In my conversation, with Heath Hardesty, pastor, and author of All Things Together:How Apprenticeship to Jesus Is the Way of Flourishing in a Fragmented World.

Heath explores the profound effects of sin on humanity, emphasizing how it dehumanizes individuals and obscures the beauty of the world. He discusses the importance of being in a relationship with the Creator to process grief and cultivate gratitude, which are essential for true joy. We talk about how fiction informs reality and how stories help us better understand the world. Heath is able to show through his new book, how apprenticeship is the way we are formed.

Takeaways

Sin compresses us and desaturates the beauty from the world.
We become wonder blind due to sin.
Healthy processing of grief is possible when our heart is aligned with God.
Lamenting can be a healthy expression of grief.
Offering our grief to God allows for redemption and transformation.
Gratitude is essential for experiencing true joy.
A relationship with the Creator is fundamental for healing.
Without gratitude, joy cannot exist in the human soul.
The great Giver provides us with reasons to be thankful.
Healing comes through connection with God.

In my conversation with J.R. Briggs the author of The Art of Asking Better Questions:Pursuing Stronger Relationships, Healthier Leadership, and Deeper Faith.

J.R. discusses the transformative power of asking better questions and how they can lead to deeper relationships, personal growth, and a more integrated life. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality, curiosity, and the role of questions in fostering community and connection.

Through personal anecdotes and insights, J.R. illustrates how living with arrows pointing out—focusing on others—can create a more fulfilling and joyful existence. He also explores the neuroscience behind questions, the four levels of questioning, and how Jesus exemplified the art of inquiry in his ministry.

Dr. J.R. Briggs is the founder of Kairos Partnerships, a coaching and consulting firm dedicated to equipping leaders through the intersection of spiritual formation and actionable leadership. An author of 15 books and host of the Resilient Leaders podcast, he also serves as a university instructor and denominational director.

Takeaways

Asking better questions can lead to deeper relationships.
Hospitality is a healing practice that benefits both the host and the guest.
Living with arrows pointing out encourages selflessness and community engagement.
Curiosity is essential for personal growth and understanding others.
Questions can transform conversations and create connections.
The four levels of questions help deepen interactions and understanding.
Jesus modeled the importance of asking questions in his ministry.
Celebration and joy are vital components of community and relationships.
Living an integrated life requires awareness of our masks and vulnerabilities.
Depth in conversations is more valuable than efficiency.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of J.R. Briggs
02:16 Cultural Roots and the Power of Food
05:32 The Importance of Hospitality and Community
07:14 Living with Arrows Pointing Out
10:04 Celebration and Joy in Life
12:39 Transforming Self-Criticism into Curiosity
15:52 The Art of Asking Better Questions
18:11 Curiosity as an Invitation
20:49 The Impact of Questions on Our Brains
22:49 Four Levels of Questions
31:13 Vulnerability in Asking Deeper Questions
34:26 Jesus and the Power of Questions
37:33 The Power of Questions in Engagement
39:45 Jesus as a Model for Asking Questions
41:17 The Depth of Questions vs. Answers
44:16 Inefficiency vs. Effectiveness in Leadership
46:30 The Importance of Asking Questions
48:35 Rediscovering Curiosity and Playfulness
52:52 The Impact of Questions on Personal Growth
56:07 Living an Integrated Life Through Questions

I interview Jared Ayers, head pastor at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach, and author of You Can Trust a God with Scars: Faith (and Doubt) for the Searching Soul. We discuss the profound impact of shared meals, the significance of the incarnation in understanding human suffering, and the importance of honesty within Christian communities. We explore themes of hope, the illusion of control, the reality of sin, and the necessity of dignity in relationships. Ayers also emphasizes the need for vulnerability and authenticity in faith, encouraging listeners to embrace their struggles and foster inclusive communities.

Takeaways

Meals are a reflection of our shared stories.
The incarnation shows God's deep understanding of human suffering.
Hope comes from knowing we are not alone in our pain.
Navigating loss requires community support and understanding.
We often live under the illusion of control in our lives.
Christianity addresses the reality of sin and human condition.
Honesty about our struggles fosters a healthier community.
Dignifying others is essential for building inclusive spaces.
Wrestling with faith and doubt is a normal part of life.
Living an integrated life means embracing all aspects of our experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Jared Ayers
02:36 The Significance of Meals and Shared Experiences
05:28 The Incarnation and Its Implications
11:24 Understanding Suffering Through the Life of Jesus
17:16 Finding Hope in Shared Pain
23:15 Navigating Life's Challenges with Receptivity
24:14 Letting Go of Control
26:00 Understanding Sin and Its Impact
28:57 The Importance of Honesty in Faith
32:06 The Power of Grace in Community
34:53 Leading with Vulnerability
37:42 Dignifying Others in a Divided World
40:49 Wrestling with Faith and Doubt
45:31 Living an Integrated Life