This special Patreon episode is being released this week for everyone to access. For access to other episodes in the “The Misfits” series, go to www.patreon.com/eikonpodcast. This episode examines the challenge of feeling like a misfit in a spiritual community but also feeling known. Brian, Reggie, and Michael discuss a range of topics including the challenges of engaging in conversations, the dynamics of church culture, mental health struggles, and the obstacles faced by introverts in building relationships within a church community.

Takeaways
- The importance of creating a culture where individuals feel known and understood
- The need for time, effort, and grace in building meaningful relationships Engaging in conversations can be challenging, especially for introverts and those with low capacity for fellowship.
- Church culture presents obstacles for individuals with mental health struggles and introverted personalities.
- Navigating relationships within a church community requires understanding and empathy for the struggles of others.
- Showing love and being present for others is a powerful way to support those facing mental health challenges and introverted tendencies.

Chapters
00:00 - Navigating Social Interactions and Church Culture
11:49 - Understanding Introversion, Mental Health, and Chronic Illness
27:39 - Navigating Conversational Challenges
43:26 - Dynamics of Church Culture
49:55 - Mental Health Struggles and Relationships
53:15 - Obstacles Faced by Introverts

In this episode of the Eikon Podcast, Michael Burns is joined by his son Elijah Burns to discuss the concept of new creation. They explore the characteristics of new creation in Galatians, including the importance of image-bearing, the need for alternative wisdom, freedom from the powers, and the way of the cross. They also discuss the challenges of navigating old creation dynamics in church culture and Christian college campuses. Elijah shares his personal journey of breaking free from a checklist mentality and finding freedom in the new creation. They emphasize the importance of dialogue, questioning, and being open to struggle in the pursuit of new creation.

Takeaways
- New creation is characterized by image bearing, alternative wisdom, freedom from the powers, and the way of the cross.
- Old creation dynamics, such as checklist mentalities and rules-driven behavior, can hinder the experience of new creation.
- It is important to question and challenge beliefs and practices in order to align with the new creation.
- Engaging in dialogue and being open to struggle is essential in the pursuit of new creation.
- The younger generation is focused on activism and justice and resonates with the idea of being part of creating change.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and Special Guest
04:07 - Exploring the Characteristics of New Creation
13:12 - Navigating Old Creation Dynamics in Church Culture
37:23 - The Importance of Dialogue and Struggle in New Creation
45:12 - The Younger Generation's Focus on Activism and Justice

Gianna and Michael discuss the concept of new creation and how it relates to the Christian life. They explore the idea that the struggles and hardships in life can lead to growth and transformation. They also discuss the importance of living a life that is focused on God's wisdom and not the world's standards of success. The conversation highlights the need for Christians to live in a way that is different from the world and to be ambassadors of reconciliation.

Takeaways
- The Christian life is not always easy or pleasant, but it is a life of sacrifice and struggle.
- The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of living as new creations.
- Living by faith, not by sight, is essential in the Christian life. Struggles and hardships can lead to growth and transformation in the Christian life.
- Living a life focused on God's wisdom rather than the world's standards of success is important.
- Christians are called to live in a way that is different from the world and to be ambassadors of reconciliation.

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
14:53 - Living as New Creations: Sacrifice and Struggle
25:45 - The Role of the Holy Spirit in New Creation
27:43 - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
29:37 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion
35:33 - The Transformative Power of Struggles and Hardships
38:36 - Being Ambassadors of Reconciliation
43:46 - The Power of Living as a New Creation in Christ