The Ordinary Christian Podcast

Craig Thompson
  • 4.9 (31)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

A podcast dedicated to real people like you, seeking to live out your Christian faith in the ordinary aspects of everyday life.

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 172: Navigating Relationships with Unbelieving Family Members

    In this episode, Craig explores how believers can navigate relationships with family members who do not share their faith, emphasizing the importance of honor, love, and respectful communication. He offers practical advice on handling difficult family dynamics while staying true to Christian principles. Key Topics The importance of honoring parents according to biblical commandsBalancing love and truth in family conversationsHandling disagreements and differences in beliefPraying for family members and interceding on their behalfThe role of the church as a spiritual family for believersRespecting generational differences and boundariesResponding with humility and grace during family gatheringsWriting letters as a form of respectful communication Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Navigating Family Relationships as a Believer 01:53 Responsibilities of Young Adults Living at Home 04:12 Biblical Commands to Honor Parents 06:10 The Church as a Family for Believers 07:57 Dealing with Family Members Who Are Not Christians 10:12 Handling Differences in Belief and Faith Traditions 12:05 Responding Gracefully to Family Challenges 14:00 Praying for Family and Interceding Effectively 15:53 Speaking the Truth in Love to Family 17:49 The Power of Prayer and Letter Writing 20:13 Balancing Honor and Boundaries in Family Relationships 21:52 The Importance of Leaving and Cleaving in Marriage 23:47 Conclusion: Walking in Love and Grace with Family

    Episode 172: Navigating Relationships with Unbelieving Family Members

  2. Sep 24

    Episode 171: Give Gen Z a Church Family, Not a Church Experience

    In this episode, we explore the loneliness epidemic among Generation Z, the role of the church in fostering community, and practical ways to combat isolation through faith and fellowship. Key Topics The loneliness epidemic and its impact on Gen ZThe distinction between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ within Generation ZThe importance of church fellowship and communityBiblical foundations of fellowship and love among believersPractical steps for churches to create inclusive, vibrant communitiesThe missional opportunity of the church to reach lonely individualsHow to find and engage with a healthy church communityThe significance of intergenerational relationships in spiritual growth Takeaways Loneliness affects all generations but is especially acute among Gen Z.The church is uniquely positioned to be a solution to loneliness through authentic fellowship.Healthy community begins with the church as a vibrant, welcoming environment.Fellowship in Christ is central to the church’s identity and mission.Leaders should emphasize the relational aspects of church life to attract and retain members.Non-churchgoers often seek genuine community and can be reached through church fellowship.Simple acts like inviting someone to church or praying with them can have profound impacts. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and recent episodes overview 00:30 The focus on loneliness and community in the church 01:50 Is Gen Z the loneliest generation? Exploring the facts 03:13 The cultural stereotypes of Gen Z and their realities 04:35 The distinction between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in Gen Z 06:01 Loneliness as a lived experience, not a necessity 07:27 The importance of community for personal success 08:20 Church as a launching pad for community and opportunity 09:19 The biblical foundation of fellowship and koinonia 10:17 Fellowship as an apologetic and a witness to the world 12:10 The church’s historical role as a community builder 13:06 The church as the household of God and a place of refuge 14:28 Real stories of community and belonging in local churches 15:54 Encouragement for church leaders to foster vibrant communities 16:24 Practical advice for individuals seeking community in church 18:19 The church’s role in addressing societal division and isolation 19:14 The power of small acts and invitations to transform lives 20:11 Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners

    Episode 171: Give Gen Z a Church Family, Not a Church Experience

  3. Sep 18

    Episode 170: Be the Man You Want to Become--Start Leading Now

    In this episode, Craig encourages men to stay engaged in their faith and responsibilities despite life’s busyness and temptations. It can be tempting to put off becoming the man you hope be, but a better approach is to work today to be the man you want to become. You can lead now, but leadership begins with leading yourself. This episode draws from biblical examples and Christian history to highlight God’s faithfulness and the importance of resisting idols and temptations. Key Topics The importance of staying engaged in faith during busy seasonsBiblical examples of idol worship and its dangersThe promise of God’s way of escape from temptationThe role of men as spiritual leaders and protectorsThe danger of disengagement and the idol of comfortPractical ways to lead and serve in family and churchEncouragement for young men to pursue spiritual growthThe significance of community and accountability in overcoming temptationTakeaways God will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, and He provides a way out.Men are called to lead their families and communities with love and responsibility.Disengagement and comfort are idols that can hinder spiritual growth.Biblical history shows that all men face similar temptations, and God’s faithfulness is sure.Practical steps include reading the Bible daily, leading in church, and seeking accountability.Sound Bites “God is faithful and He will provide a way out.”“No temptation is overtaking you that is not common to man.”“There is a way out, and God promises to show it.”Chapters 00:00 Introduction and encouragement for men in busy seasons 02:21 The danger of checking out and disengagement 03:47 Idols and the pursuit of satisfaction apart from Christ 05:39 The danger of sexual immorality and temptation 07:35 Viewing blessings as burdens and the importance of gratitude 09:27 Warnings from biblical history and avoiding pitfalls 12:47 God’s promise of a way of escape from temptation 16:34 The idol of comfort and the call to leadership 19:57 The importance of community, accountability, and perseverance 24:46 Final encouragement and call to action for men to engage in their faith

    Episode 170: Be the Man You Want to Become--Start Leading Now

  4. Sep 10

    Episode 169: We Need to Talk About Gluttony

    In this episode, Craig explores the often overlooked sin of gluttony, its biblical roots, cultural acceptance, and practical steps for overcoming it. This conversation encourages honest self-examination and spiritual growth in the pursuit of holiness. We need to talk about gluttony, but we need to do even more than that. We need to battle with gluttony! Key Topics Biblical definitions of gluttonyCultural acceptance of gluttonyHistorical views on gluttony in the churchPractical steps to combat gluttonyThe importance of accountability and barriersDistinction between feasting and gluttonySpiritual significance of self-control Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the topic of gluttony and its importance 02:00 Biblical warnings about poverty and shame linked to gluttony 04:52 The myth of the Roman vomitorium and its falsehood 09:04 The importance of recognizing gluttony as a sin 09:29 Distinguishing between feasting and gluttony 10:28 Practical steps: seeking accountability and building barriers 13:48 The difference between wrestling with and cuddling with sin 14:47 The cultural tendency to accept gluttony and avoid hard conversations 15:17 The spiritual call to confront and overcome gluttony 16:43 Encouragement to fight sin and witness Christ’s love

    Episode 169: We Need to Talk About Gluttony

  5. Sep 4

    Episode 168: Nice Churches Finish Last

    In this episode, Craig discusses how to choose a biblical church, emphasizing the importance of truth, kindness, and long-term commitment. He explores the differences between niceness and kindness, and why churches must prioritize biblical fidelity over superficial politeness. Key Topics The importance of truth in churchDifference between niceness and kindnessLong-term commitment to a churchBiblical standards for church healthThe role of truth and kindness in spiritual growthChurch culture and biblical fidelityThe danger of ‘nice’ churches that avoid conflictThe necessity of confronting sin in loveThe impact of culture on church practicesThe importance of preaching the gospel clearly Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 01:52 Why many people are nervous about visiting a church 02:47 How to choose a church for the long term 04:11 The difference between niceness and kindness 07:59 Why nice churches often fail to be biblical 08:52 The importance of speaking the truth in love 09:49 Confronting sin and the role of conflict in a healthy church 12:00 The danger of prioritizing niceness over biblical fidelity 12:58 Why churches must speak the truth regardless of culture 13:57 The fruit of the Spirit and church culture 14:57 The importance of clinging to God’s Word 15:54 The church’s role in calling people to repentance 16:51 Preaching the gospel and the need for truth 17:50 How to identify a biblical church 18:48 Encouragement to seek a church that prioritizes truth and kindness 19:46 Closing remarks and call to action

    Episode 168: Nice Churches Finish Last

  6. Aug 28

    Episode 167: Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham

    In this episode, Dr. Matthew Bingham discusses the biblical and reformed approach to spiritual formation, emphasizing the importance of God’s Word, meditation, and self-examination in growing as a Christian. He shares insights from his book A Heart Aflame for God and explores how historical Puritan practices can enrich modern faith. The podcast concludes with a reminder that you don’t always have to make spiritual growth difficult. Read God’s word, pray, meditate, gather with God’s people, and watch the Holy Spirit change your life. Quotes: “The Christian life is a growing life.”“Knowing more about God leads to loving God more.”“You can’t fight sin if you’re unaware of it.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 03:15 Defining spiritual formation biblically 07:25 The role of the Spirit and active participation 09:37 The influence of Catholic and Orthodox traditions 12:10 The danger of blending voices from different traditions 14:12 The Puritans’ true character and joy 16:22 Misconceptions about Puritan dourness 17:04 The richness of Puritan devotional literature 19:00 Depth versus affections in spiritual growth 20:07 Balancing head knowledge and heart engagement 22:11 The biblical basis for knowing and loving God 24:00 The Word-centered approach of the Reformation 25:20 Living biblically in a complex world 29:54 The importance of meditation on God’s Word 32:47 Meditation as transforming the mind and heart 35:24 Self-examination and fighting sin effectively 38:24 The danger of ignoring small sins 41:18 Personal responsibility in sin and repentance 43:25 Using biblical truths to safeguard relationships 45:42 Final encouragement to keep simple and biblical

    Episode 167: Spiritual Formation with Matthew Bingham

  7. Aug 20

    Episode 166: Tips for a Panic-Free Church Visit

    In this episode, Craig shares practical tips to help first-time church visitors overcome their fears and feel welcomed. Whether you’re visiting a church for the first time in a long while or inviting someone new, these insights make the experience less intimidating. Key Topics What to wear when visiting a churchHow to arrive early and find a seatWhat to do with children during serviceHow to navigate church service for first-timersThe importance of church community and welcoming gesturesSound Bites “Nobody’s judging you. They’re just so thankful you’re there.”“Most churches will love your baby like it’s their own.”“God has given us the great commission to share the gospel.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming fears of visiting a church 02:21 Church culture: Judging vs. welcoming 04:44 Arriving early and finding your seat 07:31 Preparing for your first visit: Bible and outfit 11:20 Visiting with children and managing their needs 14:40 Connecting with church members and leaving 17:31 Encouragement for inviting others to church 18:01 The church’s role in welcoming newcomers 18:59 The importance of sharing the gospel and making disciples 19:24 Closing thoughts: Using everyday tools to share faith

    Episode 166: Tips for a Panic-Free Church Visit

  8. Aug 13

    Episode 165: Church-Based Sports Ministry with Travis Vaughn

    In this episode, Travis Vaughn from Upward Sports shares insights on how sports can be a powerful tool for community outreach and faith-based ministry. We explore the impact of youth and adult sports, the shift away from travel sports, and practical ways churches can leverage sports to reach unchurched families. Key Topics Upward Sports mission and impactTransition from youth to adult sportsCommunity outreach through sportsChallenges of travel and elite sportsMarathon training and faithChurch involvement in sports facilitiesTitles How Upward Sports Is Changing Community OutreachUsing Sports to Reach Unchurched FamiliesSound Bites “Upward equips churches to run sports in their community”“Sports as an opportunity for intentional outreach”“Travel sports are a problem in America”Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Travis Vaughn and Upward Sports 01:13 Travis Vaughn’s Personal and Professional Background 02:37 What is Upward Sports and Its Mission 04:00 How Sports Facilitate Community and Church Outreach 05:18 The Move into Adult Sports and Upward Running 08:29 Travis Vaughn’s Running Journey and Marathon Qualification 12:20 Upward’s Shift from Travel Sports to Local Church Focus 16:22 The Business Model of Upward Sports and Its Evolution 20:16 Concerns About Travel Sports and Church Engagement 22:28 The Impact of Private Equity in Youth Sports 30:54 Community Building Through Local Sports Leagues 32:34 Most Popular Upward Sport and Facility Utilization 34:49 Travis Vaughn’s Boston Marathon Experience 35:32 Training for the Boston Marathon and Personal Fitness 40:33 Key Takeaways on Sports and Faith Ministry Upward Sports Official WebsiteUpward Running PodcastFind a Local Upward Sports LeagueLinkedInTwitter

    Episode 165: Church-Based Sports Ministry with Travis Vaughn
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A podcast dedicated to real people like you, seeking to live out your Christian faith in the ordinary aspects of everyday life.

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