PCOM Podcast

Politics Part IV. Why keeping a kudos file can help keep a leader going. Praying for our local leadership. Plus: lessons from the book of James on why not many of us should seek to be teachers. (Hint: it's a hard gig!) Email addresses to send notes of encouragement: Saddleback Valley School Administrator: Dr. Crystal Turner Capistrano Unified School Administrator: Kirsten Vital PCOM Preschool Dire...

PCOM Politics Pod Part III: idealism in American politics, from Emma Lazarus to Martin Luther King Jr. to Eugene Peterson. How can hope guide us? Plus, a wise word from James on true religion and the poet Scott Cairns on why paper training is so difficult for tortoises. Emma Lazarus's "The New Colossus" Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Eugene Peterson's "Hope on the  Line" James 1:27 The...

PCOM Politics Pod Part II (say that five times fast!). Clearing our heads so we can listen well. Reading /listening to the news rather than watching it. Proverbs illuminates the need for wisdom. Plus, how disagreeing in love can help strengthen our positions and our faith. The Argument - Ross Douthat and Michelle Goldberg on controversial issues (also available as a podcast ) The Greatest Showman...

Pastor Courtney on following Jesus into the choppy waters of politics, Pastor Daryl on 1 Peter's instruction to "honor the emperor," Pastor Tim Keller on the Christian call to engage in politics without accepting any party's entire platform, and loving each other well, even when we disagree.  Rev. Dr. Tim Keller - "How Do Christians fit into the Two-Party System? They Don't." Marilynne Robins...

Some history, some chicken squawks, and hopefully some good fruit. 

Plus, unexpected gifts of a pandemic season, a guide to devotional guides (see what we did there?), and goodness from the Gospel of Matthew. NT Wright's "Philippians for Everyone" Carol Bechtel's "Interpretation Commentary on Esther" A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants Glorious Weakness by Alia Joy An Oral History of the Office by Brian Baumgartner 

Plus, praying for our small business owners, Matthew 6, Psalm 42, breaking  cycles of worry, and this week's recommendations. The Osterholm Update - Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota (Dr. Michael Osterholm) November: Lincoln's Elegy at Gettysburg by Kent Gramm Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza card game  Matthew 6 Psalm 42

Examples of blessings and benedictions from Scripture. The New York Times Magazine's Decameron Project. The Last Dance - Michael Jordan documentary Jemar Tisby's The Color of Compromise 

The prophet Amos and the call to Abraham might still have something to say. 

What month is it again? Pastor Courtney on loving our neighbors, lifting up our performers and encouraging our families. We introduce our first Q&A segment with a wonderful, thoughtful question on Matthew 1, Luke 3, and why Jesus' family lineage was so important (and so radically different in these two Gospels!). Have a question for the PCOM Podcast? Send it to Pastor Courtney: courtney.ellis@...

A reading from Matthew 1, Alfred Lansing's great book "Endurance," a new podcast Q and A section (send me your questions!), an invitation to a Bible study, and staying connected across the miles.

Praying for those who are on the other end of the isolation or overwhelm spectrum. Setting ourselves up for Scriptural study success. Pastor Jackson's sermon text (Matthew 1:1-17). And a story about Pastor Courtney's 20-month-old daughter, who has decided she is invincible.

Jesus tells a story about a kid who asks for his inheritance then splits. You may have heard it before. 

Books on Prayer Prayer by O. Hallesby Prayer: Living with God by Simon Tugwell Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Podcasts Rev. John Ortberg - Menlo Church Sermons Rev. Tim Keller – Gospel in Life Sermons Woven Podcast The Leader’s Journey Podcast Fiction Recommendations Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmy...

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry These Nameless Things by Shawn Smucker Andy Crouch 's March article on ministering in the long haul Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 51 Questions to start conversations around race and justice by Alicia Akins John 19 1 Corinthians 6

Pastor Jackson shares the story behind his love of reading (it involves dishes and Little House on the Prairie!) and how narratives can help us through rocky seasons. Plus, he and Pastor Courtney each share five recommended reads from their favorites lists. And we wrap it all up with Psalm 91 and praying for our pastors and those in leadership in this stretching season. Psalm 91 Pastor Jackson's l...

Jeff shares a story about his fears out in the wild while his gracious father, Dean Given reads from Psalm 27. 

"The object of our waiting is always God." We wrap up Mental Health awareness week on the PCOM podcast with brilliant and lovely author and therapist KJ Ramsey sharing the story of her new book " This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers ," describing how trauma can steal our tongues, and reveling in the hope of the Psalms. Plus, Psalm 126 and praying for the most vulnerable among...

Associate Dean of the Baylor School of Social Work, Dr. Holly Oxhandler, on pandemic coping strategies, the pressures of this uncertain season, and what to do if we or someone we love is feeling suicidal.  COVID Mental Health Support The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (or text HOME to 741741) Email Pastor Courtney for a mental health referral Contact The Bridge Ministry for confid...

Our own Malaika Clelland shares strategies for coping with disappointment, the importance of small acts of self-care (are you eating well? getting enough sleep? staying connected to friends?), and the importance of acknowledging our feelings, big and small. Plus, selections from Psalm 69 from The Message and praying for those who struggle with anxiety and depression. Email Pastor Courtney to confi...

Atlanta-based counselor specializing in adolescent mental health Robert Vore on ministering to our high schoolers, college students, and emerging adults. Robert's tips for helping teenagers and young adults cope with difficulty and disappointment: 1) Validate their emotions. Then, after calm is restored (minutes or hours or days later), challenge the harmful thoughts. 2) Facilitate safe social int...

How some of the most well-loved hymns of the faith were written in remarkably difficult seasons of life. The history behind "It Is Well with My Soul," the echoes of heartache in the Psalms of lament, and praying for our listeners.

Jeff introduces two practical images that may help us enter into our practice of Centering Prayer. 

Is anyone else forgetting what day it is? Tips and tricks for remembering God when things are muddled. Plus, Psalm 22.

Poet David Wright reads "Making Confession," "Local Talent," and Psalm 32. Plus, how the pandemic is affecting universities, staff, and students and how we can pray. Local Talent Lines from the Provinces