))
I love meaningful conversations, and this is probably what it would sound like if we had a chance to have that chat in my home office. It is my effort to process what I'm thinking out loud (and sometimes with friends.) I am a Christian, husband, father, pastor, church planter, community developer, author, and social entrepreneur. I am a mortal on a journey through this beautiful, delightful world God has given us, and I live in wide-eyed, child-like wonder. The name? I am always gleaning lif ...
…
continue reading
We simply share our enjoyment of Jesus Christ in our bible reading and daily living. We hope you enter into the enjoyment of Christ also by listening. Cover art photo provided by Aaron Burden on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden
…
continue reading
"We don't really change people by shouting at them, not even by shouting loudly." There was a lot to chew on in this short conversation, but this line of thinking was key. Early Methodism understood this, and they gave us a great example. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
How can we pass along our faith to our children? How can we make disciples who then make disciples? I enjoyed a great conversation (both on and off mic) with my friend, Darrell Stetler II from Oklahoma City at the recent Interchurch Holiness Convention in Gatlinburg, TN. I encourage you to listen and to check out his material! https://www.disciples…
…
continue reading
Through the years, we have done our best to "do life together" as a family. Kaylynn gives us her perspective on what that looked like. I laughed. I cried. It moved me, Bob. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
We've all been there. Your initial plan didn't work out the way that you hoped. What do you do? How do you keep moving forward? Here are a few thoughts and stories from my experience. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
In Waking the Dead, John Eldredge gives this picture of a community of the heart, "Living in community islike camping together… for a month, in the desert… without tents. All your stuff is scattered out there for everyone to see.” Growing communities like Columba did at Iona in A.D. 564 is not very glamourous; It is hard, messy work. But growing co…
…
continue reading
Kaylynn is back, and we are discussing this year's NDPx theme: Rootedness from Colossians 2:6-7. In an age of mobility, we must recover the virtue of "blooming where we are planted." Constancy is key to all the other virtues, and that happens in a place and with a people. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himeli…
…
continue reading
There are times in our lives as leaders that we don't feel like there is any pathway forward. We feel stuck. The good news is that you can get "unstuck." This episode offers some perspective and life lessons for leaders who are in the battle. For more information, on NDP you can check out: victoryacres.org For more information on The Rooted Life Pl…
…
continue reading
I've always wanted to record a podcast at the beach... at sunrise, and today I did. The audio is terrible, but the view was spectacular. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
A report on "Longing for the Light," the all-night, inter-church prayer movement that happened on February 16 in 33 different locations around the U.S. (and Internationally.) For more details look at: longingforthelight.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
Leading "off the map" starts by people being able to trust us "on the map." Are we the kind of resilient leader that people can trust and how can we become a person that is trustworthy? In this episode, I dig into some of the challenges that I'm facing personally and offer some thoughts on leading in crisis and change. --- Support this podcast: htt…
…
continue reading
More lessons from the life of George Muller, (particularly when God doesn't answer prayer the way we wish He would.) Asking good questions like, "What is happening? What does it mean? And what is God inviting us into?" More talk about NDP and how we need to develop ministry with and by young people, not just ministry FOR young people. --- Support t…
…
continue reading
I have been reading form The Work of Faith through George Muller edited by Abbie Morrow (originally published in 1899 by The Office of the Revivalist, Cincinnati, OH, Martin Wells Knapp; reprinted in 2005 by Alleghany Publications, Salem OH.) Fascinating read and lots of good stuff gleaned. Today, Kaylynn and I discuss fundraising philosophy in lig…
…
continue reading
Kaylynn and I start a wide-ranging conversation that includes an article from Front Porch Republic entitled "A Beautiful Farm." From there we discuss the USDA agricultural policies of the 1970's that have led to our current situation. We discuss the value of "sticking with" a place and a people, and we end up talking about Abraham and faithfulness.…
…
continue reading
Here are some reflections from I Thess. 4 about Christian ambition and witness. Our ambition should be to: 1. Live a quiet life 2. Mind our own business 3. Work with our hands So that we will have what we need and not be unnecessarily dependent on others and gain the respect of those who are outside the faith. --- Support this podcast: https://podc…
…
continue reading
1
EPISODE 59: The Nehemiah Discipleship Program Plans for 2024, Vocational Discipleship, and Developing Leaders at Every Level
41:49
Kaylynn's back! It was such a joy to record this episode with my eldest daughter. It was a free flowing conversation about NDP, the need for the church to be engaged in "vocational discipleship," and how we should be developing leaders at every level. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
I am sharing from my life over the past few weeks, planning for "Longing for the Light," a muti-site, interdenominational prayer movement that God has impressed on my heart. Also talking about leading our families towards God and how we do family devotions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
In the middle of your busyness are you taking time for rhythms of renewal? In this episode, I am challenging you to seek the face of God and to live in health as you move forward with you plans. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
Headmaster Scott Clemens of Heartland Christian has been a personal friend and huge blessing to our family over the past nine years our children have been connected there. I interviewed him him today about education, discipleship, and Heartland's mission of partnering with parents to develop Christ-like leaders. --- Support this podcast: https://po…
…
continue reading
Have you had the experience of knowing that God put you together with someone? There was a "spark" of connection, and you knew it was more than just common interests. In this episode, we explore that idea and its connection to Spiritual friendship, or guardians of the soul. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-hime…
…
continue reading
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent 2023, and this past week I had a conversation with Karissa about this season. "Jesus is coming, and this time is all about getting ready for His return." Her eyes lit up, and she began to jump up and down. "Jesus is coming!! When, when?! I want to see Him!!" Living with hope is to live everyday with that ch…
…
continue reading
In this wide-ranging conversation with co-host Kaylynn, we talk about all manner of things, but the conversation centers on cultivating a sense of wonder in our children's education and experience. "Why does that happen? How does that work?" If you send them out with wonder, they will find their answers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters…
…
continue reading
On this Thanksgiving, I am thinking about the past... and our future. I am thinking about the yearly rhythms that for us have become the "sound track" of our life as a family. Are we just marching to the drumbeat of culture, or are we cultivating a deeper life as a family through the things we celebrate and the traditions that we repeat year after …
…
continue reading
Hospitality to others starts with having a vibrant family table. While we are still developing, we are thankful for the opportunity we've had to welcome many guests to our family meals together. ------ Our Chicken and Rice Recipe 5 lbs of chicken legs 2 cups of rice 4 cups of "fluid" - water - milk - cream of chicken soup - onion soup mix Combine i…
…
continue reading
In this episode I am looking back while looking forward. How did the farm come about? How did NDP begin? And where are we headed next. I share a "history of the future" at Victory Acres. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
Sitting down with my daughter, Kaylynn, to discuss the vision of Victory Acres farm was a real treat. I'm excited to see what God is going to continue to do on this former, seven-generation family farm. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
Reflections from our lives and some next steps that we are taking. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
This is a recap from my message at the Gathering yesterday on power, weakness, and the tabernacling of God. (Drawing on Marva Dawn's book, Powers, Weakness, and the Tabernacling of God.) I tried to show that we are in danger of being seduced by the world into following it's pattern of power rather than following the way of Jesus in humility and wea…
…
continue reading
In the avalanche of ideas and opportunities, how do we discern where we should focus our limited time and energies? This episode explores some of the principles that I have found helpful in the process. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
Sooner or later, you will probably face a transition. This episode explores a personal transition and some observations on how to navigate them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
Trouble doubles as an opportunity for God's will and wisdom to be revealed. Am I just focusing on the problem at hand, or am I staying open to what opportunities God may be using those problems to uncover. Just some reflections from life and ministry... --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
"Am I communicating because I like this topic, or am I communicating because I have a clear picture of a life I want to improve?" is the question Ezra Byers asked in a recent Facebook post about writing. It set me to thinking... Where do I add value to other people's lives? That is the topic of this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcas…
…
continue reading
Are you living out of a paradigm of blessing or cursing? This week I'm reflecting on Psalms 109 and the communities of blessing in my own life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
If you get lost, is there anyone who will come looking for you? Does anyone "claim" you? Are you a part? Do you "belong?" These are some questions that I've been chewing on this past week, and it is the topic of this episode of Gleaning and Gathering. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
Sitting down with the leadership trainees of this year's NDP summer training program was a lot of fun! We discussed some of the lessons that they are learning through the program and how it is helping them to develop their individual strengths. See what you think! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/suppo…
…
continue reading
Learning the discipline of celebrating well is something that I'm still working on, but this past week our NDP team took a day to celebrate. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
While most Christians would agree that spiritual friendship is important, many see it as a beautiful luxury for which they don't have time or energy. Seeing spiritual friendship as a spiritual discipline necessary for the development of our spiritual life is not the view that everyone shares. In this episode I explore the concept ,along with excerp…
…
continue reading
June 19, 2023 Rachelle and I celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary. In this episode, we reflect on questions like, "What would you want to tell your 20/21 year old self after 24 years of marriage?" It's a fun, free flowing conversation, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did recording it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.co…
…
continue reading
This past week we hosted the Nehemiah Discipleship Program Experience at Victory Acres Farm. 40 young people from 6 different states completed the time of training and discipleship. Our word for the week was "UNITE," and our Scripture engagement passage was Ephesians 4. In a day of division, how are we as Christians to truly unite? That's the topic…
…
continue reading
There are times as a leader when you're not ok... and that's ok. How do you keep perspective in those moments? God has used Scripture and days of prayer like this past week to help me regain His perspective. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
It was fun to set up a "mobile studio" at this year's IHC in Gatlinburg, TN and talk to various friends and family members. My daughter Rebecca Himelick, a student at God's Bible College, and Ethan Hoard, a student at my alma mater, Union Bible College, are featured in this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/…
…
continue reading
As leaders, we are surrounded by opportunity, but many of us are struggling to execute the necessary endings to provide the focus needed to get that opportunity to the finish line. I hope that a piece from my story might help you as you are processing yours. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
Seventy-eight years ago on April 9, 1945 Dietrich Bonhoeffer was executed by the Nazis at the age of 44, but his life and writings continue to challenge Christians everywhere. His "experiment" in training church leaders for the German Confessing Church at Finkenwalde intrigues me, and his book The Cost of Discipleship challenges me. Running a farm …
…
continue reading
Dr. Stephen Gibson is the President of Evangelistic Faith Missions, Holiness Pilgrim Missions, and on the Board of Shepherd's Global Classroom. He was my first professor at Union Bible College and has been a long time friend and ministry partner. This episode was recorded while visiting him at his home in Southern Indiana and includes some of his s…
…
continue reading
I enjoyed catching up with my friend and coworker, Keith Schaper this past week for a conversation about life, transition, and his work now in the area of donor relations at Evangelistic Faith Missions. I am thankful for the training that I received from my friend, Zach Clark at Leadership and Development Coaching. While many leaders feel called to…
…
continue reading
A discussion about the church's role in charity and helping people to help themselves. How can we help in a way that is truly helpful? How do we help without undermining personal responsibility? How far should we go? How do we keep the safety net from becoming a hammock? How do we preserve the relationship while having hard conversations? As with m…
…
continue reading
What does it mean for us to be the church, and what is God calling us to as His people to be? Is it enough to just "have church," or is God calling us to more? I explore the "Ephesians Paradigm" (thank you Dr. Stephen Gibson) and my own experiences in making a case for the church being more than just a "dispenser of religious goods and services." I…
…
continue reading
Rebecca, our second daughter, turned 20 this past week. It got me to thinking about the changing seasons of parenting. My encouragement and admonition to young parents is, "Keep your eye on the ball! You have a narrow window of opportunity." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
Just sharing from my experiences these past few days, including my time at Asbury University. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support
…
continue reading
What kind of a person are you becoming? The battle is won or lost in the day to day choices. Every choice is a vote for who you want to become. A "rule of life" has been a helpful tool for Christians throughout the ages in becoming more disciplined and Christ-like. In this episode, I share some of my daily rhythm and "rule of life." Being rather th…
…
continue reading
Sit down and write out 50 things that you really desire. As we delight ourselves in God, He promises to give us the desires of our heart. Why? Because the things that we want as we delight in Him, are the things that He wants for us. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/eric-himelick/support…
…
continue reading
