Akil Thompson, Lead Pastor of Extraordinary Church, discusses cultural differences in ministry philosophy between the US and Canada, intentional engagement with the unchurched, and the importance of prioritizing family and marriage. He also shares insights on navigating diverse cultural contexts and building a foundation for spiritual growth.
Physical exercise enhances spiritual vitality and fosters clarity.
Honest relationships with mentors aid personal growth and accountability.
Prioritizing family time and date nights strengthens bonds and nurtures love.
Deep dives
Investing in Physical Health
One key aspect of investing in personal spiritual growth mentioned in the podcast is engaging in physical exercise. The speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical health as a way to enhance spiritual vitality, stating that a tired body can lead to tired faith. Exercise provides clarity and a space where the speaker feels the Lord speaks to them, bringing rejuvenation and refreshing.
Authentic Relationships with Mentors
The podcast highlights the significance of cultivating honest and authentic relationships with spiritual mentors or pastors. The speaker shares the importance of being brutally honest with mentors and elders in their life, discussing both the good and challenging aspects of their journey. This level of transparency and openness fosters growth, accountability, and a depth of spiritual connection that aids in personal development and strength.
Investing in Family Time and Marital Relationships
The speaker emphasizes the intentional investment in familial relationships and marriage by scheduling dedicated family and date nights. By setting aside specific times for family activities and one-on-one time with the spouse, individuals can prioritize their loved ones and create a foundation of stability and closeness within the family unit. Regularly planned moments for quality time help strengthen bonds and nurture a supportive and loving environment.
Simplicity in Faith and Love
The core message shared by the speaker revolves around simplifying one's faith journey by focusing on faith and love. The podcast stresses the fundamental importance of loving God wholeheartedly and extending that love to others. By centering faith on these foundational pillars, individuals are encouraged to let go of complexities, maintain a growing yes in their devotion, and prioritize authentic and undying love in all aspects of life.
Returning to First Love and Simplicity
In this season, the podcast emphasizes the essence of returning to one's first love and living out faith and love in simplicity. The speaker evokes a call to revisit the core principles of faith, prioritizing unwavering love for God and others. By simplifying the spiritual journey and focusing on faith and love, individuals are encouraged to let go of complexities and cultivate a deep, enduring connection with God and those around them.
Today we are thrilled to be sitting down for an episode of the Conversation with Akil Thompson.
Akil is husband to Sarah, and they are parents to Mia and Lincoln. They have served on various church teams over the years and in various ministry capacities in Texas, Florida, Virginia, and for the past six years they have served as Lead Pastor of Extraordinary Church in Mississauga, Ontario.
In the episode today, Akil talks about this current season being in the role of Lead Pastor, he talks about cultural differences between the US and Canada and how that has impacted ministry philosophy, he discusses how Extraordinary Church intentionally engages the unchurched, and a host of other subjects.
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