Ministry Deep Dive

Travis welcomes Donald Whitney to the show! Are you having a hard time praying? Do you find yourself praying with the same old words? For the same old things? For many of us, prayer is a chore. We know that we want to do it and do it well, but don't feel like we are getting through. Or we don't feel like we are praying right: in the right ways for the right things, etc. Is there a way to get out of our prayer rut? Donald Whitney says, "Yes!"Don Whitney has been teaching believers to pray the Bible (in fact he has taught it over 600 times!). Donald gives us such a practical way to pray the Bible in such a way that anyone can do it! Learn more about Southern Seminary where Don teaches and The Center for Biblical Spirituality that he founded. Get the book Praying the Bible.Other episodes to help you understand the Bible better:#26 Randy Richards: Misreading Scripture With Individualist Eyes#77 Michael S. Heiser-Naked Scripture, the Supernatural, and Scared Evangelicals#88 Tremper Longman III, Pt. 1-The Bible You Need Is The One You Read#89 Tremper Longman III, Pt. 2-Scripture, Psalms, and Nourishing Your Soul#101 Esteban Shedd: Creative Communicators Engaging Global Urban Culture#111 John Plake: Scripture Engagement, Trauma, and Transformation in Chaotic Times#150 Kevin Vanhoozer: Scriptural Illiteracy & Secular Imagination, Pt. 1#151 Kevin Vanhoozer: Scriptural Illiteracy & Secular Imagination, Pt. 2#187 | The Emotions of God, Pt. 1 | David T. Lamb#188 | The Emotions of God, Pt. 2 | David T. Lamb#189 | Savoring Scripture | Andy AbernethySign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!In the realm of spiritual practice, the act of prayer often emerges as a pivotal yet frequently overlooked component of the believer's life. This episode features an enlightening conversation with Don Whitney, a prominent scholar in biblical spirituality, who addresses the ubiquitous challenge of maintaining a vibrant and effective prayer life amidst the pressures of modern existence. Whitney elucidates a prevalent phenomenon where individuals, when engaging in prayer, tend to gravitate toward repetitive phrases and familiar petitions, ultimately rendering the experience mundane and uninspired. Through the lens of his methodology known as 'Praying the Bible,' Whitney offers a compelling framework for believers seeking to infuse their prayer life with depth and variety, thereby transforming it into a more dynamic and meaningful practice.The discussion delves into the implications of this method, particularly in light of the contemporary decline in biblical literacy and engagement. Whitney articulates that the key to revitalizing one's prayer life lies not solely in the act of prayer itself but in the individual's relationship with Scripture. By utilizing the Bible as a foundational text for prayer, believers can engage in a rich dialogue with God, allowing the Scriptures to inform and shape their petitions. This approach not only enhances the quality of one's prayers but also fosters a deeper connection with the Divine, encouraging an experiential understanding of God's character and His will.Furthermore, Whitney underscores the importance of teaching and modeling these practices within church communities, as many individuals lack exposure to effective prayer techniques. The episode culminates in a call to action for listeners to embrace the transformative power of 'Praying the Bible,' encouraging families and individuals to cultivate a prayer life that is vibrant, responsive, and rooted in the truths of Scripture. This episode serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual journey and enhance their communication with God.Takeaways: In today's discussion on Apollos Watered, we address the universal issue of prayer, highlighting how many individuals often find themselves reciting the same phrases repeatedly, leading to a staleness in their spiritual practice. Travis Michael Fleming and Donald Whitney emphasize that a lack of variety in prayer can result in words becoming devoid of meaning, ultimately diminishing the significance of one's spiritual communication with God. The conversation introduces the concept of 'Praying the Bible' as a transformative practice that can invigorate one's prayer life, encouraging individuals to engage with scripture in a dynamic and meaningful manner. Whitney shares insights from his own journey, explaining how he discovered that the entirety of the Bible can serve as a prayer book, allowing practitioners to pray through various passages in a personally relevant way. Through practical examples, the speakers illustrate how praying scripture not only enriches personal petitions but also fosters a deeper connection with God by allowing His words to guide the dialogue. Listeners are encouraged to explore the practice of praying through the Psalms, as this ancient method has been a source of spiritual nourishment for believers throughout the centuries, renewing their prayer life.

Everyone agrees it's a pretty chaotic time in our world and we need guidance. We have knowledge but lack wisdom. Who can we look to for wisdom? Who are the voices that we can trust that don't have some hidden agenda? Is there anyone from our recent past to help us in our present cultural moment? Trevin has some fascinating and powerful insights. Travis and Trevin discuss Trevin's new book on G.K. Chesterton, the Western church's credibility crisis, the global church, and even discuss Disney and how it has helped shape the expressive individualism that is so prevalent and prominent in our culture. It's a conversation that you really don't want to miss!Check out Trevin's blog at the Gospel Coalition or sign up to be on his email list.Check out his blog entry on Disney. Follow Trevin on Twitter or get his books.Sign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

One of the best ways to pray is to study the Scriptures, listen to Jesus, and hear the voices of those who have prayed well. Today in this Watering Wednesday, Travis explores the disciples' desire to pray and the prayer life of one amazing man of prayer, the missionary John Hyde, who will inspire you to pray more fervently for God to work in our fallen world today. Sign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

Travis is joined by David Garrison of Global Gates! Jesus calls us to take the whole Gospel to the whole world and often times we think overseas, but what if is also across the street? Did you know that there are thousands of families of unreached people groups throughout North America? And did you know that they may be in your neighborhood? God calls us to reach them and David gives us a great insight as to how! If we are able to reach them, then they will reach their families on the other side of the world for Jesus! We can reach the furthest corners of the earth and some of the most difficult people groups to share Jesus with in the world by simply developing a relationship with a person across the street! Listen as Travis and David discuss Global Gates, unreached people groups (UPG's), and much, much more! Learn more and get connected with Global Gates and sign up on their Facebook page.Get David's books.Sign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

God has given us His GPS so that we might know who He is, who we are, where we are, and how God gets to us. It's about the Word of God and how we need it to engage with God. At Apollos Watered, we are biblically grounded, and we want you to be as well. With so many things swirling around us in our day, it is more important than ever that we are rooted in God's Word so that we might live lives that are pleasing to Him. Sign up for our newsletter.Help support the ministry of Apollos Watered and transform your world today!

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.