The Ordinary Christian Podcast

Have you ever wondered how you might use sports as a ministry or mission opportunity. Today on the show, I speak with Aaron Shaw about how sports has enabled people engage in their own communities, internationally, and even within prison systems. If you are passionate about sports and how you might use them as a part of your ministry, this podcast is perfect for you. Subscribe to  The Ordinar...

Do you ever feel like you are a blue-collar person stuck in a white-collar church? Or maybe, you’re a white-collar person trying to understand a blue-collar culture? I grew up in a blue-collar family. My dad was a mechanic for twenty years and my mom managed the high school cafeteria. My first jobs involved manual labor. I learned to work on cars, mow lawns, paint houses, and repair decks. I...

Do you struggle to make Sabbath rest a priority? Adam Mabry talks with me about his book The Art of Rest and how he had to nearly break-down to finally stop and rest. He also shares how his journey toward rest was and continues to be important for the people to whom he ministers. You will be blessed by this conversation with Adam. Please excuse some of the technical glitches along the way during t...

I love tools. Home improvement projects are often just excuses for me to add to my tool collection. But tools are much more than collectors items, they have particular purpose. Good tools help us to accomplish tasks more effectively and efficiently. I have found tools helpful in all areas of my life where I have responsibility. Figuratively I have separate tool boxes as a pastor, as a parent,...

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking and 73% of our population is affected by it. At least that many people are afraid of praying in public as well. If you are among those who are terrified that you might get called on to pray in a small group or over a family dinner, this podcast is for you. On this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast you will hear 6 easy steps to help you overcome y...

On this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, I sit down with two of the other pastors at Malvern Hill and discuss popular music, Netflix, and the degradation of pop culture. We talk music, dance, and movies. In the most surprising (and disappointing) twist of the podcast so far, Adam compares Boyz II Men to Florida-Georgia Line. Parents, pay attention to this podcast. You need to know what y...

Sean Clayton is a former American Ninja Warrior competitor, a victim of violence, a U. S. Army veteran, an obstacle course competitor, husband, dad, and Christian. Join us today as Sean shares his story of pain and redemption. He also shares how his dad stuck by his side in his darkest days and how Christ freed him from his sin, anger, and pain. Along the way we get a couple of training tips, talk...

The primary marker of godly men is a commitment to godliness. Godly men may be office workers, crane operators, weight lifters, or duck hunters, but they don’t have to be any of those things. First and foremost, a godly man loves Jesus and takes responsibility for his family.

Ashley Turner spent seven years touring as a vocalist for the Christian group, Palisade. After her time in the music industry, she felt burned out and struggled to find her place in ministry. On this episode of the podcast, hear her story of God’s grace as she found her calling, not on the national stage, but in the ordinary aspects of ministry leading worship in her local church, loving her husba...

When you consider your responsibility as a Christian to engage the world around you with the gospel, you may think about apologetics training or mission conferences. But, Luke Tolbert argues that the church is the most important ingredient in training Christians to engage the world with the gospel. The church is God’s institution to carry the gospel and fulfill the Great Commission. Local churches...

Do you feel rushed, hurried, and unfulfilled? Brian Gregor argues that part of the reason may be our unwillingness to set apart special times for special things. Increasingly in American culture, time is not viewed as special, but rather as an “empty container…Everything is available all the time. At first this feels liberating–no need to wait–but it’s really enslaving because it gives no rest. No...

Have you ever felt like your pastor was the only real minister in your church? Maybe you’ve doubted your ability to make a difference for the kingdom on your job or in the ordinary areas of your life. On this episode of the podcast, I chat with Jason Fletcher who left vocational ministry to manage his family business in North Carolina and volunteer at a new church plant. He shares how this move ha...

Have you ever doubted your salvation? You aren’t alone. Many people struggle with assurance of their salvation. In today’s episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast we will look at some good reasons why you should doubt your salvation. We will also consider some remedies against those doubts that sometimes plague God’s people. Here is a link to the sermon mentioned in this episode: Safety In Chris...

Are missionaries just people who couldn't hack it in the United States? How would you transition from your 8-5 job in South Carolina to become an international missionary? How would you break the news to your spouse that you feel called to international missions? How in the world would you help your kids in that process? Today, my conversation with Walt covers all of these areas and more. Tune in...

On this episode of the Podcast, Dr. Chris Hefner and I discuss the importance of everyday ministry. We talk about Francis Schaeffer, Moses's staff, and floating axe heads. Along the way Chris helps us to see how the Elisha's ministry was important and valuable even though it is often overshadowed by Elijah. If you have ever felt like your ministry at work, at home, or among your peers didn't matte...

My kids wonder what exactly a pastor does. I assume that many of you wonder the same thing. I am often asked, “How long does it take to write a sermon?” In today’s podcast, I try to answer that question for any of you who may have been wondering.

You can have a better marriage today with just a little effort. Stop putting it off until tomorrow. On this episode of the podcast, consider these 5 easy steps to improve your marriage now. Subscribe to  The Ordinary Christian Podcast

D. J. Horton is senior pastor at The Church At The Mill in Spartanburg, SC. He is married to Laurel with six children. D. J. Helps us understand how to practice discipleship in our homes and how to make time to grow in Christ. Along the way we hear about a monster deer, the pursuit of turkeys, and practical tips for leading your kids toward Christ. You can learn more about D. J. at Living Worthy M...

How can you grow as a Christian? After 25 years of strength training, I’ve learned that the recipe for growth is almost the same in every area of life. To get physically stronger you need 3 basic ingredients: 1. Nutrition 2. Time Under Tension 3. Rest. The same is true in your spiritual life. To grow as a Christian you need 1. Spiritual Nutrition 2. Time Under Tension 3. Sabbath Rest. Subscribe to...

How should the white evangelical church help to heal the racial divide in our country? Here, I continue my conversation with Stephen Splawn from the SC Baptist Convention about race relations, country music, and sushi. We also address some more serious issues like stereotypes and injustice. Listen in to see how you can do your part to make a difference in your own church.

How should the white evangelical church help to heal the racial divide in our country? Today, I speak with Stephen Splawn from the SC Baptist Convention about race relations, country music, and sushi. We also address some more serious issues like stereotypes and injustice. Listen in to see how you can do your part to make a difference in your own church.

Everyone wants to be a part of a healthy church, but not everyone knows how to get there. There are tons of resources on what a healthy church is and what a healthy church should look like. But, if we were to boil all of that down to six necessary components, what would they be and what would that puzzle look like? Here's an ordinary guide to a healthy church.

Does social media wear you out? Does it seem to be negative all the time? Maybe you agree with a friend who once told me, “Nothing on social media makes me like my friend more, but it does often make me like people less.” The Bible doesn’t mention social media, but it has a lot to say about how we use words. This episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast will help you monitor your own social media...

Aimee Byrd is the author of five books including Theological Fitness: Why We Need A Fighting Faith . I asked Aimee to come on to the podcast today to help us understand how a "fighting faith" can sustain us during hard times. We also talk about some of her other writings and how rest can be active. If you would like to know more about Aimee, you can read her work here .

International missionaries approach the world through a unique lens. Zane Pratt, Vice President for Global Training with the International Mission Board discusses the status of the IMB today and how the church can support missions.  Dr. Pratt also helps us to understand how the pandemic is different in developing countries, how social distancing is a privilege for the wealthy, and what he see...