Embracing Brokenness

Steve and Colleen Adams
  • 4.4 (7)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast. Our focus is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. To live authentically and without pretense. To encourage others toward a greater understanding of who they are and who God is. To teach the blessed HOPE that the Bible calls the “Anchor of the Soul”. That is Jesus Christ and His healing presence – not only available in this life – but in eternity to come.

  1. NOV 3

    🎙️EP154. Trusting God’s Provision and Caring for Burned-Out Leaders | Tom & Karen Friedrichs

    Steve and Colleen talk with Tom and Karen Friedrichs of Broom Tree Landing, a ministry that offers no-cost retreat, coaching, and spiritual direction to pastors and ministry leaders who are tired, hurting, or on the edge of burnout. They share their own story of pastoral exhaustion, how God accelerated their “retirement dream” into a right now calling, and several powerful provision stories — including God funding someone’s retreat from another country. You’ll hear: Why healthy churches need healthy leadersSigns of burnout pastors often ignoreWhy availability is the real ministryHow God provides when you finally say “yes” Connect with Broom Tree Landing: https://www.broomtreelanding.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 06:58 The Importance of Healthy Ministries 13:52 Personal Journeys and Call to Ministry 20:56 Provision and Trust in God 27:37 Creating a Safe Space for Leaders 29:19 Understanding Burnout in Ministry 33:43 The Importance of Rest and Retreat 38:33 Provision Stories: Miracles in Ministry 43:23 The Power of Availability and Presence 48:07 Encouragement for Those Struggling 51:17 Establishing Healthy Rhythms in Life

    57 min

  2. OCT 20

    🎙️EP153. How Is Greater Than What | The Skill Every Leader Ignores | Preston Poore

    Steve sits down with author and leadership coach Preston Poore to discuss his new book How Is Greater Than What. Together they unpack the overlooked “how” of leadership—why character, integrity, and faith matter more than performance. Hear Preston’s vulnerable stories from his years at Coca-Cola, how he learned to lead with heart, and why our identity in Christ defines every “how” in life and leadership. 🎧 Listen. Reflect. Lead differently. Chapters 00:00 The Fundamentals of Identity and Purpose 03:06 Exploring Leadership and Character 05:59 The Importance of Integrity in Leadership 09:09 Understanding the 'How' in Leadership 11:53 The Role of Dignity and Respect in Leadership 14:57 Transformational Leadership Through Relationships 24:54 The Turning Point in Leadership 30:44 Identifying Leadership Traps 33:00 The Journey of Personal Development 39:22 Encouragement for Young Leaders 42:31 Faith and Leadership: The Power of Love

    51 min

  3. OCT 6

    🎙️EP152. Stronger Together | Rediscovering God’s First Partnership

    “Helper” in Genesis 2:18 isn’t a downgrade—it’s ezer kenegdo: a powerful ally corresponding to. Steve & Colleen explore God’s original design, how sin distorted it, and how Jesus restores mutuality (Gal 3:28). Practical for marriage, ministry, friendships, and singles—plus a Zechariah 2:5 prayer of protection and presence. Here's the link to prayer of protection: https://embracingbrokenness.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-Wall-of-Fire-Around-Us-Crafted-Prayer-Zechariah-2-5.pdf Chapters 0:00 – Opening: generational context & show intro 1:42 – Welcome back; why Genesis; episode title set-up 3:52 – Prayer of protection (Zechariah 2:5) 5:19 – Why pray aloud; prison context; PDF mention 7:26 – Genesis 2:18 read; intro to ezer kenegdo 9:45 – “Helper” and identity: Colleen’s story 12:03 – God as ezer (rescuer/ally) 13:07 – Psalm 33:20 (ESV) — “he is our help and our shield” 14:30 – Kenegdo = corresponding/face-to-face; headship/submission clarified 15:17 – Misuse of “submission”; weight of responsibility on the head 17:11 – The Fall’s fracture (Genesis 3:16) 18:44 – Consequences vs “curse” explained 22:28 – Passivity & cultural misuse (lighthearted “15:1 words” moment) 23:55 – Missing female leadership; global harms (trafficking/war) 28:13 – Restoration in Christ (Galatians 3:28) 30:13 – Jesus’ model: children, Samaritan woman, bleeding woman; Deborah 34:45 – Personal stories: upbringing & marriage dynamics 36:38 – Complementary gifts in ministry (“professor” bit) 38:38 – Serving posture & witness; mission snapshots 42:35 – Partnership anecdotes & outside observations 44:53 – For singles & spiritual companionship (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10) 46:53 – Abiding in Christ & finding community 47:29 – “Tapestry” metaphor & New Jerusalem vision 51:16 – Closing reflections 51:36 – Outro / blessings

    52 min

  4. SEP 22

    🎙️EP151. An Incomplete Gospel | From Transaction to Union

    Many of us were taught a gospel that’s true—but incomplete. It became a “ticket to heaven,” divorced from daily life, intimacy, and our purpose in God’s larger story. In this candid conversation, Steve and Colleen unpack how post-Enlightenment thinking, cultural striving, and a transactional faith left them exhausted and spiritually dry—and how Jesus invited them into union, abiding, and the wholeness of Shalom (“nothing missing, nothing broken”). They trace the story from Genesis 1:26–28 (the cultural mandate) to John 14:6, John 5:19, John 17:20–21, and John 10:10, showing how the “whole gospel” restores us to partnership with God—now. Expect practical honesty (including Colleen’s “contract with God” moment and Steve’s Monday-through-Friday faith challenge), a re-centering on intimacy over information, and a hopeful vision of life with God that integrates heaven and earth. Chapters 00:00 The Desire for Intimacy with God 02:53 The Incomplete Gospel and Its Impact 05:44 Understanding God: Beyond Knowledge 09:00 The Journey of Faith and Relationship 12:09 The Transactional Nature of Christianity 14:59 The Call for Intimacy and Union with God 17:57 The Cultural Mandate and the Complete Gospel 20:41 The Vision of Restoration and Purpose 23:54 Living the Abundant Life in Christ

    34 min

  5. SEP 8

    🎙️EP150. Let the Healing Begin

    What if your struggles aren’t just problems to manage—but invitations from God to heal? In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast, Steve and Colleen dive deep into the difference between sin management and true spiritual healing. Through honest stories—including a boat named Revelation that literally went down in flames—they reveal how wounds, lies, and false identities shape our lives. Too often, we silence the “smoke alarm” of sin without dealing with the fire beneath it. Addiction, workaholism, or even seemingly harmless obsessions are symptoms of unhealed wounds. Real transformation comes not from filters, checklists, or self-help, but from surrender—allowing Jesus to meet us in our stories and replace the lies we believe with His truth. This conversation will challenge you to go beyond surface fixes and embrace the deeper healing God longs to bring. 👉 Explore more resources, videos, and the Tree of Brokenness model at https://embracingbrokenness.org/ Here's a link to the Tree of Brokenness artwork. https://embracingbrokenness.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/8.5x11-Brokenness-TEXT-scaled.jpg Chapters 00:00 The Revelation of Brokenness 03:07 Understanding Healing and Trauma 05:51 The False Self and Addiction 09:01 Sin Management vs. True Healing 12:06 The Role of Accountability in Healing 15:01 Exploring Core Longings and Identity 18:01 The Tree of Brokenness 20:52 The Journey of Spiritual Formation 23:47 The Process of Reformation 27:00 Conclusion and Resources

    52 min

  6. AUG 25

    🎙️EP149. Why Embracing Your Brokenness Changes Everything

    So many of us spend our lives hiding our brokenness—pretending everything’s fine while we carry deep wounds that keep us from true freedom. In this honest conversation, Steve and Colleen share their personal journeys of pain, healing, and restoration. They tackle why most people resist admitting they’re broken, what happens if we ignore it, and how Jesus transforms our deepest wounds into places of life and freedom. From coffee-spilled meltdowns to the image of a Lamborghini built to reflect glory, they unpack what it really means to embrace your brokenness—and why it’s the essential first step toward living the abundant life God intended. If you’ve ever wrestled with shame, performance, or simply the ache of “not enough,” this episode will remind you: your brokenness isn’t the end of your story—it’s the place where God begins His healing work. Link to Upcoming Book: Embracing the Way https://www.embracingtheway.com/ Chapters 00:00 The Coffee Incident: A Lesson in Healing 02:52 Embracing Brokenness: The Journey Begins 05:44 Understanding Brokenness: A Purposeful Perspective 08:57 The Process of Healing: A Personal Journey 11:42 Marriage and Brokenness: Recognizing Triggers 14:49 The Impact of Past Relationships on Healing 17:47 The Role of Vulnerability in Healing 21:00 Authenticity vs. Performance: The Struggle 23:47 The Consequences of Ignoring Brokenness 26:42 The Importance of Connection: Staying Rooted 29:46 The Journey of Restoration: Embracing the Process 32:42 The Call to Action: Living Authentically 35:44 Final Thoughts: The Beauty of Brokenness

    55 min

  7. AUG 11

    🎙️EP148. Castles on the Battlefield | When Comfort Replaces the Call

    A dark battlefield. Countless dead. One man runs tirelessly, reviving the fallen. The rescued learn to revive others. Hope spreads. But then, someone builds a shelter. Others join. Before long, a castle stands where the battle once raged. From its balcony, people laugh, feast, and celebrate… blind to the dying just beyond the walls. In this robust conversation, Colleen shares a vivid vision that the Lord impressed on her heart—an image for the Church to ponder today. Steve and Michael join her to unpack what it means for discipleship, spiritual formation, and our tendency to trade mission for comfort. We’ll explore: Why revival must lead to discipleship, not complacency How “castles” in our lives pull us away from God’s call Warning signs that we’ve drifted from the battlefield The difference between cultural Christianity and kingdom living How to return to our first love and re-engage in the mission of Jesus Whether you’re new to faith or decades in, this episode will challenge you to examine your heart, your focus, and your calling. 📖 Revelation 3:17 – “You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” 🎧Ask yourself: Where have I left the battlefield? Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: Castles on the Battlefield 03:30 - Personal Reflections and Summer Highlights 07:45 - Vision of the Battlefield 12:45 - The Call to Revive Others 17:30 - Building Castles of Comfort 22:15 - Spiritual Complacency and Comfort 27:00 - Importance of Discipleship 32:40 - Reflections on the American Church 37:55 - Returning to Our First Love 43:20 - Practical Steps for Spiritual Alignment 48:45 - The Role of Community and Accountability 54:10 - Overcoming Distractions in Faith 59:35 - Closing Thoughts and Call to Action 1:05:00 - Final Reflections and Farewell

    1h 11m

  8. JUL 28

    🎙️EP147. When Evil Shows Up | Unmasking Darkness, Restoring Masculinity

    What do you do when evil shows up—and no one’s talking about it? In this honest and Spirit-led debrief, Steve and Colleen Adams reflect on their unforgettable interview with former FBI agent Scott Payne. From neo-Nazi cult rituals to the chilling refusal of a Bible to burn in a satanic bonfire, Scott’s story exposed real spiritual darkness. But it also revealed something else—how far the Church has drifted from affirming biblical masculinity and spiritual authority. Colleen shares how the Holy Spirit prompted her to speak boldly, challenging a culture that vilifies strength and a Church that’s gone silent. 🎙️ What is true manhood in the face of real evil? 🛡️ What’s the role of the Church in this cultural moment? 🔥 And how do we reclaim truth, identity, and God’s heart for justice? This debrief is more than a conversation. It’s a wake-up call. 📍Listen to the full interview with Scott Payne in Parts 1 & 2 🌐 More on identity, healing & wholeness: https://embracingbrokenness.org/ Chapters: 0:00 Introduction and Welcome 3:00 Guest Introduction: Scott Payne 8:00 Spiritual Warfare and Identity 15:00 Scott Payne's Undercover Experiences 25:00 Faith and Resilience 35:00 The Role of Prayer 45:00 Reflections on Masculinity and Society 52:00 Redemption and Transformation 56:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

    1 hr
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4.4
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About

Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast. Our focus is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a hurting world. To live authentically and without pretense. To encourage others toward a greater understanding of who they are and who God is. To teach the blessed HOPE that the Bible calls the “Anchor of the Soul”. That is Jesus Christ and His healing presence – not only available in this life – but in eternity to come.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve and Colleen Adams
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    155
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Steve and Colleen Adams
  • Show Website
    Embracing Brokenness

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