Exploring More

The Gospel in Tombstone Sign up for the Father Matters Zoom Group: https://www.zoweh.org/events#circles   In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings kick off their new "Faves" series by diving into one of their all-time favorite films: Tombstone . Through the lens of the friendship between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, they unpack themes of sacrifice, loyalty, a...

Give and End-of-Year Gift Here: zoweh.org/eoy25 In the final Exploring More podcast episode of the year, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings slow down to reflect on presence, soul care, and the relentless love of God. From the joy of receiving a personal sign from God to the challenge of letting go of false beliefs, they unpack the paradox of a love that both has no limits and still honors our bounda...

Give and End-of-Year Gift Here: zoweh.org/eoy25 In this special Christmas Eve edition of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings invite you into a reflective and joy-filled conversation about the heart of the holiday season. Far beyond the tinsel, carols, and gifts, they explore the true significance of Christmas— the presence of Jesus as the ultimate present . Through persona...

What if the Holidays are Hard?  In this heartfelt episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the complex emotional terrain of the holiday season. While Christmas and Thanksgiving are often painted as joyful and magical, they acknowledge that for many, the holidays bring up grief, loneliness, and the ache of change. Whether it's a first Christmas without a lov...

What makes a gift meaningful?  In this heartwarming holiday episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack the deeper meaning behind giving and receiving gifts. What makes a present truly meaningful? It's not the price tag—but the story, the thought, and the heart behind it. From a toy fire truck that honored a man's courageous past to a miniature Jeep gifted with i...

Sign up for the December 10 Allies Roundtable: Zoweh.org/allies Start With Story: Vision, Brotherhood & Guardrails in Men's Ministry In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Josh Overton close out the Men's Ministry series with a conversation rooted in one of the most important elements of group life: story. They unpack how storytelling builds trust, cataly...

Sign up for the December 10 Allies Roundtable: Zoweh.org/allies Men's Ministry That Heals, Not Just Helps. In this episode of the Exploring More podcast, Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Josh Overton continue the series on men's ministry, diving deep into the practicalities of leading and sustaining groups built around connection, brotherhood, and the heart. They unpack how to lead a men's group...

Starting Something That Lasts What if launching a men's group was less about curriculum and more about culture? In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson, SJ Jennings, and Josh Overton continue their deep-dive into the world of men's ministry. Building on years of experience, they offer practical insights for those looking to start or strengthen a gathering of men rooted in...

From Good Men to Loved Men What if the real invitation of men's ministry isn't to be better, but to be loved? In this episode of the  Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson, Josh Overton, and SJ Jennings take an honest look at the past, present, and future of men's ministry. They reflect on the shift from performance-based models of discipleship, service, and behavior modification to a new fron...

Unplugging from the Matrix: Spiritual Training for Real Life In this episode of the  Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the metaphor-rich world of The Matrix to explore how spiritual training transforms our ability to live with power, love, and freedom. Just like Neo needed to learn the rules of the system, believers must become aware of the unseen battle between g...

Encounter Weekend: www.zoweh.org/the-heart-of-a-warrior-encounter   The Heart of the Story: Why Everything Flows from the Inside Out In this episode of the  Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings unpack the central role of the heart in the spiritual life. Drawing from Scripture, theology, and personal experience, they explore how the heart is not just symbolic—it's the seat of b...

The Kingdom for You: Hearing God's Voice and Partnering in the Battle In this episode of the  Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore the profound reality that the Kingdom of God isn't just coming—it's for you . Picking up the thread from previous episodes on the map of darkness and light, they discuss how Jesus didn't just defeat the enemy—He invites us to join Him in br...

Mapping Darkness and Light: Discernment, Love, and the Spiritual Battle In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive into the ongoing spiritual battle between darkness and light. Using stories from Scripture, personal experiences, and even a 1974 NFL game, they highlight the critical importance of discernment—knowing the enemy's tactics and understanding wh...

The Hero's Journey and the Map of the Larger Story In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings dive deeper into the theme of this first series: learning to read the map of the Larger Story. Through the lens of beloved classics like Pinocchio, The Lion King, and The Wizard of Oz, they unpack the shape of the hero's journey and the spiritual landscape we all live...

Maps, Mountain Lions, and the Larger Story Season Five kicks off with Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings reflecting on where the journey has taken them—and where it's going next. Surrounded by memorabilia, laughter, and memories, they introduce the guiding theme for this new season: understanding the larger story through the lens of maps, spiritual reality, and the battle between light and darkness....

Hearing God's Voice: Removing Obstacles and Restoring Intimacy In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and Josh Overton dive into one of the most personal and transformative themes of the spiritual journey: hearing the voice of God. Through stories, theology, and personal reflection, they remind us that God is still speaking—and always has been. Michael shares a powerful e...

King Me: Becoming the Hero in Your Story In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson shares a powerful conversation with Jim Ramos, host of the Men in the Arena podcast, centered on the themes of King Me —the masculine journey, identity, and living as image bearers of God. Michael unpacks the five stages of a man's life: boyhood, explorer, warrior, king, and elder sage, and th...

Writing King Me: Friendship, Editing, and the Journey to Wholeness In this special episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson sits down with longtime friend and editor Bob Harding to reflect on the creative journey behind King Me . What began as a professional connection through a mutual friend soon became a deep friendship rooted in trust, truth, and the shared mission of helping me...

Register for Zoom Groups here: https://linktr.ee/zoweh Listening, Naming, and Hearing God: Wrapping Up Season Four In the final episode of season four, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings close out their five-part series on listening with a heartfelt reflection on what it means to truly pay attention—to others, to ourselves, and to God. They revisit the podcast's journey since 2018, the shift to vide...

Register for Zoom Groups here: https://linktr.ee/zoweh Being Heard: The Healing Power of Presence and Empathy In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey into the art of listening—focusing on what it means to truly hear someone. They explore how childhood wounds, family dynamics, and emotional disconnects can shape our experience of being...

Register for Zoom Groups here: linktr.ee/zoweh The Extra Mile: Listening Like Jesus In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their conversation on the transformative power of listening—not just with our ears, but with our hearts. Drawing from Jesus' invitation to go the extra mile, they explore what it means to carry someone's emotional or spiritual...

The Art of Listening: Building Trust, Connection, and Space for the Soul In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings begin a new series on listening—not just hearing, but truly engaging. They explore how good listening fosters trust, empathy, and connection, while poor listening erodes relationships over time. From the noise of everyday life to the emotional di...

Galatians 6: Gentle Restoration, Personal Theology, and the Gospel of More In this final episode of the Galatians series, Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings explore Paul's closing words in chapter 6—an invitation to live with gentleness, forgiveness, and mutual care. As they reflect on the early church's challenges, Michael and SJ draw parallels to today's world: pandemics, polarization, and the con...

Galatians 5: Living by the Spirit and Resisting the Drift to Bondage In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, diving deep into chapter 5 and its radical invitation: to live free and walk by the Spirit. They explore the tension between flesh and Spirit, law and grace, and what it means to express faith through love—no...

Galatians 4: From Law to Sonship—Living in the Freedom of Grace In this episode of the Exploring More Podcast , Michael Thompson and SJ Jennings continue their journey through Galatians, unpacking the powerful contrast between life under the law and life as sons and daughters of God. Using the characters of Les Misérables —Javert and Valjean—they illustrate the stark difference between rigid justi...