Things Above

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above for this episode is: “say no to say yes.” James learned this thought from above while under the tutelage of Richard Foster. Richard explained to James that whenever we say yes to something, we are also saying no to other things. Foster continued to explain to Jim that typically […] The post Say No to Say Yes appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

John Mark Comer, pastor at Bridgetown Church and author of "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry," joins James Bryan Smith for a deep dive into spiritual growth. They discuss the impact of secular culture on faith, emphasizing the importance of community and a neo-monastic approach. Comer shares insights on overcoming modern distractions and nurturing spiritual practices in daily life. They also explore the transformative power of grace and the ancient concept of a 'rule of life' as a framework for deepening one’s relationship with Jesus.

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is: “Keep it simple, saint.” We are a few weeks into the new year and many of us have a new year’s resolution. Smith points out that 95% of all new year’s resolutions are broken by the end of January. This is an alarming fact but […] The post Keep it Simple appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

The thought from above in this episode is: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Following up on his last episode, James Bryan Smith takes a deeper dive into appreciative thinking vs depreciative thinking. He begins with a quote from Adrian van Kaam to help explain his thought from above. “The way we look at our lives […] The post Give Thanks appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

The thought from above for this episode is: “Rejoice always.” James Bryan Smith takes a deep dive into the works of theologian and priest Adrian von Kaam, to help explain his thought from above. In this episode, James explains the difference between appreciative thinking and depreciative thinking and how we can avoid the latter to […] The post Rejoice Always appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

Emily P. Freeman is back for her third Things Above Conversation! In this episode, James and Emily have a series of questions they ask each other about podcasting, spiritual formation, and life during the pandemic. Emily was able to be in the studio for this conversation because of her new teaching position at Friends University. […] The post Conversation with Emily P. Freeman Part 3 appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Cindy Bunch about her book “Be Kind to Yourself.” During their discussion they talk about the importance of spiritual direction and the impact of social media in our lives. Do you have a favorite spiritual practice? Cindy and James give their top three spiritual practices and […] The post Conversation with Cindy Bunch appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith is very excited to announce the republished and expanded edition of his book “Room of Marvels.” In this episode James tells us the story of how “Room of Marvels” came to be and how it helped him deal with the death and grief in his life. He also offers this thought from […] The post Inside Our Room of Marvels appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

The thought from above this week is, “you are destined for glory.” James Bryan Smith opens the episode with a quote from the movie “Jerry Maguire” where Jerry yells, “show me the money!” Smith explains the meaning behind the quote and how it is actually a cry for authenticity and connection and not for money. […] The post Destined for Glory appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

In this episode James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author and priest, Tish Harrison Warren. James and Tish discuss a multitude of topics around their books including, liturgy, spiritual formation, and more! Tish Harrison Warren is a priest in the Anglican Church in North America. She has worked in ministry settings for […] The post Conversation with Tish Harrison Warren appeared first on Apprentice Institute.