Culture Matters

On this episode of Culture Matters as we continue our exploration of creating inclusive spaces for those with special needs. Doug Schulte, house manager and donor coordinator at Cornerstone Ranch in McKinney, Texas, joins us to share his heartfelt journey of building spaces where those with special needs feel not just welcome, but genuinely anticipated and valued. Topics DiscussedCreating Inclusive Spaces for Special NeedsBuilding a Community of FriendshipServing Special Needs Families in ChurchServing Special Needs Families With LoveRecommended ResourcesLearn more about Cornerstone RanchAddtional Resources: Joni and FriendsFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

When Molly Smith first discovered her son's neurodivergence, she faced a whirlwind of emotions that many parents of children with special needs will recognize. In this episode, Molly opens up about her family's journey, from the initial challenges to learning how to parent in each new stage of development.The aim of this first part in a two-part series on special needs is to encourage those in the trenches of parenting a neurodivergent child and remind them that they are not alone. Additionally, we hope to bring awareness around how to support those in your community who are caring for kids with special needs.Topics Discussed(00:00) - Navigating Special Needs and Faith(10:40) - Supporting Special Needs Families With Compassion(22:39) - Building Inclusive Communities for Special Needs(28:17) - Seeking Help and Support in CommunityRecommended ResourcesFor parents who want to start the convo with their kids on how to be a friend:Will you be friends with me? - Kathleen Long BostromIncluded - Jayneen SandersOliver's Extraordinary Friend - Andrea MercierGod's Very Good Idea - Trillia NewbellParents Reads:Magnificent Minds - Suzanne GohThe Whole Brain Child - Daniel Siegel and Tina BrysonBut God - Lynn WestOn The Spectrum - Daniel Bowman Jr.Podcasts:Take Care Special MomsRising AboveHope AnewFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Dr. Patrick Schreiner, a doctor who explores the intersection of Christian faith and politics, shares compelling insights about how faith should inform our political lives. He argues that Christianity is not merely a private matter but a public assertion of truth. The discussion delves into Jesus's role as the ultimate authority and the need for Christians to prioritize divine allegiance over political loyalty. They also examine how Jesus's teachings guide believers in navigating the complexities of civic duties and governance with love and service.

As we are in an election year, we want to take some time to look at politics in America through a biblical lens. In the first episode of this three-part series, we are joined by pastor and author Dr. Zack Eswine. We discuss how we may have arrived at the current political climate, how it has affected the Church in America and what Jesus' view on politics is. Zack recently wrote a book on politics that we found to be profoundly helpful and we highly recommend it.Topics DiscussedExploring Faith and Politics with a Jesus LensNavigating Political Allegiance as a ChristianFocusing on Jesus, Not PoliticsThe Power of The Spirit in ChangeMentioned ResourcesLocating Jesus in Our Politics by Zack EswineFollow 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 joined by Michael Bleecker and Jonathan Dodson to discuss fatherhood. Intentional fatherhood is more than just being present; it’s about quality interactions that guide our children towards understanding God’s love and forgiveness. This episode underscores the importance of modeling genuine repentance, prioritizing meaningful activities over distractions, and embracing our unique identities in Christ. By building encouragement and grace in fatherhood, we foster a compassionate and understanding environment within our homes and communities.Topics DiscussedNavigating Fatherhood With WoundsModeling Repentance and GraceIntentional FatherhoodBuilding Encouragement and GraceCelebrating Fatherhood and FaithEmbracing HumilityFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this episode, we talk to Rachel Gilson about her latest book—Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World. It’s a really helpful conversation for parents and anyone discipling the kids (hint: all of us) to navigate conversations about God’s beautiful design for human sexuality, gender, and relationships. Mentioned Resources Connect more with RachelBuy Parenting without PanicListen to Parenting without PanicEpisode 219 - The Family of God with Rachel GilsonFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

There's been a shift in the way this generation, particularly Gen Z and Gen A, navigates the world. They want to hear a story more than they want an expertly given argument. Relationship and authenticity are valued over intellectualism. On this episode we explore how that influences, discipleship, parenting, outreach and more. We also take a step back to explore some things we would tell our younger selves, knowing what we know now.Topics DiscussedYouth Ministry in Changing ChurchesDiscipleship in Changing CultureFinding Safety in Authentic CommunityAuthenticity Over Subject ExpertWalking With Jesus TogetherFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

In this week's episode we welcome back Adam Hawkins after his sabbatical. And we have an extended conversation around the Paris Olympics. Follow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

Continuing our conversation from last week, if we're thinking about a Godly approach to work and rest, then how can we think about play? Where does playfulness fit into our lives, that's honoring God and pushing back darkness, and ultimately looking to the future glory of God's new heavens and new earth. Topics DiscussedRediscovering Joy Through PlayThe Beauty of Rest, Work, PlayEternal Glory and Hope in ImperfectionRecommended and Mentioned ResourcesListen to Ty's sermon "The Rhythm of Glory"Follow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co

What does it look like to rest well? When we work from our significance in Christ instead of our own, we can pair the mission of God with the heart of God for the flourishing of all people. In this way, Christianity offers an antithesis to the hustle culture that we are bombarded with everyday. Elizabeth and Tymarcus invite Jonathan Dodson on to have a conversation about work & rest.Topics DiscussedWork, Community, and FlourishingCultural Tribute Through WorkEmbracing Rest as God's CreationRest and the Beauty of CreationRecommended and Mentioned ResourcesThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark ComerThe Rest of Life by Ben Witherington III3 Body Problem - Netflix SeriesFollow us on socialInstagram-- Editing and support by The Good Podcast Co. If you would like to sponsor this show, email sponsor@thegoodpodcast.co