

Things Above
Apprentice Institute
A Community of Learning Centered on Discipleship
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 6, 2025 • 23min
Trusting and Training
In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “quit trying, start trusting, and begin training.” Smith explains why we need to quit relying on our efforts to live a Christian life and start trusting in the grace of Jesus to help us live out our faith. Once we move from trying to trusting, […]
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Feb 19, 2025 • 51min
Conversation with Alison Cook
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author, Alison Cook on her latest book, Boundaries for Your Soul: How to Turn Your Overwhelming Thoughts and Feelings into Your Greatest Allies. Boundaries for Your Soul includes relatable anecdotes, helpful exercises, an engaging quiz, and opportunities for personal reflection. Gathering the wisdom from the authors’ […]
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Feb 13, 2025 • 20min
Two Kinds of Faith
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “We need two kinds of faith.” In this episode, Smith talks about the two kinds of faith we need to have as defined by the author C.S. Lewis. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree […]
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Jan 23, 2025 • 55min
Michael Cusick Sacred Attachment
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author Michael J. Cusick about his book, Sacred Attachment. Michael will be a plenary speaker at The Apprentice Gathering 2025, register here! Michael John Cusick voices the questions and contradictions that are inherently part of living an authentic spiritual faith. With raw honesty and vulnerability, he […]
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Jan 15, 2025 • 23min
All Things New
In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Jesus makes all things new.” To help explain his thought from above, James references the book “On the Incarnation” by Athanasius of Alexandria. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! […]
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Jan 8, 2025 • 21min
Know Your Name
In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Do you know your name?” James’s thought from above comes from one of the unspoken sermons by George MacDonald. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Conversation […]
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Dec 18, 2024 • 43min
Conversation with Matt Johnson Part Two
Matt Johnson returns for part two of the conversation with James Bryan Smith. In this episode, Smith and Johnson continue their conversation about the research on spiritual growth. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Conversation with […]
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Dec 11, 2024 • 34min
Conversation with Matt Johnson
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with spiritual director and friend Matt Johnson. James and Matt have a conversation about the research they are conducting together about what happens to people who experience significant spiritual growth. In this episode, they talk about James’ triangle of transformation from The Good and Beautiful series. Interested […]
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Nov 27, 2024 • 23min
Gratitude
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Take your gratitude to the next level.” In this episode, James gives us two practices we can do to give thanks to God. Smith explains both practices in detail and gives examples of how we can do them. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? […]
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Nov 13, 2024 • 17min
Let Nothing Disturb You
Explore the unchanging nature of God and how to cultivate patient trust amidst life's challenges. Discover the empowering prayer from St. Teresa of Avila that provides peace during turbulent times. Learn the significance of spiritually grounded thoughts in achieving tranquility and grace in a chaotic world. Delve into the transformative power of mind discipleship, and find comfort in God's presence through life's storms.