Pastor Lee Eclov shares wisdom on caring for people, spiritual formation in preaching, working through a text, viewing Scripture as a song, and crafting sermons that touch minds and hearts. He offers insights for pastors to finish well, emphasizing the importance of soul work and reflecting on Scripture. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by pastors and the value of resources and safe spaces for them to connect.

As the world continues to progress technologically, how do we begin to approach this theologically. Jason Thacker, a professor of ethics and author joins Steve Carter on the craft and character podcast to help us better understand what is at stake and what we can do about it. Technology is not a net neutral conversation; but rather one we must approach with greater wisdom and discernment. With the advent of AI and other technological advancements, we as preachers have an opportunity to help our people understand what formation, ethics, and life in the kingdom truly looks likeJason Thacker serves as an assistant professor of philosophy and ethics at Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a senior fellow in Christian ethics and director of the research institute at The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. He is the author of several books including Following Jesus in a Digital Age and The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. He also serves as the editor of The Digital Public Square: Christian Ethics in a Technological Society and co-editor of the Essentials in Christian Ethics series with B&H Academic. He is the project leader and lead drafter of Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles.EPISODE LINKSWebsite - jasonthacker.comBooks - Following Jesus in a Digital Age, The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity@jasonthacker@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As headlines convulse with the latest news about the Israel-Hamas war, how should followers of Jesus respond?Jon Huckins, professor, author, and founder of Journey Home, shares with Steve Carter about what peacemaking looks like一first in our own hearts, then in the world God calls us to love. This convicting conversation point us toward the way of Jesus, helping us see the image of God in people on all sides of the conflict.Jon and Steve, who recently hiked the Camino de Santiago together, reflect on the lost art of pilgrimage and how it helps us relinquish control, reawaken to the Spirit’s movement, forgive, and rest in the love of God. This inner work, in which we allow God to calm the storm inside, is the first step toward spreading peace around us.Ultimately, the conflict is not a call to coldly evaluate political and religious “sides.” It’s an invitation to pray fervently for all people, inviting the Spirit to transform us in the process.EPISODE LINKSJon’s organizationWebsite: https://jonhuckins.netJourney HomeJon’s books: Mending the Divides, Thin Places, Teaching Through the Art of Storytelling@jonhuckins@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a leader, how well do you know your people and city? As a preacher, how much does your context shape your content?For Micah Davis, the pastor of teaching and vision at a new church plant, The Sanctuary in Indianapolis, there’s a deep connection between who he serves and how he leads. After hearing God whisper “pastor your neighborhood” during a prayer walk, he’s ignited by the realization that God raises up particular people in specific places一a vision that excites and fuels his church plant.In this conversation with Steve Carter, Micah highlights some key aspects of planting a church, especially in a Gen Z, urban context: How to lead people into spiritual formation, not just more information. How to choose your first sermon series. The profound role of prayer一something that’s easy to overlook. Why it’s important to exegete your city一to know its hurts and strengths. This conversation will rekindle your heart for the place and people God is calling you to lead and teach.Also, check out Micah’s forthcoming book: Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God’s Purpose For Your Life.EPISODE LINKSMicah’s books: Trailblazers: A Journey to Discover God’s Purpose For Your LifeWebsite: https://www.micahedavis.com/Church: https://sanctuaryindy.com/@micahedavisThe book Micah mentions: Joshua Becker, The More of Less@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you’re a parent, how do you nurture and guide your children? If you’re a pastor or leader, are you truly creating an environment that draws kids to Jesus? The responsibility of stewarding young hearts can feel immense, but the good news is: you don’t have to figure it out alone.Today’s guest is author Kayla Craig, whose new book, Every Season Sacred, is a collection of practical tools and reflective prayers to help families build a culture of discipleship in the ebb and flow of everyday life.Kayla speaks candidly with Steve Carter about the chaos of family schedules and the mystery of finding God in the midst of daily commutes, fast food drive-thrus, and the scattered moments of the day一all of which are opportunities to be intentional with our kids. This episode will inspire and equip you to lead your children well, in a way that works best for your stage of life.EPISODE LINKSKayla’s books: Every Season Sacred, To Light Their WayWebsite: https://kaylacraig.com/@kayla_craig@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scot McKnight and Laura Barringer, authors of 'Pivot', discuss creating healthy church cultures, accountable leadership, and responding to abuse and scandal in the digital age with Steve Carter. They emphasize the importance of listening to the Spirit, stewarding power, and diagnosing heart and team health. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to see the church become 'tov'.

Dr. Theon Hill, Associate Professor of Communication at Wheaton College, discusses the art of rhetoric in preaching. He explains the three primary ways to reach an audience, how to anticipate diverse perspectives, and why preaching is about transformation. He also highlights the role of hip hop in preaching and walks through Dr. King's 'I Have a Dream' speech, offering practical principles for preachers.

Teaching kids about God is one of the greatest tasks of our lives. Even with good intentions, It’s easy to slip into behavior-driven moralism that emphasizes good behavior while neglecting the heart of God.This disconnect一between head and heart一is why Meredith Anne Miller wrote her forthcoming book, Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal From. In this episode, she explains to Steve Carter some of the simple shifts that can help you disciple kids better: Simplify: limit the amount of info and the length of the lesson Age appropriate: emphasize ideas kids can actually grasp developmentally Make God the focus more than “what kids should do” Kids are not an afterthought in our ministry; they are first in line to the Kingdom. Does your ministry reflect Jesus’ heart to disciple children? This episode will help you get there.EPISODE LINKSMeredith’s book: Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn’t Have to Heal FromWebsite: meredithannemiller.comChurch: Pomona Valley ChurchAsk Away podcast@meredithannemiller@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The world is broken. When we see and feel that brokenness, it sometimes feels impossible一even illogical一to cling to faith. In this episode, Jason Miller, lead pastor of South Bend City Church in Indiana, describes his own journey with loss and how it led him past hollow platitudes into a deeper, more sacred space with Jesus.His new book, When the World Breaks: The Surprising Hope and Subversive Promises in the Teachings of Jesus, is a refreshing reminder that God’s love sustains us in life’s darkest seasons.Weary of injustice? Aching for renewal, in yourself and the world? Wondering why you can’t shake the sting of loss or disappointment? In this conversation with Steve Carter, Jason unpacks how the beatitudes opened his eyes afresh to the wonder of Jesus.This podcast, along with Jason’s book, will remind you that you can bring your full self to God, knowing that一in Jesus, Immanuel一you always have his full heart.EPISODE LINKSJason’s books: When the World BreaksWebsite: jasonadammiller.comChurch: South Bend City Church@jasonadammiller@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Carter chops it up with his best friend Tommy Nixon一CEO of the Urban Youth Workers Institute一about how to reach the next generation for Christ. Tommy unpacks 20+ years of urban ministry, including: What to do about the 1.2 million young people leaving the church every year How to communicate effectively to a church that’s increasingly young, urban, and multiethnic The two key ingredients for communicating to urban youth Why suffering must shape our lives and message How to use humor to connect with your audience, deliver hard truths, and show humility Why honest feedback is crucial for your soul Tommy’s voice is punchy and prophetic, courageous and catalytic. This episode will equip you to love your neighbor and communicate the gospel like never before.EPISODE LINKSWebsite: www.tommynixon.orgUrban Youth Worker Institute: uywi.orgTommy’s Church: www.onelifecitychurch.orgWhere Tommy got his stats: www.greatopportunity.org@tommyuywi@uywi@onelifecitychurch@steveryancarter@craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices