

Become New with John Ortberg
Become New
Join John Ortberg each day for 10 minutes of spiritual guidance on the person we are becoming.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 14min
15. Why Kindness is the Highest form of Freedom | John Ortberg
The podcast delves into the relationship between technology and kindness, urging reflection on how our digital interactions can foster compassion. It investigates the concept of a 'city on a hill,' emphasizing that true freedom is found in love and community service, not individualism. Personal anecdotes illustrate the transformative power of kindness, encouraging listeners to embrace love in their daily lives. Ultimately, it inspires a shift toward a kinder society, merging spiritual growth with practical action.

8 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 15min
14. The Pacing of Spiritual Formation | John Ortberg
Explore the transformative power of patience in spiritual growth. Discover the difference between living as a tourist seeking instant gratification and a pilgrim committed to a deeper journey with God. Delve into inspiring stories of resilience that emphasize perseverance in faith. Reflect on the slow but meaningful process of spiritual formation, reminding us that genuine transformation takes time. Join this enriching conversation about staying present and embracing your spiritual path.

31 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 50min
13. Next Gen Questions for a Digital World | Kara Powell & John Ortberg
Join Kara Powell, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute and expert in youth ministry, as she teams up with John Ortberg to dive into the complexities of faith in a digital world. They discuss the critical role of kindness and mentorship in fostering spiritual growth amidst technological challenges. The conversation hilariously navigates the impact of digital lifestyles on youth identity and the importance of parental support. Powell shares insights on transforming churches to engage young people meaningfully, encouraging a community that mirrors divine values.

7 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
12. How to Be Patient in a World That Never Stops | John Ortberg
Patience is a vital fruit of the spirit, essential for intentional living in our fast-paced world. It often gets misinterpreted as a lack of urgency, but true patience equips us to face obstacles calmly. The impact of technology on our patience and relationships is profound, especially for parents and leaders. With devices demanding our attention, our spiritual connection can falter. By embracing an unhurried spirit, we can appreciate time as a divine gift, allowing love to flourish amid life’s chaos.

6 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 15min
11. Peace Grows When We Step Away from the Screen | John Ortberg
Explore the journey to genuine peace that transcends mere silence in a chaotic world. Discover how contempt thrives online and hinders empathy, urging a return to deeper connections. The conversation offers strategies for disconnecting from screens to enhance spiritual well-being. Reflections on navigating digital interactions demonstrate the importance of responsibility and respectful dialogue. Ultimately, the pursuit of peace is linked to self-awareness and a connection with Jesus, paving the way for true fulfillment.

6 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 25min
10. We’re Protecting Kids from the Wrong Things | John Ortberg & Laura Turner
In this insightful discussion, Laura Turner, daughter of John Ortberg and a voice for navigating technology's impact, shares her perspectives on parenting in the digital age. She emphasizes the need for wisdom, not fear, when managing children's online experiences. The duo explores how social media affects youth's emotional development and authentic connections, stressing the importance of real-world interactions over curated online personas. They also delve into managing screen time and fostering authenticity amid societal pressures, encouraging parents to support their children's spiritual growth.

6 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 14min
9. How to Find Peace in a Digital World | John Ortberg
In a world overwhelmed by digital noise, finding peace seems daunting. The discussion emphasizes how social media often fuels judgment and anxiety, challenging listeners to foster an inner calm. Parenting is likened to gardening, highlighting the need for nurturing environments that promote growth. Furthermore, divine grace plays a crucial role in spiritual development, encouraging a shift from self-centered worries to embracing community and love. Ultimately, true peace blossoms from relationships, not just efforts.

17 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 14min
8. Social Media is Stealing Your Joy | John Ortberg & Chuck Bergstrom
Discover how social media can drain your joy, fueling unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy. The hosts share personal stories that illustrate the power of authentic relationships in cultivating happiness. They dive into the significance of gratitude and how it can transform our experiences. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the beauty of everyday moments and practice kindness, fostering a sense of community and joy. Tune in to explore how spiritual growth can lead to a deeper connection with joy.

8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 42min
7. Technology is not neutral — it's forming us. | John Ortberg & Jay Kim
In this engaging discussion, Jay Kim, a Bay Area pastor and the author of 'Analog Christian', shares his insights on the mental and spiritual toll of being constantly online. He emphasizes that technology shapes our identities, often turning us into distracted and image-obsessed individuals. Jay advocates for establishing boundaries, such as a digital Sabbath, to reclaim our attention and foster genuine connections. He also explores the paradox of technology's allure versus the importance of embracing boredom for deeper creativity and relationships.

Jun 23, 2025 • 16min
6. What Social Media Won’t Tell You About Love | John Ortberg
The discussion delves into how social media can distort perceptions of love and self-worth. It reveals the alarming rise in youth isolation and mental health issues linked to digital interactions. A poignant real-life story illustrates the impact of curated online identities. The talk also emphasizes the powerful role of love in overcoming despair, drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl's experiences. Listeners are encouraged to foster authentic connections and prioritize compassion amidst the noise of online life.