Adventurous Discipleship

Nate Williams & Jessica Bouland
  • 5.0 (20)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Church isn’t a social club — it’s a launchpad for missionaries. The Church doesn’t exist just for its members benefits, but for a unified mission to be used by God to make disciples of all nations. Discipleship equips us for this mission — an adventure marked by sacrificial love, humble service, and radical generosity.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Spiritual Disciplines of Eating & Exercising

    🎙️ Episode Title: Eating & Exercising as Spiritual Disciplines What if your fork and your running shoes could become instruments of worship? In this episode, Jess and Pastor Nate explore how eating and exercise — when reframed through a biblical lens — become powerful ways to honor God, enjoy His creation, and stay equipped for the mission of making disciples. In this episode, you'll hear about: A "heart check" on how we emotionally relate to food and exercise What it means for your body to be a temple and a tool for God's purposes (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Eating as an act of worship — dependence, delight, and the danger of food idolatry Practical ways to practice eating as a discipline: gratitude, moderation, shared fellowship, fasting, and feasting Exercise as stewardship — avoiding both idolizing and ignoring the body 5 reasons Christians should exercise, drawn from David Mathis at Desiring God How Heartland's FaithFit ministry lives out the motto: "Fit for the mission" Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 2:9 · 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 · Ephesians 2:10 · 1 Timothy 4:8 · Proverbs 23:20-21 · Acts 2:46 · Galatians 5:23 · Romans 12:2 Referenced Resource: "A Little Theology of Exercise" by David Mathis (Desiring God) 📍 About Heartland Church We are a church in Paducah, KY. Join us Sundays at 9:15 or 10:45 AM, or worship online on Facebook, YouTube, or at https://heartlandpaducah.com/ 📧 Questions or Comments? Email us at adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com ⭐ Enjoying the podcast? Apple Podcasts — Subscribe and Leave a 5-star rating and written review Spotify — Hit the Follow button YouTube — Subscribe and like the video Your support helps more people find the show! Thanks to Zach Stewart, Media Director for Heartland Church, for producing this episode. "You are equipped for the mission, by the mission, and sent out on mission."

    56 min

  2. MAY 1

    The Spiritual Disciplines of Sleeping & Breathing

    Sleeping & Breathing | Season 2, Episode 13 What if the way you sleep—and even the way you breathe—reveals how much you trust God? In this episode of the Adventurous Discipleship Podcast, Nate and Jessica explore how two everyday rhythms—sleeping and breathing—can be spiritual disciplines. Far from being just biological functions, they are daily invitations to surrender control, trust God, and abide in Him. You’ll hear: Why sleep is a nightly act of faith and surrender How breathing reminds us that life is received, not achieved Practical ways to practice trust through rest and dependence through breath Simple rhythms like the Daily Examen, breath prayers, and box breathing Encouragement to give yourself grace in different seasons of life Whether you’re exhausted, anxious, or just moving too fast, this episode will help you slow down, trust God more deeply, and remember: He is at work—even when you’re not. ⭐️ Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the podcast! Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us: adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify ▶️ Watch on YouTube https://heartlandpaducah.com/adpodcast

    59 min

  3. APR 21

    The Spiritual Discipline of Confession and Accountability

    In this episode, Nate and Jessica continue the Spiritual Disciplines series by exploring the life-giving—but often avoided—practices of confession and accountability. In Segment 1, they lead a heart check, addressing the fears, shame, and resistance that often keep us from being fully known. Why do we hide? Why do we want support but resist correction? In Segment 2, they define these disciplines biblically: Confession brings sin into the light, leading to forgiveness, healing, and restored intimacy with God and others (1 John 1:9; James 5:16). Accountability invites trusted believers to walk with us in encouragement, correction, and growth (Galatians 6:1–2; Hebrews 3:12–13). You’ll also hear practical steps for how to begin practicing both disciplines in everyday life. Key takeaway: You can’t experience deep transformation without being deeply known. 🔗 Links Mentioned 🎥 @loftybuilder (Nate's son on Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/shorts/DvB6aVZMuzc 🍫 News story about stolen Kit Kat bars: https://nestlecorporate.qualifioapp.com/quiz/1776864_2455/CDCG-KITKAT-STOLEN-FORM.html Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us: adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify ▶️ Watch on YouTube https://heartlandpaducah.com/adpodcast

    1h 11m

  4. APR 13

    The Spiritual Discipline of Fellowship

    What is fellowship—and why does it matter for your spiritual formation? In this episode of the Adventurous Discipleship Podcast, Nate and Jess explore the spiritual discipline of fellowship. Moving beyond surface-level connection, they unpack what it really means to “get in the same boat” with others. Drawing from Dallas Willard, they show how fellowship is more than being around people—it’s identifying with them, sharing life, and walking together in Christ. You’ll hear: A Heart Check on where we settle for proximity instead of presence A biblical vision of fellowship through the “one another” commands Practical ways to move from convenience to commitment in relationships There are nearly 60 “one another” commands in the New Testament—reminding us that fellowship isn’t passive, it’s practiced. If you’ve ever felt disconnected—even in a room full of people—this episode will help you rediscover the kind of community Jesus calls us into. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify ▶️ Watch on YouTube https://heartlandpaducah.com/adpodcast If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it. Connect With Us Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us: adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com

    49 min

  5. APR 3

    The Spiritual Discipline of Lament & Celebration

    In this episode of the Adventurous Discipleship Podcast, we explore two powerful—and often overlooked—spiritual disciplines: lament and celebration. In Segment 1 (Heart Check), we ask an honest question: Do we actually know how to bring our pain to God—or have we learned to ignore it, minimize it, or rush past it? In Segment 2, we dive into the spiritual discipline of lament—what it is biblically and how it helps us hold together hope and sorrow. Lament gives us language for suffering, keeps us connected to God in pain, and invites us into faithful suffering instead of drifting into despair or denial. Ways to Practice Lament Pray Psalms of lament Practice the ministry of presence with those who are lamenting—and seek it when you are lamenting Pray breath prayers (e.g., “Lord, have mercy,” “Lord, be near,” “Jesus, help me”) In Segment 3, we turn to the spiritual discipline of celebration. Scripture calls us to joy—but many of us struggle to slow down and actually delight in the goodness of God. Celebration is not shallow or optional—it is essential for spiritual formation and helps guard us from a joyless, works-based faith. Benefits of Celebration Celebration shapes our hearts and reorients our perspective. It: Saves us from taking ourselves too seriously Helps us relax and enjoy the good gifts God has given Can be an antidote for sadness Gives us perspective, allowing us to laugh at ourselves Produces more celebration—joy begets joy, and laughter begets laughter Practical Ways to Delight in God Through Celebration & Feasting Begin each meal with gratitude to God (prayer) Eat communally on a regular basis Don’t make dieting an idol Sing, dance, and shout Laugh often Use your imagination Enjoy the creativity of others Make family events into times of thanksgiving and celebration (create rhythms of celebration) Celebrate smaller moments (finishing a project, completing a paper, receiving a raise, etc.) Take advantage of cultural celebrations (that are not sinful) like Christmas and Easter This Episode Will Help You: Bring your pain honestly before God Stay anchored in hope in the middle of suffering Rediscover joy as a vital part of discipleship Practice rhythms of both lament and celebration in everyday life Key Scriptures Referenced Psalm 13 Psalm 22 Psalm 88 Nehemiah 8:10 Galatians 5:22 Philippians 4:4–7 Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts 🎧 Listen on Spotify ▶️ Watch on YouTube If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs it. Connect With Us Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover? Email us: adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com

    1h 13m

  6. MAR 30

    The Spiritual Discipline of Worship

    In this episode of the Adventurous Discipleship Podcast, we explore the spiritual discipline of worship—and challenge the common assumption that worship is just singing on Sunday. In Segment 1: Heart Check, we unpack what people actually think and feel about worship. Is it an event we attend… or a life we live? We also ask the deeper question: What is already capturing our attention and shaping our love? In Segment 2, we redefine worship biblically as a whole-life response to the worth of God. Drawing from Scripture and voices like James K.A. Smith, Dallas Willard, and Donald Whitney, we talk about how worship forms us, how culture competes for our hearts, and why worship must be centered on Jesus. In Segment 3, we offer practical ways to prepare for worship, both personally and corporately, so that we come expectant, attentive, and ready to be transformed. This episode will help you see that worship isn’t just something you do—it’s what you’re already doing. The question is: what—or who—are you worshiping? 🎙️ Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Click the link to follow and subscribe to join the journey of adventurous discipleship: https://heartlandpaducah.com/adpodcast Invite a someone new to join us on the adventurous discipleship journey by listening or watching on Apple, Spotify, or Youtube! Would you leave us a 5 Star rating and an honest review? Recommended Books on the Spiritual Disciplines: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Pete Scazzero

    1h 9m

  7. MAR 23

    The Spiritual Discipline of Submission

    The Spiritual Discipline of Submission Submission isn’t natural—but it’s foundational. Segment 1 is dedicated to ministry updates, including a mission trip update from Nate and ministry updates from Jessica. Segment 2 explores the spiritual discipline of submission and how surrender shifts our lives from control to connection. We talk about: • Why we’re all submitting to something • How surrender leads to joy and transformation • Insights from Willard, Whitney, and Foster • Jesus as our ultimate example (Gethsemane & Philippians 2) Where is God inviting you to surrender right now? Email us your questions at adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com 🎙️ Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Click the link to follow and subscribe to join the journey of adventurous discipleship: https://heartlandpaducah.com/adpodcast Invite a someone new to join us on the adventurous discipleship journey by listening or watching on Apple, Spotify, or Youtube! Would you leave us a 5 Star rating and an honest review? Recommended Books on the Spiritual Disciplines: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Pete Scazzero

    1h 7m

  8. FEB 19

    The Spiritual Discipline of Journaling

    What do you feel when you hear the word journaling — peace… intimidation… exposure… unnecessary? In this episode of the Adventurous Discipleship Podcast, we begin with a Heart Check, exploring the emotions and fears journaling can stir up: “I don’t know what to write.” “What if someone reads it?” “What if I don’t like what I see in my heart?” Then we turn to Scripture. While the Bible never commands journaling as a formal discipline, it strongly supports the practices underneath it — remembering, meditating, reflecting, recording, and responding to God. From the honesty of the Psalms to the call to meditate in Joshua 1 and Psalm 1, we see that written reflection can deepen prayer and formation. Finally, we get practical. Journaling is not a rule — it’s a tool. Not performance — but attentiveness. Not about becoming a writer — but about becoming present. We discuss: The dangers (performance, pressure, perfectionism) The beauty (slowing down, processing honestly, tracking God’s faithfulness) Simple steps to begin — one verse, one sentence, one prayer As Dallas Willard reminds us, simply tracking what’s happening in our lives can have an immense effect on spiritual growth. If you’ve never journaled before, this episode will lower the pressure and give you practical starting points. If you already journal, it may renew your vision for why it matters. We are on a short break until March 24th. The episode that drops on March 24th will be a Q&A Episode. Email us your questions about Spiritual Disciplines for the Q&A Episode by March 18: adpodcast@heartlandpaducah.com 🎙️ Listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Click the link to follow and subscribe to join the journey of adventurous discipleship: https://heartlandpaducah.com/adpodcast Invite a someone new to join us on the adventurous discipleship journey by listening or watching on Apple, Spotify, or Youtube! Would you leave us a 5 Star rating and an honest review? Recommended Books on the Spiritual Disciplines: Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life by Donald Whitney Emotionally Healthy Discipleship by Pete Scazzero

    1h 3m
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The Church isn’t a social club — it’s a launchpad for missionaries. The Church doesn’t exist just for its members benefits, but for a unified mission to be used by God to make disciples of all nations. Discipleship equips us for this mission — an adventure marked by sacrificial love, humble service, and radical generosity.

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