Unhurried Living | Helping Christians Rest Deeper & Lead Better

I want to read some familiar words from the scriptures that I think have special relevance to the situation in which we find ourselves these day. Jesus is speaking, and says, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, [they] will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” I really appreciate that last line. The life Jesus has come to announce to us and make available to us is meant to be abundance. But we’re living in a season that has called into question so many of the ways we had been measuring “the good life.” Today, I’m talking with Ken Baugh about his new book, Unhindered Abundance. I think you’ll find help for how to enter more deeply into the very good life to which you’ve been invited. Learn from and connect with Ken on social:Instagram @ken.baughFacebook @pastorkenbaughTwitter @PastorKenBaugh Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I have long believed the practice of gratitude and looking back in discernment is crucial for a well-lived life. In Morgan Harper Nichols’ new book, "How Far You Have Come", we are invited to notice and give thanks for our growth along the journey of life. With her unique style, and deep, soulful heart, Morgan guides us yet again with her stories, poems and art.  I’m honored to call Morgan a friend. We met, by chance, at a workshop a couple of years ago and had an immediate connection. I was struck by her genuine, sweet and humble spirit. So much wisdom and care tucked into such a young woman. In this conversation, prior to engaging her book, we took time to talk about her being newly diagnosed with autism, as well as her experience with the racial tensions over the last year. I am so thankful that she is willing to share so vulnerably. Morgan is truly gifted and I am so glad she is with us again today to talk about her new book.  Morgan is a popular Instagram poet and artist. She has created her life’s work around the stories of others. In addition to “How Far You Have Come” she is the author of "All Along You Were Blooming", a book of poems and art she created in response to the personal stories submitted by her friends and followers. Morgan is often on the road creating, teaching, and performing, in hopes of spreading her unique inspirational message and inviting others into her creative process.  Connect with and be inspired by Morgan on social:Instagram @morganharpernicholsFacebook @morganharpernicholsTwitter @morganhnichols Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Leadership matters to God. The way leaders lead matters perhaps more to God.  We who would serve the people of God as leaders are invited to do so in the way of Jesus—the Spirit of Jesus. We often say that you do not need a position of leadership to be a person of influence.   Today, I’m pleased to have as my guest Rich Stearns, President Emeritus of World Vision and author of the new book Lead Like It Matters to God. We’ll talk about some of the core values that have guided his leadership over the decades. I’m glad you’ve joined us for today’s episode of the Unhurried Living podcast.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Today my friend and spiritual director, Stacey Green, is with me and we will be responding to some spiritual direction and formation questions that we received via social media. We’re going to interact on these themes and hopefully offer some guidance and encouragement along the way. Stacey Green is a trained spiritual director, a Southern CA native, and a graduate of Pepperdine University. She is passionate about offering soul care to women in all stages of life, particularly those serving in leadership positions. Stacey is knowledgeable in the Enneagram, having studied it in depth for nearly 15 years. She loves the beach, hiking, yoga, reading, gardening and is a culinary epicure. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We’ve often said on this podcast that who you are as a leader makes all the difference in the fruitfulness of what you do as a leader. Two people can do the exact same bit of work with very different outcomes. Even little bits of work done with great love can bear more fruit than huge gatherings or impressive performances. For the Christian leader, the trajectory of our lives is in the direction of living and leading more and more in the spirit—in the way—of Jesus. Today, I’m talking with a fellow leader and friend, Tim Morey, about his recently released book titled Planting a Church Without Losing Your Soul. Maybe you’re a church planter. If so, this episode is going to be a bullseye for you.  But even if you aren’t leading or participating in a church plant, you’re going gain a great deal of insight into how we become the sorts of women and men who can engage in the work of God more fruitfully and powerfully. Of that I’m confident. Tim Morey was born in San Diego where he embraced Christ at an early age, left the church as a teen, and was re-captured by the love of Jesus during college. Prior to planting Life Covenant Church, he served in college ministries in San Diego and Los Angeles. Tim and his wife, Samantha, are proud parents of two daughters, Abigail and Hannah. In addition to the book we’re talking about today, Tim is author of Embodying Our Faith: Becoming a Living, Sharing, Practicing Church and a contributor to two other titles on church planting. He serves on the national church planting team for the Evangelical Covenant Church and as an adjunct professor at Fuller Seminary.Connect with Tim on social media:Facebook @tim.morey Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Empathy. This is a much needed and seemingly ignored dynamic in cultural conversations. However, today we are going to bring it down to the personal…our own lives. What is empathy? Why is it important for us and our relationships? How does empathy factor into our relationship with God? Today I chat with my dear friend, Kristi Gaultiere who is an expert on empathy. Not only by training, but by giftedness and lifestyle. Practicing empathy and caring comes naturally to her and I benefit from her attuned heart. I can’t wait for you to learn from her today. Kristi is a Psychotherapist and spiritual mentor to women pastors and pastors’ wives. She co-leads Soul Shepherding with her husband, Bill. As a pastor’s wife, mother, and ministry professional, Kristi offers empathy and wisdom from her experience personally and as a therapist who has spent many thousands of hours caring for people. Kristi enjoys speaking, training, teaching, consulting, counseling, and retreat leading with Bill as well as recording their weekly “Soul Talks”.Connect with Kristi in a variety of ways:Facebook @kristi.gaultiereInstagram @kristigaultiere or @soulshepherding   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A mentor of mine would often say something like this: “The Christian life is not mainly something I believe or a group to which I belong. The Christian life is somebody with whom I enjoy a living, day-to-day relationship. That somebody, of course, is Jesus. He is risen and alive among us today—right now—by his Spirit. He is inviting us into the love he and the Father share. That has been the inviting good news I’ve sought to enter more deeply into over this challenging year in which we’ve found ourselves.Recently, I enjoyed a conversation with Michael Card about his most recent book titled The Nazarene: Forty Devotions on the Lyrical Life of Jesus. I found what he wrote and what we talked about refreshing, encouraging and inspiring. Michael Card is an award-winning musician and performing artist. He earned a master's degree in biblical studies from Western Kentucky University under Dr. William Lane. His many books include Scribbling in the Sand, A Fragile Stone, Inexpressible, and the Biblical Imagination Series on the four Gospels.  The book we’re talking about today came out in November of last year and is titled: The Nazarene: Forty Devotions on the Lyrical Life of Jesus.Learn more from Michael and connect on social media at:Facebook @MichaelCardMusicInstrgram @michaeljcard Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, major depressive disorder (or MDD) is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15 to 44. MDD affects about 16.1 million adults each year. And think about all of those who remain undiagnosed. Then add to that the increased anxiety and depression caused by COVID-19. Many of us have likely struggled with a form of depression over the last year. And, certainly, most of us know someone who struggles. How do we cope? Drawing on her own experience with depression, Diana Gruver, author of Companions in the Darkness, looks back into church history and finds depression in the lives of some of our most beloved saints, including Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King, Jr.  Diana tells their stories in fresh ways and offers practical wisdom both for those in the darkness and those who care for them. Diana Gruver writes about discipleship and spiritual formation in the every day. She holds a M.A. in Spiritual Formation from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and currently serves as the Communications Director for Vere Institute. She lives in south-central Pennsylvania, with her husband and daugther.Learn more from Diana on social at:Facebook @diana.stottlemyerTwitter @dianagruver  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Most of you in our listening community are people who pray. Or at least people who have prayed. You may be grateful for the opportunity to come  into the presence of God. Your prayer may feel fruitful and life-giving.   Or, you may have become disillusioned when it comes to praying. You might feel like you’ve come to pray but God didn’t seem to come to listen or respond. It’s not an uncommon experience. But, in the end, you probably still want to be a person who lives in the presence of God—a person who prays. Today, I’m talking with my friend, Kyle Strobel, about a new book that he and John Coe have written called Where Prayer Becomes Real. We’ll talk about our experience of prayer and how we might enjoy the reality of God’s presence. That’s the focus of today’s episode of the Unhurried Living podcast. Kyle Strobel is the assistant professor of spiritual theology and formation at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University, and is the author of Formed for the Glory of God (IVP, 2013) and co-author of Beloved Dust (Thomas Nelson, 2014). Kyle can be found at KyleStrobel.com or on Twitter.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Burnout. This a most unwelcome word. And an even less welcome dynamic. But our guest today, Bethany Hiser, found herself smack in the middle of it. A social worker, jail chaplain and justice advocate, Bethany was in need of the very soul care she was providing to others. We’ll engage her story today. Bethany Dearborn Hiser is the director of soul care for Northwest Family Life, a network of therapists trained to work with survivors of domestic violence and sexual trauma. As a bilingual social worker, chaplain, and pastoral advocate, Hiser has worked in a variety of ministry and social service settings with people affected by addiction, sexual exploitation, incarceration, and immigration. Whether you're a social worker, therapist, pastor, teacher, or healthcare professional, From Burned Out to Beloved will equip you to confess your limitations, embrace your identity as a beloved child of God, and flourish in your vocation. Connect with Bethany and her work on social:Facebook @traumainformedsoulcareInstagram @bethanydhiserTwitter @bethanydhiser   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.