The Red Letter Disciple

Jonathan Anderson, volunteer coach of the 2024 LLWS champion Lake Mary All-Stars, led his team with faith, passion, and sportsmanship. His viral final-inning speech inspired millions. He proved that respect for God and love for the game—not money—fuels true champions. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest. Being a church partner with HopeChest is an amazing two-way transformational experience for your whole church. Not only do you and your church get the joy of knowing you are making a difference, but you also get to experience the love of a community and learn from their community through multiple mission trips to your community overseas.Hope Chest’s model gets into a community, they establish a multi-year partnership, and then build up local leaders in the areas they work with. They develop community plans with clear exit strategies, focusing on empowerment of the local people, not a forever dependence on those of us who want to help. It truly is the “helping without hurting” model that I know as a pastor I looked for a long time in my global mission work. In my mind, they check all the right boxes.Take a first step and get to know this organization more by going on a vision trip. They are getting ready for some summer vision trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia. You can find out about them and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. Thanks again to HopeChest for being our Season 8 Sponsor.Resources mentioned in the episode: Little League Baseball World SeriesLittle League Coach Speech Disney Honors Little League Team/Coach VideoYouVersion 21 Days of Prayer40 Day ChallengesKey insights from the episode: I tell the boys, “Take that pain and use that pain in your training.” - Coach AndersonThis was my calling, and I was taking every step to do that. - Coach AndersonThis is more than coaching baseball, it’s mental and character coaching. - Coach AndersonYou can fail 70% at bat and still succeed in baseball. - Coach AndersonJonathan Anderson’s Challenge: Train yourself with the Lord this week.Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment hereThis is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jed Mullenix is the President of Within Reach, dedicated to uniting the church for the good of the community. With 15 years in church leadership across New England and Omaha, he’s passionate about developing leaders and teams for mission. He and his wife, Beth, have five children and enjoy the outdoors, travel, and gathering with friends. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest. Being a church partner with HopeChest is an amazing two-way transformational experience for your whole church. Not only do you and your church get the joy of knowing you are making a difference, but you also get to experience the love of a community and learn from their community through multiple mission trips to your community overseas.HopeChest’s model gets into a community, they establish a multi-year partnership, and then build up local leaders in the areas they work with. They develop community plans with clear exit strategies, focusing on empowerment of the local people, not a forever dependence on those of us who want to help. It truly is the “helping without hurting” model that I know as a pastor I looked for a long time in my global mission work. In my mind, they check all the right boxes.Take a first step and get to know this organization more by going on a vision trip. They are getting ready for some summer vision trips to Guatemala, Uganda, and Ethiopia. You can find out about them and sign up at www.hopechest.org/lutheran. Thanks again to HopeChest for being our Season 8 Sponsor.Resources mentioned in the episode: www.withinreach.comJed MullenixCoPilotState of the City Book by Within Reach and Barna ResearchBarna ResearchAlpha To Transform A City: Whole Church, Whole Gospel, Whole City by Eric SwansonKey insights from the episode: How can we create strategic intersections for pastors running in their own lanes? - Jed MullenixIt can be easier to ask church leaders for their money than their time. - Pastor Chris JohnsonWe learned to listen rather than do. - Jed MullenixPeople want to experience Jesus as good before they believe Jesus is true. - Jed MullenixThe school is the greatest portal into the community. - Jed MullenixBe a chief celebrator of your city. - Jed MullenixJed Mullenix’s Challenge: Abide where you are. Live out Jesus’s most basic command wherever you are. Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Greer is the president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered economic development organization. With experience in microfinance across Africa and Asia, he holds degrees from Messiah University and Harvard. Passionate about serving entrepreneurs, he has co-authored over 10 books on faith, leadership, and poverty alleviation. He lives in Lancaster, PA, with his wife and children. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com. This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church!Resources mentioned in the episode: Hope InternationalEp 28 Red Letter Disciple Podcast Dr. Brain Fickert: When Helping Hurts Rooting for Rivals by Peter GreerScarcity Brain by Michael Easter Key insights from the episode: We invest in the dreams of people as we proclaim the good news of Jesus. - Peter GreerBusiness and finance are incredibly important tools in helping communities break the cycle of poverty. - Peter GreerBusiness requires extreme creativity. - Zach ZehnderPoverty isolates us, so our answer is community. - Peter GreerWe have loaned out 1.8 billion dollars and have a 98% repayment rate. - Peter GreerYou wanna know how to destroy joy? Become obsessed with comparison. - Peter GreerThere’s still a rival, but it is not among Christian sisters and brothers. - Peter GreerYour success does not come at my expense. - Peter GreerThe way we make decisions is what is best for the collective Christian movement, not our company itself. - Peter GreerPeter Greer’s Challenge: Read John 17 and go actively find ways of living that out! Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kate Gardner is a trailblazer in the realm of next-generation philanthropy. Living in Nashville, TN, she is the co-host of the Ascendants Podcast. She helps all people, but she is especially a rising voice in the next generation, championing generosity, stewardship, and the importance of the Gospel going forward! To learn more about the podcast or the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living, particularly our newest 40-day book and sermon series called Giving Challenge. This Fall, on October 5, 2025, we are launching this new 40-day series worldwide, and we’d love for your church to get in. To find out more information, to join the first wave, to order some books, and stay up-to-date, visit www.redlettergiving.com. This 40-day challenge will inspire generosity in your church, and it is well worth your investment. Disciples of Jesus are generous and this book will feature how each one of us can become generous like Jesus. Along with the books come a sermon series, a small group series, kids books, weekly kids Sunday School or kids church curriculum, graphics, and so much more. All of it is available, get in now, at www.redlettergiving.com and let this Fall be the season where the generosity of Jesus is unleashed in your church!Resources mentioned in the episode: Generous GivingChild Beyond InternationalGospel PatronsGospel Patrons BookAscendants Podcast by Kate GardnerBecoming Ascendants: A Framework for Next Generation Stewardship BookAuthor Randy AlcornKate Gardner linkedinKey insights from the episode: The heart posture is what God wants, not just the number amount. - Kate GardnerThere’s a small window of time to turn money into something that actually will endure. - KateGardnerThere’s a desire among Gen Z to have their work purposeful. - Kate GardnerMoney makes you funny. - Kate GardnerKate Gardner’s Challenge: Take 5-10 minutes of silence and ask God where you can be generous this week.Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Carson Bacha, a standout golfer at Auburn University and 2024 national champion, shares how his deep faith in Jesus underpins his discipline and success on the course. He discusses the camaraderie built with teammates during their championship journey and reflects on the spiritual revival happening at college campuses, especially among Generation Z. Bacha emphasizes the importance of community and kindness in fostering faith, and he opens up about the challenges and joys of transitioning from college golf to professional aspirations.

Jason VanRuler, a top therapist specializing in relationships and trauma, discusses the power of vulnerability in healing. He shares insights on building an authentic social media presence that fosters genuine connections. Jason emphasizes the importance of confronting past traumas and personal responsibility as keys to transformation. He also highlights how struggles can fuel both personal growth and the ability to assist others. With a blend of faith and therapy, he encourages listeners to embrace their broken places for deeper connections.

Noah Herrin, lead pastor at Way Church in Nashville and author of Holy Habits, shares his inspiring journey from bartender to evangelist. He discusses how a Judah Smith sermon on YouTube transformed his life, sparking his passion for church planting and reaching Gen Z. The conversation covers the importance of community within the church, effective spiritual habits, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. With nearly 500 lives changed in just 15 months, Noah emphasizes authenticity and communication for nurturing faith across generations.

Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman is a third-generation LCMS pastor passionate about nurturing future church leaders. In this engaging discussion, he emphasizes the importance of healthy disagreements within the Lutheran Church, advocating for unity amidst differing opinions. Tim shares humorous anecdotes from ministry, illustrating the humanity in pastoral work. He also stresses the need for innovative training for the next generation of pastors and inclusive discussions to revitalize leadership and discipleship in the church.

Season 8 kicks off with an impressive lineup of guests ready to dive into discipleship and generosity. Expect enlightening discussions that intertwine sports with spiritual growth. One young guest shares the realities of managing wealth while pursuing a faithful life. The hosts invite listeners to spread the word and engage with the rich themes that connect biblical narratives to today's practice of generosity. Get ready for an inspiring journey as you enhance your role as a disciple!

Zach and Allison discuss what it’s like to balance working together and staying married to one another. Also, discover what motivated them to write Red Letter Advent, why you should take your church through the Advent journey, discovering the meaning behind hope, peace, joy, and love. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. Thanks to our sponsor today Red Letter Living. We create resources that help people become greater disciples of Jesus. This podcast is one of them. But our newest resource, which is available now for ordering, is Red Letter Advent. This thing is hot off the press! Red Letter Advent is a 25-day devotional that is perfect for your church. For December 1-25, readers will be invited to unbox the four gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that Jesus so desperately wants for them to not only open but give away to others. Not only will readers go through a powerful journey but so will the whole church. Alongside the book, we provide every other resource your church would need for FREE for a powerful month of December. I’m talking sermons, small group videos (or for those that do midweek, you can use them for your midweek offerings), kids curriculum, daily family questions, graphics, you name it. It’s going to be an epic month of December. Now, here’s the deal. Because we have seasonality of this product, we did a presale and we only have very limited copies available. So, first-come, first-serve. Get them now. You can check out our bulk pricing and all of the FREE resources we are building for this project at www.redletteradvent.com.  So, get in now, today, you can’t wait any longer, and lock your church into a powerful month of December with Red Letter Advent.  You can find all the details at www.redletteradvent.com. That’s redletteradvent.com.Resources mentioned in the episode: Devotions by Mary OliverRed Letter Advent  Advent BlocksKey insights from the episode: Your wife’s opinion should count at least double everyone else’s because she’s the one still sticking around at the end of the day. - Zach ZehnderYou never make something from scratch: you either learn from the school of hard knocks or you are doing a lot of research. - Allison ZehnderThe wonderful thing about writing is that there is a backspace button. - Allison ZehnderWrite something every day. - Allison ZehnderIn all the glitz of Christmas, don’t forget the why. - Zach ZehnderRed Letter Advent helps church leaders focus on the most important thing at Christmas: Jesus.  - Zach Zehnder. Zach and Allison Zehnder’s Challenge: Make a plan for Advent this year. Are you following Jesus? Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.This is another Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network by going to HurrdatMedia.com or the Hurrdat Media YouTube channel!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.