theFormed.life

Christ Community Church - KC

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Christianity
Updated Semiweekly

Conversations to inspire habits of whole-life discipleship that equip you to more thoughtfully and consistently be formed by God’s word and God’s ways with God’s people. The Formed Life is a resource brought to you by Christ Community Church in Kansas City. This podcast also contains audio readings of our written blogs that can be found on our website at cckc.church/blog.

5d ago

POD 078 | Serving the Least of These with Jack & Candy Houghton

Serving the Least of These | POD 078 Hosts: Paul Brandes Guests: Jack & Candy Houghton Introduction In this episode, Paul Brandes talks with Jack and Candy Houghton of Relentless Prison Ministry about their journey into prison ministry, the transformative power of grace and forgiveness among incarcerated men, and how they witness lives being changed inside Lansing Correctional Facility. 3 Main Takeaways 1) Transformation and Community Behind Bars Jack and Candy share powerful stories of inmates finding purpose, forgiveness, and faith through the work of Relentless Prison Ministry, especially within Building A5, which has become a model of positive community and transformation within Lansing Correctional Facility. 2) Forgiveness is Central Many incarcerated individuals struggle to forgive themselves or believe they can be forgiven, but through programs like trauma healing classes and genuine one-on-one connections, Jack emphasizes that realizing God’s forgiveness is a pivotal moment that often leads to personal growth and a desire to help others. 3) Anyone Can Make a Difference Candy encourages listeners not to be afraid of volunteering and to be open to seeing where God leads them, highlighting that practical needs range from teaching and spiritual support to simply spending time with residents, playing games, or sharing music and events. Resources https://relentlesspm.org Timestamps 01:05: Jack Houghton shares his origin story—how losing his wife and asking, “What now, Lord?” led to his first experience inside a prison and his calling into prison ministry. 04:53: Jack describes the development of A5, their unique pod within the prison focused on community and transformation, and the philosophy behind welcoming residents. 09:01: Jack explains the transformative power of Jesus’ name within the prison, detailing how gang members are released from their gangs if they truly follow Jesus. 12:11: Jack recounts a pivotal story of forgiveness and transformation, where a resident chooses to forgive a personal wrong rather than seek revenge. 25:40: Jack tells a moving story about a resident’s trauma from childhood and how the ministry helped him move toward healing and family reconciliation. Keywords Prison ministry, Relentless Prison Ministry, Lansing Correctional Facility, Transformation, Forgiveness, Second chances, Community, Trauma healing, Grace, Incarceration, Volunteers, Rehabilitation, Faith, Gang activity, Redemption
Sep 17

POD 077 | Following Jesus in Life with Keas Keasler

Title Following Jesus in Life | POD 077 Hosts: Jacob Nannie & Paul Brandes Guests: Keas Keasler Introduction In this episode, Paul Brandes and Jacob Nannie interview Keas Keasler about his book Kingdom Apprenticeship, exploring Dallas Willard’s ideas on spiritual formation, apprenticeship to Jesus, and how these concepts impact everyday life and the church’s mission. 3 Main Takeaways 1) Apprenticeship to Jesus Over Sin Management Keas Keasler stresses that Dallas Willard's core invitation is not just practicing spiritual disciplines or managing sin, but becoming apprentices to Jesus—a "learning friendship with a living person" that shapes both individual character and community (06:40, 10:28). 2) Integration of Spiritual Formation and Missional Living A key motivation for Keas Keasler's book, Kingdom Apprenticeship, was to bridge the often separate worlds of spiritual formation and missional living, helping Christians see that true transformation involves both inward change and outward engagement (02:20, 06:17). 3) Everyday Life as Spiritual Formation The episode highlights Willard’s “Golden Triangle” concept, especially the idea that ordinary life events and daily decisions are crucial to spiritual growth. Apprenticeship happens not just in church or through disciplines, but in how we live and make choices in all of life, especially in the mundane "Monday world" (31:05, 32:21). Resources Kingdom Apprenticeship The Divine Conspiracy The Spirit of the Disciplines Timestamps 01:24: Paul Brandes asks Keas Keasler about the motivation behind writing Kingdom Apprenticeship and what the core invitation is in Dallas Willard's work that the church needs to recover. 06:40: Keas explains that Dallas Willard was ultimately about apprenticeship to Jesus, not just spiritual disciplines, highlighting the need for real-life apprenticeship as key to personal and societal transformation. 10:28: Keas introduces the concept of "intelligent mysticism," describing a relational, experiential knowing of Jesus rather than just knowing about him. 31:05: Keas describes Dallas Willard’s "Golden Triangle” of spiritual formation, emphasizing the role of ordinary events of life (not just spiritual disciplines) in forming character and apprenticeship to Jesus. 35:09: Keas discusses the difference between merely trying and intentional training in spiritual life, using examples from athletics and the civil rights movement to illustrate the importance of training for Christlike character. Keywords Dallas Willard, Spiritual formation, Missional vision, Apprenticeship, Discipleship, Character formation, Intelligent mysticism, Kingdom Apprenticeship, Learning friendship, Community Holy Spirit, Spiritual disciplines, Ordinary life, Mentoring, Training vs. trying
Sep 10

POD 076 | Fall Rhythms with Deb Tosh & Carolyn Poage

Fall Rhythms | POD 076 Hosts: Jacob Nannie Guests: Carolyn Poage & Deb Tosh Introduction This episode explores how the arrival of fall brings shifts in routines and busyness, especially with the start of the school year. Carolyn, a pastor and mom of three, and Deb, a retired school nurse and grandmother, discuss how to stay connected to God amid hectic schedules, competing responsibilities, and changing life seasons. The conversation highlights the importance of grace, presence, and sustainable spiritual rhythms, offering practical insights for navigating both the demands and blessings of fall. 3 Main Takeaways 1. Embrace Grace, Not Perfection, in Spiritual Rhythms Both Carolyn and Deb emphasize that connecting with God doesn’t require rigid routines or perfection. During busy seasons, especially in the fall, it’s important to let go of unrealistic expectations—whether for ourselves or our families—and to instead seek God in the everyday moments, embracing grace even when our spiritual practices don’t look ideal (05:02, 25:26). 2. Ordinary Life Is Where Connection with God Happens Everyday activities—driving kids, walking outside, or even the stresses of work—can become cues for prayer and gratitude. Both speakers describe how God meets us in these ordinary, sometimes chaotic, moments, and that discipleship often happens in small, daily interactions rather than set-apart, uninterrupted times (08:00, 09:00, 10:01). 3. Community Is Essential in All Seasons The conversation underscores how friends, church groups, mentors, and intergenerational relationships provide practical and spiritual support, especially when personal rhythms feel inconsistent. Being open, visible, and plugged into community isn't just helpful—it’s foundational for encouragement, accountability, and experiencing communal grace (18:44, 19:54, 22:44). Resources Lamentations 3:22–23, referenced by Carolyn as a reminder of God's steadfast love and new mercies each day (27:28). Matthew 11:28–30, referenced by Deb as a comfort for those who are weary, emphasizing coming to Jesus with burdens (27:54). Timestamps 05:02 — Carolyn reflects on the difference between life-giving spiritual rhythms and spiritual performance, emphasizing God's desire for connection over achievement. 07:15 — Deb shares how she experienced God's presence during her work as a school nurse, especially through coworkers and everyday moments. 09:09 — Carolyn describes transforming the stress of busy afternoons driving her kids by intentionally inviting God into those moments and creating a liturgy for school pickup. 12:07 — Deb discusses what she wishes she had understood about God’s sovereignty, busyness, and faithfulness during her working years. 24:21 — Deb and Carolyn offer one small, sustainable spiritual practice for fall, along with encouragement to release unrealistic expectations. Keywords Fall, Rhythms, Routine, Busyness, Grace, Spiritual rhythms, God's presence, School year Prayer, Community, Rest, Seasons, Family, Slowing down, Spiritual practices
Aug 27

POD 075 | Jonah, Mission, and the Heart of God with Gloria Van Den Bosch

Introduction Gloria Van Den Bosch joins our conversation focusing on global mission, cross-cultural ministry, and understanding the heart of God for people from every nation. One concept discussed was how the story of Jonah challenges personal biases about who deserves mercy and highlights God's compassion toward all people. The discussion explores personal experiences in vocational mission, the importance of being available to serve both locally and globally, and practical ways to live with a mission mindset wherever one is placed. 3 Main Takeaways 1) God’s Mercy Extends Beyond Boundaries Jonah’s story reminds us that God’s mercy is not limited by our personal preferences, prejudices, or sense of justice. He pursues and loves people we might avoid or struggle to care for, and calls us to do the same—even with those who have hurt us or whom we see as enemies. This challenges us to wrestle honestly with our own hearts and to ask if we truly desire mercy for all people, not just those like us (02:13). 2) Mission Starts at Home Successful vocational missionaries are those who are already serving and loving people where they are. Churches play a vital role by equipping and supporting individuals (17:45). 3) Every Christian Is Called to Be on Mission—Here or There A mission mindset is not reserved solely for those who go overseas. All followers of Jesus are invited to be faithful wherever God has placed them—whether as parents, coworkers, friends, or neighbors. This means being intentional about noticing and serving others, building relationships with those who might be overlooked, and praying for people both locally and globally. Prayer, in particular, is highlighted (20:27). Resourceshttps://reachglobal.ministries.efca.org/ Timestamps 02:13 – Gloria reflects on what the book of Jonah teaches about God's heart for mercy that extends beyond our personal preferences and prejudices, challenging listeners to wrestle with their own willingness to see God love those they've struggled to love. 04:16 – Gloria recounts the unexpected call into cross-cultural mission, describing the pivotal church presentation that changed her family’s direction toward serving in Romania. 15:56 – Gloria discusses the lack of preparation and models for missionary care when she and her husband began, and how their journey shaped their later work assessing and training missionaries. 20:27 – Gloria offers practical advice for developing a mission mindset wherever you are: noticing who God might want you to see, being intentional in prayer, and redefining success as faithfulness rather than busyness. 23:07 – Gloria challenges listeners to build relationships with overlooked people and those they might consider enemies, emphasizing that God’s heart and mission are broader than our own comfort zones. Keywords Mission, Jonah, Mercy, Cross-cultural, Romania, Calling, Vocational missionary, Prayer, Church planting, Support, Discernment, Compassion, Training, Community, Faithfulness
Aug 13

POD 074 | Faithful Justice with John Inazu

This podcast conversation focuses on the concept of justice from a Christian perspective, exploring its biblical roots, especially in the Old Testament prophets, and its relevance in public life. A key theme that emerges is the idea of “proximate justice”—the recognition that perfect justice is unattainable in this world and must be combined with hope in God’s ultimate justice. The discussion explores the limits and importance of law, the responsible role of Christians in politics, and the necessity of disagreeing with empathy and respect. 3 Main Takeaways 1. Justice Must Be Paired with Hope The conversation focuses on the biblical grounding of justice, emphasizing that ultimate justice is only fully realized in a future hope. Worldly justice, no matter how well-intentioned, is always imperfect and incomplete. The discussion explores the idea that Christians should anchor their understanding of justice on the promises of God and an eschatological vision rather than expecting perfect outcomes in this life (00:00:00, 00:05:25). 2. The Limits and Importance of Law and Politics A key theme that emerges is the necessary yet limited role of law and political engagement in pursuing justice. Law is vital for human flourishing and protecting the vulnerable, but it is inherently coercive and cannot bear the full weight of the kingdom of God. Several points are raised, including the dangers of investing ultimate hope in political outcomes and the reminder that Christians’ ultimate allegiance is not to any nation or political party (00:08:39, 00:11:07, 00:29:06). 3. Forgiveness and Empathy are Central to Faithful Public Life One concept discussed is the necessity of forgiveness and empathy in addressing injustice and navigating disagreements. Justice is advanced not only through laws or policies but through the everyday, sometimes small, practices of making things right and extending forgiveness—even in situations where perfect justice isn’t attainable. The discussion explores empathy—not as full identification with another, but as a Christlike effort to understand and care—alongside practices of hospitality, neighborliness, and patient engagement with those who differ (00:15:15, 00:19:02, 00:24:19). Resources Uncommon Ground: Living Faithfully in a World of Difference Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect Socials Timestamps 00:01:02 The discussion explores the central question of what faithful Christian justice looks like in both Scripture and public life, establishing the foundation for the episode's theme. 00:05:25 One concept discussed is the idea of "proximate justice"—that in this world, justice is always partial and imperfect, leading to a vital connection between hope and justice. 00:09:08 The conversation focuses on the role of law in society, emphasizing its necessity but also its limitations and reliance on coercive power. 00:12:16 Several points are raised, including the warning against equating the fate of Christianity with the fate of the United States, reminding listeners of the global and historical scope of God's work. 00:25:05 A key theme that emerges is the real-world impact of forgiveness as a realization of justice, with practical examples illustrating how forgiveness can transcend the limits of legal and societal remedies. Keywords Justice, Hope, Prophets, Scripture, Proximate justice, Law, Public life, Forgiveness, Empathy Political engagement, Disagreement, Pluralism, Conviction, Mercy, Restoration
Jul 30

POD 073 | The Rise and Effects of Sports Betting with Danny Funt

Introduction In this episode of Christ Community’s podcast, Bill and Jacob sit down with journalist Danny Funt, author of Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling. The conversation explores the rapid mainstreaming of sports betting in the U.S., the forces behind its explosive growth, and the broad social, financial, and personal impacts on fans, families, and communities. 3 Main Takeaways 1) Legalization Fueled by Business Interests The explosion of sports gambling in the U.S. followed the 2018 Supreme Court decision, but the groundwork was laid years earlier by shifting attitudes among sports leagues and media, primarily driven by the potential to boost media rights and profits, often outweighing concerns for fans’ wellbeing 00:01:31. 2) Gambling and Technology Are Deeply Intertwined The spread of mobile phones has made betting constant and accessible, transforming every moment of a game into a gambling opportunity—often exploiting users' attention and addictive tendencies, with industry insiders openly describing their tactics as aiming to create a “sticky” and habitual user experience 00:10:07 and 00:11:49. 3) The Hidden Costs Go Beyond Money Sports betting is not just about financial loss—studies show higher bankruptcy rates, damaged relationships, addiction among young people, and emotional consequences like lost time and attention with loved ones; warning signs include chasing losses, constant betting urges, and misunderstanding betting as legitimate investing instead of gambling 00:17:33 and 00:22:56. Resources Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling - Kindle edition by Funt, Danny. Humor & Entertainment Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com. Socials X: @dannyfunt - Bluesky: @dannyfunt.bsky.social - Substack: https://dannyfunt.substack.com/ Timestamps The Supreme Court Decision That Changed Everything The 2018 Supreme Court ruling and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's 2014 op-ed as turning points in legalizing sports betting are discussed at 01:31. How Media Rights Drove Leagues Toward Gambling Explanation of how sports leagues saw gambling as a way to boost media rights revenue at 05:18. The Rise of Microbets and Addiction Tactics Discussion of the shift to "sticky" microbetting and how it hooks users, including an industry insider’s perspective (11:24). Financial and Emotional Toll on Families Real-life stories about the devastating financial, emotional, and relational costs of gambling, including families being torn apart, (17:33). The Illusion of Beating the House An explanation of how the odds are stacked against bettors and industry advertising as "untruthful," including the reality that 1 percent of bettors ever win, (27:16). Keywords Sports gambling, American culture, FanDuel, DraftKings, Supreme Court, Legalization Media rights, Micro bets, Gambling addiction, Advertising, Predatory tactics, Financial loss, Gambling industry, Parlay bets, Prediction markets
Jul 16

POD 072 | Monday Work with Chris Justice

Introduction: This episode features Chris Justice, co-founder of Engenious Design, discussing how his work in engineering—particularly in developing medical devices—intersects with faith, the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship, and building a company culture that values both people and excellence. The conversation explores seeing all work as meaningful, practical examples of innovation, and the challenges and rewards of growing a business with purpose. 3 Main Takeaways: 1. Redemptive Entrepreneurship in Practice Chris describes how entrepreneurship—whether through designing lifesaving medical devices or improving everyday tools—can be a redemptive act by addressing pain points and making the world better, one innovation at a time 05:07. 2. Faith Shapes Company Culture Building Engenious Design was deeply influenced by the belief that all work, not just pastoral or missionary roles, can serve God's mission in the world. This perspective shapes not only product development but also workplace culture, hiring, and how the team treats applicants and clients 00:01:28, 00:12:42. 3. Embracing Uncertainty and Trust Chris emphasizes that real entrepreneurship dispels the illusion of control—it is a journey marked by uncertainty. This reality has deepened his faith and reliance on God, especially as he shoulders the responsibility of his company and its employees 00:00:00, 00:19:29. Resources: https://www.engenio.us/ Timestamps: 00:01:28 — Chris describes the pivotal shift in viewing engineering and entrepreneurship as integral to God’s mission, not just work. 00:05:07 — Chris explains the concept of redemptive entrepreneurship and how Engenious Design seeks to improve the world through product development. 00:07:15 — Chris provides a concrete example of partnering with a physician to innovate a medical tool that lowers healthcare costs and increases accessibility. 00:12:42 — Chris reflects on how his faith shapes company culture: striving for excellence in both primary work and supportive processes for employees and applicants. 00:19:29 — Chris discusses the illusion of control in entrepreneurship and how running a business deepens faith and reliance on God. Keywords Engineering, Medical devices, Redemptive entrepreneurship, Engenious Design, Product development, Faith, Company culture, Design process, Job applicants, Teamwork, Calling, Innovation, Patient care, Business growth
Jul 2

POD 071 | The Power of Communion with Hannah Miller King

The Power of Communion | POD 071 Introduction: In this episode, Hannah Miller King joins the podcast to discuss her book Feasting on Hope, exploring the role of Christian hope, especially during difficult times, and how the practice of communion (the Lord's Supper) shapes faith, embodies hope, and fosters unity within the church. The conversation also touches on the transformative power of regular communion, the importance of embodiment in worship, and the balance between the ordinary and the special in spiritual disciplines. 3 Main Takeaways: 1. The Lord’s Supper as a Source of Hope in Hard Times Hannah Miller King emphasizes that communion is both an act of obedience to Jesus and a profound mystery that shapes, heals, and sustains believers—especially in seasons of grief and wilderness. Drawing from her own experience with childhood loss, she explains how the Lord’s Supper embodies the "already and not yet" aspect of Christian faith: it is simultaneously a participation in resurrection life and a reminder that full restoration is still to come 05:19, 06:07. 2. Communion’s Embodiment of the Holistic Gospel The conversation highlights the embodied nature of the sacrament, pointing out that salvation involves both body and soul. Regular participation in communion reminds the church that faith is not just intellectual or spiritual but is worked out in community and in physical acts. This embodiment stands in contrast to trends that could disembody Christian practice (such as technological or individualistic shifts) 09:47, 10:42. 3. Communion and Christian Community—Union and Unity Communion is a deeply communal practice that forms believers not just in union with Christ, but also in union with one another—across differences, generations, and cultures. The ritual counters transactional faith with relational presence and calls participants to reconciliation, humility, and mutual care. Weekly repetition, rather than making it "ordinary," shapes believers' lives together, forging new habits of grace and forgiveness 13:15, 17:33, 20:12. Resources: Feasting on Hope: How God Sets a Table in the Wilderness Timestamps: 00:00:02 – Overview of the episode’s theme: Christian hope in hard times and the role of communion (Hannah Miller King). 00:01:13 – Discussion of a common question: “Why communion?” and how many lifelong churchgoers still find it mysterious. 00:02:20 – Explanation that even if we don’t fully understand communion, we trust Jesus’ command and participate in its mystery. 00:03:27 – The origin story behind writing the book; connecting personal grief and how God met her at the communion table (Hannah Miller King). 00:05:19 – Exploration of communion as a source of hope amidst grief; how the Lord’s Supper teaches about faith in the “already, not yet” reality. 00:06:37 – Personal testimony of childhood grief and the role of faith and the table in coping with loss (Hannah Miller King). 00:09:47 – Importance of embodiment in communion: how bodily rituals help internalize spiritual truths (Hannah Miller King). 00:12:14 – The value and impact of practicing weekly communion and its formative effect on the church family (Hannah Miller King). 00:17:11 – Communion as union with Christ; moving beyond transactional faith toward relational union. 00:22:24 – Reassurance about receiving communion “in a worthy manner” and the posture of humility and hunger for grace (Hannah Miller King). Keywords Communion, Lord’s Supper, Feasting on Hope, Christian hope, Embodiment, Resurrection grief, Suffering, Liturgy, Union with Christ, Spiritual discipline, Community, Forgiveness, Repetition, Mystery, Table, Healing, Eucharist, Church family

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Conversations to inspire habits of whole-life discipleship that equip you to more thoughtfully and consistently be formed by God’s word and God’s ways with God’s people. The Formed Life is a resource brought to you by Christ Community Church in Kansas City. This podcast also contains audio readings of our written blogs that can be found on our website at cckc.church/blog.

Creator

Christ Community Church - KC
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

285
Rating

Clean
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©2023 Christ Community Church - KC
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theFormed.life

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