Real Life Theology Podcast

Navigating Politics as a Christian (feat. Donnie Williams)

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Get the Book – Following Jesus in Politically Politically Divided World: https://a.co/d/bVAq9KI
Today's episode will help us explore how Christians can navigate political conversations while staying true to their faith and Jesus' teachings in a deeply divided world.
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Navigating Politics as a Christian: Truth, Division, and the Call to Discipleship
In this episode, we delve into the challenge of political discourse in today's divided world from a Christian perspective. The speaker reflects on the civility of past political debates and contrasts it with the current climate of anger and misinformation. The discussion explores how Christians can navigate these conversations while staying true to their faith and the teachings of Christ. Key topics include the prevalence of false teachings, the importance of upholding a biblical worldview, and practical ways to engage in political conversations effectively. Using insights from various authors and apologists, the speaker provides a comprehensive guide for Christians to remain firm in their beliefs while extending grace in discussions. The talk concludes with practical steps for churches and individuals to foster unity and discernment within their communities.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction: Reflecting on Past Elections
01:03 The Shift in Political Discourse
01:57 Christian Engagement in Politics
02:42 Challenges Facing the Church
03:44 False Teachings and Biblical Worldview
06:50 Historical Context and Church Movements
10:09 Modern Church Strategies and Their Impact
11:37 Navigating Political Conversations as Christians
12:00 Eight Ways to Navigate an Election Year
30:02 Understanding the Role of Government
37:56 Conclusion: Engaging in Spiritual Conversations
 
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BONUS -- 'What Are You Waiting For?' by Josh Branham

Check out Josh Branham’s book on What Are You Waiting For?: A Young Leader's Guide to Changing the World: https://a.co/d/3AtqhWv
 
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Inspiring Young Leaders: An Interview with Josh Branham
Join us as we sit down with Josh Branham to discuss his transformative new book, 'What Are You Waiting For? A Young Leader's Guide to Changing the World.' In this episode, Josh dives into the challenges young people face today, from disillusionment to distractions, and the importance of dreaming big. He also shares personal anecdotes from his journey, insights into his pastoral work at Hill City Church in Boise, Idaho, and practical advice for current and future young leaders. Don't miss this insightful conversation on inspiring the next generation to step into their calling and change the world.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction to Josh Branham and His Book
00:34 The Importance of Dreaming Big
01:40 Challenges Young People Face Today
03:47 Message to the Disillusioned Youth
06:51 Josh's Personal Journey
07:54 Misconceptions About Alaska and Australia
09:49 Hill City Church: A Unique Journey
13:05 Raising Up Young Leaders in Church Ministry
15:39 Premise of the Book: Start Today
20:33 Encouragement for the Disillusioned
In this episode, Josh Branham dives into his new book, What Are You Waiting For? A Young Leader's Guide to Changing the World. It’s all about inspiring young people to hold onto their big dreams and take action instead of waiting for the "right time."
Josh kicks things off by tackling why so many young people stop dreaming big—disillusionment and distraction. He shares how well-meaning advice from parents, teachers, and mentors often pushes kids toward "safe" career paths, causing them to abandon their passions. Add in the constant stream of media, and many end up living vicariously through others instead of pursuing their own purpose.
One moment that really hit home for Josh was his daughter’s kindergarten graduation, where kids boldly declared dreams of becoming pop stars, dancers, or veterinarians. Fast forward a few years, and those dreams often shrink under the weight of practicality and expectations. But Josh insists that young people are naturally wired to dream—and his book is about keeping that fire alive.
At its core, What Are You Waiting For? is for those who feel stuck, cynical, or unsure about their future. Josh’s message is clear: You were created for a purpose, and with faith, anything is possible. He especially wants to encourage young leaders to step up now, not later.
Josh shares his own story—from growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska, to moving to Australia at 16, which challenged him to grow in independence and faith. Later, at Boise Bible College, he felt called to ministry, leading to 15 years of experience as a youth pastor and eventually planting Hill City Church in Boise.
The conversation also covers Hill City’s evolution—from a satellite campus to an independent church, merging with an older congregation during the pandemic, and even launching a satellite campus of their own. Josh paints a vivid picture of their historic downtown Boise building, complete with stained glass and deep community roots.
Josh also highlights a growing challenge: fewer young people entering church ministry. He hopes his book will be a tool for church leaders to raise up the next generation, encouraging them to step into their calling now instead of waiting for “someday.” One key idea? Young people’s greatest strength can be recognizing their own weaknesses—it makes them open to learning and growth.
Ultimately, Josh hopes his book will inspire at least one person to step into ministry or intentional service. He sees it as a practical guide for youth groups, internships, and mentorship programs—not just to inspire but to equip.
As the episode wraps up, Josh speaks directly to young people feeling lost or discouraged. He’s been there and wants them to know—God has a plan for you. Don’t wait. Believe in your potential, take action, and trust that God will work through you. His final message? Hope, purpose, and the courage to step into the calling that’s already yours.

Theology of the New Heavens and New Earth, Part 2 (feat. Jeff Duerler)

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Today's episode will help us explore the theology of the new heavens and the new earth, examining the restoration of our relationship with God, our hearts, and the physical world itself.
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Theology of the New Heavens and New Earth: A Deep Dive into Hope and Restoration
Join us as we delve into a profound theological exploration of the new heavens and the new earth. Embracing themes of hope, restoration, and redemption, this session discusses how the promise of God's eternal kingdom strengthens, encourages, and instills joy amidst life's sorrows. Key topics include the day of the Lord, the dual nature of Jesus' coming, the renewing power of God's glory, and the complete restoration of our relationships, hearts, bodies, and even the physical earth. Highlighted by personal testimonies and inspired by works like John Eldredge's 'All Things New,' this teaching offers an insightful and uplifting perspective on our ultimate destiny as believers.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Opening Prayer and Reflection
03:01 Introduction to Theology of New Heavens and New Earth
03:12 Historical Context and Prophetic Expectations
05:13 The Already and Not Yet Kingdom
05:41 Envisioning the New Heavens and New Earth
07:37 Personal Reflections and Inspirations
09:46 Restoration of Relationship with God
15:57 Restoration of Our Hearts
20:55 New Heavenly Bodies
28:04 Exploring Jesus' Post-Resurrection Encounters
28:58 The Nature of Jesus' Resurrected Body
29:59 The Significance of Scars and Healing
34:12 Supernatural Aspects of Resurrected Bodies
36:02 The Role of Clothing in Resurrection
38:48 The New Earth: A Restored Paradise
44:32 The Restoration of Society and Nations
52:12 Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose
 
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Theology of the New Heavens and New Earth, Part 1 (feat. Jeff Duerler)

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Today's episode will help us grasp the profound significance of the New Heavens and the New Earth, offering hope and motivation through a detailed exploration of biblical teachings and personal reflections.
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Exploring the New Heavens and the New Earth: A Deep Dive into Christian Eschatology
This episode dives into the profound theological concept of the New Heavens and the New Earth, exploring its biblical foundations and its significance in Christian faith. The speaker passionately discusses how this doctrine is central to understanding the ultimate state of redeemed humanity and its implications for our lives today. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural analysis, viewers are encouraged to find hope and motivation to endure life's hardships. The discussion covers systematic theology, eschatology, and the intrinsic hope tied to the Christian belief in the restoration of all things. Viewers will gain insights into the vibrant, eternal future promised in the scriptures and how it shapes our present existence.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Session Overview
00:55 Preparing Our Hearts for God's Word
01:50 Renew's Mission and Theological Foundation
02:50 Exploring the New Heavens and the New Earth
08:31 The Gospel Story and Human Questions
12:48 The Importance of Future Hope
20:53 Biblical References to the New Heavens and the New Earth
24:51 Jesus' Teachings on the New Heavens and the New Earth
30:39 Ancient Prophecies and Hebrew Worldview
32:18 The Day of the Lord: Judgment and Salvation
36:10 The Already-Not-Yet Tension
38:36 Utopian Imagery from Isaiah
39:25 Prayers for Grief and Hope
40:36 The New Heavens and the New Earth
52:07 Philosophical Reflections on Redemption
55:18 The Tree of Knowledge and Good and Evil
59:18 Concluding Thoughts and Doxology
 
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Your Identity in Christ (feat. Anthony Walker & Michelle Eagle)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the significance of grounding our identity in Christ and how it impacts our daily lives and roles.
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Discovering Your True Identity in Christ | Episode with Michelle Eagle & Anthony Walker
In this episode, Michelle Eagle and Anthony Walker discuss their journey and motivation behind writing a new book focused on Christian identity. As leaders in their respective ministries, they share the importance of understanding one's true identity in Christ and the challenges faced when conventional societal identities are disrupted. They highlight personal stories, biblical teachings, and practical advice on how to build solid relationships and disciple others. This enlightening discussion also touches on handling modern identity issues, including race and sexuality, as well as the crucial role of spiritual warfare in preserving one's identity and relationship with God. Ideal for anyone looking to deepen their faith and discover their purpose in Christ.
Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:16 The Importance of Identity
03:58 Challenges in Understanding Identity
05:47 Identity in Christ vs. Worldly Identities
10:35 Personal Stories and Struggles
13:56 Overcoming Identity Crisis
21:02 Personality and Identity
23:03 Embracing Failure and Taking Risks
24:06 Moses: A Story of Identity Conflict
25:39 Choosing a Godly Identity
27:45 The Importance of Relational Discipleship
29:24 Navigating Identity in a Divided World
32:58 Building Relationships Across Differences
37:08 The Power of Unity in Christ
42:58 Addressing Identity Issues in Youth
48:12 Spiritual Warfare and Identity
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How to Interpret the Bible (feat. Orpheus Heyward)

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Today’s episode will help us navigate the complexities of biblical interpretation and establish a robust hermeneutical method.
Mastering Biblical Interpretation: A Practical Guide to Hermeneutics
In this insightful session, we delve into the essential principles of hermeneutics, focusing on a productive and practical methodology to interpret scripture effectively. From understanding the importance of context to exploring the evolution of interpretive processes throughout history, this video emphasizes the significance of proper hermeneutical practices to foster unity in Christian theology. The session also includes valuable exercises, such as textual comparison and word studies, to illustrate how one can accurately handle the Word of God. Numerous examples, including a detailed analysis of common theological debates, highlight the importance of context and genre in biblical interpretation. This video is a must-watch for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of scripture and enhance their interpretive skills.
 
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Session Goals
01:56 Historical Development of Hermeneutics
05:40 Reformation and New Hermeneutic
08:59 Authorial Intent and Historical-Grammatical Method
12:26 Importance of Context in Interpretation
21:17 Textual Comparison for Accurate Interpretation
30:49 Understanding Context in Biblical Interpretation
32:36 The Importance of Genre in Scripture
34:27 Misinterpretations and Their Consequences
42:14 Tools and Techniques for Word Studies
48:30 Formulating the Meaning of Verses
50:55 Case Study: The Doctrine of Christ
55:17 Q&A and Final Thoughts
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Following Jesus in an LGBTQ+ World (feat. Guy Hammond)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the challenges and approaches to discussing LGBTQ issues within the context of faith and disciple-making.
Navigating Faith and LGBTQ: An Honest Conversation with Guy Hammond
Join us for an in-depth and transparent session led by pastor and executive director of Strength in Weakness Ministries, Guy Hammond. In this enlightening and heartfelt presentation, Guy shares his personal journey and insights on balancing LGBTQ issues with Christian faith. Learn about his experiences from living a gay life to becoming a devoted Christian, and how his organization helps others navigate similar paths. With open discussions, challenging questions, and practical advice for creating a welcoming church environment, this session dives deep into the complexities of faith, sexuality, and discipleship.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Session Overview
00:42 Speaker's Background and Ministry
03:20 Personal Journey and Struggles
06:10 Finding Faith and Transformation
08:35 Living a Holy Life Despite Attractions
11:33 Marriage and Family Life
16:53 Current Ministry and Resources
17:44 Interactive Q&A Session
41:55 Challenges of Teaching Teens
42:24 Addressing LGBTQ Issues with Teens
45:17 The Importance of Biblical Conviction
46:11 Personal Journey from Homosexuality to Christianity
51:06 Engaging with Transgender Individuals in Church
01:04:36 Balancing Protection and Welcoming in Church
01:17:21 Navigating Attraction vs. Lust
01:21:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 
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BONUS -- Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity | Interview with Dave Stovall

Check out Dave Stovall’s book on Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity: https://a.co/d/0IKHxFs 
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Today’s episode will help us explore the journey of deconstructing and reconstructing faith with insights from Dave Stovall, author of 'Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity.'
Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity | Interview with Dave Stovall
In this episode, Daniel McCoy sits down with Dave Stovall—worship minister, recording artist, and author of 'Losing My Faith in Progressive Christianity.' Dave shares an in-depth look at his book, which chronicles his journey through deconstructing and reconstructing his faith. They discuss the concept of deconstruction, the pitfalls of progressive Christianity, and how Dave found his way back to historic Christianity through discipleship and faith. This conversation is a blend of personal anecdotes, insightful discussions on faith, and practical advice for those navigating their own spiritual doubts.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction to Dave Stovall and His Book
00:37 Understanding Deconstruction
06:52 Personal Journey of Doubt and Reconstruction
10:16 Writing for the Doubters and Progressives
14:40 A Quick Version of Dave's Story
24:29 Challenges and Insights from the Christian Music Industry
29:10 The Power of Discipleship
33:03 A Story of Restoration and Hope
36:17 Final Words of Encouragement
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Developing a Lifestyle of Prayer and Fasting (feat. Tony Twist)

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Today’s episode will help us encounter the transformative power of prayer and fasting, embrace our true identity, and commit to a life of spiritual discipline.
The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Transforming Lives and Embracing Identity
In this inspiring talk, the speaker shares experiences from around the world, emphasizing the transformative power of prayer and fasting. Stories from Kenya, Sierra Leone, and personal anecdotes illustrate how deep faith and steadfast practices lead to profound spiritual movements and personal growth. The speaker underscores the importance of understanding our true identity and purpose, using impactful illustrations and personal stories to drive home the message. Together, participants are guided through powerful prayer sessions to deepen their connection with God and commit to a life of spiritual discipline for greater fruitfulness.
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Rhythms: How to Live as a Disciple of Jesus (feat. Andrew Jit)

Rhythms: How to Live as a Disciple of Jesus
Today’s episode will help us cultivate intentional rhythms that deepen our relationship with Jesus, strengthen our ministry, and foster a life of rest, transformation, and community.
Finding Rest: Discovering the Rhythms of Grace
In this episode, Andrew Jit shares insights on living a renewed life in Jesus, highlighting the importance of rest and rhythms. He discusses his background, ministry experiences in New Zealand and the U.S., and his passion for global discipleship through the organization Renew. The speaker explores the premise of their book 'Rhythms,' emphasizing Jesus' invitation to rest and follow Him. They draw from several biblical passages, like Matthew 11:28-30 and John 15, discussing how integrating rhythms of grace can help Christians live freely and lightly. Practical applications and real-life examples of discipleship are also shared, encouraging individuals to understand their identity in Christ and persist through life's challenges.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
07:23 Living as a Disciple
08:37 Practical Applications and Theology
15:01 The Importance of Sabbath
16:37 Engaging with the Book Rhythms
26:32 Foundations of Self-Discovery
27:00 Managing Your Life Wisely
28:32 Choosing the Right Path
36:44 Connecting with Different Worldviews
38:38 The Importance of Forgiveness
44:27 Keeping the Faith Strong
45:51 Making a Difference for God's Glory
See below for a longer description:
Andrew Jit begins by introducing his book, "Rhythms," and his ministry, drawing from Matthew 11:28-30 to emphasize Jesus' invitation to find “unforced rhythms of grace” amid life's busyness.
He encourages simplifying and internalizing theological concepts, making them accessible for everyday life, especially for parents as they model a Christ-centered life. For Andrew, rhythms are about aligning with Jesus’ teachings and letting this alignment naturally guide one’s actions, especially in family and community settings. He points to the middle of Jesus’ call in Matthew 4:19, “I will make you fishers of men,” highlighting transformation as a critical part of discipleship that influences not only individuals but also their communities.
Andrew also addresses real-life ministry challenges—like suffering, habits, and rest—sharing personal insights on the importance of Sabbath, understanding one’s calling, and integrating rhythms to navigate life’s ups and downs while keeping a focus on Jesus.
In exploring the broader impact of these rhythms, he challenges the audience to think globally about their ministry, aligning with Renew’s mission of international outreach. The episode concludes with an overview of "Rhythms," covering its self-assessments, Biblical teachings, practical strategies, and success stories from people who’ve embraced these rhythms.
Ultimately, Andrew’s message is an uplifting call to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus through intentional rhythms that emphasize rest, transformation, community, and lifelong discipleship.
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How to Help People Overcome Addictions (feat. Dave Hamlin)

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Today’s episode will help us understand the journey from addiction to recovery, offering practical insights and compassionate guidance for supporting others in recovery ministry.
Finding Redemption: A Pastor's Journey to 45 Years of Sobriety and Helping Addicts
In this moving and heartfelt session, Pastor Dave shares his incredible journey from addiction to sobriety, having been clean for nearly 45 years. He talks about growing up in a strict Christian household, struggling with alcohol as a high school athlete, and the pivotal moments that guided him towards recovery and a ministerial calling. Pastor Dave outlines his efforts in leading a recovery ministry, drawing from programs like AA, NA, and Celebrate Recovery, and emphasizing the importance of helping addicts understand their addiction's underlying causes. He also discusses the critical role of community, the power of scripture, and the challenges faced in this impactful yet demanding ministry.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:17 Struggles with Addiction
02:44 Turning Points and Influences
04:28 Journey to Ministry
06:49 Recovery Ministry Insights
13:30 Practical Steps for Recovery
18:59 Encouragement and Final Thoughts
See below for a longer description:
In this powerful episode, Dave Hamlin shares his journey from addiction to recovery and how it has shaped his life and ministry. With honesty and humility, Dave recounts pivotal moments that led him to sobriety and the lessons he now uses to help others on the same path.
Early Life and Addiction: Growing up in a devout Christian family in Lexington, Kentucky, Dave still found himself drawn to heavy drinking in high school, trying to fit in with the "cool athletes." His drinking led to risky nights and a growing problem by his senior year.
Key Turning Points: Dave’s journey took a turn when two people reached out: his youth minister, Larry Green, subtly confronted him, and a girl from his church persistently told him she was praying for him. These interactions planted seeds of change.
Path to Recovery and Ministry: Entering Milligan College on a baseball scholarship, Dave initially resisted ministry but had a spiritual encounter that led him to commit to youth ministry. Ironically, he’s now spent 28 years preaching and working in recovery ministry, celebrating 45 years of sobriety.
Building a Community Recovery Program: Dave's program, “Community Recovery,” adapts the 12-step model to his church, incorporating scripture and making steps more memorable to reinforce recovery.
Impactful Stories and Realities: Dave’s experiences are filled with stories of hope, like his emotional moment on a baseball field, and recovery stories from his ministry. He also shares the tough realities, from the physical demands of supporting someone in withdrawal to the safety precautions needed in some environments.
Final Thoughts: Dave calls for compassion, seeing addiction as a condition, not a flaw, and focusing on Christ’s transformative power. His testimony offers hope for those struggling and insight for anyone in recovery ministry.
This episode captures Dave Hamlin's inspiring journey and practical wisdom for anyone navigating recovery or serving those who are.
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When Leaders Disagree (feat. Jeff Faull)

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Today’s episode will teach us how to build team unity among church leaders. We will discuss best practices for the beautiful but messy work of building team unity and relational health and alignment around our mission of discipleship.
Navigating Leadership Unity in the Church
Join us in this engaging workshop led by a board member from E2 Ministries on the topic of leadership unity within the church. Originally slated to be conducted by Dr. Gary Johnson, this session delves into the complexities and messiness of maintaining unity among church leaders. Discover valuable insights on humility, practicing biblical conflict resolution, understanding the emotional intelligence among leaders, and cultivating a culture of openness and timely confrontation. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of establishing non-negotiables, knowing the personality 'bents' of fellow leaders, and the precious, yet often messy, blessing of leadership unity. Whether you are a church leader or interested in effective church management, this workshop provides practical bullet points and principles to foster a unified leadership that aligns with Christ’s discipleship mission.
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Key Takeaways 
00:00 Introduction and Workshop Overview
04:38 The Messiness of Unity
06:49 Biblical Examples of Messy but Precious Leadership
07:56 The Blessing of Leadership Unity
11:10 Handling Disagreements with Humility
12:56 Practicing Biblical Conflict Resolution
16:08 Establishing Conflict Plumb Lines
24:12 Increasing Emotional Intelligence
33:25 The Importance of Presentation
34:29 Authentic Apologies and Humility
38:28 Keeping Disagreements Within Meetings
39:28 Guarding Against Spouse Proxy
45:13 Fighting Fair and Seeking Mediation
47:54 Celebrating Unity and Final Thoughts
See below for a longer description:
In this episode, Jeff Faull leads a workshop for church leaders on navigating disagreements within leadership teams.
Jeff concludes with practical tips on praying over decisions, identifying high-conflict issues early, and seeking mediation when necessary. He reaffirms the value of unity in leadership, returning to the theme of "good, messy, blessed" unity from Psalm 133. The session ends with a Q&A, where Jeff addresses questions on balancing humility with fortitude and making tough calls on when to work through conflicts or part ways.
In short, Jeff Faull’s workshop provides a practical, faith-centered roadmap for handling disagreements, fostering unity, and staying focused on the mission.
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