Culture Matters

In this episode of Culture Matters, Ty and Taryn sit down with Dr. Jonathan Pennington to explore how metaphors do far more than decorate our teaching—they shape our understanding of reality itself. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, theology, and personal experience, Dr. Pennington helps us see how metaphors are central to how we communicate truth, especially in Christian teaching, counseling, and daily life.In This Episode02:00 – What is a Metaphor? Why Language is Embodied07:00 – Metaphor as Epistemology: Knowing Through Analogy10:00 – Shared Cultural Frameworks & the Power of Illustration14:00 – Using Metaphor in Counseling and Pastoral Care18:00 – Harmful Church Metaphors and Reframing with Love23:00 – Scales vs. Cups: Metaphors of Anxiety and Trust28:00 – Metaphors Shape How We See and Live33:00 – Judicial vs. Kingdom: Re-centering Gospel Language37:00 – Jesus the Rebuilder: From Sump Pumps to Spirit-Filled Life42:00 – Practical Takeaways: How We Talk About God MattersGuest ResourcesDr. Jonathan Pennington's previous episode: Wisdom and Relationships (2023)Dr. Pennington’s websiteDr. Pennington’s podcast: Human FlourishingFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this deeply moving episode, Adam and Ty sit down with Pastor Ray Ortlund to discuss his latest book, Good News at Rock Bottom: Finding God When Pain Goes Deep and Hope Seems Lost. Ray shares powerful reflections on how suffering, betrayal, and loss can become sacred spaces where God draws near. The conversation explores the nature of grace, the reality of rock bottom, and how true healing begins not by escaping pain but by meeting Jesus in it. Whether you’re in the thick of it or walking with someone who is, this episode offers hope that’s grounded, honest, and full of grace.Topics Discussed01:00 – Introducing Ray Ortlund & His New Book03:00 – Writing to the Suffering: Who the Book is For06:00 – What’s Good About Rock Bottom?08:00 – Isaiah 57:15 – God’s Two Addresses10:00 – The Mushy Middle vs. Rock Bottom13:00 – Finding God When Life Falls Apart15:00 – The Power of Gathering in Weakness18:00 – Churches as ERs for the Broken21:00 – Joy and Healing in the Midst of Pain22:30 – Rock Bottom Realities: Betrayal, Sin, Loneliness, Death25:00 – The Grace of God in Our Mess28:00 – The Hebrew Meaning of Grace30:00 – Forgiveness as Defeating Evil33:00 – How to Lead from Rock Bottom35:00 – Known or Impressive: You Can’t Be BothResources MentionedBook: Good News at Rock Bottom by Ray OrtlundScripture:Isaiah 57:15Hosea 11John 8:34Connect with Our GuestsRay OrtlundWebsite: renewalministries.comX: @rayortlundInstagram: @rayortlundFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this conversation, Adam and Elizabeth sit down with writer and journalist Whitney Pipkin to talk about her book We Shall All Be Changed. Whitney shares how walking with her mother through a 22-year cancer journey—and ultimately her final days—reshaped her theology of death, grief, caregiving, and hope. Together, they explore the cultural discomfort around death, how Christians can approach suffering without fast-forwarding to hope too quickly, and the sanctifying work that happens in the tension between loss and resurrection. This conversation is pastoral, reflective, and deeply encouraging for anyone navigating grief or supporting others through it.What's in this Episode?[01:00] Why Write About Death? Whitney shares the long, formative journey with her mom’s cancer and how facing death revealed gaps in her theology.[04:30] Running from What’s Unavoidable Discussing cultural avoidance of death, and what we lose when we don’t enter into suffering.[07:00] The Tension of Death & Resurrection Why Christians wrestle with both lament and hope—and why both are necessary.[10:30] Walking with the Dying Adam shares a personal story about his grandfather and discusses euthanasia, suffering, and longing for release.[13:30] The Sanctifying Power of Dying Slowly Whitney explains how her mom’s final days became a holy and transformative space.[17:00] Caring for Caregivers Reflections on caregiving, hospice care, and the power of the Holy Spirit to equip us for roles we feel unprepared for.[21:30] The Role of the Church How the body of Christ can walk with those facing grief and death—including simply showing up.[24:00] The Ministry of Presence Why casseroles still matter and what Job’s friends got right (and wrong).[26:30] Hope for Believers and Non-Believers Alike Whitney shares how her story resonates beyond the church—and how death points to the finished work of Christ.[30:00] Final Words for Those Facing Death A pastoral word for those grieving or caregiving: you will not always feel like this, and Christ is present even when you don’t feel it.Guest ResourcesWe Shall All Be Changed by Whitney PipkenFollow Whitney: instagram.com/whitneykpipkinWhitney's Website: whitneykpipkin.comFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.coRead less

In this episode, we sit down with counselor Hillary Marvin to unpack how our past—especially our family of origin—shapes the way we relate to God, ourselves, and others. Hillary walks us through the “old house vs. new house” analogy, showing how the gospel reshapes our values, our emotional patterns, and our relationships.We talk about how childhood experiences affect our parenting, our friendships, even our spiritual practices, and why it’s so important to slow down, reflect, and let the Holy Spirit rewire how we live and love. From parenting and marriage to church community and personal healing, this conversation invites all of us to step more fully into the family of God—and to do it with grace, humility, and hope.Topics Discussed[05:00] Entering the Counseling WorldHow an unexpected internship with boys at a children’s home shaped her calling[09:00] Understanding“Old House vs. New House”Using Ed Welch’s analogy to understand emotional and spiritual formation[13:00] How Family of Origin Shapes Our View of GodWhy earthly relationships impact how we see our heavenly Father[18:00] Slowing Down to Understand Our EmotionsCuriosity over condemnation—and how to tell the difference[23:00] Parenting from a Place of HealingRecognizing triggers and values from our past that affect how we parent today[27:00] Modeling Emotion Well in Christian CommunityLearning from the body of Christ how to engage emotions like anger and fear in healthy, godly ways[32:00] Repairing Relationships with Parents as AdultsWhat it looks like to bring humility, honesty, and lament into grown-up family dynamics[38:00] Confession, Repentance, and Freedom in the New HouseHow embracing our limitations makes space for the gospel to transformGuest ResourcesRestore Christian Counseling: Hillary’s private counseling practiceTrust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI): A method for working with children from hard placesFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

This episode, we’re out of our usual space and recording from Neighbor Books in McKinney, Texas. We sit down with owner Joey Honesco to talk about place, calling, and the quiet power of presence.Joey shares his journey of opening a bookstore rooted in community—a “third place” where people connect over books, coffee, and shared rhythms. We reflect on how God uses proximity and intentionality to shape us, drawing from our own stories of friendship, college memories, and the sacred ordinary.We also dig into the tension of urban life—mobility, isolation, and what it really costs to belong. Through it all, we keep coming back to this: community takes work, but it’s worth it. Especially when we see it as preparation for the kingdom to come.Topics Discussed(00:00) – Why Place Matters: God’s Intentional Design(12:31) – Proximity + Presence: How Real Community Happens(15:56) – Life Together: Practicing Connection in a Disconnected World(19:51) – Belonging Hurts: The Cost of Community(33:32) – The Beauty in the Broken: When Community is Worth It(40:47) – Resilience + Shalom: Holding On When It’s HardGuest Resourcesneighborbookstx.comFollow Neighbor BooksFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this conversation with Alan Hooton, an educator and elder at Citizens Church, he redefines leadership as a journey of character and consistency rather than titles. Hooton shares insights on the importance of service and nurturing relationships in both family and community. They discuss leading with love, the significance of showing up for others through challenges, and how genuine care can transform lives. This enlightening dialogue underscores that real leadership often looks like faithfulness, humility, and being present for others.

Jenna Hernandez, a college minister at Citizens Church, passionately shares her experiences working with students at UT Dallas and women in prison. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are, addressing the unique challenges young adults face, such as identity confusion and performance pressure. Jenna highlights how prison ministry teaches dignity and hope, and discusses the power of empathy and friendship within spiritual formation. Her stories remind us that true transformation often occurs in the quiet, overlooked moments of life.

In this episode, Caroline Smiley joins us to explore God’s vision for friendship and community. How do relationships shift across seasons of life? What does it mean to pursue Christlike friendships in a culture shaped by individualism?We dive into the biblical foundation of community, from Genesis to today, and how Scripture challenges our approach to relationships. We unpack how deep friendships reveal both our strengths and blind spots, refining us in the process.Through the lens of a Christ-centered life, we explore how to cultivate friendships that reflect Jesus—embracing diverse perspectives, fostering intentional love, and reimagining non-sexual relationships as spaces for spiritual growth. Join us as we reorient our hearts toward God’s vision for community and imagine friendships that reflect the depth and beauty of His Kingdom.Topics DiscussedWhat Does God Say About Friendship?Why We’re Made for CommunityHow Knowing God Changes How We Do Life TogetherWhy Different Friendships Make Us BetterThe Messy, Beautiful Work of RelationshipsRethinking Friendship Through a Gospel LensHow Understanding Others Helps Us Love BetterBringing Jesus Into Everyday RelationshipsResources MentionedDelighting In The Trinity by Michael ReevesFollow Us!InstagramYoutube-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Why do spiritual disciplines matter if we’re saved by grace through faith? If salvation isn’t based on works, why do prayer, fasting, and Scripture reading still hold weight? Today, we’re diving into what Paul says in Romans about how salvation isn’t just about avoiding hell—it’s about transformation. Spiritual disciplines aren’t about earning God’s favor; they’re about stepping into the fullness of life He’s called us to.Topics DiscussedThe Value of Spiritual DisciplinesThe Power and Practice of PrayerTraining for Eternity With GodThe Journey of Spiritual GrowthResourcesCheck out Liz's newest bookCheck out her other Podcast: Starting PlaceCheck out The Woodson Institute Follow LizFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

We are kicking off this special mini-series on Spiritual Formation by sitting down with Robyn, a longtime friend and valued member of our church community. At 58, Robyn embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner, embracing the highs and lows of life with faith and humility. She shares her story through the lens of seasons—how adoption, loss, and her relationship with the church have all shaped her walk with Christ.We also talk about the hard stuff—letting go, trusting God, and the illusion of control. What it looks like to release our fears, trust God with the people we love, and find peace even when life feels uncertain?And then there’s joy—the kind that only comes from God. We unpack how deep grief and divine joy can coexist, how scripture can speak into our hardest moments, and why nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from God’s love.So, join us for this conversation. It’s honest, it’s hopeful, and most of all, it’s a reminder that no matter what season you’re in, God is present. Topics DiscussedNavigating Life's SeasonsLearning to Let Go and TrustFinding Strength in God's JoyWisdom and Growth in FaithFollow us on SocialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co