Bishop Frank Beard leads the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the United Methodist Church, but first, he is a disciple of Jesus and a man of prayer. Bishop Beard shares his journey that started with cookies and kool-aid to prayer as a pastor in a hospital room to a prayer closet in his basement to a breakthrough prayer initiative that is catchin…

Rev. Jill Beck pastors three churches in Florida, including the newly launched Compassion Church. She shares her journey from domestic violence victim to healing to answering God's call and now helping others. Let her journey inspire and challenge you. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

Combining faith and recovery, Pastor Greg Delaney returns to the Better Together Podcast this week to share how Christians can walk alongside loved ones struggling with addiction and how the Church can play a role in recovery. Greg works with churches across the country as well as the state and national government to advocate for faith-based recove…

Pastor Greg Delaney is a leader in the recovery community, locally with boots on the ground but also at the state and national level. This week on the Better Together Podcast, Greg shares his story and how the possibility of life gave him the hope to overcome addiction one day at a time. Support the show…

On this episode of the "Better Together Podcast," Pastor Roz explores the power of boundaries through personal anecdotes and scripture. Roz skillfully blends practical guidance with spiritual insights, emphasizing the critical role boundaries play in fostering health in relationships, personal well-being, and spiritual development. Drawing from bib…

Most people are naturally resistant to change, so how do you create a culture that's open and innovative? Brad Aycock, Director of Fresh Starts and New Beginnings for the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, has worked to do just that throughout the conference, and helped churches and leaders shift the culture within their own congr…

In this episode of our podcast, we delve into Callie Picardo's sermon "New Year's Rhythm - Slowing," based on Isaiah 40:28-31. Callie shares a personal story of overwhelming busyness and the need for slowing down in life. She challenges listeners to examine their own life pace, exploring themes of rest, renewal, and recovery. Drawing on the scriptu…

Discover the lost art of rest in our 'New Year's Rhythm Sabbath' podcast episode. We delve into the transformative power of observing the Sabbath, a practice deeply rooted in spiritual tradition yet often overlooked in our fast-paced world. Learn how embracing this day of rest, worship, and delight can combat the relentless pursuit of productivity …

In this podcast episode, we delve into the theme of "Simplicity" from Pastor Roz's sermon at Mosaic Church. Emphasizing the need for a simpler life, Pastor Roz shares his personal journey of transitioning from a fast-paced, multitasking lifestyle to embracing rhythms of Sabbath, simplicity, solitude, and slowing down. Drawing from the teachings of …

Instead of a New Year's resolution, what about a New Year's prayer, a prayer opening yourself up to God-possibilities and breakthroughs in your life? Author, pastor, and leader Sue Nilson Kibbey has helped countless individuals, churches, and groups add breakthrough prayers to their rhythm and seen God move in incredible ways. If you are ready for …

When crisis comes, the words that guided Jesus can be a guide to us. Pastor and author Jim Harnish unpacks some of these Old Testament words that grounded Jesus to provide insight for us today. It's one more way Jesus helps us find our bearings in life. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

In the concluding episode of our 'A Full Circle Christmas' series, we explore 'The Prophecy of a Ruler from Bethlehem.' This finale focuses on the powerful prophecy from Micah 5:2-4, predicting the birth of a ruler in the modest town of Bethlehem and its fulfillment as detailed in Matthew 2:1-12. This episode illuminates how this significant prophe…

In this episode of 'A Full Circle Christmas,' titled 'The Prophecy of a King,' we delve into the royal lineage of Jesus Christ. Unpacking the prophecy from 2 Samuel 7 and its fulfillment in Matthew 1:1-17, this episode highlights Jesus' descent from King David. We explore the genealogy of Christ, understanding how his kingly heritage was foretold a…

Continue your journey with 'A Full Circle Christmas' in the episode focused on 'The Prophecy of a Nazarene.' This enlightening segment explores the humble origins of Jesus in Nazareth, as prophesied in Isaiah and various other scriptures. We delve into how Jesus' life in Nazareth fulfills the ancient prophecies of the Messiah as the 'Branch,' symbo…

Embark on a spiritual journey with 'A Full Circle Christmas,' starting with the episode on 'The Virgin Birth Prophecy.' This podcast unveils the intricate tapestry of prophecy and fulfillment surrounding Jesus' birth. We trace Isaiah 7:14's prophecy of a virgin birth and its affirmation in Matthew 1:18-25, exploring the deep connections between the…

It's hard to stand out in a competitive job market, and it is also challenging to find the right person when you hire. Yet William Vanderbloemen, author, founder and CEO of The Vanderbloemen Search Group, found 12 habits that 30,000 top leaders share, that most anyone can learn to stand out from the rest. Join us as he shares insights from his new …

In the midst of the traditions and predictability of Christmas, what if God wants to surprise you? The first Christmas was full of surprises, both good and challenging. Author and Pastor Scott Chrostek joins us to unpack some of those surprises and invites us into a posture of openness with insights from his new book Advent: A Season of Surprises. …

This episode explores 'Handling Conflict,' inspired by Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15. We face conflicts daily, and our response shapes our growth and relationships. We examine how Paul and Barnabas managed their disagreement, extracting practical and spiritual lessons applicable in our lives. This sermon guides us in resolving conflicts with underst…

A powerful step deeper in the Christian faith is to explore the writings of the saints of the Church through the ages. Author and pastor Dr. Maxie Dunnam makes those writings accessible in his 40-day devotional Saints Alive. Who are some of those saints and what can we learn from them in our walk with God today as we live out our faith in community…

Being a lefty in a right-handed world is challenging, but there are many other challenges (for instance health, mental, relational, or organizational) that make life harder. What if instead of wishing the challenges away, you embraced the hand you were dealt with and grew? Author, pastor, and bishop, Dr. Lisa Weah helps us do just that as she joins…

In an increasingly disconnected world, author Shannan Martin offers simple ways to live as neighbors. It doesn't have to be fussy or complicated. Shannan takes the pressure off with practical and easy ways to build community from her book Start with Hello. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

How do you share your faith in a secular culture, more effectively make disciples of Jesus, and lead through hard times? As a pastor, author, and leader of the Dinner Church Collective for Fresh Expressions, Verlon Fosner has learned the power for all of that in the Jesus stories found in the Gospels. Join us as we rediscover our own excitement for…

Christmas is supposed to be filled with hope, joy, peace, and love, but often it's a time of worry, conflict, misery, and selfishness instead. Author and pastor, Dan Metzger shares insights from the first Christmas in his new book How (Not) to Ruin Christmas that reclaim Christmas. Join us and plan for a better Christmas this year. Support the show…

How do you know when you are experiencing a Kingdom moment that might be so defining it turns into a movement? What do you do if you feel stuck and like you keep missing those moments? Pastor and author of Kingdom Moments and Movements, Rev. Robert Glenn Johnson unpacks those questions and more, as well as their implications for leaders, parents, s…

Being a Christian is not about trying to be happy all the time. There is a deeper joy that comes from being real and going through healing. Counselor, life coach, author, and rapper, Holly Mutlu shares wisdom from her life and book Joy Is My Jam. Are you ready to move from toxic positivity to real joy? Support the show…

We often overcomplicate or avoid sharing our faith because we don't want to do it wrong. What if we are missing one simple element that will make it easy and effective? Bishop James Swanson shares wisdom to encourage and empower you as you share the Good News of Jesus Christ. He also gives a sneak peek of what he will share at the December 1st Holy…

How do you pick up the signal when God is calling? Shane Bishop shares practical ways to respond to the God "pings" in our lives and to set the groundwork spiritually to hear and heed God's voice. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

When was the last time you were astonished by God's Word? How has scripture transformed your life? Biblical studies professor and author, Dr. Brian Russell, shares wisdom and practical insights from his new book Astonished by the Word: Reading Scripture for Deep Transformation. He offers ideas for everyone from those new to the Bible to those who h…

Professor and Author Dr. Andy Miller III often skipped over the short book of the bible called Jude until he was challenged to go deeper. As he did, he discovered the richness of a contender for the faith who did so with a love, grace, and truth that helped strengthen the church and fellow believers. Support the show…

Dr. Mark Elliot's 'Taken by Surprise' delves deep into the Asbury Revival, tracing its spontaneous spiritual ignition on February 8 to its widespread impact. Through a rich tapestry of past revivals, personal testimonials, and the role of media from The Collegian to TikTok, Elliot captures the heart of worship, transformation, and the challenges of…

One of the myths that has gotten into the Christian faith is that God wants me to be happy. God doesn’t want you to be miserable, but the Lord has more in store for you than surface-level happiness. Rosario unpacks what that is this week on the Better Together Podcast. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

Does God still heal today? If so, what does that look like and how should Christians be praying for healing? More importantly, what are the "why-to's" that undergird the "how-to's" of healing ministry? Dr. Steve Seamands joins the Better Together Podcast to answer these questions and more that are unpacked in his newest book Follow the Healer. Supp…

Christians are called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, but many don't for fear of rejection or doing it wrong. Professor Jack Jackson shares a simple and practical framework for sharing our faith in the context of relationships. Is it possible to practice evangelism in a way that is authentic and effective? Support the show…

Bishop Sharma Lewis is a powerful woman of prayer. It has grounded her through the ups and downs of life, and she has seen God move in mighty ways. She shares some of her journey of prayer, and even how God has used the times where she did not get the results she hoped. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

What happens when the Church loses its focus on mission and how do you get it back? Dr. Lillian Smith tackles just that in her book Rooted Again: Re-Establishing Forgotten or Abandoned Connections with God and God's Kingdom Mandate. Learn how both clergy and laity can reconnect with God and make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of t…

Speaker, author, and therapist Estrella Rogers has a passion for helping clients develop healthy marriages. Whether your marriage is strong or struggling, Estrella shares wisdom and practical tools for couples at all levels to develop healthier relationships and fall in love all over again. Support the show…

What do you do when God asks you to do the impossible? What if God gives you a dreamer bigger than you can do on your own? Cassandra Kirkpatrick recently led a community recovery fest with several hundred people and multiple organizations that was completely free for people to attend. She shares transferable truths from her story to help others say…

As we celebrate Independence Day, the question is are you really free? And if you are, how does real freedom in Christ look different than the world's version of freedom? Join us as we explore what freedom in Christ does and doesn't mean and how you can experience God's freedom in greater measure. Support the show…

How do you live a life of faith in the midst of fear, depression, and opposition, and all life seems to through our way? Rosario shares insights from the life of the prophet Daniel as well as some of his own testimony. Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

Jesus had a half-brother named Judas, or Jude as many call him, who later came to faith and became a leader in the early Church. He wrote an often overlooked epistle in the bible that author Jerome Van Kuiken unpacks in his latest book The Judas We Never Knew. Join us as we learn more and discover what these words mean for Christians today. Support…

Kindness. It seems so simple, yet it can be so hard to practice and seems to be missing in our world and at times even in our churches. Entrepreneur, bestselling author, and international speaker Greg Atkinson joins us to share insights from his newly released book entitled The Secret Power of Kindness. Could this be the missing ingredient? Support…

How exactly do you receive the Holy Spirit? Author, speaker, and songwriter Dan Wilt joins us to share what he learned, what surprised him, and what he hoped for in writing Receive the Holy Spirit, a 70-day devotional designed to guide readers to greater intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Support the show…

What exactly happened at Asbury University in February 2023? Dr. David Thomas, Senior Advisor to New Room, was one of a team of people stewarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that started on February 8 and continued 24/7 for 16 days in the small town of Wilmore, KY. He joins us to share what they noticed the Lord doing and how we can cultivate…

How do you communicate love? It’s one thing to say the words “I love you,” but what do your other words and actions actually communicate? Professor, author, speaker, and consultant Dr. Walter R. Strickland II joins us to discuss ways to build trust and communicate love in close relationships with family and friends, in work or small group settings,…

After 100 episodes, we are learning a lot about being better together, what it means for us personally, our relationship with God and how we do life with others. Are these the things you would have guessed? Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo

The Holy Spirit is often misunderstood or misconstrued even among Christians. Wesley Biblical Seminary President and Professor Matt Ayars is the author of The Holy Spirit: An Introduction. He joins us to talk about the third person of the Trinity and how the Holy Spirit moves in the world to bring glory to Christ. Support the show…

What if you could change the world without changing your daily routine? Author, Pastor, and Visionary Dave Ferguson shares a simple, yet powerful and authentic way to share your faith. Evangelism does not have to be intimidating or weird. Dave shares five intentional ways to share God's life-changing love and grace. Support the show…

With courageous vulnerability, pastor Wes Olds tells the story of how God healed him from people pleasing, anger, breakdown, and burnout - and shows how you can live a life of true freedom, peace, and joy by reclaiming your identity as a child of God and person of worth. We all want to live with more peace and joy, but we get ambushed by anger, con…

You don't have to be a theologian to understand the doctrine of atonement. Author and theologian Josh McNall, unpacks what started as a bedtime question from his young daughter: how does Jesus actually save us by dying on the cross? Hear the Good News in a way that is accessible and easy to share with the world. Support the show…

How are Christians to live out their faith in the public square, beyond their front door? Pastor, author, and educator, Rev. Dr. F. Willis Johnson shares practical ways to do just that. Not all Christians will be called to run for office, but what might God be inviting you to do? Support the show由Callie and Rosario Picardo