

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

Feb 8, 2023 • 11min
God is Glorious
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is God is Glorious. In this episode, James talks about a recent challenge he gave himself. 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. Magnificent Mission 2. Conversation with AJ […]
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Feb 1, 2023 • 19min
Magnificent Mission
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, we are all on a magnificent mission. This week James discusses what Dallas Willard calls the “Great Ommission” and the Great “Commission.” In this episode, James explains how we are all called to be apprentices of Jesus and what that means for us. Interested in […]
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15 snips
Jan 18, 2023 • 40min
Conversation with AJ Swoboda Part Two
AJ Swoboda discusses embracing doubt as a catalyst for faith and the importance of questioning beliefs. They explore Jesus' parables challenging norms and navigating faith crises. Swoboda highlights the significance of spiritual growth and a scholarship opportunity at Friend's University.

Jan 12, 2023 • 18min
With God Life
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “the kingdom of God is the with-God life.” James opens the episode with a story about a time he was a teaching assistant for Dallas Willard. Dallas asked the class the question, what is the gospel? In the episode, Smith explains the gospel and how we […]
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Dec 15, 2022 • 19min
The Best Gift
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Give the best gift you can give.” In light of the advent season, Smith gives us an example of the best gift we can give someone. James says the best we can give is not something money can buy. To help explain his thought from above, […]
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Dec 7, 2022 • 49min
Conversation with Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke about their latest book, Having the Mind of Christ: Eight Axioms to Cultivate a Robust Faith. Matt and Ben are the cofounders of Gravity Leadership, located in Indiana. Matt and Ben co-authored “Having the Mind of Christ” and it addresses one […]
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Nov 30, 2022 • 21min
You are Called
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “you are called.” In this episode, James talks about vocational calling and its impact on our life. Many have felt they are called to a specific job, while others may have never felt that calling. Smith explains how no matter the vocation or the calling, we […]
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Nov 23, 2022 • 23min
Sacred Story
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “you have a sacred story.” In this episode, James explains how we all have an origin story that has shaped us into the person we are today. In our origin story, we encounter trauma, and Smith explains the difference between what he calls “small t” trauma […]
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Nov 9, 2022 • 45min
Conversation with James Bryan Smith
In this episode, James Bryan Smith is interviewed by his friend Dr. Jeff Bjorck to ask James questions about his latest book, “The Good and Beautiful You.” Dr. Bjorck is a licensed psychologist and a lifelong friend of James. Jeff helped Jim during the writing process for “The Good and Beautiful You” and has also […]
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Nov 2, 2022 • 19min
Made for God
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “you are made for God.” James begins the episode explaining why we have a longing for the “more than.” To help explain his thought from above, Smith gives two examples from his life where he experienced the closeness of God. To close the episode, James explains […]
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