If you want to explore more, check out resources at RENEW.org. We recommend the article “Is Discipleship Required?” — a thoughtful look at why following Jesus means embracing discipleship. You can read it here: renew.org/is-discipleship-required. Until next time, keep pursuing real life in Christ.

Today’s episode will help us see how strategic partnerships—like those formed through the Solomon Foundation—can strengthen churches, fuel growth, and create lasting impact in communities and leaders’ lives.

Doug Fultz & Ken Idleman dives into the power of partnerships in ministry, with a special focus on the work of the Solomon Foundation.

The episode kicks off with a relaxed, personal atmosphere—participants introduce themselves, share ministry backgrounds, and even chat about career goals and growing cities. From that casual start, the conversation naturally shifts into a deeper discussion about how strategic partnerships can fuel church growth and community impact.

Doug Fultz and Ken Idleman lead the way, drawing from decades of ministry experience. Ken shares how biblical partnerships—from Moses and Aaron to Jesus and the disciples—have always been key to mission success. He reflects on his own ministry journey and the critical role partnerships played in growing churches and building strong communities.

Doug focuses on the practical side—how networking among pastors and church leaders led to church plants and revitalization efforts. He highlights how the Solomon Foundation acts not just as a lender, but as a true ministry partner. With flexible financing and a heart for the local church, the Foundation helps churches grow—sometimes starting with no down payment at all.

Real-life stories bring the impact to life:

• Nathan Freeman’s church in Jacksonville grew from meeting in a funeral home to owning a $9M facility.
• Southern Hills Christian Church expanded significantly thanks to customized financial solutions.
• Even unique ministries, like a fully inmate-led church inside Angola Prison and Louisiana’s Keep It Real reentry program, are thriving with support from the Foundation.

Doug and Ken also stress that partnerships go beyond money. The Solomon Foundation invests in the spiritual health of leaders, offering mentorship, counseling, and encouragement.

They wrap up by inviting listeners to see partnership as a way to make real kingdom impact—not just financially, but relationally and spiritually. This episode is a strong reminder that ministry isn't meant to be done alone—and that with the right partners, churches can do more than just survive; they can flourish.

View the book from Renée Sproles: “Male & Female: A Biblical Look at Gender” https://renew.org/product/male-female-a-biblical-look-at-gender/

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Today’s episode will help us understand God’s design for men and women by exploring how Scripture defines their distinct yet complementary roles in leadership, the church, and the home.

Renee Sproles takes a thoughtful dive into what the Bible says about the roles of men and women, focusing on leadership, responsibility, and God’s design for both sexes.

Renee opens with gratitude and a prayer, asking for God’s guidance and recognizing Jesus as the Creator who leads with kindness, justice, and righteousness. She outlines her goal: to look at the big picture of Scripture before narrowing in on specific texts about gender roles in the home and church.

She shares her personal journey—from embracing egalitarianism (the idea that men and women have interchangeable roles) to developing a more nuanced view shaped by Scripture and life experience. Raised in a strict complementarian setting where women had little voice in church, she was struck by the contrast in her parents’ equal partnership in business. That tension sparked her curiosity and deeper study.

Renee distinguishes between circumstantial evidence (the broader biblical narrative) and specific evidence (direct instructions). Both are needed to understand gender roles fully. She likens circumstantial evidence to a feast—rich and nourishing—and specific evidence to medicine—necessary but insufficient on its own.

Starting in Genesis, she explains that male and female identities are rooted in creation. Adam, formed first, is given the priestly task of tending the garden and passing on God’s commands. Eve, created as his strong helper, reflects the same term used for God’s help to Israel—implying strength, not weakness. These archetypes—original roles, not stereotypes—set the tone for male leadership and female partnership.

Biblical women like Sarah, Abigail, and Deborah are held up as examples of faith, wisdom, and courage. While men were called to lead as priests and prophets, women also played crucial roles, though in different ways—especially in prophecy and support.

In the New Testament, Renee notes how Jesus elevated women’s status but still chose male apostles, reinforcing the pattern of male leadership. Women, however, were vital in ministry—praying, teaching, and serving alongside Jesus.

Paul’s letters, especially 1 Corinthians and 1 Timothy, are examined closely. Renee argues Paul’s teachings on male headship and women’s roles in church leadership are grounded in creation, not just cultural concerns. His call for women to learn quietly and avoid authoritative teaching over men is tied to the order established in Genesis.

She also addresses common pushbacks—like claims that Paul was only dealing with false teachers or cultural norms. Instead, she contends Paul’s instructions are rooted in timeless biblical principles.

The episode ends by framing spiritual leadership as a shepherd-like role—one that provides space, safety, and growth. In Renee’s view, male leadership in the church is meant to serve and protect, just as it was in Eden.

In short, this episode offers a deep, scripture-based look at gender roles in Christianity, encouraging men and women to live out their God-given callings with humility, grace, and mutual respect.

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Today’s episode will help us discover how consistent, community-driven Bible reading can transform our faith, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and build a culture of spiritual growth.

The Transformative Power of Reading the Bible: Tina's Approach

In this insightful video, Tina shares her profound experience and method of integrating daily Bible reading into her spiritual routine and church culture. She emphasizes the importance of not just relying on second-hand teachings but committing to reading the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation annually. Highlighting her own journey from biblical illiteracy to spiritual transformation, Tina discusses the impact of understanding scripture contextually and the benefits of a disciplined Bible study routine. She introduces her book 'Step Into Scripture' as a guide to help others embark on this life-changing journey. Tina also delves into practical ways her church has successfully structured Bible studies to foster community, accountability, and deeper biblical understanding among their members. Join Tina in exploring how the Word of God can transform lives through dedicated, intentional, and strategic Bible reading.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Housekeeping

01:31 Getting to Know Each Other

09:00 Personal Testimony and Spiritual Growth

12:24 The Importance of Reading the Whole Bible

19:26 Warnings Against Simplicity

31:00 Wisdom vs. Folly

33:49 Personal Journey of Discernment

34:57 The Birth and Growth of Glacier Church

36:18 The Importance of Teachability

37:44 Commitment to Biblical Literacy

39:22 Introducing 'Step Into Scripture'

40:29 Structure and Benefits of the Book

47:31 Implementing the Study in Church

56:20 Q&A Session

01:06:18 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

In this episode, titled “Tina Wilson,” Tina shares her journey of discovering the power of daily Bible reading and how it's transformed her personal faith and ministry.

She opens with some housekeeping for the live podcast recording and a light, friendly chat with the audience about their backgrounds, setting a warm, welcoming tone. Tina then gets personal, reflecting on a turning point in high school when her now-husband challenged her to back up her beliefs with scripture. That challenge led her to read the Book of Acts—and later, the entire Bible—revealing how much she didn’t know, even after growing up in church.

In college, with no church community around, scripture became her anchor. She’s now read the Bible every year since, a habit that’s deeply shaped her walk with God and inspired her to help others do the same. Tina makes a strong case for reading the whole Bible, warning against spiritual simplicity—what Proverbs describes as naivety or lack of discernment—which can open the door to deception and division. Instead, she encourages a posture of teachability: humility, openness, and the willingness to grow.

Tina also introduces her Bible reading guide, Step Into Scripture, designed to help people engage the Bible chronologically in a year. The four-part structure—Shadows, Signposts, Sounds, and Source—traces key biblical themes and how they point to Jesus.

She shares how her church has embraced this model through small group discussions, daily readings, and communal celebrations every 14 weeks. These gatherings not only deepen biblical understanding but build spiritual momentum and lasting community.

Tina wraps up with a Q&A, offering practical tips and encouragement for building a culture of Bible reading wherever you are. Her story is a powerful reminder that consistent engagement with God’s Word can radically change lives—and communities.

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Today’s episode will help us rethink how we approach ministry by trading a factory mindset for a more organic, relational, and patient way of cultivating spiritual growth.

Understanding Spiritual Warfare and Discipleship with Shodankeh Johnson

In this insightful talk, Shodankeh Johnson, an experienced church planter and disciple maker from Sierra Leone, shares his journey and challenges in advancing the Kingdom of God. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing spiritual warfare, using the Word of God, prayer, and love to overcome obstacles and make disciples. Shodankeh recounts personal stories of facing threats, persecution, and miraculous transformations, illustrating the reality of spiritual battles and the power of faith. Join us to learn about the critical aspects of spiritual warfare, the nature of the enemy, and how to stand firm as a disciple maker.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

01:36 Personal Background and Ministry

03:50 Understanding Spiritual Warfare

06:19 The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

11:22 Stories of Faith and Transformation

15:30 Critical Insights on Spiritual Warfare

24:38 Divine Weapons and Love in Action

32:26 The Armor of God: Spiritual Warfare Essentials

35:22 Faith and Perseverance in Adversity

37:01 Facing Persecution with Courage

42:05 Understanding Satan's Tactics

54:22 Identifying and Overcoming Strongholds

58:32 The Power of the Word and Prayer

01:01:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode opens with Shodankeh Johnson thanking the audience and leading a prayer, inviting God’s presence and wisdom. He briefly introduces himself, sharing his background in disciple-making and church planting across the globe—especially in Sierra Leone, where he’s seen God move in powerful ways, even in dangerous situations. Coming from a Creole father and a Muslim Shabro mother, Shodanke brings a deeply personal and cross-cultural perspective to his mission.

The heart of the conversation centers on spiritual warfare. Shodanke stresses that spiritual warfare is real and unavoidable—like gravity, it’s in effect whether we acknowledge it or not. He’s witnessed the influence of darkness across cultures and emphasizes the need to preach the Word boldly and make disciples who are grounded in truth and equipped for battle.

He invites the audience to share what comes to mind when they think of spiritual warfare—responses include prayer, fasting, and confronting evil. From there, he unpacks the spiritual conflict believers face: an invisible but fierce battle between the Kingdom of God and the forces of darkness, aimed at disrupting our relationship with Christ and stopping the spread of the Gospel.

Quoting Ephesians 6:12, Shodankeh shares stories of personal threats, persecution, and near-death experiences—yet also moments of miraculous transformation, where former enemies of the faith became devoted followers of Jesus. These testimonies highlight God’s power and the impact of responding with love and prayer.

He outlines four truths every disciple-maker must grasp about spiritual warfare:

You are in a war.

The fight is spiritual, not physical.

God provides powerful, non-carnal weapons.

You must put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13–18).

Shodankeh also breaks down Satan’s tactics—affliction, accusation, and destruction—designed to weaken believers and distract them from their mission (John 10:10, Revelation 12:10). He describes three types of spiritual strongholds:

He concludes by encouraging listeners to tear down these strongholds through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and disciplined prayer and fasting (2 Corinthians 10:5). The battle may be spiritual, but God’s power is real and available to all who seek Him.

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Creating a Culture of Discipleship: Insights from The Crossings Church

In this episode, Kerry shares a detailed journey about fostering a culture of discipleship at The Crossings Church. Beginning with a prayer, he outlines his family's history in church planting, the growth of The Crossings Church since 2004, and their unique approach to making disciples. Discussing the importance of repentance, baptism, and the relational component in discipling, he emphasizes the need for leaders to model these practices. The video includes insights into their structured Bible study process, small group dynamics, and intentional church practices. Practical advice is given for churches seeking to emulate this model and address doctrinal adherence and growth challenges.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

00:49 Personal Background and Church Planting Journey

01:55 Growth and Challenges at The Crossings Church

04:03 Cultural Shifts in the Restoration Movement

10:31 The Importance of Relational Discipleship

18:07 Teaching Repentance and Baptism

19:26 Bible Study Practices at The Crossings

30:01 Training New Disciples

31:57 The Importance of Repentance

33:43 Understanding Baptism

34:34 Challenges in Discipleship

38:07 Addressing Doctrinal Differences

45:09 Small Group Dynamics

47:54 Maintaining Church Culture

58:17 Concluding Thoughts

"Farming vs. Factory Work in Ministry"

In this episode, Kerry Cox shares lessons from his ministry journey, focusing on church planting, discipleship, and creating a culture of genuine spiritual growth. He opens with a prayer, setting the tone for a conversation centered on God’s guidance and the power of community.

Kerry reflects on his early exposure to church life, shaped by his parents starting a home church when they grew disillusioned with traditional ones. From a young age, he witnessed how the unchurched came to faith and became disciple-makers themselves—a foundation that shaped his approach to ministry.

In 2004, Kerry and about 30 others moved west of St. Louis to plant Crossings Church. Over the next 20 years, it grew to around 650 members, especially connecting with youth and people new to church. Crossings stood out from typical Churches of Christ by building a culture that prioritized relationships, authenticity, and active discipleship.

A key theme Kerry emphasizes is the need to move beyond a baptism-centered model to one that fully integrates faith, repentance, and ongoing discipleship. He challenges the tendency in some Restoration Movement churches to treat baptism as the end goal, arguing instead for a holistic, relational approach to spiritual growth.

Throughout the episode, Kerry shares stories that bring this vision to life—like the high schooler who brought his troubled brother, TC, to church. Though TC’s commitment was doubted at first, he went on to help lead their first church plant. Stories like this underscore the power of relational ministry and long-term investment in people.

Kerry also breaks down how Crossings Church puts these values into practice. Every member joins a small group and engages in a foundational Bible study process that covers topics from seeking God to discipleship and baptism. Leaders are trained to model this lifestyle, creating a culture where disciple-making starts at the top and flows through the entire church.

He answers audience questions on how to integrate new believers, tailor small groups, and avoid turning church into a checklist of activities. His central point: everything the church does should point back to its mission—making real, multiplying disciples.

Kerry wraps up by urging churches to shift their culture—away from routine, and toward deep, intentional, Spirit-led relationships. His insights, drawn from years of hands-on ministry, offer a practical and inspiring roadmap for building vibrant, disciple-making communities.

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Today’s episode will help us rethink how we approach ministry by trading a factory mindset for a more organic, relational, and patient way of cultivating spiritual growth.

Farm vs. Factory: Embracing Gospel Principles in Ministry

In this insightful session, Matt Reagan explores the concept of 'Farm vs. Factory' in the context of ministry. Focusing on the differences between organic, life-giving ministry and the high-demand, high-output factory model, Matt aims to guide attendees toward practices that are nourishing for the soul and effective for the kingdom of God. Drawing parallels between farming principles and gospel teachings, Matt emphasizes the importance of deep, transformational relationships, the power of seed-growing, and the commitment to kingdom values. Through a Socratic method, prayer, and interactive discussion, attendees are encouraged to reflect on their ministry experiences and realign with life-giving practices. The session also delves into the challenges of modern church structure and offers practical advice for maintaining spiritual health and focus amidst complexity.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Purpose

04:32 The Power of Seeds and the Kingdom of God

09:05 Challenges of Ministry: Feeling Like a Factory

14:28 Brainstorming Session: Factory-Like Aspects of Ministry

33:03 Mass Production and Church Concerns

35:16 Church Policies and Discipleship

36:04 Job Comparisons: Church vs. Farm

40:48 Farm Life and Ministry

42:48 Challenges and Rewards of Farming

47:42 Farm Life Lessons and Spiritual Growth

56:25 Final Reflections and Encouragement

"Farming vs. Factory Work in Ministry"

In this episode, Matt Raegan draws a sharp contrast between two approaches to ministry: farming and factory work. Using humor, personal stories, and scripture, he challenges church leaders to embrace a slower, more organic model of spiritual growth.

He opens with a light moment—encouraging people to connect with those around them, even if it’s awkward—before diving into a deeper reflection on how the Gospel grows like a seed. Drawing from a Chipotle ad romanticizing farming, Matt uses it as a metaphor for how ministry should look: relational, patient, and rooted in care.

He shares his son’s journey into ministry as a living example of how faith takes time to develop. Like Jesus’ farming parables, Matt emphasizes that the Kingdom of God isn’t built on production lines but through nurturing environments where people can truly grow.

He contrasts this with the "factory" model—rigid, impersonal, and driven by output—which can lead to burnout and disconnection. Ministry, he argues, should be more like tending a farm: slow, intentional, and deeply personal.

Throughout, Matt invites the audience to reflect on their own experiences—acknowledging the emotional weight of ministry and the fulfillment that comes from doing the hard, faithful work of cultivating people’s hearts.

He closes with a powerful call to action: commit to the farming model. Plant seeds. Nurture the soil. Trust God with the growth. A final prayer ties it all together, asking for the strength to lead with patience, love, and a long-term vision rooted in the Kingdom.

This episode is a call to return to ministry that feels less mechanical—and more alive.

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In this episode, Chris Jefferson delivers an engaging workshop on how churches can leverage digital tools to enhance evangelism, discipleship, and community engagement, offering practical strategies for building a robust online presence and using technology to support spiritual growth.

Leveraging Digital Tools for Church Growth: Insights from Chris Jefferson

In this engaging workshop, Chris Jefferson, Executive Director of Spire Network, addresses a diverse group from various states, guiding them on how to leverage technology for church growth. Chris focuses on the importance of digital presence, discussing tools like Church Post for social media management, VisitorReach for targeted ad campaigns, and Tether and Mission17 for discipleship initiatives. He underscores the need for churches to improve their digital visibility and engage more effectively with their communities. From addressing common challenges in church marketing to providing practical solutions for better engagement, this workshop is a comprehensive guide for church leaders aiming to thrive in the digital age.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Meet and Greet: Getting to Know Each Other

02:01 Interactive Session: Preparing for the Presentation

04:16 Introduction to Technology and Discipleship

08:06 The Importance of Digital Presence for Churches

15:36 Assessing Your Church's Digital Health

23:42 Outsourcing Social Media with Church Post

27:34 Introduction to Visitor Reach

28:42 Digital Health Check: Enhancing Visibility

29:34 Targeted Ad Campaigns: Precision Outreach

30:32 AI-Powered Mobile App: Real-Time Engagement

31:47 Visitor Reach: A Comprehensive Solution

33:43 Special Offer and Pricing

34:29 Introducing Tether: Discipleship Tools

37:14 Mission 17: Accelerating Discipleship

42:40 StoryPath: Customized Church Engagement

48:03 Final Thoughts and Q&A

See below for a longer description:

In this episode, Chris Jefferson delivers a dynamic and comprehensive workshop focused on leveraging digital tools and strategies for church growth and connectivity. He begins with a lively introduction, meeting and greeting attendees, establishing a rapport, and swiftly moving into the session's core message: the importance of embracing digital technology for evangelism, discipleship, and church development.

The first significant topic Chris discusses is the assessment of a church's digital health. He emphasizes the importance of knowing where the church stands in the digital realm, mentioning a variety of platforms and metrics crucial for church visibility and accessibility. Chris introduces the idea of a “digital health check,” which audits a church’s online presence across platforms like Google, Facebook, and more to ensure accurate and optimized listings that improve discoverability, including compatibility with voice recognition searches using Siri and Alexa.

Chris addresses common concerns and questions from the attendees. He provides guidance on managing digital platforms with limited resources and emphasizes the effectiveness of outsourcing to specialized services for tasks like social media management and digital health checks. For instance, if a church doesn’t have the bandwidth internally, he advises leveraging services like Church Post to maintain a consistent online presence.

Chris concludes by emphasizing the necessity of churches embracing digital transformation, stressing that it is not a change in the church’s message but rather an adaptation of the medium. He highlights the potential of these tools to position churches competitively in the digital space, thus maximizing their reach and impact in their communities.

Check out the Book Following Jesus in a Politically Divided World: https://a.co/d/fl1NKij

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Today’s episode will help us understand the dangers of Christian Nationalism and provide practical principles for Christian leaders to engage in politics in a way that prioritizes the Kingdom of God and maintains a faithful, biblically grounded witness.

Understanding and Resisting Christian Nationalism: A Renew Conference Discussion

In this episode, a lead pastor and area director at Renew discusses the potential dangers of Christian nationalism and offers a balanced theological perspective on the topic. The session begins with an invitation for senior church leaders to join a Renew learning community, emphasizing the importance of continuous engagement and shared learning. The speaker then provides a nuanced definition of Christian nationalism, explores its pitfalls, and contrasts it with a biblically-sound vision for Christian engagement in politics. Key points include the conflation of national identity with the kingdom of God, misuse of biblical prophecy, and an overemphasis on political power over Christian witness. Finally, the speaker advocates for principles like choosing theology over ideology and trust over panic, urging Christians to remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus in these challenging times.

https://reallifetheologypodcast.supercast.com/

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

01:37 Understanding Christian Nationalism

07:44 Defining Christian Nationalism

17:07 Problems with Christian Nationalism

30:17 Living in Western Europe: A Personal Reflection

30:44 Monocausal Explanations and Simplistic Thinking

31:45 Resource Rich Nation: A Complex Reality

32:53 Christian Nationalism and Horseshoe Theory

34:18 Post-Liberal Right and Left: A Convergence

37:44 The Pitfalls of Christian Nationalist Thought

41:09 Principles for Christian Engagement in Politics

47:50 Choosing Trust Over Panic

52:34 Final Thoughts and Audience Q&A