The Average Pursuit

Overview: In today’s episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan tackles one of the most deeply personal and painful questions we all wrestle with: “Why can’t I change?” Despite our best efforts to grow in faith, many of us find ourselves trapped in cycles of struggle, questioning if real transformation is even possible. Drawing from Ephesians 4:20-24, Jonathan explores the disconnect between our be...

Big Tech isn’t just shaping what our kids watch — it’s shaping who they become. In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Jon pulls back the curtain on how platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are manipulating children’s brains, emotions, and identities using algorithms, emotional hijacking, and endless scroll. But this isn’t just a warning — it’s a battle plan . You’ll learn how to: Spot t...

Host: Jonathan Sheppard Special Guest: Callie Sheppard In this deeply vulnerable episode of The Average Pursuit , my wife Callie joins me to talk about a season in our life when we felt like we had failed as parents. She opens up about the shame she carried and the moment she thought it was too late for restoration. Together, we walk through how God met us in the middle of that brokenness and brou...

If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely holding it together, this episode is for you. In this honest, front-porch style conversation, Jon opens up about what it’s like to run on fumes while everyone assumes you’re fine. Together, we’ll explore the difference between pretending and healing, and the hope Jesus offers to the weary and worn out. At the end, Jon leaves you with two powerful questions to...

Have you ever prayed with everything in you… and been met with silence? In this raw and honest episode, we’re not offering easy answers—we’re sitting in the silence together. I share one of the most painful seasons of my life, and how I wrestled with God’s silence through loss, confusion, and unanswered prayers. But I also share the truths that helped carry me through—and how Scripture meets us in...

After a four-month pause, The Average Pursuit is back—and we're going deeper than ever. In this special relaunch episode, Jonathan shares where he’s been, why the podcast had to pause, and what’s coming in Season 3: The Deep End . This season is all about the hard things we don’t talk about—but should. Things like loneliness, purpose, failure, doubt, comparison, and starting over. You’ll also...

We’re in the final stretch of Season 2 of The Average Pursuit! This week’s episodes will be short, practical, and focused on simple ways you can start living out Simple Living, Biblical Living in your everyday life.

We’re in the final stretch of Season 2 of The Average Pursuit! This week’s episodes will be short, practical, and focused on simple ways you can start living out Simple Living, Biblical Living in your everyday life.

We’re in the final stretch of Season 2 of The Average Pursuit! This week’s episodes will be short, practical, and focused on simple ways you can start living out Simple Living, Biblical Living in your everyday life.

We’re in the final stretch of Season 2 of The Average Pursuit! This week’s episodes will be short, practical, and focused on simple ways you can start living out Simple Living, Biblical Living in your everyday life.

We’re in the final stretch of Season 2 of The Average Pursuit ! This week’s episodes will be short, practical, and focused on simple ways you can start living out Simple Living, Biblical Living in your everyday life.

A life that honors God isn’t built in one big moment —it’s shaped by small, daily decisions of obedience. In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan explores what it means to walk in daily obedience , why it matters, and how faithfulness in the little things leads to greater blessings. Through biblical wisdom and practical steps, you’ll learn how to: ✔ Start each day with a heart of surrend...

At the end of your life, what will truly matter? Your legacy isn’t about wealth, success, or achievements—it’s about how you impacted others for Christ. In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan explores what it means to leave a godly legacy , focusing on three key areas: ✔ A Legacy of Faith – Passing down a strong relationship with God to the next generation ✔ A Legacy of Love and Charact...

The future is coming, whether we’re ready or not. But are we preparing for it wisely ? In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan explores how to plan your time, resources, and priorities in a way that honors God. Drawing from biblical wisdom, Jon breaks down the balance between planning and trusting God , offering practical steps to help you: ✔ Manage your time wisely and intentionally ✔ H...

It’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of everyday life and lose sight of what truly matters —eternity. In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan shares practical daily exercises to help shift your mindset from temporary worries to eternal priorities . Through simple, biblical habits , you’ll learn how to: ✔ Start each day with an eternal perspective ✔ Ask the right questions befor...

At the end of your life, what will truly matter? Success, wealth, and status won’t last—but your relationship with God will. In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan unpacks Ecclesiastes 12:13 , where Solomon, after a life of wealth and power, concludes that the only thing that truly matters is fearing God and keeping His commandments. Jon shares personal reflections, biblical insights, a...

You don’t have to travel across the world to be a missionary— your mission field is right where you are. In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan shares how living missionally isn’t about adding more to your plate—it’s about being intentional in the life you already have . Through practical evangelism, small acts of service, and everyday conversations, you can reflect Christ in simple but...

Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful—it just has to work for you . In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan shares his personal struggles with money management and the moment everything clicked after reading The Richest Man in Babylon . Learn how to build a budget that fits your lifestyle, relieves financial stress, and helps you take control of your money rather than let...

Money isn’t just about making ends meet—it’s a tool for honoring God. In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jon explores biblical financial stewardship , diving into Proverbs 3:9-10 and discussing what it truly means to honor God with our wealth. Learn how to shift from consumerism to stewardship , break free from the cycle of materialism, and handle your finances in a way that brings peace and...

Feeling stuck or unsure of what God wants you to do next? In this episode of The Average Pursuit , Jonathan breaks down simple, practical steps to help you discern where God is leading you. Whether you're making a big decision or just looking for clarity in your daily walk, knowing your next step is key. Through biblical wisdom, real-life examples, and a challenge to take action, you'll le...

In Episode 13 of The Average Pursuit , we explore the question, "What’s Your Calling?" Living a Christ-centered life isn’t about complicating things—it’s about focusing on what truly matters: God, family, and faith in action. Join Jon as he unpacks what it means to have a calling, how to discern God’s purpose for your life, and why using your gifts for His glory doesn’t require a grand m...

Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is stop. In this unscheduled episode, I’m sharing why I’m hitting the reset button this week—why I need to step back, rest, and refocus on what really matters. If you’re feeling burned out, stretched too thin, or like you’re running on empty, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about why rest isn’t weakness —it’s wisdom. I’ll be back with a new episode...

In a world obsessed with more—more money, more success, more everything— how do we find contentment? In this episode, we dig into what the Bible says about contentment, why more stuff doesn’t bring more peace , and practical steps to embrace the freedom of being satisfied in Christ. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re always one step behind or one purchase away from happiness, this episode is f...

In a world that tells us more is better, what if true freedom is found in living with less ? In this episode, we explore what the Bible says about simplicity, why contentment in Christ is the key to true peace, and how embracing less can actually help us focus more on God’s purpose for our lives. I’ll share my own struggles with clutter—both physical and spiritual—and offer practical steps to simp...

In a world full of noise, how do we actually hear from God? If you’ve ever felt like God is silent, your prayers feel rushed, or you just can’t focus , you’re not alone. The truth is—God is speaking, but we’re often too distracted to listen. In this episode, we’ll explore how distractions keep us from fully experiencing God’s presence , why the Bible emphasizes stillness, and practical ways to cut...