Restoring the Soul with Michael John Cusick

“More time with fewer people equals greater Kingdom impact.” - Robby AngleMaking disciples is an imperative delivered by Jesus in the Great Commission. In Matthew 28, He says, “go and make disciples of all nations… and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” So how are we as a Church at discipling?A joint Barna Group and Navigators research project revealed confusion among leaders and followers regarding discipleship. Worse yet, the data indicates that most discipleship efforts are ineffective, with only 25% of Christians saying they were in a discipleship relationship.On today’s podcast, Michael welcomes the President and CEO of Trueface, Robby Angle. If you have not heard of Trueface, they provide content, relational experiences, and leader development to help people and teams live authentically and experience freedom. We have featured a few conversations with former Trueface leaders Bill Thrall & John Lynch - see below for links. We’re excited to hear from Robby today as he talks about his passions for ministry and how relational discipleship is foundational for Kingdom growth.Helpful Resources:- The Cure for Groups - Trueface Journey- The Celtic Way of Evangelism by George G. Hunter IIIPodcasts:Episode 3 - Bill Thrall Part 1, "The Soul of a Leader"Episode 4 - Bill Thrall Part 2, "The Journey of Trust"Episode 59 - John Lynch Part 1, “On My Worst Day”Episode 60 - John Lynch Part 2, “On My Worst Day”Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I don’t believe people will trust you with their hope until you show you understand their pain.”  - Steve SilerThe essence of the Restoring the Soul podcast is to present conversations that cultivate freedom, flourishing, and wholeness of heart through Jesus-shaped spirituality. Over the past six years, we have found that many conversations were springboards to help our listeners find freedom by connecting them to their true Healer. Today, we hope for the same result as we welcome Steve Siler to discuss Music for the Soul which helps people deal with impactful issues and to find hope and healing through music.Steve is the founder and director of Music for the Soul as well as an award-winning songwriter who has had over 500 of his songs recorded in the Christian, pop, and country markets. Innocent ChildWords & Music by Steve Siler© Silerland Music (Administered by Clearbox Rights) ASCAPHELPFUL RESOURCESPodcastsEpisode 26 - Steve Siler Part 1, “Music for the Soul”Episode 27 - Steve Siler Part 2, “Music for the Soul”BooksThis is Your Brain on MusicFinding Your Way after the Suicide of Someone You LoveSupport the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“Compassion and gentleness create something in us that is very solid and strong.” - Aundi KolberHow do you define strength? And does the phrase, “what doesn’t kill you make you stronger,” really true? On today’s edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes back Aundi Kolber to the podcast, and they’re going to unpack the essence of true strength and discover that God has, and always will be with us on our journey of becoming more beautifully human in the midst of adversity.Aundi’s latest book, “Strong Like Water” releases on March 21st. The following links will offer you an opportunity to pre-order the book. Aundi has also made available some bonus content via her website, and we’ve provided that link below.Aundi is a frequent guest of Restoring the Soul; in fact, her “Try Softer” interview with Michael was the most downloaded podcast of ours to date. She is a licensed professional counselor from Castle Rock, CO; her work has been featured on Relevant, CT Women,  The Huffington Post, The Mudroom, Happy Sonship, and Circling the Story. We’re always thrilled when Aundi can join us for the discussion - you’re in for a real treat today.Helpful Resources:Bonus content from AundiPre-order Strong Like WaterBaker BooksTyndaleAmazonBarnes & NoblePrevious episodes with AundiEpisode 110 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 1"Episode 111 - Aundi Kolber, "Try Softer, Part 2"Episode 70 - Aundi Kolber Part 1, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 71 - Aundi Kolber Part 2, “Healing Trauma: Getting Unstuck and Becoming Whole”Episode 199 - Aundi Kolber, "Understanding Attunement"Episode 200 - Aundi Kolber, "Discovering Self Compassion"Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“It’s not about letting go of love. It’s about letting go of the false love so we can be held by the true love and receive what we need there.” - Brad JersakBrad Jersak is a frequent guest on the Restoring the Soul podcast and joins Michael for Part 2 in this conversation about Brad’s latest book, “Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction.” In the book, Brad explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction—how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light, and the life of Christ himself.If you are in the stage of your journey with God where you are looking for inspiration or direction, this two-part conversation may just be what you need. The conversation in its entirety is riveting.Helpful Resources:Episode 249 - Brad Jersak, "Out of the Embers, Part 1"Episode 194 - Brad Jersak, "IN: Incarnation, Inclusion, Abba & Lamb"Episode 117 - Brad Jersak & Peter Zaremba, "Centering Prayer, Part 1"Episode 51 - Brad Jersak Part II, "A More Beautiful Gospel"Episode 50 - Brad Jersak Part 1, "A More Beautiful Gospel"Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“I needed to dismantle those elements of my image of God that were harming me.” - Brad JersakFor the past five years or so, the term ‘deconstruction” has become quite familiar in evangelical circles and is used to describe a process as varied as the people who experience it, but it primarily revolves around questioning tenets of faith. For some, it can mean leaving a particular church. For others, it is a process of understanding their faith in a different way or leaving religion altogether.Brad Jersak is a frequent guest to the Restoring the Soul podcast and is joining Michael for the next two episodes as they discuss Brad’s latest book, “Out of the Embers: Faith After the Great Deconstruction.” In the book, Brad explores the necessity, perils, and possibilities of the Great Deconstruction—how it has the potential to either sabotage our communion with God or infuse it with the breath of life, the light and life of Christ himself.Brad will share a fascinating look back at his own spiritual journey and the ramifications deconstruction had on his ministry and his personal relationships.Helpful Resources:Episode 194 - Brad Jersak, "IN: Incarnation, Inclusion, Abba & Lamb"Episode 117 - Brad Jersak & Peter Zaremba, "Centering Prayer, Part 1"Episode 51 - Brad Jersak Part II, "A More Beautiful Gospel"Episode 50 - Brad Jersak Part 1, "A More Beautiful Gospel"Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

The heartbeat of the ministry of Restoring the Soul is intensive counseling - which allows you to experience a deep change in half-day blocks over one or two weeks rather than an hour here or an hour there with your counselor. The intensive program is focused and challenges both client and counselor to be “all in,” with the hopes of seeing breakthrough in a shorter amount of time.Every once in a while, we love introducing you to one of our team members. Today, we welcome back Vance Crow to the podcast to see how his experience has been after joining the Restoring the Soul team 18 months ago.Vance is well versed in Emotionally Focused Therapy and has received extensive training in treating addiction, working with couples going through infidelity, and helping couples that have experienced betrayal. He also is passionate about seeing couples and individuals thrive rather than survive in their marriage. Vance enjoys canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. He and his wife are the proud parents of 6 children.Helpful Resources:Episode 203 - Vance Crow, "An Attuned Therapist"Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“How do you restart a dormant career without destroying everything that you love in the process?” - Kevin TracyIf you haven’t heard, the church has been experiencing a mass exodus of pastors. Not because they are commissioned to plant new churches or join the mission field. They’re leaving the ministry altogether. There are several reasons behind this trend. COVID wreaked havoc on the church, and political division has caused many pastors to rethink their calling. Recent data collected from the Barna organization indicated that U.S. pastors are currently in crisis and at risk of burnout. In 2021 alone, there was a dramatic increase in the number of pastors thinking about quitting ministry entirely. According to Barna, 38 percent indicated they have considered leaving full-time ministry within the past year. On today’s edition of Restoring the Soul, Michael welcomes Kevin Tracy to the podcast. Kevin leads an organization called No Holy Handcuffs, whose primary mission is to help pastors discover how to leave the ministry & recover their calling. Helpful Resources:PodcastsEpisode 132 - Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, "Turning the Tables on Injustice"Episode 212 - Laura Barringer, "A Church Called TOV"WebsiteNo Holy Handcuffs Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

"It is just a beautiful revelation. It's as if I had been born again." - Brian BeattyWe’re closing out 2022 with a very special conversation between Michael and our producer, Brian Beatty. As a result of what you hear on today’s episode we hope you will be inspired to lean into life, reflect, respond, and resolve to live to the fullest.From all of us here at Restoring the Soul, Happy New Year. May you flourish in 2023!Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“We use faith stories. We use testimonies to build bridges and diffuse tension. We recognize Christ in each other and each other in Christ.” - Rev. Dr. Casely EssamuahMerry Christmas, everyone! If you’re listening in the US, you have probably hunkered down with a few extra blankets or your warmest coat to brave the cold front that has crippled nearly all of the country. But maybe it’s a blessing. Maybe this is a great opportunity to take advantage of the time to slow down and spend quality time with friends and family. Ponder the Christmas story that hopefully will take you to a place of worship as we consider our newborn King. Merry Christmas from all of us here at Restoring the Soul.Today, Michael welcomes Reverand Doctor Casely Essamuah to the podcast. Originally from Ghana, Casely is the Secretary of the Global Christian Forum. He is a bi-cultural bridge builder with a heart to see the world united in Christ, loving and respecting each other to build the Kingdom here on earth. Michael met Casely while on a recent pilgrimage in Scotland, and they will recount some of their more insightful conversations. We hope you learn where the Church is thriving and growing in the world and what we all can learn from the church in the global south.HELPFUL RESOURCES:St. Cuthbert’s PilgrimagePark Street ChurchSupport Dr. CaselySupport the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!

“You will be at your best if you are doing it from a rested soul.” - Alan FadlingWith the overwhelming pace of life, many of us struggle to stop long enough to be present. Our long to-do lists and full calendars leave little breathing room to hear from God. We know we need to slow down, but we don't even know how to begin.As 2022 comes to a close and we soon turn the page to a new year, it’s a great time to evaluate areas of our lives that need a tune-up and possibly some minor adjustments. Is 2023 the year you start to slow down and live an unhurried life?Alan Fadling joins Michael on today’s episode to discuss his latest book, “A Year of Slowing Down: Daily Devotions for Unhurried Living.” Alan was a recent guest on the podcast, and his wife, Gem, was on a previous episode. The links to their episodes are below...Alan Fadling is the president and founder of Unhurried Living, inspiring people to rest deeper, live fuller, and lead better.HELPFUL RESOURCES:Episode 237 - Gem Fadling, “Hold That Thought"Episode 238 - Alan Fadling, “An Unhurried Life"Support the showENGAGE THE RESTORING THE SOUL PODCAST:- Follow us on YouTube - Tweet us at @michaeljcusick and @PodcastRTS- Like us on Facebook- Follow us on Instagram & Twitter- Follow Michael on Twitter- Email us at info@restoringthesoul.com Thanks for listening!