The Signpost Inn Podcast

What exactly is contemplation and contemplative prayer? Is it new age nonsense or does it lie at the very heart of the Christian life?  And if, as we argue in this episode, it's the latter, how exactly does the average Joe "do" it?!  In this episode Brandon interviews Dr. John Kleinig of the Australian Lutheran Church tackle all these questions and a few more. Dr. Kleinig holds a Ph. D from Cambri...

In this episode Brandon interviews Matthew Lyda and Miles Klickman, co-founders of Recover the Wild, a ministry helping people recovering connections to God self and creation. We talk about the need to betray anything that betrays life and vitality, how Recover the Wild helps men recover from sexual addictions, and Matthew's and Mile's vision for changing communities everywhere.  Link to free Filt...

Back by popular demand, this is a second interview with Rose Marie Jackson. What starts out as a tame question about her new line of work as an Integration Facilitator quickly becomes deep and personal. Rose Marie and Brandon talk about many things including: Our deep sense that the whole universe has betrayed us, how grief and anger often underly anxiety and depression, our need to grieve and for...

In this episode we go way off script and have an honest to goodness "back porch" conversation between regular hosts, Matt Boland and Brandon Booth, and our newest staff member Peter Gammell. There's no topic, instead we each take a turn sharing something we've been thinking about or struggling with while the others listen. If you've ever wanted to get to know us a little better, this is the episod...

In this episode Matt and Brandon welcome Brandon's son, Torben Booth, into the studio to ask his questions. He asks about getting distracted during prayers, the possibility of God turning us over to Satan, and some tough questions about the book of Job. Visit https://www.signpostinn.org/donate to give today!

In this episode Brandon interviews Rose Marie Jackson, a recently retired licensed independent clinical social worker. We start with the question “How do you feel about God” and do a deep dive into the relationship between emotions, feelings, and thoughts; the distinction between good and bad guilt, and how to feel safe with and loved by God. And so much more!  This is an episode you are going to...

On today's episode: God doesn’t promise to give us everything we want right now, instead he promises to be all that we need. Prayer is the practice of trusting God is enough. And, what do you say to someone who just can’t get to the place where they believe God is enough? Here's the link to schedule spiritual direction with Brandon www.signpostinn.org/brandon-schedule Please donate today at signpo...

Hey listener's this is a special episode drop! Matt and Brandon welcome Peter Gammell to the back porch to talk about Signpost Inn's new book club that YOU can join, as well as about our recently released online course on prayer. We talk about books actually can "read us," why it's so valuable to read contemplatively with others, and dig into a pithy idea that we are kinda like hunter / gatherers...

Matt and Brandon continue answering listener questions. This time they talk about how to teach children to pray, and the complicated issue of wanting to have faith in God’s miraculous ability, but not really having confidence that he’ll come through.  Got your own questions? Send them to us at podcast@signpostinn.org . Send them as an audio clip and we'll feature your voice on the show!  Here's a...

Matt and Brandon sit down on the back porch to answer a few listener questions. They chat about crafting private prayers and about whether or not it’s okay for a Christians to meditate. You can send us your questions too! Email them to podcast@signpostinn.org, or find Signpost Inn on Facebook or Instagram. If you send your questions as an audio clip, we'll feature you voice on the show!  Here's a...

In this episode we continue with the second part of Brandon's interview with Adam Hensley on the Psalms. This time Adam answers Brandon's questions about praying with those those psalms that refer to the "righteous man," and what about the "mean" Psalms?

In this episode Brandon interviews Dr. Adam Hensley, assistant professor of Old Testament Studies and Hebrew at Australian Lutheran College in Adelaide Australia.  They focus their conversation on Adam's expertise in the Psalms. They discuss what the psalms are, how they teach us to pray, how they are arranged, and much MUCH more.   One quick note: Adam uses the word  "Antitype" to refer to Jesus...

Brandon continues his conversation with Dr. Rick Marrs, author of Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered. This time they talk about praying the Psalms, what advice Dr. Marrs has for someone who is struggling to feel God's love, and more. --- Links and things referenced in the show: Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered Dr. Marr's blog @ Concordia Theology Doxology Ambassadors...

This is a special, immediate-release episode because we have exciting news! Signpost Inn is growing and we've brought on two new staff members: Peter and Rachel Gammell!  Peter and Rachel Gammell have just joined our team so we wanted to introduce them to you as soon as possible.  This is a big leap of faith for all of us and so we are simultaneously launching and new fundraising campaign: More Ro...

Brandon sits down with Dr. Rick Marrs who is a professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and the author of Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered. They talk about the role of emotions in our prayer life, how to experience God's love for you, and more.  We have over 1,000 downloads of our podcast. Thank you for sharing us with your friends! Please be sure to give u...

In this episode Brandon interviews Christian Jones, the executive Director of the Flint Mission Network, which is a collection of Lutheran ministries to inner city Flint Michigan. This episode is a little longer than normal because before Brandon and Christian first talked a bit about the work Christian is doing and what it means to be a Lutheran. When the conversation turns to prayer, however, th...

Matt and Brandon continue their discussion about the brain and spiritual practices. They touch on several different practices and Brandon shares some of his own experience with contemplative prayer and how it has helped him with his anxiety. The guys also get into a discussion about gratitude and liturgy.   --- Please rate and review us and share us with your friends! Email questions to podcast@si...

Matt and Brandon sit down to talk about a some research Matt has been doing on spiritual practices and how they effect our brains. Along the way we discuss the similarities and differences between Eastern meditation, mindfulness, and Christian meditation practices and how the fad of mindfulness might be an open door for Christian evangelism. --- Links to books referenced in the show Finding Quiet:...

In this episode Brandon interviews Oliver Willis about an amazing experience he had while on one of Signpost Inn's Contemplative Prayer Retreats. Oliver went home with a refreshed relationship with God and a lot of new questions to ask his friends about how they perceive God.  --- Join us for a Contemplative Prayer Retreat yourself! See our upcoming retreats and register: https://www.signpostinn.o...

In this final part of a 3 part series, Father Joseph explains what Icons are and how they are used in religious practice. He defends them against the accusation that they are idolatry and at the same time expands on his previous discussion about prayer. --- Links: Ladyminister: The The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence --- Email your questions and comments to podcast@signpostinn.org .

In this second of a 3 part series, Brandon continues his interview with Father Joseph. In this episode they discuss prayer. Brandon asks Father Joseph to define prayer, and for his advice for those who struggle to pray. --- Links: Register for a Signpost Inn prayer retreat or workshop Ladyminister: The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence --- Email your questions and comments to podcast@signpo...

Please send us your questions so Matt and I can start hosting regular, listener questions episodes. email us at podcast@signpostinn.org with your questions about prayer, Christian spirituality, theology, or whatever else you'd like to hear us bat around on the back porch.  We'd also really appreciate your feedback on how we're doing. Send that to the same email.  Finally, don't forget to check out...

In this first of a 3 part series, Brandon interviews Father Joseph, an Orthodox monk at The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence. In this episode Father Joseph answers the question: "What is Orthodoxy, and how is it different from other kinds of Christianity?"  --- Links: Register for a Signpost Inn prayer retreat or workshop Ladyminister: The Monastery of Our Lady and Saint Laurence The Ortho...

Happy New Year! Do you pursue God or does God pursue you? In this episode Matt and Brandon talk about the common phrase "pursuing God," and suggest that there are better metaphors for understanding our relationship with God.  They also talk about what's in store on the podcast for the coming year. There are some really great episodes and interviews coming soon!  --- Email us with your feedback at...

Merry Christmas! In this special episode Brandon and Liv Booth join Matt Boland to meditate on the meaning of the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. We discuss a bit of philosophy, a bit of mystery, and a lot of love.  We pray that this Christmas you experience the mystery and joy of being loved by God, who would go to any lengths just to be with you!  --- Questions? Send us an email at podcast@s...