Growing Closer to God with Guided Meditation

Pastor Robert Young
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to the new season of the podcast, now titled "Growing Closer to God with Guided Meditation"! Join your host, Pastor Robert Young, as we embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and renewal. This podcast is designed to help you deepen your faith and find inner peace through calming, reflective, and transformative meditative practices inspired by scripture. Our Evolution While the podcast, formerly known as Not Your Parent's Religion, focused in Seasons 1 and 2 on correcting misinformation and myths about religious beliefs and the teaching of Jesus Christ, the program has evolved. In Season 3, we began drawing closer to God with guided meditations, exploring all the details of why and how to meditate, and discussing the Biblical origins of Christian meditations. With over 30 years of experience in Church planting and mentoring other Pastors, and 30+ years of training leaders in evangelism/discipleship, Pastor Young is here to guide you through these moments of stillness and connection with God. What to Expect in Season 4 We are excited to return with Season 4 starting Sunday, October 5. We will continue to offer a structured weekly schedule: Sundays: Our weekly guided meditation episode.Monday through Friday: Daily devotions and reflections that expand on the topic of the Sunday meditations.Wednesdays: Audio episodes of our House Church series. This series reflects the Bible's teaching that believers should gather together for corporate worship, fellowship, encouragement, and even admonishment. For those seeking an enhanced experience, we are adding video versions of the meditations and devotions to our Patreon page. These videos are designed to give you a more immersive experience as you meditate on the Father, His teachings, and His presence. Tune in each week as we lead you on this path to connecting more deeply with God.

  1. 6d ago

    Micro-Church Formation Pt. 4 of 6: Safety Net | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

    Send us Fan Mail The most beautiful part of a microchurch is the intimacy and it’s also the fastest way a community can fracture. When six to fifteen people gather in a living room, every disagreement lands like a tidal wave, and leaders can carry crises, conflict, and spiritual questions alone until burnout quietly wins. We (Dan and Sheila, Pastor Young’s AI co-hosts) dig into the “special considerations” section of the Northeastern Microchurch Community booklet (pages 24–30) to show why a small, relational model still needs real accountability. We explore “apostolic relational accountability” and strip away the baggage. This is not bureaucracy sneaking back into house church life. It’s a New Testament pattern of connected microchurches built on care, unity, and protection. Using Acts 20, we look at how Paul nurtures churches from house to house, and how trusted delegates like Timothy and Titus help guard doctrine and restore health without turning the movement into a chain of command. Then we bring it into the present day with five concrete roles: spiritual fathering, doctrinal guidance, unity and conflict resolution, leader development, and mission alignment for evangelism and multiplication. We also get practical about what leaders actually do week to week: relational check-ins, getting help with hard theological questions, and receiving support when it’s time to multiply without making people feel rejected. If you lead a microchurch, a small group, or a house church network, this gives you a framework that protects freedom rather than shrinking it. Subscribe for more, share this with a leader who needs a safety net, and leave a review to help others find the conversation. Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    Micro-Church Formation Pt. 4 of 6: Safety Net | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

  2. Aug 5

    Micro-Church Formation Part 3 of 6: Starter Guide | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

    Send us Fan Mail If your faith life feels like watching from the back row, you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. We’re digging into a microchurch starter guide that challenges the “destination church” mindset and pulls us back toward the early church pattern: a table, a shared life, and discipleship you can’t outsource. We talk honestly about why many believers feel spiritually disconnected even in good churches, and why the hunger is often for something deeply biblical: to be known, to practice the way of Jesus, and to live on mission with others. We define what a microchurch is and what it is not. A microchurch (often six to fifteen people) isn’t a mini Sunday service with a smaller budget. It’s a relational, Spirit-led, Jesus-centered community built on participation, vulnerability, and trust. We break down the four-stage pathway the guide uses to move people from information to formation to transformation to multiplication, including a simple analogy that makes the progression feel real instead of theoretical. Then we get practical: how to start with just two to four people, what commitments actually hold a volunteer-led community together, and a sample gathering rhythm that includes a meal, simple worship, scripture engagement, hands-on practice, prayer, and a clear mission step for the week. We also tackle the biggest risk with small groups, drifting into a casual hangout, and why structure should function like a trellis that supports the vine instead of controlling it. Finally, we explain why microchurches cap around 15 to 20 people, why leaders must be shepherds rather than performers, and how multiplication works without feeling like division. If you care about discipleship, Christian community, evangelism, and sustainable leadership, this framework is worth a listen. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s hungry for real community, and leave a review telling us what part challenged you most. Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    Micro-Church Formation Part 3 of 6: Starter Guide | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

  3. Jul 29

    Micro-Church Formation Pt. 2 of 6: Shared Living | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

    Send us Fan Mail Handing someone the keys to your car after knowing them for a month sounds like a boundary nightmare. Yet that exact image exposes the core idea we explore today: radical, intentional sharing is the secret engine that powers a thriving microchurch. We are Dan and Sheila, stepping in as Pastor Young’s AI co-hosts while the team serves in Batavia, New York, and we’re walking through Part 2 of a six-part series using the Northeastern Microchurch Communities Manual. We start with the early church model from Acts and ask why Christianity spread without buildings, budgets, or polished programs. The answer is shared life. We break down how mission becomes a team sport when we open up ordinary spaces like homes, backyards, porches, fire pits, and local cafes, and when we share simple tools such as gospel outlines, invitation cards, and prayer walking guides. Even testimonies become a shared resource, creating “distributed pressure” so no one person has to carry the fear of speaking up. Then we move inward to shared spiritual formation: Discovery Bible Study, listening prayer, fasting, confession, and structured accountability that avoids gossip and drives real change. From there it gets practical fast: benevolence funds, groceries, rent crises, childcare, budgeting, car repair, and the ministry of presence. We also tackle the hard questions about dependency, burnout, and resentment, and we lay out five guardrails for healthy generosity: voluntary, Spirit-led, transparent, mission-driven, and rooted in love. If you’re starting a microchurch, leading a house church, or just hungry for authentic Christian community and discipleship, this conversation gives you a clear framework you can actually try this week. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s building community, and leave a review with the resource you find hardest to share. Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    Micro-Church Formation Pt. 2 of 6: Shared Living | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

  4. Jul 22

    Micro-Church Formation: Pt. 1 of 6 | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

    Send us Fan Mail Stadium lights, smoke machines, huge crowds, a polished set you can only consume. Now swap that for a living-room circle where there’s no stage, no performance pressure, and everyone has a voice. That contrast is the heartbeat of our deep dive into a microchurch launch blueprint designed for people who feel “spiritually homeless” but still miss faith, prayer, and real community. We’re Dan and Sheila, Pastor Robert Young’s AI co-hosts, steering the ship while Pastor Young and the evangelism team are away. We unpack the “Spiritually Homeless” campaign and get specific about how leaders can find people outside church buildings, using simple touchpoints like coffee houses, libraries, and neighborhood boards. Then we hit the paradigm shift that changes everything: warm connection, not recruitment. If success is relationships instead of attendance, the whole tone of outreach transforms. From there, we walk through the practical mechanics: the first text response (and the 24-hour rule), language that promises “faith without the pressure or performance,” and why the words “no stage” do serious work in rebuilding psychological safety. We also cover how to welcome doubt without making anyone a project, how to choose neutral meetup locations, and the five tone guidelines that protect trust over time. Finally, we explore the tension no one can ignore: if a microchurch grows, does it multiply to stay small or scale up and risk losing what made it safe? Listen, share this with someone who’s tired of religious performance, and subscribe so you don’t miss what comes next. If it resonates, leave a review and tell us: what would make you feel safe walking into a circle like this? Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    Micro-Church Formation: Pt. 1 of 6 | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

  5. Jul 16

    We Are on Evangelism Vacation!

    Send us Fan Mail Hi friends, we are still preparing for our Live Virtual Guided Meditation Retreat scheduled for July 18 & 19th 2026. If you haven’t registered yet, there are still a few spots left. Click the register link below to register.  Also, my evangelism and I will be conducting Evangelism campaigns in the city of  Batavia, starting July 20th – September 1st 2026. This means that I will not be posting the daily devotions and will only post episodes about Micro-church formation on Wednesdays. However, you can still reach out to me by clicking the links below.      Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    We Are on Evangelism Vacation!

  6. Jul 12

    Countdown to Connection: Live Virtual Guided Meditation Retreat | 6 days

    Send us Fan Mail Life has a way of pulling us in a hundred different directions. We stay connected to our phones, our schedules, and our responsibilities—but often lose connection with God, with ourselves, and with the quiet place where His voice can be heard. This isn't about escaping life. It's about intentionally making space for God's presence. Over the next few moments, slow your breathing, quiet your thoughts, and remember the words of Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God." Imagine the warmth of a sunrise, the calm of still waters, and the peace that comes from knowing Christ is with you. Let every breath remind you that you are loved, you are seen, and you are never alone. If you're longing for a deeper spiritual life, I invite you to join me for our Live Virtual Meditation Retreat. Together, we'll explore Scripture, guided Christian meditation, prayer, and sacred silence as we grow closer to the heart of God. The countdown has already begun. Register today with the links below. Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    Countdown to Connection: Live Virtual Guided Meditation Retreat | 6 days

  7. Jul 5

    What to Expect at Our Virtual Guided Meditation Retreat | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

    Send us Fan Mail What changes when worship loses the crowd, the stage, and the subtle pressure to look “spiritual”? We explore a virtual retreat design that trades room energy for something rarer: unfiltered attention and a quieter, more honest focus on God. From your living room, porch, or a corner of your bedroom, the aim is simple and demanding: put aside distractions and enter God’s presence with clarity. We walk through the retreat’s step-by-step architecture for guided Christian meditation and spiritual formation. That starts with “clearing the clutter” through confession (Psalm 51) framed as freedom instead of shame, then moves into nervous system regulation with a 7-4-7 breathing rhythm (7-second inhale, 4-second hold, 7-second exhale) and full-body muscle relaxation. We also unpack why this matters biologically: longer exhales and deliberate release help settle fight-or-flight so your mind can actually tolerate stillness. From there, the focus turns to corporate yet distributed worship grounded in Psalm 100 and Psalm 8, and into scripture meditation on John 15:5 with one crucial boundary: not a sermon, an encounter. We close with the integration phase, including guided reflection, journaling, and scripture-based affirmations that act like a “save button” so the retreat’s peace can survive the stress of daily life. We also explain why the two-day schedule matters, with sleep doing real consolidating work overnight. The Virtual Guided Christian Meditation Retreat runs July 18th and 19th, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on both days. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs rest, and leave a review so more people can find it. Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    What to Expect at Our Virtual Guided Meditation Retreat | Deep Dive with Dan & Sheila

  8. Jul 3

    What If Freedom Is Your Starting Point? | Friday Devotion

    Send us Fan Mail Freedom is not a dramatic leap you work up the courage to make. It is a daily way of walking, and when we learn to walk in it, we become more alive, more steady, and more present to God. We slow down for a short, focused reflection built around one question: “How can I live today as someone who is already free?” That question cuts through noise and gets practical fast. It helps us notice where fear, shame, or control has been calling the shots, and it invites a different posture rooted in Christian freedom and identity in Christ. If you have been craving a simple Christian meditation or devotional reset you can actually use on a busy day, this is for you. We also speak a clear confession that puts truth back at the centre: “I am free in Christ. I live boldly, love deeply, and trust completely.” Those words are not a slogan. They are a map for spiritual growth that touches how we make decisions, how we treat people, and how we trust God when outcomes are uncertain. We end with a closing prayer asking God to keep us anchored in his truth and alive in his presence, so our lives reflect the joy of being fully his. Listen now, then subscribe, share this with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review with the line that hit you most. What would change today if you lived like you were already free? Support the show Register for Our Upcoming Live Virtual Meditation Retreat here: robyoung51.ry@gmail.com Leave a voicemail question or prayer requests here: (585) 331-3424

    What If Freedom Is Your Starting Point? | Friday Devotion
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Welcome to the new season of the podcast, now titled "Growing Closer to God with Guided Meditation"! Join your host, Pastor Robert Young, as we embark on a journey of spiritual exploration and renewal. This podcast is designed to help you deepen your faith and find inner peace through calming, reflective, and transformative meditative practices inspired by scripture. Our Evolution While the podcast, formerly known as Not Your Parent's Religion, focused in Seasons 1 and 2 on correcting misinformation and myths about religious beliefs and the teaching of Jesus Christ, the program has evolved. In Season 3, we began drawing closer to God with guided meditations, exploring all the details of why and how to meditate, and discussing the Biblical origins of Christian meditations. With over 30 years of experience in Church planting and mentoring other Pastors, and 30+ years of training leaders in evangelism/discipleship, Pastor Young is here to guide you through these moments of stillness and connection with God. What to Expect in Season 4 We are excited to return with Season 4 starting Sunday, October 5. We will continue to offer a structured weekly schedule: Sundays: Our weekly guided meditation episode.Monday through Friday: Daily devotions and reflections that expand on the topic of the Sunday meditations.Wednesdays: Audio episodes of our House Church series. This series reflects the Bible's teaching that believers should gather together for corporate worship, fellowship, encouragement, and even admonishment. For those seeking an enhanced experience, we are adding video versions of the meditations and devotions to our Patreon page. These videos are designed to give you a more immersive experience as you meditate on the Father, His teachings, and His presence. Tune in each week as we lead you on this path to connecting more deeply with God.

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