This vs. That

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

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the important distinction between practical theology and prideful theology with guest Wendy Alsup, author and math professor. We discuss how true theology should lead to humility and practical life changes, while examining why theological discussions sometimes become prideful and condescending. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, we unpack how genuine knowledge of God naturally results in humility and transformed lives. Together, we consider ways to foster meaningful theological discussions that build up the church rather than create division, and explore how our understanding of God directly shapes our daily actions and emotions.---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 the complex relationship between neglecting and embracing emotions with Joe Hussung, Director of Ministry Partnership and Senior Counselor atFieldstone Counseling. Our conversation examines the role of emotions in the Christian life, cultural differences in emotional expression, and how the Bible speaks to our emotional experiences.Joe brings unique insights from his doctoral work on empathy, his personal journey with anxiety, and his extensive counseling experience. We discuss how different cultural backgrounds, including religious traditions, shape our emotional responses. Through examining Biblical examples, particularly the Psalms, we explore how Scripture provides guidance for understanding and expressing our emotions in healthy ways.The conversation also addresses practical challenges like managing emotions in our busy modern lives and finding ways to stay emotionally present while navigating demanding schedules. Joe's upcoming bookLearning to Listen: Essential Skills for Every Counselor releases March 24th.---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 at⁠⁠⁠anchoredvirtual.com/tgc

On this episode of This vs. That, we explore the fascinating topic of good stress versus bad stress with our guest Eliza Huie, Director of Counseling at McLean Bible Church and biblical counseling instructor at Reform Theological Seminary. We discuss how certain types of stress can actually be beneficial for growth and motivation, while other forms can be detrimental to our wellbeing. Drawing from her expertise as a licensed professional counselor and author of "I'm Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace," we examine the differences between "eustress" (good stress) and "distress" (bad stress). We also explore how stress can strengthen us physically, mentally, and spiritually, while uncovering practical ways to manage and understand the role of stress in our daily lives. Resources Mentioned: Trauma Aware: A Christian’s Guide to Providing Help and Care by Eliza Huie I’m Stressed: A Path from Pressure to Peace by Eliza Huie Knowing God by Jerry Bridges Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund The Knowledge of the Holy by A.W. Tozer --- 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 sit down with Robert Cheong, founder of Gospel Care Ministries and former pastor of care at Sojourn Church Midtown. We explore the critical distinction between normal ministry tiredness and burnout, discussing how we can recognize the signs when regular exhaustion begins shifting toward burnout. Drawing from his extensive pastoral experience, Robert shares valuable insights on maintaining healthy rhythms in ministry and understanding the challenges faced by church leaders today. Whether you're in vocational ministry, serving in your local church, or simply want to support those in ministry, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating the complexities of spiritual leadership while maintaining personal well-being. Resources Mentioned Gospel Care Ministries Restoration Story: Why Jesus Matters in a Broken World – Robert Cheong Restore: Changing How We Live and Love – Robert Cheong God Redeeming His Bride: A Handbook for Church Discipline – Robert Cheong Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers – Dane Ortlund You’re Only Human: How Your Limits Reflect God’s Design and Why That’s Good News – Kelly Kapic The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus – Zack Eswine The Unwavering Pastor: Leading the Church with Grace in Divisive Times – Jonathan Dodson A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World – Paul E. Miller Abide in Christ – Andrew Murray The Night Is Normal: A Guide Through Spiritual Pain – Alicia Britt Chole ----  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