the king of his respective kingdom, he is called to a higher lever of responsibility. The enemy persistently searches to gain a foothold to bring down not only the king but the loved ones in his domain. It's not uncommon for men to lose heart, but Michael wrote King Me to give men hope. Discover more about the authority that Jesus, the King of kings, bestows upon his disciples, his beloved kings.
Connect with the Zoweh team: exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ complete the series on ending isolation by exploring courageous steps that we can take to minimize and ultimately end isolation. If you've been riding the struggle bus, it's ok to be vulnerable and admit that you need help. Perhaps it's time to re-enroll into the School of Your Heart University and learn ways to invite heart healing in a new way. Develop healthy rituals for your soul and discover new ways to behold beauty in the world. The Zoweh team is available to connect with you to escape the pit of isolation. Email exploringmore@zoweh.org
Are you wrestling with isolation? Perhaps you're tempted to throw in the towel and give up. Although this episode is not the "Top 5 Best Tips for Ending Isolation in Your Life," Michael and SJ discuss practical positive ways to escape the trappings of isolation. Engaging your will and making a positive move forward in even the smallest possible way are steps toward healing and community. We were not made to walk this earth alone. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Isolation is a shutdown in the willingness to relate. We usually associate this with running away or hiding, but it can also be loud like a high energy outburst. Join the discussion with Michael, Robin, SJ, and Sherry share specific examples of isolation. The courageous step to be vulnerable and curious about your automatic reactions can open the door to a greater and deeper discovery of your own heart. This in turn can help develop curiousity and a willingness to listen to why your spouse's reacts to triggers and open a discussion that leads to healing. Are you feeling isolated and need to talk? Connect with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Creating isolation within marriage is one of the enemies favorite tactics. Join the discussion with Michael, Robin, SJ, and Sherry to discover how the enemies infiltrates by exploiting and nudging the False Self. Learn how to arm yourself with the Art of Listening to effectively neutralize the insane merry-go-round spun by Lies and Agreements with Past Wounds. Courageously take steps walking in your True Self to partner with your spouse's True Self: your marriage will thrive.
Connect with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
What is your mindset going into the holidays as you plan (or plan not) to visit family and friends? Are you excited, nervous, going into "endure mode," prepping for a fight, shutting down emotionally, or experiencing some other seasonal emotions? The holidays can be a source of comfort and cheer, however, they can also heighten friction during social gathering or even bring an awareness of loneliness in the midst of the crowd. How can we invite Jesus to pilot the ship as we navigate the holidays? Join the discussion with Michael and SJ as they each navigate their own personal 2022 holiday season. Email your favorite pie or holiday dish to exploringmore@zoweh.org or you can request a Listening Guide from the Zoweh team. #EggCenter #ZenJesus
Have you ever felt like you are the only one experiencing your present challenges? Are you knee deep or even neck deep in shame? Are the whispers, "You are alone" clanging ever louder in your heart and mind? Michael, Robin, and Sherry continue their discussion regarding isolation and how we can end it. Discover the power of community, the Divine Gaze concept, and helpful solutions to end isolation.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael discusses ending isolation with Robin and Sherry as they share from their experience about how the enemy pushes women into isolation. The professional world, even the professional church world, does not invite vulnerability especially from women in women's ministry. When vulnerability is not allowed to be part of the equation, true connection cannot be made and isolation creeps in. Learn the types of things that can contribute to isolation and what can alleviate it.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
As Michael and SJ continue their discussion on ending isolation, they reveal different facets of isolation. For instance, existing in an in-between place can contribute to feeling like one doesn't "quite belong." Sadly, isolation can lead to a self-defeating downward spiral. There is hope for healing. You are welcome, you are wanted. There is a community that wishes to invite you to the table.
Connect with the Zoweh team by sending an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Have you ever had a moment where you were in a crowded room but you felt completely alone? Isolation is an issue that every one faces from time to time. The pandemic increased the level of isolation and the enemy capitalizes on any opportunity to drive each of us into further isolation. Why is that? We were created to be in relationship, so the kingdom of darkness wants to move us away from connection, community, intimacy, and friendship. Michael and SJ discuss the symptoms and some of the causes of isolation in the first part of this series.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and Robin Thompson share some heartfelt updates about what's new at Zoweh and some of their personal journey. They discuss the importance of being in the moment. They suggest being curious, observant of one's emotions, and asking, "Why am I feeling this way?"
Share your journey or your questions at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Do you remember playing checkers? The ultimate glee in the moment when you successfully crossed the board and declared, "King Me!" Michael and SJ discuss the forthcoming book, King Me, and the journey in the production of the book as well as pertanent highlights. They also share upcoming series in Season 2 of Exploring More.
Connect with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ discuss some of their favorite podcast series from the year and a brief update on the changes happening at Zoweh headquarters. We officially launch into Season 2 with a video edition in addition to the audio only version of the podcast.
For more details or to connect with the team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Prayer can often be thought of as something to "endure" rather than a mindset to journey "with." If we won't pray, then we're not a threat to the enemy of the Kingdom. Every battle plan changes once the first boot steps onto the battlefield. Prayer is about alignment, wielding, interceding, listening, and fielding questions that arise in the midst of the battle. The Zoweh team has made the Daily Prayer available to learn how to wield our words with power and authority as Jesus taught in the Scriptures. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Prayer is like learning to play an instrument or playing a sport and definitely not chucking rocks over a wall hoping to get Jesus’ attention. It’s not an unending monologue or wish list; it’s the wild Kingdom of Prayer! How is worship prayerful? What is soaking prayer? Explore more about the world of prayer with the Zoweh team. Connect with the team at ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
The Bible says to pray without ceasing, but how can we do that and drive a car? The Zoweh team discusses developing the rhythm of prayer as an integral part of our daily walk. They explore the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11 and how it was a powerful teaching tool. In warfare, the two keys to gaining an upper hand are to cut off access (supply) and communication. It is vital that we keep the communication lines open with the Triune God. The team puts forth a way and mindset to proceed in victorious prayer. Connect with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
The men of Zoweh delve into debunking prayer. Many words have been associated with prayer - obligation, formality, repetitive, holy... We remember simplistic prayers from our childhood such as "Now I lay me down to sleep." What is the right way to pray anyway? Is there a special formula? In this discussion, the team suggests, "Our perception of God determines our conversation with Him."
Connect with the Zoweh team via email at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
What if your relationship with God could move from black and white to technicolor? The Zoweh team explores the final Pillar of Zoweh - More Love, More Life, More Freedom. As they describe the Journey with God, they unpack the concept of More. Ultimately, the Four Pillars of Zoweh support each other in a somewhat circular way. 1) Intimacy leads to 2) Orientation which inspires 3) Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear which opens up 4) More Love, More Life, More Freedom which invites greater Intimacy and so on! To connect with the Zoweh Team, send a message to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In many ways, the third Pillar of Zoweh, Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, and Nothing to Fear is the fruit of the first two Pillars: Intimacy and Orientation. As one becomes better connected to God and oriented, it is easier to let go of the things that aggravate the False Self. Example of the False Self revealing itself are anger, defensiveness, and especially this concept of "holding on." We have the freedom to let go. "Authentic spirituality is always on some level or in some way about letting go." Letting go allows one's heart to open, move out of hiding, proving, and given over to fear. Connected with the Zoweh team by email explorinmore@zoweh.org.
As the Zoweh men's guide team discusses the Pillar of Orientation, they explore different stories in each of their lives that speak to the necessity of orientation. They cover how to identify triggers that may lead a man off track and how to get back in alignment. One of the orientation tools in the Zoweh arsenal is the Two Realms, Two Kingdoms map which can been view on the Zoweh website: https://www.zoweh.org/2R2K-map. To connect with the Zoweh team, send a note to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
The Zoweh Men's Guide Team - Michael Thompson, Scott Jennings, Greg Sailors, and Jeff Andrechyn - are joined by their special, special guest Kevin Casner of the Barn Brothers to continue the discussion of Orientation. There are times when we feel like we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Sometimes we are in the midst of being dismantled - life isn't going the way WE planned. God allows certain things to be stripped away in order to bestow a proper mantle upon us. The old mantle would get in the way of the new mantle. Being able to identify of what has got into the way unlocks knowing who you are and reveals your true identity. Who you are and the glory of your life are coordinates needed to triangulate and achieve true orientation. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
The Men's guide team unpacks the Second Pillar of Zoweh, Orientation, as knowing who you are, where you are, and the good God is up to in your life. Sharing real life examples from flying to hunting as well as scenes and quotes from popular movies, the men navigate this topic and how it applies to our relationship with God.
To connect with the Guide Team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Have you lost the life of your heart? What if there was a sacred romance that could stir life into your heart and soul? Don't mistake romance with God as the sort of intimacy experienced between a man and a woman. The foundation of romance is knowing and being known. Many attributes flourish in this environment with validation being one of them. Listen as the Zoweh team shares stories that will open the eyes of your heart to the First Pillar of Zoweh - Intimacy, Oneness, and Connectedness with God. To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
We search and search and search for God and then we are found. We don't have to work hard to find God. He wants us to be found. God pursued Adam and Eve in the garden and He pursues you today. Let yourself be found and kindle an intimacy that opens the door of communication with the Creator. The Zoweh team discusses the Pillar of Intimacy, Connected, and Oneness with God. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this series, the Zoweh team discusses the Four Pillars of Zoweh. The first pillar is Intimacy, Oneness and Connectedness with God. What is intimacy apart from what the typical definition in the world might be? Discover a new understanding of intimacy as it applied to one's relationship to the Creator. To connect with the team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Robin and Sherry join Michael and SJ in the discussion regarding the ingredients of love: validation, acceptance, worth, belonging, and significance. From personal experience and from the shared experiences from the Heart of a Warrior and Deepening Weekends, the team shares how to trade up from service in the Kingdom to realizing the belovedness we have as a Son or Daughter of the King. They also ponder how the enemy tries to hijack the love of God in our hearts and minds.
Do you see me? Do you love what you see? Do you want to be with me? These are some of the core questions that stem from the heart. Jesus desired to been seen, loved, and wanted for who He was and not just what He could do. He wants to have significance in our hearts and love for Him. There's a weightiness and glory associated with significance. You have much more significance in the Kingdom compared to what you may think. Discover the power of significance as an ingredient of love in this week's episode. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Belonging goes deeper than acceptance because it's more than a handshake: it is being seen and known. Sometimes belonging comes as a birthright but often we need to pass through an initiation to belong. Our desire to belong can be so strong that we are willing to succumb to our False Self for a False Belonging. Discover what it means to experience True Belonging. Connect with the Zoweh team via email: exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Worth is the bedrock of our identity. If we view ourselves as worthless, then it will affect all our relationships. Men often find worth in what they do. Accept the challenge to break free from this unhealthy foundation. Discover how to agree with our Heavenly Father's version of your worth. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
As the Zoweh team further discusses the Ingredients of Love, they consider the power of Acceptance. When we truly acknowledge the Acceptance of God, we feel His invitation to come closer and to belong. We reciprocate by providing Him a platform to speak into our lives. Furthermore, Acceptance by God plants the seed in us to demonstrate Acceptance to others. They also unpack the difference between Acceptance of the person vs. behavior and how they have navigated this in real life examples. Connect with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Are you lovable? Strangely, we sometimes find this question hard to answer. Our Heavenly Father has assured us many times that we are indeed LOVABLE! As the Zoweh team discusses the Ingredients of Love, they consider "Validation" as an Ingredient of Love. Just as Jesus received Validation at His baptism, we too need Validation from Our Father. Oh, and the answer is, "Yes, you are lovable!" Connect with the Zoweh team: ExploringMore@Zoweh.org.
Josh Overton shares about the Top 5 Resources for Men's Groups. Hint: it's about building relational equity! The goal is not to see how many books y'all can read (even though they are GREAT conversation starters), but to foster storytelling in your own band of brothers. Discover how to measure your men's group by BEING not DOING. To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Josh Overton shares in the importance of relationship this week’s Recalibrate episode. Discover why the Zoweh team teaches to value relationship over resource and freedom over formula. The best way to road to More Love, More Life, More Freedom is More Story!
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this episode from the Recalibrate series, Michael Thompson, Greg Sailors and the Zoweh team discuss what it means to be an Elder Sage and the merits of having an initiative. What does it take to connect a younger man in the boyhood, ranger, lover, warrior, or king stage to a more experienced man in the elder sage stage?
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Check out the upcoming events at http://www.zoweh.org/events.
Michael Thompson, Scott "SJ" Jennings, and Greg Sailors discuss the 2020 battle with Covid within the team and their families. Ultimately, they explore how the challenges of 2020 brought them to a place of thankfulness. Connect with the Zoweh team by email - exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Scott Jennings, SJ, opens this episode sharing some recent losses with friends and family and invites us into a converation with Michael Thompson and Greg Sailors on grieving, loss, and surprisingly, thankfulness. Connect with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
As Michael and SJ wrap up the series on The Kingdom, they expand this quote, “The new good heart God has given you and the life He intends for you come together and find their purpose in God’s Kingdom.” [The Heart of a Warrior] A kingdom is not a democracy where the will of the people rules. In a kingdom, the will of the king reigns. Discover how this applies to us, His Kingdom heirs, and our life’s journey.
Connect with the Zoweh team by email: exploringmore@zoweh.org.
The enemy rarely uses an all-out assault to diminish God’s kids. He starts skirmishes with whispers of lies or doubts. How we handle these Kingdom tussles defines our identity and relationships. Naiveté or disorientation about the landscape, allies, and opponents of the 2 Realms / 2 Kingdoms could lead to POW or victim status. Prepare for battle with Michael and SJ as they talk about life in the Kingdom trenches.
To connect with the Zoweh team email us at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ continue discussing the Kingdom. Our identity and how we identify with God and others provides a critical foundation for relationships in this borderless Kingdom. Scripture provides examples such as potter and clay, vine and branches, but we also read about being a friend of God. Is it a good thing to be “used by God” or to be a “tool in the Master’s hands?” Explore more about your identity in the Kingdom.
Stay connected with the Zoweh team via email with exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Jesus talked about one topic so many times that it might be His favorite: the Kingdom. Michael and SJ launch a series on how the Kingdom is a central, foundational framework for understanding all that Jesus has for us. Jesus came to save the world, His Kingdom, in a way that was unexpected. Today He still invites us into the Kingdom and encourages us to invite others.
To connect with the Zoweh team, send an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ post a series of questions to consider while walking in the new year. Grab a journal, a quiet spot, and clear your appointments.
Father, what was last year about for me?
Father, what were you doing, or trying to do in me, for me, or through me?
Jesus, where was the enemy particularly working?
Jesus, are there any places still unhealed where the Kingdom of Darkness has authority in my Life?
Holy Spirit, what do you have for me in the new year?
Holy Spirit, what kind of Training is ahead? Is there a word or few words you want me to give my heart’s attention to?
Father, to what part of my masculine heart and masculine journey do you want to bring validation and initiation?
Connect with the team by sending an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In the second episode of this series on Walking in the New Year, Michael and SJ discuss some of the upcoming resources that will be available in 2022: The Deepening Journey for women and the book King Me geared toward men. Mid-January propels most people to rev the engine of busyness. As one goes about each day, consider the following question: What am I bringing into the next ____? It takes discipline to shift into a lower gear to consider the lens by which we examine the next appointment, conversation, or interaction.
Share your thoughts and questions with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In a World where Words Matter, Michael and SJ discuss the terminology surrounding Zoweh. Some examples including calling Zoweh a Mission vs a Ministry. Some other terms are Team vs Staff, the Tower vs the Office, and the War Room vs. the Board Room. While many churches and parachurch organizations use increasingly institutionalized language, Zoweh strives to facilitate relationships, allies, and redemptive community.
Share your thoughts and stories with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ continue the discussion around Resolutions, Rituals, and Routines and how to move into a space of solitude and reflection around the New Year. The goal is to connect with God like one would over a slow candlelit dinner with cloth napkins and not settle for inhaling fast food while speeding through traffic to the next appointment. Romance is to pursue and to be pursued. What has been crowding out or what has suspended your intimacy with God? Seek stillness and invite God to speak to you…and wait with your pen and journal.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ discuss the "dead week" between Christmas and New Year's. The holiday season is a perfect time to move into a space of solitude and reflection while preparing for the New Year. Carve out some time to consider your resolutions, routines, and rituals. Share your thoughts and stories with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings discuss the importance of story in several of their favorite Christmas movies from Die Hard to It’s A Wonderful Life to The Grinch and how these Christmas stories relate to Emmanuel, God with us. They consider “What is the "More" of Christmas?” with additional Christmas movies such as The Messengers with The Chosen and The Nativity.
Share your stories with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this final excerpt from A Night of Stories, team members Greg Sailors and Scott and Sherry Jennings share about their journey in Zoweh's history. Michael provides the final update including how the Zoweh team shifted during the pandemic to build more resources such as The Rendezvous Project. Share your Kingdom story with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from A Night of Stories, Michael introduces and thanks more team members. Michael shares how the Zoweh logo came to be. Jim Chenet, Tom Benner, Robin Thompson share stories along with when Michael started writing the first book, Search and Rescue.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from A Night of Stories, Robin Thompson shares about the restless heart longing that she and Michael felt prior to establishing the Zoweh ministry. Michael introduces founders Jay Stott and Keith Daniel who shares some stories from the early years. We invite you to connect with our team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In the excerpt from our livestream event, "A Night of Stories," the Zoweh team shares the impact of the ministry in their lives over the last 15 years. Michael shares about the word "sentimental" and how God revealed its meaning in Michael's life. Share your stories with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from The Rendezvous Project, SJ Jennings and Sherry Jennings provide an overview of the Enneagram and how it is helpful tool to assess how one interacts with their own thought life, one's relationships with others, and how one's Enneagram can impact a marriage.
Share your thoughts and stories with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from The Rendezvous Project, Michael explains that some of us diminish God because of the lies we have been led to believe about God. Our image of God is crucial to our relationship with Him and others. As God's image-bearers, men desire intimacy, seek to provide, and rise up to protect.
To share your stories and questions, email the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this sneak peak from Session 4 of The Rendezvous Project, Robin Thompson shares a glimpse of The Heart of a Woman. Explore the glory that was meant to embody the life of each woman.
Share your stories, questions, and feedback with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In the Wizard of Oz, the Tin Man was in search of a new heart. He wanted to know and feel love again. We are called to the love the Lord our God with all our heart. How can we regain love for our hearts and the hearts of others? Discover how to become a more loving listeners with practical advice from Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings discuss the importance of love for it is the foundation of all relationships. We were created in love and for love. The Fall brought into our minds the nagging question, "Am I worthy to be loved?" Many of our decisions and actions are based on our search for an answer to this question. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson speaks on the topic, "Stay Connected to the King," from our Heart of a Warrior Encounter weekends. Scott Stankavage shares a story of how he was distracted and derailed by the enemy, and then he offers advice how to get back on the rails and develop a plan to handle future attacks. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael speaks on the topic, "Healing Comes First," from our Heart of a Warrior Encounter weekends. Connect with the Zoweh team via email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael speaks on the topic, "We're in enemy terriory," from our Heart of a Warrior Encounter weekends. To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson speaks at The Heart of a Warrior Encounter, a Zoweh Mens event. Gain strength and understanding on how to engage in the spiritual warfare around us in part 3 of our Training and Warfare series.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson speaks at The Heart of a Warrior Encounter, a Zoweh Mens event. Gain strength and understanding on how to engage in the spiritual warfare around us in part 2 of our Training and Warfare series.
Share your stories with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson speaks at The Heart of a Warrior Encounter, a Zoweh Mens event. Gain strength and understanding on how to engage in the spiritual warfare around us in Part 1 of our Training and Warfare series.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org
A guided time of prayer and worship, featuring audio from Graham Cooke and a variety of worship songs. Find a place of quiet solitude, close your eyes, and let the love of God wash over you. Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
As Michael and SJ wrap up the series on Transformation, they delve into The Message version of the Bible to further explore the phases of transformation. Romans 8 is a great summary of this process; Jesus became like us, so we can become like Him. When we unpack Romans 8:30, we discover:
Awaken - God calls us by name.
Deepen - God sets us on a solid basis with Himself until we are established.
Fulfill - God stays with us to the end, gloriously completing what He has begun.
Forgiveness takes us thru the gate unlocked by Jesus. He then invites us to the road of Restoration where Transformation takes place.
Share your thoughts, questions, or stories with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this fourth episode of the Transformation series, Michael and SJ discuss the transition from "Deepen" to "Fulfill." A ceremony often accompanies the fulfillment phase such as a graduation. The Apostle Paul declared to his spiritual son Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." These words signaled the "Fulfillment" of the Transformation that God started in Paul when he was "Awakened" on the road to Damascus. Jesus invites us to live a new way, to transform, and to walk the road to freedom. Share your questions, comments, and stories of The Life of More with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this third part of the series on Transformation, Michael and SJ discuss the continuation from the “awaken” to the “deepen” phase. When Jesus spent three years with the disciples, they were awakening to the revelations that Jesus shared with them. In the book of Acts, we start to see the transition from awakening to deepening in their faith and walk with the Lord. In the process of deepening there is a transition from awareness to ownership, from novice to intermediate, from salvation to sanctification.
Share your stories and questions with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this second episode of the Transformation series, Michael and SJ discuss how “Awaken” relates to Transformation. When we awaken, we see something that we didn’t see before. Sometimes it starts with dissatisfaction; perhaps a “splinter in your mind” has formed that cannot be ignored. Or we may have become aware or have re-discovered something. The enemy, who is always looking for an opportunity, attacks and accuses during this tender period of awakening.
Share your questions, comments, and stories of The Life of More with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this first episode of a series on Transformation, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore the nuances of this critical word as applied to our lives in the Kingdom. We are called to be transformed - so how does this look? Whether we are going through upward positive growth or a downward spiral of grief and despair, we are being transformed. Healing and learning are transformative. Discover more about the words "awaken, deepen, and fulfill" as related to transformation as this series continues. Share your questions, comments, and stories of The Life of More with the Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from The Deepening Weekend 2021, Sherry Jennings shares on Sisterhood. Relationships are the fruit of our intimacy with God. Being surrounded with oriented sisters who ask good questions can help in the restoration of your heart. You don't have to fight your battles with one arm tied behind your back. Join your sister allies and chart a course for freedom! Share your questions and stories about The Life of More at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from The Deepening Weekend 2021, Michael Thompson speaks on The Heart of a Man. As John Eldredge described in Wild at Heart, "Every man longs for a Battle to Fight, an Adventure to Live, and a Beauty to Rescue." Discover the insidious lie that the enemy wants to instill in the hearts of men to derail them into train wrecks with respect to relationships. Share your questions and stories about The Life of More at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from the session on Story at The Deepening Weekend 2021, Dana Andrechyn explores how to honor the story of one's life. We were all meant to experience shalom, but unfortunately it has been shattered. The journey of our life is to restore that shalom. How shall we navigate to reach that restoration?
Reach out to the Zoweh Team by sending an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this two part series, Michael Thompson continues with the third secret of fatherhood and some helpful do's and don'ts for the journey. He encourages men to get into the fight for their children's hearts. Quite often this mean asking more questions and dictating less demands especially as kids get older. Discover practical advice to navigate being a dad in God's kingdom.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org to share your story and how God is showing you the Life of More.
In this two part series, Michael Thompson covers the first two secrets of fatherhood. A good father is an oriented man. What does this mean? An oriented man knows who he is, where he is, and the good that God is up to in is life. Michael unpacks this concept and challenges the listener to examine one's own heart.
Connect with the Zoweh team at exploringmore@zoweh.org to share your story and how God is showing you the Life of More.
In this excerpt from The Deepening Weekend 2021, Lenne Hunt shares on the importance of intimacy. She boldly declares that intimacy is the answer to everything! Intimacy is seeing and being seen, knowing and being known, and being face to face with another. Intimacy opens the door to the true self, shines the light on our glory, and gives birth to the courage we need to go into life’s battles. Come and explore a deeper understanding of intimacy.
Connect with Zoweh Team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from The Deepening Weekend 2021, Michael Thompson describes the impact that the Two Realms and Two Kingdom have in our lives. Each of our lives is a small story within the larger story that takes place around us. We are caught in a fierce battle between the two kingdoms and we must be shielded and armed to withstand the attacks. The complete session is available at http://www.zowehoutpost.com as part of the The Deepening Weekend 2021 conference audio.
Connect with the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from Robin Thompson's talk on Healing, we journey through the mind, body, and soul's reaction to hurt. Robin describes some responses she has had in her own healing journey and invites the listener to ask revelatory questions as well as take time to consider their own responses to hurt, grief, abuse, or disappointment.
The full audio version for The Deepening Weekend is available at https://www.zowehoutpost.com/the-deepening-weekend-2021-live-at-carolina-point/
Reach out to the Zoweh Team by sending an email to exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this excerpt from the Zoweh women's Deepening Weekend 2021, Dana Andrechyn explores the concept of Wounds, the events and agreements that opened the door for the False Self to establish itself in our story. Sometimes we need some help to identify our "Tale of Woe" as mentioned in Jane Eyre. Discover important questions that will start the healing process.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
In this abbreviated excerpt from Session 2 of The Deepening Weekend 2021, Sherry Jennings unpacks the concept of The False Self. Do you feel distracted, stressed, out of touch? What keeps us from intimacy and flourishing in the way God intended for us? Discover how to identity the False Self and make way for your True Self.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Robin Thompson, Sherry Jennings, and Dana Andrechyn, members of the Zoweh women's guide team, open The Deepening Weekend by introducing why they take the time to get away to attend the weekend. They emphasize the importance of story and how it is foundational to foster and deepen relationships. Robin shares three foundational things about women: women were created to love, created for shalom, and created for the unique way in which women bear the image of God.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Greg Sailors continue the discussion on debunking prayer. Our words have power and reveal how we perceive our identity in Christ. We can use our words during prayer with authority because Jesus promised this to us in His Word. The Zoweh team challenges the listeners to accept the nobility associated with being a son of the King. Discover the power of the Daily Prayer that the Zoweh team prays.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org
Michael Thompson, Sj Jennings, and Greg Sailors continue the discussion on prayer.
Prayer is like learning to play an instrument or playing a sport and definitely not chucking rocks over a wall hoping to get Jesus’ attention. It’s not an unending monologue; it’s the wild Kingdom of Prayer! How is worship prayerful? Explore more about the world of prayerful worship in the most surprising places.
Connect with team by email - exploringmore@zoweh.org
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Greg Sailors
Jesus doesn’t just teach the words to pray, but the posture of the heart when entering into prayer. Prior to teaching the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11, the disciples in Luke 10 had experienced amazing victory as they prayed for people in Jesus’ name and they were healed. Jesus was cutting keys to the kingdom for his friends to take back lost ground by redeeming His people. Afterward Jesus reminds them to rejoice that their names are written in heaven.
In warfare, the two keys to gaining an upper hand is to cut off access (supply) and communication. Even though believers have power and authority, we can often pray for the things we already have or possess. The team puts forth a way and mindset to proceed in victorious prayer.
Resources: Moving Mountains by John Eldredge
Reach out to the team by email: exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Greg Sailors delve into debunking prayer. Many words have been associated with prayer - obligation, formality, repetitive, holy... We remember simplistic prayers from our childhood such as "Now I lay me down to sleep." What is the right way to pray anyway? Is it a formula? In this discuss the team suggests, "Our perception of God determines our conversation with Him."
Share your thoughts and feedback at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Jim Chenet, and Gary Barkalow
What is it to walk in one's glory in the Sage Stage?
Our calling is the weightiness, beauty, splendor of God. It increases as one gets older. When the exterior world and assignments change, it feels like a loss of freedom and purpose, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Join the team as they discuss examples of a man's transition from running while wielding a sword in the Warrior/King Stage to walking with a staff in the Elder Sage Stage.
Share your feedback at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Jim Chenet, and Gary Barkalow continue the discussion about the Elder Sage Initiative. They reveal the potential woundings that happen in this stage; one of the most notable being retirement. Retirement can lead to a feeling of not being wanted or needed and perhaps even isolation. The men discuss that the glory of God in one’s life is not associated with roles such as work or assignments. They suggest that the Elder Sage stage is an amazing time to experience a greater freedom in exploring one’s calling and the glory of God in one’s life.
To connect with the Zoweh team, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Jim Chenet, and Gary Barkalow discuss the Elder Sage Initiative that Zoweh. Are you a settled, elder statesman who has learned from a lifetime of experience and has had time to reflect on lessons learned? Your hard-earned wisdom is a valuable asset that can help recover and restore the hearts of younger men. Some sages mentioned in this episode are Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid and Lionel Logue from The King's Speech.
Listeners can engage the Zoweh team by emailing exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson and Josh Wilson of the Uncensored Advice for Men podcast discuss how Josh processed the concept of masculinity and fatherhood as related to the sudden loss of his Dad in 2020. The men unpack the critical father/son relationship and healthy vs. unhealthy pride.
To connect with a Zoweh team member, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael Thompson and Josh Wilson of the Uncensored Advice for Men podcast discuss how Josh is processing the sudden loss of his Dad in 2020. The men explore the type of man Josh's dad was and how his tough guy personality and relentless drive fueled Josh's personality and drive. After Josh's dad was gone, he began to re-evaluate so many things included why his push to achieve subsided.
To connect with a Zoweh team member, email exploringmore@zoweh.org.
LinkedIn post referenced in the podcast:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joshuabrucewilson_after-my-father-passed-away-i-found-comfort-activity-6737772647309983744-VAVD
Michael and SJ with Jeff and Dana Andrechyn discuss the sessions that Jeff and Dana lead for The Rendezvous Project and why they have such an impact on the participants. One key to building a marriage relationship is to spend time finding the glory in your partner rather than pointing out their faults. The Zoweh team reveals practical ways to strengthen marriages in a world that wants to promote division and divorce.
One main goal of The Rendezvous Project is to usher in a Rendezvous Practice for couples - to build an understanding that a marriage cannot survive on a "one-and-done" marriage weekend. There's always more in a marriage to discuss and explore.
http://www.TheRendezvousProject.com
exploringmore@zoweh.org
#notoneanddone #zoweh #therendezvousproject #therendezvouspractice #mrsandmrssmith #findhisglory #findherglory #airstream #strengthentherelationship #exploringmore
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Jeff and Dana Andrechyn discuss the journey of building The Rendezvous Project. A small intimate voyage, going after redemptive marriage, relatability are some of the benefits that are a part of the discussion. The interactivity of the program is a strength which allows for God to enter the conversation. For those who are married, consider this question, "Do you realize the glory of you two together in this world?"
http://www.therendezvousproject.com
exploringmore@zoweh.org
In this episode, Michael & Robin and SJ & Sherry explore more about their journey in the creation of The Rendezvous Project. The Rendezvous weekend is intentionally held in a smaller more intimate space rather than a big ballroom marriage conference. The goal of marriage is to be known and to know another person intimately; therefore there needs to be an opportunity to prepare and share your story in an unhurried setting. The goal is not rush through to complete the sessions, but to explore more together using the tools as prompts.
http://www.TheRendezvousProject.com
exploringmore@zoweh.org
#WhenHarryMetSally #MarriageMaintenance #LoveAndBeLoved #KnowAndBeKnown #GreatestLoveStory
Michael & Robin and SJ & Sherry discuss the state of marriages in light of the soon to be released Rendezvous Project. Has the close proximity of this extended season of quarantine created a perfect storm for your marriage? All marriages go through challenges and crisis, but this past year has magnified the typical relationship stressor due to the pandemic, financial stress, and political stress. Counseling appointments for couples has increased by 30% this las year. Divorce filings have increased as much as 70% in certain areas.
On the other hand, couples who have persevered have experienced strengthening in their marriage. One of the key factors is to examine the motivations of each person in the marriage.
Resource: http://www.therendezvousproject.com
Reach out to the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ continue discussing the concept of slowing down to facilitate intimacy and oneness with God. The Zoweh team hosts events for men and women to build a space away from the hustle and bustle of life to be able to listen to what God has to say about this season of your life. They also share the merits of The Rendezvous Project and how it will benefit married couples.
Zoweh events are listed at http://www.zoweh.org/events.
The Rendezvous Project: https://www.therendezvousproject.com/
Listeners are encouraged to reach out to the team and share about their journey or open up a discussion at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael and SJ explore the concept of walking with God with the emphasis on walking instead of running or sprinting. They consider their "words" of the year and invite listeners to journal the words that God shares with them. They discuss the term "desire," which can have a negative connotation, and how God views desire and how to best handle desires.
Listeners are welcome to share their "Word of the Year" and any other feedback at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
The resource mentioned in this episode is:
A Biblical Theology of the Heart
which is available at http://www.zowehoutpost.com.
Michael and SJ continue the conversation about the speed of life compared to Godspeed. Join the discussion as they consider how the speed of life can affect our intimacy with God and outlook on life in general.
Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known - on Vimeo
Feel free to reach out to the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org
Michael and SJ recap the feelings of 2020 and look forward to the Glory Days of 2021 as the Zoweh team prepares to walk in unity with God and others. What is in the way of hopefulness as God leads you into your next chapter? Michael and SJ explore how slowing down from breakneck speed to Godspeed could make all the difference in cultivating hope and intimacy with God.
Godspeed: The Pace of Being Known on Vimeo
Feel free to reach out to the team at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael, SJ and their wives Robin and Sherry discuss hope as it is related to the children's Christmas stories portrayed in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "A Charlie Brown Christmas," and "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." These Christmas specials were created in the mid 1960s and each has a powerful story of transformation and redemption.
Contact the team with questions, suggestions, and more at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
Michael, SJ and their wives Robin and Sherry discuss hope as it is related to Christmas and traditional Christmas song "O Holy Night" in part 1 of a 2 part Christmas series with Zoweh.
Contact the team with questions, suggestions, and more at exploringmore@zoweh.org.
#Christmas #OHolyNight #Zoweh
In part 2 of "What's Wrong with Men?," Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Greg Sailors discuss the overall challenges men face, why churches are struggling to maintain men's ministry, all from the perspective that we at Zoweh are on the battlefield for the hearts of men.
Email us at exploringmore@zoweh.org
In this 1st part of a 2-part episode, "What's Wrong with Men?," Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Greg Sailors discuss the overall challenges men face, why churches are struggling to maintain men's ministry, all from the perspective that we at Zoweh are on the battlefield for the hearts of men.
Email us at exploringmore@zoweh.org
Join Michael, SJ, and Greg for Part 2 of Grieving, Loss, and Thankfulness?. 2020 has been full of grief, loss and significant challenges but is there reason for thankfulness too?
Recommended Resources:
Heart of a Warrior (paperback version), Michael Thompson
Brene Brown - Sympathy vs. Empathy
If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh.
Email us at exploringmore@zoweh.org
Join Michael, SJ, and Greg for Part 1 of Grieving, Loss, and Thankfulness?. 2020 has been full of grief, loss and significant challenges but is there reason for thankfulness too?
Recommended Resources:
Heart of a Warrior (paperback version), Michael Thompson
Brene Brown - Sympathy vs. Empathy
If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh.
Email us at exploringmore@zoweh.org
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael, SJ, Greg, and David as they explore the Boyhood stage. Recommended Resources: Healing the Masculine Soul - Gordon Dalby Fathered by God - John Eldredge If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh. exploringmore@zoweh.org #boyhood #ranger #warrior #lover #king #sage #morelove #morelife #morefreedom #nothingtohide #nothingtoprove #nothingtofear #getyourheartback #intimacywithGod #onenesswithGod #connectedwithGod #whoyouare #whereyouare #thegoodGodisuptoinyourlife #thelifeofmore #zoweh #zowehlife #sittingbull #belovedson
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ as they explore the Ranger stage. Recommended Resources: Healing the Masculine Soul - Gordon Dalby Fathered by God - John Eldredge If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh. exploringmore@zoweh.org #boyhood #ranger #warrior #lover #king #sage #morelove #morelife #morefreedom #nothingtohide #nothingtoprove #nothingtofear #getyourheartback #intimacywithGod #onenesswithGod #connectedwithGod #whoyouare #whereyouare #thegoodGodisuptoinyourlife #thelifeofmore #zoweh #zowehlife #sittingbull #belovedson
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ in Part 2 of the Warrior stage. Recommended Resources: Healing the Masculine Soul - Gordon Dalby Fathered by God - John Eldredge If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh. exploringmore@zoweh.org #boyhood #ranger #warrior #lover #king #sage #morelove #morelife #morefreedom #nothingtohide #nothingtoprove #nothingtofear #getyourheartback #intimacywithGod #onenesswithGod #connectedwithGod #whoyouare #whereyouare #thegoodGodisuptoinyourlife #thelifeofmore #zoweh #zowehlife #sittingbull #belovedson
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ in Part 1 of the Warrior stage. Recommended Resources: Healing the Masculine Soul - Gordon Dalby Fathered by God - John Eldredge If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh. exploringmore@zoweh.org #boyhood #ranger #warrior #lover #king #sage #barrywhite #zoweh #morelove #morelife #morefreedom #nothingtohide #nothingtoprove #nothingtofear #getyourheartback #sensitivityisok #intimacywithGod #onenesswithGod #connectedwithGod #whoyouare #whereyouare #thegoodGodisuptoinyourlife #thelifeofmore #beachguy #mountainguy #kingdomromance #sacredromance #theshack #particularlyfondofyou #mrhollandsopus #playthesunset
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ as they explore the Lover stage with Tom Benner. Recommended Resources: Healing the Masculine Soul - Gordon Dalby Fathered by God - John Eldredge If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh. exploringmore@zoweh.org #boyhood #ranger #warrior #lover #king #sage #barrywhite #zoweh #morelove #morelife #morefreedom #nothingtohide #nothingtoprove #nothingtofear #getyourheartback #sensitivityisok #intimacywithGod #onenesswithGod #connectedwithGod #whoyouare #whereyouare #thegoodGodisuptoinyourlife #thelifeofmore #beachguy #mountainguy #kingdomromance #sacredromance #theshack #particularlyfondofyou #mrhollandsopus #playthesunset
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ as they explore the King stage with Tom Benner. Recommended Resources: Healing the Masculine Soul - Gordon Dalby Fathered by God - John Eldredge If you purchase from Amazon, consider using smile.amazon.com and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to Zoweh. exploringmore@zoweh.org
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ as they explore the sage stage with Gary Barkalow and Jim Chenet.
Each man is on a journey; a journey of the heart as he goes through life. Join Michael and SJ as they walk through the stages of the masculine journey with several of their friends, including Gary Barkalow from the Noble Heart.
http://www.zoweh.org
#masculinejourney #boyhood #sage #king #ranger
In this episode, join Michael and Zoweh team member Greg Sailors as they speak with Morgan Snyder of Ransomed Heart about his new book Becoming a King.
Book: Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man
https://amzn.to/2FqIWBx
Purchase through smile.amazon.com and choose Zoweh as the recipient ministry
In this episode, join Michael and Zoweh team member Greg Sailors as they speak with Morgan Snyder of Ransomed Heart about his new book Becoming a King.
Book: Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man
https://amzn.to/2FqIWBx
Purchase through smile.amazon.com and choose Zoweh as the recipient ministry
In this episode, join Michael and Zoweh team member Greg Sailors as they speak with Morgan Snyder of Ransomed Heart about his new book Becoming a King.
Join Michael, SJ and Robin Thompson as they discuss the founding of Zoweh. How Zoweh came about and some of the history behind the name.
#foundersday #foundersinterview #zoweh #kierkegaard #cslewis #wildatheart #johneldredge #sword #swordshopping #birthday #Aragorn #TheLordofTheRings #MereChristianity
Featuring:
Michael Thompson, Scott SJ Jennings, Robin Thompson
4th Pillar - More Life, More Love, More Freedom
The Life of More - A hopeful forecast of what is coming. There is always more with God. The podcast is Exploring More because we believe there is always more of all the good with God.
It’s the first pillar that people seem to discover. There is more to the Christian than going to church on Sunday, tithing 10%, and repeating that on a weekly basis.
If there’s more, then there’s an invitation to move.
The Four Pillars of Zoweh support each other in a somewhat circular way. 1) Intimacy, 2) Orientation, 3) Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, Nothing to Fear, 4) More Love, More Life, More Freedom
exploringmore@zoweh.org
http://www.zoweh.org
#whataboutbob #whatareyouwatching #bingewatch #fishing #morelife #morelove #morefreedom #zoweh #lifeofmore #cockapoo #moonwalker #largerstory #hope #ohtheresmore #benevolentdetachment
Exploring the Good Heart - 4 part series
This episode features Michael Thompson, Scott SJ Jennings, and Tom Benner.
The conversation focuses on the heart of God.
#goodheart #heartofawarrior
Exploring the Good Heart Series Part 3
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Jim Chenet, Scott Stankavage
When the headwaters of our hearts are muddied, we start to misinterpret our story.
Your belief plays a huge role in the status of your heart.
Doing something wrong is different from something is wrong with me.
Romans 10:9-10 Our heart has the capacity to believe. Either we believe lies or the truth.
We need training in how to believe. We have to believe that God can restore our hearts. He wants to redeem things that didn’t go well and restore you to who you were meant to be. Bring the files from the file cabinet of your heart to God so He can redeem them.
A heart is like a house. Jesus knocks on the door. We often let him in to the entry way and by measures into different rooms - perhaps only the parlor. Some friends are “refrigerator friends” meaning they can go into the refrigerator any time to help themselves to the food you have. Does Jesus have access to the refrigerator?
Like the computer has a hard drive, humans have a heart drive. The heart drive has to be cleaned and redeemed in order to work properly.
Robin Williams and Matt Damon in “Good Will Hunting” - “It’s not your fault.”
Sometimes we throw up a huge defensive mechanism rather than digging in and dealing with the wounds of the heart.
The currency of the Kingdom is what you believe. If you believe the truth or you believe the lies, that has been the bank where you have been storing up your investments. You are reaping from your investments.
The reason to become wholehearted is so that you can come to the aid and encouragement of the hearts of others.
How do you guard your heart?
First, “I’m in.” Subscribe to God’s heart renovation program.
Second, ask God specific questions, i.e. why am I reacting this way. Why does ______ make me angry? Show me my hurtful ways. Choose vigilance and pay attention.
Journal - jot down your questions, answers, past God moments, verses that are helpful.
Join in book and Bible stories with other men.
Store up the Word in your heart.
Word study suggestions: “heart’, “zoweh”, “kingdom”, “freedom”
Book suggestions:
The Heart of a Warrior by Michael Thompson
Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard
Waking the Dead by John Eldredge
Contact us at
exploringmore@zoweh.org
#refrigeratorfriend #redeemedheart #goodheart #zoweh #pureheart #createinmeapureheart #wholehearted #goodwillhunting #robinwilliams #mattdamon #vigilance #heartrenovation #heartreno #heartofwarrior #allies #renovationoftheheart #dallaswillard #wakingthedead #johneldredge
Exploring the Good Heart Series - Part 2
Four Part Series of the Good Heart
Michael Thompson, Scott SJ Jennings, Scott Stankavage, Jim Chenet
The heart is the core of us, a storage place, and a connection place.
Can the heart be wicked? Yes, it can be corrupt. John Wesley said the heart can be a corrupt spring. Would you drink some water that has only .5% arsenic in it? No way.
However, if Jesus is the center of your heart, then your heart has been transformed into a good heart. Can it be good and noble? Can it produce good fruit?
To have a life to the full, you need the right equipment.
Solomon’s Inauguration - I Kings 3:7-15 - What did Solomon ask for? Wisdom? No. Give your servant a discerning heart. God responds to him, “Because you have ask for discernment, I have given you a wise and discerning heart.” But even that doesn’t make Solomon 100% immune because later on his heart was led away.
The Tin Man in the Wizard of Oz declared his wish - “I’m going to ask him [the Wizard] for a heart. For with a heart you can love and be loved. And love is the greatest thing in the universe.” The Tin Man was service-based - chopping wood - but needed love.
Exploring these verses regarding the heart in Deuteronomy.
4:29 - Look for him with all your heart.
10:12 - Love God with all your heart.
11:13 - Serve him with all your heart.
13:3 - Love him with all your heart.
26:6 - Observe then the law with all your heart.
God wants all our hearts.
Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a pure heart. Could there be such a thing? Yes!
Michael shared about his experience being baptized and how the concept of cleanliness and holiness was made so real that day.
Get to the spiritual car wash as often as you can. A disciple of holiness.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart.” That means it is possible to have a pure heart!
This is the fruit of the pure heart - forgiveness, humility, grace, joy, peace - all the fruits of the Spirit.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life. We put security systems on all kinds of things - the things that are most precious to us. Keep vigilant watch over your heart. Patrol your heart. Think of the headwaters of a nearby river - they must be protected.
http://www.zoweh.org/podcast
#InsideOutMovie #goodheart #hearttransformation #lifetothefull #discerningheart #tinman #wizardofoz #getyourheartback #allyourheart #spiritualcarwash #pureinheart #fruitsofthespirit #guardyourheart #wellspringoflife
Join Michael, SJ, Scott Stankavage and Jim Chenet as they discuss how the redeemed heart is a good heart.
We can ask ourselves - am I a good man who occasionally has a bad day or am I a bad man who occasionally has a good day?
The Holy of Holies is no longer a physical place where people go to worship. The Holy of Holies is in the heart. Since God has taken up residence there, it is no longer dirty.
#goodheart #redeemed #redeemedheart #belovedson #saints #freedom #morelove #morelife #morefreedom #heartofflesh #newheart
This episode features an interview between Michael Thompson and Josh from the Uncensored Advice for Men podcast.
Josh wants to understand better why Orientation is so important for a man. He also asks questions from the perspective of men who may not believe in God but who could benefit from the advice Michael has to share.
#morelove #morelife #morefreedom #orientedmen #dangerousforgood #heartofawarrior #belovedson #goodkings
http://www.zoweh.org/podcast
https://www.facebook.com/ZowehLife
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDSY5ok8Np17_BKi0zjazMQ
https://www.instagram.com/zowehlife/
https://twitter.com/zowehministries
https://www.linkedin.com/company/zoweh-inc
In this episode, Michael, SJ, Tom and Jim are going through the Four Pillars again today. Intimacy and Orientation have been explored, and it’s now time to move into the third Pillar, Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, and Nothing to Fear. The whole concept of the Pillars is to move from duty to enjoying and experiencing the presence of God in our lives.
SJ closes with saying that next coming up is More Life, More Love and More Freedom. Tune in next time for closing out the 4 Pillars of Zoweh!
exploringmore@zoweh.org
http://www.zoweh.org
Michael Thompson, Keith Daniel, SJ Jennings
In the final episode of the Kingdom in Living Color series, Michael, Keith, and SJ discuss the letter that was sent out by Bishop William J. Barber, II and how it relates to the latest escalation in racial tension in America. The letter harkened to a letter written by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. while he was in prison.
More information can be found at http://www.zoweh.org/podcast.
The Secrets to Fatherhood – Part 4
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Greg Sailors
Part 4 brings about the end of the Secrets of Fatherhood series. In review, as the Zoweh guys have continually reminded throughout the series, first and foremost, you must Get Your Own Heart Back. There is no “Dad Camp” to get away to and come back perfect, though the Heart of a Warrior weekends can be a nice break to reflect. It’s a continual process!
You’ve got this, dads. You can do this.
https://www.zoweh.org/
After a long break from the topic, Zoweh returns to the Four Pillars Talk with Pillar Number 2, Orientation. On deck are Michael, SJ, Jim and Tom. With the last talk on Orientation being back in February, it was definitely necessary to recap on the concept of the Pillars. Over the last decade, these were the principles that kept coming up and they found to be the truest, through working with others and within their own friend group. Necessary to the scaffolding to Orientation, they recap on the base Pillar, Intimacy. Without this, there’s no hope of getting to Orientation!
The Zoweh guys share when that intimacy with God became elevated and connected for them. Jim shares first on how he expected God would be there at the beginning and the end but wouldn’t be involved in the middle. Michael confirms that was his experience too, where you knew from verses but not from a relationship. Jim continues that he viewed love as a task, not something to experience and explore. “Experiencing” is a key word here.
Tom recapped on his experience in finding God. He had gone on a spiritual journey at the end of high school, and God was the only one who sought him out. It hit hard and real and since he’s been with Zoweh, it’s been an upward spiral of learning who God is. While he recognizes God will seek him out, it’s a two-way relationship and He wants to be sought out as well. SJ shared his experience meeting the group at a weekend that his first experience with this school of thought was “I don’t even know what I’m hearing, but I want more”. The more he wanted, was intimacy with God.
SJ continues that as he seeks more intimacy, an enemy of that is the closed off parts of his heart. So it’s been his goal to open up his heart to connect more. Tom says that one thing that’s changed is how he prays and learning to ask God questions and connecting with His heart for the situation. Instead of treating prayer as a request system, Tom has been finding himself using it as a time to connect.
Michael confirms this shift, from only the service, obedience, and following the rulebook. While these are good to follow, there is eventually a requirement for “graduation” to intimacy, faithfulness, and conversation…. Relationship terms to connect with God. Michael really felt this, growing up in the church, where he had to slough off the dogged attitude of shame and that God could never be happy with him. So asking God questions, being able to hold conversations with Him, was revolutionary!
They briefly go over authors and speakers who have written about this intimacy with God, as this isn’t a new concept for Christians to explore. Some favorites were Brent Kurtis - “The Sacred Romance”, Thomas Keating, Richard Rohr, Henri Nouwen, Graham Cook, even to the disciple John, who spoke with Jesus directly and had a relationship with Him.
After coming back from the break, they caught up a bit on the previous talks of Orientation. Michael asks “What does it mean to be an oriented man?” The very basis of Orientation, SJ shares, is “a man or woman that knows who they are, where they are, and the good that God is up to in their life”. Who you are is a beloved son and daughter. Where you are is your placement in the Two Kingdoms (see other podcasts). And the good that God is up to in your life, is more subjective to how He is working in your heart and growing you up into Kingdom Life.
One way to put it is “where there are circumstances in your life that is not God’s will, He will deploy His way”. Michael confirms this is true. Sin is a separator from Christ, and whether we have experienced someone’s sin towards us or we have done that to another, it’s going to happen. This is where God deploys His way to redemption, reconciliation, and recovery from loss so we can be reconnected.
Michael opens up the floor to ask the guys “When has Orientation been apparent to them in your lives?” Tom recalls when he learned that wounding affected the “policy decisions” he made for his life. Sometimes it is conscious, but more often it’s a gradual shaping of cause and effect. You begin to calculate the best ways to respond to life and situations that may not be the best or even authentic, and these contribute to the false self. The false self is definitely an enemy to our Orientation. To get to becoming oriented and knowing who we are, we have to also know who we’re not! Ways to distinguish the false self are asking “What am I hiding? What am I proving?”
Tom said for himself, he was a shy and withdrawn person for much of his life, not because he was naturally introverted, but because he feared embarrassing himself and experiencing rejection. It takes going back and evaluating those moments that fed into that, and you will see in time, the false self is reduced. He encourages the listeners, for those of you who struggle with fears that have a constricting effect in your life, that’s not a life sentence. All it takes is taking the time yourself to address it (it helps to have a mentor) and then find others to share that growth with.
An oriented man’s question is “What is this?” Michael shares an example after talking with his daughter recently where he had to go and ask that very thing to God and see that there was an element missing in his life. It is normal to be sad or angry that it’s missing, but answering by saying “All right I want this” opens up your heart for a chance with God to work on that.
SJ says the most important first step is getting to the headwaters of that problem. He says he believes many people, and he admits to doing it to, try to “white knuckle” their way to the change they want when they recognize the problem… They submerge into a check-list for self improvement. This is not a lasting solution! This is why intimacy is so vital, because through intimacy with God you will gain access to those locked and missing parts of your heart and be able to be more in touch with your own heart.
Michael says “more information” is not what he personally craves at this time. Where he’s at is he craves walking with God, and invites the listeners to do the same. Walk with God. Jim laughs as he finds the time he best connects with God is when he is literally walking with Him on morning strolls. He uses it as a time for Q&A. Even perceived inconveniences can be opportunities for connection, both Jim and Michael confirm from their own experience.
Jim was watching “Moneyball” recently and feels like it makes for a good allegory: “There is an epidemic failure in life to see what is going on”.
Michael begins to wrap up the podcast reminiscing about when they made the maps of the Kingdoms and shares about how “Search and Rescue” was very much about their learning of orientation as an element of Kingdom Living.
Orientation of your being is such a large conversation for just a couple short podcasts, but hopefully, this serves as an invitation for you to explore more on your own. SJ invites readers to see the 2 Kingdoms map on https://www.zowehoutpost.com/two-realms-two-kingdoms-map/ and also take advantage of the other free resources at the outpost.
Next time, the Zoweh gang will be tackling Pillar 3 which is “Nothing to Hide, Nothing to Prove, and Nothing to Fear”. See you next week!
Kingdom in Living Color – Part 2
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Keith Daniels
In this episode, Keith recalls a story from when he was in little league football and was returning a punt, dropped the ball, leaned his head down and was cleaned out. He most likely had a concussion from that hit. Going back to the commemoration, he explained that was experiencing episodic depression that effectively caused him to crumble much like getting knocked over in little league football. He was trying to do too much. As an African-American man, he feels like he has to do twice as much to be recognized and therefore ends up with a lot on his shoulders.
#diabolical #blackidentity #diabolicalplans #football #littleleague #12yearsaslave #roots #rootsminiseries #martinlutherkingjr #drmartinlutherking #blackhistory #organizingagainstracisim #OAR
The Kingdom in Living Color – Part 1
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Keith Daniels
Keith Daniels is our friend and one of the founding members of Zoweh. He and Michael have spent years together in ministry as well as on the basketball court. In this series, we dive deep into Keith's story and explore a Kingdom discussion on race and racial tension in America.
#liberationofblackidentity #rememberthetitans #footballisnotrugby #coaching #CoachK #Duke #ACCChampionship #UofMaryland #CoachSpurrier #integration #offeryourbestself #widereceiver #DukeChapel #commemorationofintegration #whiteprivlege #microaggressions #diabolicalways #blackmaninAmerica #blacklivesmatter #georgefloyd
Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, Greg Sailors
Welcome to Part 3 of 4 on The Secrets to Fatherhood.
Here’s a quick recap:
Point 1 – The 1st episode was about the most important thing you can do for the hearts of your kids, as well as for any heart you love, is to – Get Your Heart Back and become oriented with the Larger Story. While we’d love to go get away to Dad Camp for more than a weekend, it’s actually in living the day to day within fatherhood that raises up what needs treatment, healing, and attention… that need Christ. For some, no one can provoke their False Self like their kids. This is what brought us to…
Point 2 - the 2nd episode in the series: Wounding Your Kids. It’s not a matter of if, but when, you have hurt your kids. Wounded hearts wound hearts. The goal is “wound them less” because we cannot avoid it happening. Leading to…
Point 3 – the 3rd episode is Fighting for the Hearts of Your Kids. We want to break that cycle of what was handed to you from your father or mother and from the world. The enemy sees what wounded you and keeps a file on that – kind of like the mafia of the kingdom of darkness. Given any opportunity, your kids will invite your False Self to recycle those old wounds or mix them into new ones to impress upon your children when you face difficult moments as a parent. The enemy will even use those moments to wound YOU in having you relive when that wound was delivered to you! When you find that the enemy used you to wound your kids, you can see it on their face. That’s why it’s important to catch these moments and attend to the mess that’s been made.
Fighting for the hearts of your kids is very much about paying attention. And it all circles back to paying attention to your past and what’s in your file that the enemy is using. How your heart is handled will often dictate how you handle hearts. In the process of getting your heart back through training and foreseeing, it directly leads into protecting and going after your children’s hearts. Your own healing is shrinking your file so the enemy can use it less. Recognizing past wounds and getting healing makes the difference in turning a consistently bad reaction to a certain conflict to a good consistent response. How has God shown you that seeing your heart has affected your relationship with your children?
Listening to your children can start changing your relationship with them. When we say listen, we don’t mean preparing your response. Don’t cutoff, minimize, or diminish. And listen internally to your own knee jerk reactions as well as externally. It’s crucial to see what you might be brushing up against from your story when it comes to responding to them. Knowing and being known is important at Zoweh, and while you were both present when the father-child wound was made, how they interpreted it may be different from what you saw of the moment. As he employed better listening, Michael found that he was more likely to attend to the real issue underlying instead of the surface behavior, request, or initial upset. If you assume that your kids simply want to “misbehave” you are missing out. There is a whole lot more going on than that, and you will miss their heart if you can’t see it.
A question that helps is “How could I have handled that differently?” A common thread we found is that if we could go back, we’d want to be “more safe for our children;” more safe as in easy to talk to and relate to.
Some things are flat bad, but sometimes we pick up messages that were not anywhere near said, but felt implied to us as children.
Important tips to remember:
Don’t write Hey My Little DNA Bearer in birthday cards.
Don’t bring a two-year-old on a camping trip.
When it comes to apologizing for wrongs, don’t apologize in anger. Come back when you can say it sincerely. And don’t jump in to correct their response to the wrong, let it linger a minute. Because in that lingering, you can unveil where exactly their heart is at, giving you a better idea of what to do! Showing vulnerability with your children in an apology opens up a dialogue with them. And here’s one you might not have heard before – it helps to hold back on ascribing what you think you should be apologizing for. You might be surprised at what actually hurt them!
How is God fathering you as you father your children? It is a journey worth taking, healing with and being a part of your children’s healing. Joy is not always happy – “Why is it important to do this?” Because healing the wounding you inflicted on them takes that file out of the enemy’s hands, and healing your children helps them take the file out of the enemy’s hands. The older they get, the better they can understand and go deeper in these conversations and experience the holiness of those interactions.
http://www.zoweh.org
#knowingandbeingknown #Zoweh #FalseSelf #getyourheartback #TrueSelf #listeninghelps #heartofawarrior #michaelthompson #sjjennings #gregsailors #ExploringMore #youvegotthis #fatherhood #dads #stepintoyourfathersfootsteps #encouragedads #fatheredbygod #fightingfortheheartsofyourkids #battleplan #belovedson #exploringmore #beingcurious #embarrasseddads #dontmakeitaboutyou #couldawouldashoulda #mylittlednabearer #leaveittobeaver #andygriffith #opie #apologize #vulnerability #hugsandtears #imsorry #imsorrybut #irememberwhen #moreconversations #joyisnotalwayshappy
Join Michael and SJ as they explore the Secrets to Fatherhood and candidly discuss how we've already wounded our kids because we're wounded.
Join Michael and SJ as they explore the Secrets to Fatherhood and candidly discuss how getting your own heart back is the place to start.
Join Michael and SJ as they have a conversation with John Eldredge, author and leader of Ransomed Heart.
www.zoweh.org/podcast
Join Michael and SJ as they have a conversation with John Eldredge, author and leader of Ransomed Heart.
www.zoweh.org/podcast
Join Michael and the Zoweh Team for this recording of our Thursday Night Zoom Gathering on Spiritual Warfare. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Zoweh has been hosting a gathering each Thursday night via Zoom.
Join us on the Zoom meeting here: https://www.zoweh.org/thursday-night-gathering
Join Michael and the Zoweh Team for this recording of our Thursday Night Zoom Gathering on Spiritual Warfare. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Zoweh has been hosting a gathering each Thursday night via Zoom.
Join us on the Zoom meeting here: https://www.zoweh.org/thursday-night-gathering
Join Michael and the Zoweh Team for this recording of our Thursday Night Zoom Gathering. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Zoweh has been hosting a gathering each Thursday night via Zoom.
Join us on the Zoom meeting here: https://www.zoweh.org/thursday-night-gathering
Join Michael and the Zoweh Team for this recording of our Thursday Night Zoom Gathering. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Zoweh has been hosting a gathering each Thursday night via Zoom.
Join us on the Zoom meeting here: https://www.zoweh.org/thursday-night-gathering
Join Michael and the Zoweh Team for this recording of our Thursday Night Zoom Gathering. Since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, Zoweh has been hosting a gathering via Zoom.
Join us on the Zoom meeting here: https://www.zoweh.org/thursday-night-gathering
Join Michael, SJ, Jeff Andrechyn and Greg Sailors as they are joined by Kevin Casner. They discuss the second pillar in the Four Pillars of Zoweh: Orientation. Knowing who we are, where we are and the good that God is up to in our lives and Kevin's journey over the last several years.
Visit www.zoweh.org
Join Michael, SJ, Jeff Andrechyn and Greg Sailors as they discuss the second pillar in the Four Pillars of Zoweh: Orientation. Knowing who we are, where we are and the good that God is up to in our lives.
Visit www.zoweh.org
Join Michael, SJ, Sherry and Robin as they discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, how it's affecting daily life and our walk with God.
www.zoweh.org
Join Michael, SJ, Tom Benner and Greg Sailors as they discuss the first pillar in the Four Pillars of Zoweh: Intimacy, oneness and connectedness with God.
Visit www.zoweh.org