Jonathan and Melissa Helser have a conversation with guests Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer about tending to the heart and embracing lifelong learning. They discuss the importance of pruning, preparing students for life's difficulties, honesty and embracing neediness, communication and conflict resolution in relationships, discovering identity through embracing neediness, the humbling experiences of older students in retreats, and the significance of doing the right work with humility.
Embracing our neediness for the Lord is essential for growth and fruitfulness.
Preparing students for the inevitable hardships of life is a crucial aspect of discipleship.
Being a lifelong learner and humbly seeking wisdom from God and others is transformative.
Deep dives
Embracing the Posture of Lifelong Honor
The podcast episode explores the importance of embracing the posture of lifelong honor and the neediness for the Lord. The hosts emphasize that having needs and being honest about them is not a sign of weakness or shame, but rather a reflection of Kingdom culture. They highlight the significance of being learners for our entire lives, and how embracing our neediness for the Lord is essential for growth and fruitfulness.
Surprised by the Sobriety of Former Students
The hosts share their observations of encountering former students and being struck by the sobriety and honesty in their hearts. They express encouragement and joy in seeing former students grappling with the challenges of life with boldness and courage, rather than pretending that everything is perfect. They emphasize the importance of embracing the reality of life's difficulties while not losing heart, just as Jesus did with his disciples.
Preparing Students for the Hardships of Life
The hosts discuss how their approach to discipleship has evolved over the years, shifting from focusing solely on providing a magical encounter with God to preparing students for the inevitable hardships and pressures of life. They emphasize the need for students to understand that life can be hard, but that they should not lose heart because Jesus has overcome the world. They express satisfaction in seeing students develop resilience and sobriety as they navigate the challenges of life.
Gratitude in Connecting with Former Students
The hosts discuss their encounters with former students, expressing gratitude for the moments they have had with them and witnessing their growth in various areas of life. They share examples of connecting with former students and feeling the gratitude and reward of seeing them face challenges and persevere. They talk about the deep impact these moments have had on them and the validation it provides for the work they do in discipleship.
The Value of Being Learners
The hosts emphasize the importance of being lifelong learners and the transformative power of asking questions and admitting our need for guidance. They discuss the cultural pressure to have all the answers and the shame associated with needing help. They emphasize the value of coming to the table of learning, humbly seeking wisdom from God and others, and being open to growth and transformation. They draw parallels to Jesus, who modeled humility and the pursuit of knowledge despite being the Son of God.
This is the first episode in a brand new three-part series.
Featuring Jonathan and Melissa with Chris Miller and Phyllis Unkefer, this conversation centers around what it means to do the work of tending to your heart, and embrace the posture of a lifelong learner.
***This month, applications are open for our Men’s Retreat, Women’s Retreat, and our 18 Inch Journey discipleship school! All of our discipleship programs are centered around doing the good work of building friendship with Jesus, mentoring and learning, and stewarding your inner life.***
If you are interested in learning more or applying to one of our discipleship programs, go to http://18inchjourney.com!
If you know someone who would be interested in our school or retreats, please share this podcast with them!
You can also watch this podcast on the Cageless Birds YouTube channel HERE.
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