This vs. That

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the topic of nourished souls vs. starved souls with guest Kristen Wetherell, author of "Help for the Hungry Soul." We discuss why Christians sometimes lose their appetite for God's Word and how to recognize the signs of spiritual malnourishment. Kristen shares personal insights about her own struggles with treating Bible reading as a checklist rather than an encounter with Jesus. We examine how disordered desires and our culture of distraction affect our spiritual appetite, while also exploring practical ways to renew our hunger for Scripture—including changing our routines, seeking community perspectives, and relying on the Holy Spirit rather than our own determination. Join us for this honest conversation about developing sustainable spiritual habits that move beyond mere duty to genuine delight.----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the tension between accepting limitations and neglecting responsibility with Kelly Kapic, Professor of Theological Studies at Covenant College. Kelly, author of "Your Only Human" and the upcoming devotional "You Were Never Meant To Do It All," shares his personal struggles with productivity culture and the constant pressure to do more.We discuss how human dependency—on God, other people, and creation—was designed as a good thing before the fall, not a consequence of sin. Kelly offers insights on how we can embrace our limitations without abandoning our responsibilities, and how both over-responsible and under-responsible attitudes diminish God's design for us.The conversation takes us from theological perspectives on human limitations to practical applications for dealing with global suffering and local ministry opportunities. We explore how it takes the entire church, not just individuals, to be the body of Christ, and why trying to carry the weight of the world's problems alone is neither sustainable nor biblical.

On this episode of This vs. That, we welcome Kyle Worley, founder and lead pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas. We explore the profound concept of our identity in Christ and what it means to be adopted as children of God. Kyle unpacks how our relationship with God as Father transcends mere acquittal from a holy judge—it's an invitation into a family where we are welcomed and delighted in despite our unworthiness. We discuss the struggle many Christians face in accepting this gift of grace and how to overcome the hurdle of feeling undeserving. Kyle shares powerful insights from his book and leaves us with the transformative truth that if we have God's presence, we have everything we need.Books Mentioned:Home with God: Our Union with Christ – Kyle WorleyAfter Virtue – Alasdair MacIntyreOne with My Lord – Sam AllberryThe Christian Life – Sinclair FergusonA Gospel Primer for Christians – Milton Vincent-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the critical distinction between pastoral care and counseling with Dr. Jeremy Pierre. We dive into how these two forms of care overlap and where they differ, examining the unique role each plays in the spiritual formation of believers. Drawing from his 22 years of experience as both a pastor and professor, Dr. Pierre helps us understand how counseling serves as a specific tool within the broader context of pastoral care. We discuss why counseling is "problem-initiated" rather than just one-on-one discipleship, and explore how churches can effectively partner with counseling organizations while maintaining the primacy of the local church.-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the concept of whole body theology and how it differs from the body positivity movement with bestselling author Lisa Whittle. We discuss her forthcoming book Body and Soul, which takes a biblical look at how God created us to be whole persons - body and soul. We examine why simply having good feelings about our bodies isn't enough, and how understanding Christ's incarnation and "glorious exchange" provides a deeper foundation for how we view and treat our bodies. Through this conversation, we discover how whole body theology offers a path to true freedom that goes beyond cultural messages about body image, leading to a life lived for God's glory rather than appearance.Book Resources Mentioned:Body and Soul by Lisa WhittleJesus Over Everything by Lisa WhittleThe Hard Good by Lisa WhittleGentle and Lowly by Dane OrtlundJoni: An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eareckson Tada-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we sit down with Eric Schumacher to explore the profound concept of weakness in Christian life. We discuss how recognizing our limitations and dependence on God's grace can lead to greater freedom and spiritual growth. Eric shares personal insights from his latest book, addressing the paradox of working diligently while maintaining complete reliance on God's strength.We examine how understanding our weakness doesn't eliminate it, but rather transforms our perspective on dependence, grief, and human limitations. Book Resources Mention:The Good Gift of Weakness by Eric Schumacher - A lay-level biblical theology examining weakness from Genesis to RevelationHe Is Strong: Devotions for When You Feel Weak by Emily Jensen - 30 devotional readings about finding strength in Christ during times of weaknessStrong and Weak by Andy Crouch - Explores vulnerability and authority in relation to vocation and workGlorious Weakness by Alia Joy - A memoir examining poverty and hardship through the lens of God's power in weaknessYou're Only Human by Kelly Kapic - Focuses on human limitations with practical applicationsWeakness Is the Way by J.I. Packer - An examination of weakness from Packer's personal experienceThe Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller - Referenced during the discussion about finding freedom in Christ-----We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.----For more information about Anchored Virtual, visit anchoredvirtual.com

On this episode of This vs. That, we tackle the complex balance between church and family priorities in ministry life. We welcome special guests Jenna Allen and Stephanie Gilbert from Pastors' Wives Tell All who share raw, honest perspectives about navigating the demands of church leadership while protecting family wellbeing. Through candid conversation, we explore how to set healthy boundaries, support children in ministry families, and handle expectations from congregations. Our guests offer practical wisdom about making tough choices when church and family needs conflict, and share how their approaches have evolved over years in ministry.The episode concludes with rapid-fire advice for pastors, their spouses, church staff, and congregations, along with valuable resource recommendations for ministry families. Join us for this insightful discussion about finding balance in the intersection of church leadership and family life.---In this episode we mention The Pastors' Wives Cohort from Anchored Virtual - an eight-week virtual program offering weekly teachings and counselor-led small groups, creating a supportive space to navigate ministry life together.For more information about the cohort visit www.anchoredvirtual.com/cohort---We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.---- Have you ever experienced the pain of church hurt? Whether it's disappointment caused by leaders, hurtful actions from fellow members, or wounds from the larger church community, these experiences can leave us wondering why we should stay. Join us for Finding Purpose and the Pain of Church Hurt, an auxiliary event at the Gospel Coalition Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.This special session will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd from 4:45 to 6 p. m. hosted by Anchored Virtual. Join Rebekah Hannah, Dr. Michael Keller, and Dr. Michael Kruger, as they explore how God can transform even the deepest wounds into growth, resilience, and renewed faith.Whether you're in the pew or the pulpit, this session will speak to anyone navigating the hard realities of church hurt. Join us online or in person. You can register now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠anchoredvirtual.com/tgc⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore how to effectively help those suffering from depression without unintentionally causing more harm. Our guest Kathryn Butler, a former trauma surgeon turned writer, shares her unique perspective from both sides of depression - as a medical professional and as someone who has experienced it personally.We discuss the complexities of depression, including its various causes and manifestations, the role of antidepressants, and how to approach Scripture in ways that offer genuine comfort rather than quick fixes. Kathryn shares powerful insights about the deadening of joy that comes with depression and offers practical wisdom for both sufferers and those walking alongside them.Through our conversation, we explore how the church can better understand depression as both a spiritual and physical reality, moving beyond simplistic solutions to offer Christ-centered hope and presence to those who struggle.---We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.---- Have you ever experienced the pain of church hurt? Whether it's disappointment caused by leaders, hurtful actions from fellow members, or wounds from the larger church community, these experiences can leave us wondering why we should stay. Join us for Finding Purpose and the Pain of Church Hurt, an auxiliary event at the Gospel Coalition Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.This special session will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd from 4:45 to 6 p. m. hosted by Anchored Virtual. Join Rebekah Hannah, Dr. Michael Keller, and Dr. Michael Kruger, as they explore how God can transform even the deepest wounds into growth, resilience, and renewed faith.Whether you're in the pew or the pulpit, this session will speak to anyone navigating the hard realities of church hurt. Join us online or in person. You can register now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠anchoredvirtual.com/tgc⁠⁠⁠⁠

Collin Hansen, vice president and editor-in-chief of The Gospel Coalition and author, discusses the tension between hope and despair amidst suffering. He explores where God is during evil and shares insights from his forthcoming book. Hansen highlights the role of lament in worship and the importance of building resilient hope within church communities. He delves into the impact of technology on our perception of suffering, using Job's story to emphasize the depth of human experience. Ultimately, he calls for a genuine engagement with hope that acknowledges life's complexities.

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the challenging balance between anxious parenting vs. parenting with hope. We're joined by author and speaker Melissa Kruger, who brings wisdom and practical insights to this important conversation.We discuss how parental anxiety manifests in different seasons - from checking if babies are breathing to teaching teens to drive. We examine how social media amplifies parenting pressures and the overwhelming number of choices modern parents face.Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, we unpack how anxiety can shape our reactions to everyday situations and explore the difference between normal parental concern and anxiety that controls our homes. Melissa shares her journey of prioritizing spiritual disciplines as anchors in parenting and reminds us that our children's journey doesn't end at 18.If you've ever found yourself lying awake wondering if you're doing enough as a parent, this conversation offers hope and practical wisdom for the journey.---We're really excited to tell you about Anchored Virtual's new podcast, Consult the Counselor. There are very few spaces that are designed for long form conversations on difficult counseling topics. On Consult a Counselor, that's what we want to provide.In each episode, we invite two of our counselors at Anchored Virtual into a deep dive conversation on a counseling topic. Once a month, we'll release episodes on issues such as addictions, trauma, church hurt, infertility, forgiveness, abuse, and more. You'll get to hear expert counselors discuss the nuances and challenges of these issues and ultimately apply the hope of the gospel in practical and meaningful ways.To listen search for Consult the Counselor wherever you listen to podcasts.---- Have you ever experienced the pain of church hurt? Whether it's disappointment caused by leaders, hurtful actions from fellow members, or wounds from the larger church community, these experiences can leave us wondering why we should stay. Join us for Finding Purpose and the Pain of Church Hurt, an auxiliary event at the Gospel Coalition Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.This special session will take place on Wednesday, April 23rd from 4:45 to 6 p. m. hosted by Anchored Virtual. Join Rebekah Hannah, Dr. Michael Keller, and Dr. Michael Kruger, as they explore how God can transform even the deepest wounds into growth, resilience, and renewed faith.Whether you're in the pew or the pulpit, this session will speak to anyone navigating the hard realities of church hurt. Join us online or in person. You can register now at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠anchoredvirtual.com/tgc⁠⁠