Those Who Serve The Lord

Esteban Shedd of Streetlights is on Apollos Watered! Everybody has a world they live in: rural, small town, big town, suburb, or city. Statistics have shown that our world is becoming more and more urbanized. The question then becomes: what are the best ways to reach our cities for Jesus? How can we help urban believers grow when most of the Christian material out there is most often aimed at those safe in the suburbs who are from one cultural background? Streetlights has a unique and effective way."Streetlights is a ministry of Creative Communicators called to intentionally engage global urban culture - primarily youth and young adults - with the Gospel of Jesus Christ by producing, translating, teaching, and proclaiming God’s Word so all can understand. Their identity & call are founded on the belief that God’s Word is transformational and needs to be accessible and understandable to all people. Their task is to “Unfold Him” through His Word to this digital age that presents many barriers to the Gospel of Jesus Christ as well as unprecedented communication opportunities to send out God’s Word."This was a fun and far-reaching conversation of cities and connections. Listen in as Travis & Esteban talk about Christ's call to the city and how we can reach it. Learn more about Streetlights.Sign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

In this 100th episode, Travis' reflects on many of the people who have come on the show and how they all come together to help you water your world for Jesus! Listen in and celebrate with us as we celebrate 100 episodes! And thank you for listening!Sign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Is there a way around the racial issues in our world? Can we have a conversation without being considered racist? Is the only alternative to shut up and listen? Or is there another way? Dr. George Yancey has some ideas. In his book Beyond Racial Division (IVP, 2022), he discusses what we can actually do in our divided world to find unity. Sometimes it seems like that isn't possible. We want to love our brothers and sisters in Christ of all races, but so many things threaten that brotherly love. Listen in as Travis and George discuss all of this. You'll walk away with the hope that there is a way to love one another. There is a way through to the other side of the division. In addition, Travis and George discuss his other book, One Faith No Longer: The Transformation of Christianity in Red and Blue America (NYU Press, 2021), a book that examines how Christianity between Democrats and Republicans are really two different religions, more akin to the relationship of Hinduism and Buddhism-a common root, but different faiths. In addition to Beyond Racial Division, George is the author of Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility, (IVP, 2009), One Body, One Spirit: Principles of Successful Multiracial Churches (IVP, 2009), Hostile Environment: Understanding and Responding to Anti-Christian Bias (IVP, 2015), Dehumanizing Christians: Cultural Competition in a Multicultural World (Routledge, 2018), and co-author of United By Faith: The Multiracial Congregation As an Answer to the Problem of Race (Oxford University Press, 2003), Transcending Racial Barriers: Toward a Mutual Obligations Approach (Oxford University Press, 2010), So Many Christians, So Few Lions: Is There Christianophobia In the United States? (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2014), Prejudice in the Press?: Investigating Bias in Coverage of Race, Gender, Sexuality, and Religion (McFarland, 2018), Learn more about George and his work. More conversations on race:#53 | The Beautiful Community, Pt. 1 | Irwyn L. Ince, Jr.#55 | The Beautiful Community, Pt. 2 | Irwyn L. Ince, Jr.#97 | Grow Your Vision for God and His People | Trillia NewbellSign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

This time we have a special guest host! Travis' wife, Melissa Lynn Fleming shakes things up a bit and puts Travis in the hot seat in a deep conversation. They discuss everything! What does it mean to water your world in a world that is divided, confused, and overwhelmed? How do we water our faith when it seems that everyone and everything is fighting for our attention? Melissa and Travis talk about how to live as Christians in a world that isn't. It's a fun and insightful conversation that cuts the trends out and focuses on the timeless truth of God's Word and how we can anchor ourselves in it in a world that seems to be tossed back and forth on the tumultuous waves of our ever-changing culture! It's a great look into the heartbeat of Apollos Watered and how it can help you water your faith so that you can water your world! Sign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Trillia Newbell joins Travis to discuss diversity, BBQ, Tennessee, parenting, name meanings, Bed & Breakfast, places we live, music, Motown, the sin of partiality, cultures, crime TV shows, frog legs, pigs' feet, Andrew Zimmerman, French beaches, and the need for unity in the church today to increase our view of God. Along the way, they discuss her newest book, "The Big Wide Welcome Storybook" for kids!Learn more about Trillia.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!Takeaways: In the podcast, we delve into the concept of partiality within the church and its implications on community dynamics. Trillia Newbell discusses the importance of understanding favoritism and its pervasive effects across socioeconomic and racial lines. The conversation emphasizes the need for churches to embrace diversity and reject the sin of partiality to fulfill their mission effectively. Both speakers advocate for a broader interpretation of biblical principles regarding favoritism in order to foster inclusivity. The episode highlights personal stories illustrating the challenges faced in interracial marriages and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own biases and consider how they can actively promote inclusivity within their communities.

In this second part of Travis' conversation w/Felicia Wu Song, they continue their discussion on her most recent book, Restless Devices-Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place In the Digital Age. They delve into The Freedom Project and explore the counter exercises that we can employ to stifle tech's conforming practices.They discuss counter-liturgies, social imaginaries (what stories we tell ourselves are worth striving for and being shaped by), performing ancient Christian traditions & practices that help shape us, Charles Taylor, selfies as formative, Gen X, programming VCRs, empty inboxes, second-second life, rhythms, Sabbath, sacred space, embodiment, Jesus' bodily suffering, and much more! Learn more about Felicia and get her book.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis welcomes Felicia Wu Song to the show to discuss her most recent book, Restless Devices-Recovering Personhood, Presence, and Place In the Digital Age. They discuss how our technology is shaping us spiritually and our need to adopt practices that enable us to counter the effect of tech on our souls. Their conversation is informative, fun, and wide-ranging-moving from tech and the importance of examining its effect on our souls, parenting, spiritual formation, discipleship, Neil Postman, G.K. Chesterton, 80's cartoons, snacks, and Amish people. Learn more about Felicia and get her book.Learn more about how our devices and tech are shaping us:#96 | Restless Devices-Countering Conformity With Ancient Christian Practices, Pt. 2 | Felicia Wu Song#84 | Analog Church | Jay Y. Kim#90 | The Wisdom Pyramid & Starving Our Souls With Digital Sugar, Pt. 1 | Brett McCracken#92 | The Wisdom Pyramid & Starving Our Souls With Digital Sugar, Pt. 2 | Brett McCracken#160 | Analog Christian | Jay Y. KimSign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

The paramount issue addressed in this discussion is the alarming absence of paternal figures within Western church life, particularly regarding their role in leading family worship within the home. Travis Michael Fleming and Nik Ripken engage in a profound dialogue that underscores the necessity for fathers to embrace their spiritual leadership, as this is deemed the most critical element missing from contemporary Christian practice. They explore the implications of modernity, including the incessant busyness that permeates our lives, which often detracts from meaningful familial connections and the nurturing of faith. Moreover, the conversation highlights the significance of hospitality and community, advocating for homes to become centers of worship and relationship-building, rather than mere retreats from the external world. Ultimately, this exchange serves as a clarion call for introspection and action, urging listeners to consider how they might cultivate a more vibrant spiritual life within their families and communities.Travis and Nik are together once more, but this time they delve deep into the family unit, juxtaposing the family on the mission field to a family on mission in the West. Ministry begins in the home and it is precisely in the home that many ministries are lost. It may not be disobedience as much as a distraction, not so much about belief, but busyness. Why are we so busy? Why are we so distracted? Before trying to figure out how to disciple or lead, we need to figure out what the currents and obstacles are that are keeping us moving and preventing us from moving forward. When we pause, we can see that many of the blessings we have received can quickly turn into burdens and blockades if not put into their proper place. Using his time on the mission field as a template, Nik invites us to rediscover effective mission in our Western context. Rather than inventing new approaches, we return to the simple ways of previous generations who opened their homes, practiced hospitality, and built relationships so that others may know the truth of Jesus Christ. Takeaways: The absence of fathers leading worship in Western homes is a significant issue. Nik Ripken emphasizes the importance of familial relationships in nurturing faith. The modern culture's busyness often detracts from the spiritual upbringing of children. Hospitality should be a hallmark of Christian homes, fostering community and sharing life. The need for men to embrace their roles as spiritual leaders is critical in today's society. The church should not be a separate entity from the home, but rather an extension of it. Learn more about Nik Ripken Ministries, the book, and the movie. Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis Michael Fleming and Nik Ripken engage in a profound discourse on the pressing topic of persecution within the Christian faith, aptly encapsulated by the notion of "the Insanity of Obedience." The primary thesis presented posits that the manner in which individuals respond to persecution is critical, particularly in contexts where the stakes are life and death, as evidenced by the harrowing experiences of believers in Somalia. They emphasize the necessity of understanding the cultural and contextual dynamics at play, advocating for a nuanced approach that prioritizes relationships and a deep comprehension of local realities over simplistic or Western-centric strategies. Throughout their dialogue, the speakers challenge listeners to reconsider their perceptions of obedience in the face of adversity, drawing attention to the profound implications of one's actions and beliefs in the realm of faith. This episode serves as a clarion call to cultivate a more empathetic and informed perspective towards those enduring persecution globally, urging a reevaluation of our collective responsibilities as bearers of the gospel.Travis Michael Fleming and Nik Ripken engage in a profound discourse on the pressing topic of persecution within the Christian faith, aptly encapsulated by the notion of "the Insanity of Obedience." The primary thesis presented posits that the manner in which individuals respond to persecution is critical, particularly in contexts where the stakes are life and death, as evidenced by the harrowing experiences of believers in Somalia. They emphasize the necessity of understanding the cultural and contextual dynamics at play, advocating for a nuanced approach that prioritizes relationships and a deep comprehension of local realities over simplistic or Western-centric strategies. Throughout their dialogue, the speakers challenge listeners to reconsider their perceptions of obedience in the face of adversity, drawing attention to the profound implications of one's actions and beliefs in the realm of faith. This episode serves as a clarion call to cultivate a more empathetic and informed perspective towards those enduring persecution globally, urging a reevaluation of our collective responsibilities as bearers of the gospel.Travis welcomes Nik Ripken back to the show! This time Travis & Nik discuss his book, The Insanity of Obedience, and the many modern misconceptions of how we go about mission in the modern world. At the heart of their conversation is the subject of persecution and how we handle it opposed to how the Bible presents it. This conversation goes beyond the fact that persecution exists, instead, Nik presents the question-why are people being persecuted? It's not simply because people are believers in Christ-there is much more involved. It involves the methods we employ to communicate the message of Jesus. Could it be that the methods that we have employed to get the message out, actually cause more problems than they solve? Could it be that we need to rethink how we communicate and what methods we are reliant on? Listen in and find out! Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!Takeaways: The discussion elucidates the profound implications of persecution on believers, particularly those in Somalia, who face threats for their faith and associations. Travis Michael Fleming and Nik Ripken challenge listeners to reconsider their understanding of persecution and its role in spreading the Gospel effectively. The notion of being 'sheep among wolves' is presented as a metaphor for vulnerability in the face of persecution, highlighting the need for wisdom in witnessing. Nik Ripken's experiences reveal that cultural context is paramount when sharing the Gospel, as Western methods may inadvertently endanger lives in hostile environments.

Travis and Brett McCracken continue their conversation about the wisdom pyramid. They talk through the benefits and burdens of technology, the culture of disposable, perceptual presentism, the need for. rest and boredom, passive scrolling, the digital natives of today and other subjects such as the Amish, Starbucks, squirrels skiing, five habits for cultivating wisdom online, and counter liturgy. Brett is a senior editor and director of communications for The Gospel Coalition. He has written for The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, CNN.com, Christianity Today, and many other publications. A graduate of Wheaton College and UCLA (M.A. in Cinema & Media Studies), Brett lives in Santa Ana, California with his wife Kira and two sons, Chet and Ira. He is an elder at Southlands Church Santa Ana.Travis and Brett discuss his newest book, The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World (Crossway, 2021). We have the food pyramid to show us what we need to eat and in what amounts, but what about the content for our souls? Where does that fit? Brett opens up the door, drawing our souls into Christ, but shows us how to live in an information-saturated world. We can't escape it, but we can regulate it and Brett is here to be a guide. It's a fascinating and varied discussion on technology, social media, batman, art, foods, our craving and need for beauty, and a whole lot more. But it is their focus on the pyramid that helps give order to our soul formation. Subscribe to Brett’s blog here. Or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!