

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

Aug 2, 2023 • 24min
The Good Life
In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “The good life is the obedient life.” Smith begins the episode by discussing a class he teaches at Friends University called The Good Life. In the class, he asked his students about the age-old question, what is the good life? In this episode, Smith explains […]
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Jun 14, 2023 • 50min
Conversation with Ruth Haley Barton
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Ruth Haley Barton. In this episode, James and Ruth discuss her book, “Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again” In her book, Ruth offers hard-won wisdom and practical steps for developing rhythms of work and rest that bring life—to us […]
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Jun 7, 2023 • 20min
Abba Experience
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “You can have an Abba experience.” Smith opens the episode with the question, what is the one thing you think God most wants for you? He gives a few different answers to his question but ultimately says that what Jesus wants most for us is to […]
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Jun 1, 2023 • 24min
We Need The Church
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “we need the church.” In this episode, James talks about the impact of attending church and why we need it. To help illustrate his thought from above, Smith references two songs written by Rich Mullins; “Sometimes by Step” and “Creed.” Interested in donating to the Things […]
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May 17, 2023 • 37min
Conversation with Trevor Hudson
Trevor Hudson, an accomplished author of over 22 books and a key figure at Renovaré International, joins for a thoughtful conversation. They dive into the concept of 'Zoe life', a transformative spiritual experience, and how it reflects on personal journeys of faith. Trevor shares insights from his work alongside Desmond Tutu in South Africa and discusses his latest book, which draws lessons from great thinkers like St. Ignatius and Dallas Willard. The dialogue is rich with anecdotes and emphasizes cultivating deep, personal relationships with spirituality.

May 10, 2023 • 24min
Perfect Peace
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “your portion is perfect peace.” In this episode, James talks about times when we struggle with our faith and what we can do during those times. Smith recalls a song that helps to explain his thought from above called, Christ Abides by Eliza King. Interested in […]
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Apr 26, 2023 • 25min
Doubting Thomas
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Our doubts do not trouble Jesus.” In this episode, James talks about the disciple known as “Doubting Thomas,” and explains why we should not think of Thomas in a negative way. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian […]
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Apr 12, 2023 • 44min
Conversation with Seth & Heather Thompson Day
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Seth & Heather Thompson Day. James talks with Seth and Heather about their co-authored book, “I’ll See You Tomorrow.” You can learn more about Seth and Heather on their website here. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian […]
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Apr 5, 2023 • 16min
King & Kingdom
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “As is the king, so is the kingdom.” In this episode, James talks about Holy Week, how Jesus came to defeat death for good, and a leader’s impact on their followers. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian […]
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Mar 29, 2023 • 21min
Trust Without Reservation
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “faith is trust without reservation.” In this episode, James explains that faith is an extension of knowledge based on knowledge. Smith illustrates his thought from above by referencing Moses’s story and struggles. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the […]
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