The Ordinary Christian Podcast

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig discusses the essential qualities of effective leadership, particularly within the church context. He emphasizes the importance of being a learner and servant, earning respect through character, and the necessity of sacrifice for the mission. Craig also highlights the concept of leadership capital, urging leaders to use their influence wisel...

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson addresses high school graduates and their families, sharing insights from his own college experience. He emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and the challenges that may arise during college years. Craig encourages graduates to trust in the Bible, seek support from their church family, and remain steadfast in their faith a...

Have you ever wondered what it might be like to pursue theological education in your thirties? Maybe you have contemplated vocational ministry, but you are afraid you're too old. Perhaps you work a full-time secular job and just feel like there is no place God could use you. If any of these scenarios describe you, you will be blessed by Greg's story of pursuing theological education as a h...

Jesus called people out for their sin and their lack of belief. He didn’t make excuses. He called on people to take responsibility. And then, Jesus took responsibility for our sin. Jesus took our sin and shame and punishment. No excuses. It is time for you to stop making excuses and start taking responsibility.

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson emphasizes the significance of small, consistent actions in spiritual growth. He discusses how growth often occurs slowly and methodically, rather than through dramatic events. By sharing personal anecdotes and insights, he encourages listeners to embrace ordinary experiences and disciplines as powerful tools for transformation in t...

Erin Taylor oversees the All Access ministry at Malvern Hill Baptist Church. All Access is a ministry for and to families impacted by special needs. Through this ministry, Malvern Hill has become a church that is able to care well for even more people. In this episode, you will hear Erin share her heart for this ministry, you will learn how All Access is a mission to an unreached people group, and...

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig shares valuable lessons learned from 25 years in vocational ministry. He emphasizes the importance of viewing the church as the Bride of Christ, prioritizing preaching, understanding the significance of church culture over strategy, and the necessity of prayer. Craig discusses the hard work involved in pastoral ministry, the value of mentors...

In this episode I discuss the importance of being a healthy member of a church. I outlines five key reasons for joining a church, including spiritual growth, sharing the gospel, identifying personal idols, building up the church family, and honoring the Lord. I also emphasizes the need for commitment, especially during difficult times, and encourages listeners to actively participate in their chur...

In this episode of the Craig discusses the process of choosing a church, emphasizing the importance of prayer, clarifying personal convictions, and building relationships. He provides practical steps for finding a church that aligns with one’s beliefs and serves the community, while also addressing when it may be necessary to leave a church. The conversation highlights the significance of godly le...

One of Satan’s greatest tactics is to separate Christians from other believers and seek to “steal, kill, and destroy.” The church is your safe place when trials and troubles come, but often the church is the last place we feel safe and secure. Instead, when hard times come, even Christians are tempted to run from the church and to hunker down in solitude. One of the reasons Christians run away is...

In this episode I speak with Jess Ronne, founder of  The Lucas Project , a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting special needs caregivers. Jess shares her personal journey of caregiving, the challenges faced, and the importance of respite for caregivers. The conversation highlights the role of the church in supporting families with special needs, the need for inclusive spaces, and practic...

In this episode I speak with Scott Pace and Shane Pruitt to discuss their book  Calling Out the Called . We explore the current landscape of ministry, the lack of young leaders, and the importance of inviting the next generation to consider a calling to ministry. The conversation delves into the process of discerning a call, the role of mentorship, and the necessity of creating opportunities for y...

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson interviews Bobby Jamieson, a pastor and author, discussing his book 'The Path to Being a Pastor.' They explore the journey to pastoral ministry, the importance of humble aspiration, and the various roles within church leadership. Jamieson emphasizes that aspiring to ministry should focus on growth and qualifications rather t...

In this episode of the Ordinary Christian Podcast, Craig Thompson discusses the importance of maintaining spiritual commitments made at the beginning of the year, particularly focusing on Bible reading and prayer. He emphasizes God's immutability, explaining that God does not change, which provides a solid foundation for faith. The conversation explores the concept of abiding in Christ as esse...

If you have made a commitment to read more in 2025, here are a few suggestions you might enjoy or benefit from.   -              Jonathan Haidt— The Anxious Generation -              Michael Easter— The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain -              Cal Newport— Slow Productivity -              Alan Noble— On Getting Out of Bed -              Abigail Shrier— Irreversible Damage and Bad Therapy -...

In this episode, Paul Davis shares his struggle with stage four liver cancer. He tells how he has found hope in the hard days and how this diagnoses has given him a new perspective. There are no bad days, just some difficulties to overcome. Paul's attitude and faith have challenged and encouraged me. I know it will do the same for you. Share this episode with someone who may need some encouragemen...

In this episode, I share a recent Wednesday night sermon from the book of 1 Kings. We considered the life of King Solomon, how he started, how he lost his focus on the Lord, how he failed, and ultimately how he led his son to lose the kingdom. None of you have a literal kingdom to lose, but we all stand to lose much if we lose our focus on the Lord. I hope you enjoy this episode. If you do, please...

On this episode of The Podcast, Brian Garbade sits down to share his story of international mission engagement. From his first international trip that was a disaster, to today where he sits on the board of an evangelistic ministry from Scotland (The Heralds Trust), Brian sharers how short-term mission trips challenged him to be more missional abroad and more engaged in discipleship and evangelism...

In this episode, Craig Thompson interviews Paul D. Miller about his book,  The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism?  They discuss the personal background of Paul Miller, the relationship between Christianity and America, the concept of separation of church and state, and the dangers of Christian nationalism. They also touch on the influence of Christianity on th...

In this episode recorded with a live audience, Craig and his wife Angela discuss 7-STRONG and Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation . If you are interested in helping kids to thrive and seeing healthy communities come together with intention and purpose, this episode is for you.

Summary Dr. Ed Uszynski discusses his new book,  Untangling Critical Race Theory , and the importance of having conversations about race. He shares his personal background and experiences with race, highlighting the need for open dialogue and introspection. The conversation delves into the concepts of critical theory and Marxism, exploring their influence on critical race theory. The hosts discuss...

Life is better with friends. In this episode of the podcast, I have a conversation with Angela (my wife) and with our friends Luke and Patty Tolbert about the nature of our long friendship. We talk about what friendship is, how to find friends, and the joy found in a shared life together. Along the way we address the ways friendship can be inconvenient and some of the necessary personal sacrifices...

I began the Ordinary Christian Podcast in 2020 just before the world shut down from a worldwide pandemic. In the four years since then, the podcast has continued in starts and stops. For the 100th episode, I decided to revisit some lessons we all learned during COVID shutdowns, but which we are on the verge of forgetting. In this episode I encourage you to: Prioritize people over possessions. Live...

In this episode, I share tips on how to stay awake and engaged during sermons. I emphasize the importance of going to bed early on Saturday nights, preparing ahead by reading the passage of Scripture, arriving early to find a comfortable seat, and actively participating in worship through singing. It also helps if listeners to expect to be challenged and changed, take notes, plan to discuss the se...

Dr. Chris Rappazini, a professor of leadership, discusses his new book  Moving Forward After Messing Up  and the importance of second chances. He shares a personal story about his relationship with his brother and how it inspired him to write the book. The conversation explores the challenges of recognizing and accepting our mistakes, the role of empathy in ministry, and the practical implications...