Send us a text

When we hear the word "church," most of us picture a building with pews facing a stage. But what if that image bears little resemblance to what Jesus and the apostles actually established?

Matt Anderson takes us on a journey back to the earliest Christian communities, revealing how the church was designed to function as a family rather than an institution. Drawing from over 20 years of ministry experience and deep study of the Book of Acts, Matt shows how the first believers gathered around meals in homes, creating intimate communities where discipleship, worship, and mission naturally flowed from their relationships.

The conversation challenges our modern assumptions about church structure and practice. We explore how the Lord's Supper was originally a full feast shared around a table, not just symbolic elements passed in tiny cups. We discover how early church gatherings were multi-generational, with older believers intentionally mentoring younger ones rather than segregating by age. And we examine how resources were shared generously to advance the gospel rather than maintaining expensive buildings and professional staff.

Perhaps most compelling is the reminder that Jesus said the world would recognize his followers not by their buildings, programs, or even their preaching, but by their love for one another. This profound truth suggests that our greatest evangelistic strategy isn't inviting people to services but inviting them into authentic, Christ-centered relationships.

This isn't about abandoning our current church experiences but about thoughtfully examining whether some of our traditions have drifted from biblical patterns. Matt's insights will inspire you to reimagine what church could be when built on the foundation of family relationships rather than institutional structures.

Subscribe now and discover what it might look like to recover the vibrant, intimate church community that turned the ancient world upside down. And stay tuned for Matt's upcoming podcast "Guarding the Good Deposit," exploring apostolic traditions from Christianity's first three centuries.

Follow and connect with Matt on social:

https://substack.com/@matthewdandersen
https://www.facebook.com/matthewdandersen/
https://www.instagram.com/matthewdandersen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewdandersen/
https://bio.site/mattandersennj

Subscribe and tell a friend!

Get my book "The Seven Disciplines of Uncommon Freedom" on Amazon!

Visit bekandkev.com today to sign up for our email newsletter.

Access our Ideal Health Map HERE

Send us a text

When Ryan Centers and his wife Sarah felt called to adopt a sibling group of five children from foster care, they knew their comfortable life with teenage children would be forever transformed. What they couldn't anticipate was how this decision would crystallize their family's mission and purpose in profound ways.

As leaders of multiple businesses serving vulnerable populations – from group homes for foster youth to residential facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities and luxury senior living – the Centers have created an uncommon family culture centered on teamwork, purpose, and kingdom impact. Their growing team of 400+ staff is making waves across Arizona while their family of eleven children (two biological, nine adopted) serves as the beating heart of their vision.

"Centers do hard things" isn't just a motivational phrase hung in their home gym – it's the foundation of their parenting philosophy. From 6 AM workouts with teenage sons to entrepreneurial ventures like their family snow cone business, Ryan intentionally creates opportunities for his children to develop grit and resilience. Unlike many modern parents who shield their children from difficulty, Ryan believes today's "anxious generation" suffers partly from lack of appropriate challenges.

This counter-cultural approach extends to technology management: no cell phones until high school, no social media until graduation, and tech-free Sundays. While initially met with resistance, these boundaries have created space for authentic connection and conversation. Ryan has witnessed the transformation when young people learn to make eye contact, engage in difficult conversations, and discover purpose beyond screens.

Perhaps most distinctive is Ryan's vision of family as a "kingdom team on mission" rather than individuals pursuing separate dreams under one roof. Through family meetings, service activities, and shared business ventures, the Centers operate as a cohesive unit working toward common goals. This mission extends beyond their immediate family through Friends of Ohana, their nonprofit helping foster youth develop workforce skills and independence.

Ready to rethink what family culture and intentional parenting can look like? This episode will challenge your assumptions while offering practical wisdom for creating a household that builds both character and kingdom impact. Visit ohanafriends.org to support their mission or join their upcoming Foster the Future golf tournament on September 19th https://www.ohanafriends.org/events/golf-tournament.

Subscribe and tell a friend!

Get my book "The Seven Disciplines of Uncommon Freedom" on Amazon!

Visit bekandkev.com today to sign up for our email newsletter.

Access our Ideal Health Map HERE

Send us a text

What happens when you find yourself unable to climb a fence while hunting, handing your rifle and pack to your friend because your weight makes simple outdoor activities impossible? For Brad Taysom, this humbling moment became the catalyst for an extraordinary transformation.

Brad shares his powerful journey of losing approximately 70 pounds and completely reshaping his health metrics in ways that extend far beyond the scale. His visceral fat dropped from dangerously high levels to well within healthy range, body fat percentage plummeted from an obese 39.8% to a lean 14.3%, and he shed 73 pounds of actual body fat while maintaining muscle mass.

The conversation explores Brad's first successful weight loss journey years ago when he lost over 100 pounds and became immersed in CrossFit, achieving 10% body fat. However, as life grew complicated with home renovations, growing family responsibilities, and the pandemic, his health gradually took a back seat. The weight returned, bringing with it diminished energy and capability.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Brad's vulnerability about the pride that kept him from seeking help sooner and the mindset shifts that have made his current transformation more sustainable. He offers practical wisdom about creating lasting health habits despite rotating work shifts, family obligations, and major home projects. As he eloquently puts it, "You choose the right, you're going to feel good... I find a lot of similarities between health and fitness journeys and spiritual journeys."

For anyone who has achieved health goals only to see them slip away, or who feels too busy to prioritize their wellbeing, Brad's experience offers both inspiration and practical strategies. His story reminds us that reclaiming our health isn't just about looking better—it's about living fully and being present for the people and passions that matter most.

Ready to transform your own health? Learn about the Optavia program that helped Brad achieve his remarkable results and receive a special discount when you mention this episode. If you haven’t already had a conversation with an Optavia coach and are interested in learning more, you can go to bekandkev.com, or go directly to bekandkev.com/get-healthy for the link to our quick health assessment that will help you start the conversation with us or one of our qualified coaches. Anyone who signs up for a full month on our program (minimum of $350) and references this podcast with Brad Taysom will get a $50 credit from us to help them get started at even bigger savings!

Subscribe and tell a friend!

Get my book "The Seven Disciplines of Uncommon Freedom" on Amazon!

Visit bekandkev.com today to sign up for our email newsletter.

Access our Ideal Health Map HERE