Christian AF Podcast

What is the point of spiritual discipline? Do we need to read our bibles? Why do we need to PRACTICE discipleship? Isn't going to church and trying to be good Christians enough? The CAF podcast crew welcomes back Creig Day to help us work through a few of these questions and more. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: WEST O BEER - Smoked Red Ale West Okoboji, IAFARMHAUS CIDER CO - Daily Dry Hudsonville, MIKROMBACHER - Pils Kreuztal, GermanySupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Today's episode is a little different. In the wake of a difficult week for our community in Rockford, Jen, Evan, Jesse, and Creig have a candid conversation about our roles amid tragedy. NEWS ARTICLES https://www.wifr.com/2024/04/09/suspect-accused-killing-rockford-walmart-employee-pleads-not-guilty/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rockford-illinois-violence-stabbing-dead-rcna145388 GOFUNDME LINKS Jason Jenkins https://www.gofundme.com/f/xbzfr-jason-jenkins Romona and Jacob Schupbach https://www.gofundme.com/f/romona-and-jacob-schupbach Jenna Newcomb (15 Year-Old Victim) https://www.gofundme.com/f/jenna-newcomb Cindy Craig (Survivor) https://www.gofundme.com/f/rockford-victim Keith Fahrney "Good Samaritan" https://www.gofundme.com/f/keith-fahrney-good-samaritan-fund Support the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Welcome to part 2 of the ladies' podcast. We're amplifying the voices of some of our favorite women during Women's Month as Jen sits down with some of her closest friends (wives of Jesse and Evan and good friend Heather Camacho) to talk about the role of women in the church past frustrations, and future thinking. Drink like a girl and grab a stiff glass of bourbon as we finish up this convo with the lady podcasters! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: WOODFORD RESERVE - Straight Kentucky Bourbon Versailles, KY CIDER BOYS - Grand Mimosa Stevens Point, WI Support the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Dive into a candid episode of the Christian AF Podcast as we welcome a very special group of women: Evan's wife Heather, Jesse's wife Alix, and our friend Heather join Jen for today's conversation. As we celebrate Women's Month, we delve into their journeys within the church, the triumphs and trials of leadership, and the unique experiences that have shaped their paths. So grab your favorite drink and join us for this unforgettable PART 1 of exploration of faith, leadership, and the power of female voices in shaping our world. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: WOODFORD RESERVE - Straight Kentucky Bourbon Versailles, KY CIDER BOYS - Grand Mimosa Stevens Point, WI Support the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Right smack in the middle of trying to build a stronger community, the topic of volunteering in church stirs up more than just dust. It's a whirlwind of questions: Are we asking too much from our volunteers? Is there a thin line between utilizing skills and outright exploitation? And what about burnout – that silent thief that sneaks up on the most willing of spirits? This week, Jesse, Evan, and Jen tackle these questions head-on, dissecting the delicate balance of volunteerism within church walls. From the silent expectations to the loud cries for help, we sift through the complexities of leadership, commitment, and the true essence of serving. Is it possible to create a space where volunteering feels more like a two-way street and less like a one-way ticket to exhaustion? Pour a drink, grab a seat, and join us as we wade through the volunteer vortex, searching for the sweet spot between giving too little and asking too much. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: FOUNDER'S BREWING CO – Oktoberfest Grand Rapids, MILAGAVULIN – 16 Year Port Ellen, Isle of Islay, ScotlandSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Let's talk fasting! What is the practice of fasting and why do we do it? Is it still applicable to our lives today? How do we keep our focus on prayer while fasting? Join us as we talk about starting a 30-day fast with our church, what we're giving up, and what fasting has looked like for us in the past. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: MAPLEWOOD BREWERY – Country Mile Chicago, ILSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Join us in a toast as we mark a major milestone: our 100th episode of Christian AF Podcast! In this special edition, we're switching things up – your hosts become the guests. Dive into our personal stories, early influences, and those pivotal moments that have shaped our journey. We're setting our sights on the future, discussing our ambitions and dreams for the next chapter. This episode is a tribute to you, our dedicated listeners, who've been part of this incredible journey. So, raise your glass with us as we celebrate together. CHEERS to 100 episodes and many more to come! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: BKS ARTISAN ALES – Counter Culture Kansas City, MOART HISTORY BREWING - Varitace Geneva, IllinoisSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Ever wondered what it would be like to receive a letter from the apostle Paul in today's fast-paced, digital age? In this intriguing episode, we embark on a thought-provoking journey into the hypothetical scenario of today's Western church receiving a letter from Paul. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the profound impact of social media on our daily lives, the challenges of finding authentic community in our increasingly disconnected digital society, and the strong need to find our identity in Christ. So, grab your preferred beverage, settle in, and join us as we navigate the crossroads of faith, culture, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: BKS ARTISAN ALES – Pivo Project Kansas City, MOVARITACE - Art History Brewing Geneva, IllinoisWINTHROPE - BKS Artisan Ales Kansas City, MissouriSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

In a world where quick fixes and instant solutions are often sought after, how does this impact the way we approach challenges in our churches? Are there really 'silver bullets' that can instantly resolve systemic issues, spur numerical growth, or transform congregational cultural dynamics? Or are we simply chasing after the wind? This episode of Christian AF tackles the allure and the illusion of quick fixes in church life. Join us as we dissect the temptation to seek out 'silver bullets' for complex, deep-rooted problems within our faith communities. We'll be diving into why these seemingly simple solutions are not only ineffective but can sometimes lead us further from the meaningful, sustained change we seek. From the latest church growth hacks to the newest spiritual trends, we're scrutinizing the shortcuts and examining what it truly takes to address the multifaceted challenges facing our churches today. Tune in for a candid, eye-opening discussion that might just change the way you think about problem-solving in your faith community. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: BKS ARTISAN ALES – Pivo Project Kansas City, MOSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Does spiritual growth happen in isolation, or is it a journey best walked with others? In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, how important is community in our spiritual formation? This episode of the Christian AF Podcast dives into the dynamic between personal growth and communal development in our faith journeys. We're excited to have Creig Day with us to explore the delicate balance between nurturing our individual faith and fostering spiritual connections within our community. We'll be challenging the modern emphasis on self-growth, examining the crucial role that community plays in shaping our beliefs, practices, and spiritual identity. Are we missing out on a deeper, more enriched faith experience by focusing too much on ourselves? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that questions the status quo and sheds light on the transformative power of community in our spiritual lives. Let's discover together how we can grow not only in ourselves but also as integral parts of a larger, vibrant faith community. MENTIONED LINKS Renovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: 3 SHEEPS BREWING BREWING - Fresh Coast Sheboygan, WIBKS ARTISAN ALES – Repetitions on Citra Kansas City, MOSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

** LISTENER SPONSORED EPISODE ** This episode is sponsored by listener (and Jen fan) Tricia! Ever find yourself questioning the "dos and don'ts" that sometimes pop up in Christian culture? Why is it that some believers are fine with cracking open a cold one or letting a swear word slip, while others see these actions as strictly off-limits? Is this a case of personal freedom, or are we missing something when it comes to our moral compass? Get ready to pull up a chair with Jesse, Evan, and Jen as they tackle the nuanced topic of Christian moralism, with a special focus on drinking and swearing. Thanks to an insightful listener email, the team dives headfirst into the reasons they're cool with these acts, while still maintaining a strong sense of faith and ethics. Are they cherry-picking Bible verses, or is there a broader understanding of grace at play? Whether you're toasting with a glass of wine or enjoying a good old-fashioned root beer, gear up for a candid discussion that challenges traditional Christian norms. Jesse, Evan, and Jen don't shy away from dissecting scripture, cultural influences, and personal experiences to provide a well-rounded view on this divisive subject. So here's to freedom, responsibility, and the never-ending journey of understanding our faith a bit better. Cheers—or should we say, "Amen?" EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: ABERFELDY - Scotch Aberfeldy, UKCRYSTAL HEAD - Vodka Newfoundland, CanadaSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Navigating the complex topic of the current war in Israel is no easy feat. How do we sift through the layers of history, politics, and faith to understand the deep-rooted issues? Even more so, what's the role of misinformation and disinformation in shaping our perspectives? And, perhaps most crucially, what should our response be as Christians in the face of such conflict? Join Jesse, Evan, and Jen as they unpack the historical context of the ongoing war in Israel, and highlight the dangerous impact of misinformation. The trio doesn't shy away from asking the hard questions: What responsibilities do we have as believers to seek truth? How can we differentiate between facts and politically driven narratives? And what actionable steps can we take to be both informed and compassionate? So whether you're sipping on an IPA or cozying up with a cup of hot apple cider, get ready for an in-depth discussion that grapples with the intersecting realms of faith, geopolitics, and ethics. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: MORE BREWING - Huntley Helles Huntley, ILPRAIRIE STREET BREWING CO – Prairie Street IPA Rockford, ILSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

When it comes to church discipline, we often find ourselves walking a fine line. How do we balance the need to uphold our community's values with inclusivity? How do we differentiate between a loving correction and an outright rebuke? And at what point does someone's actions warrant being asked to leave the community? Throughout church history, the approach to discipline has varied from one denomination to the next. Yet, its essence always remains the same: striking a balance between love and justice, community and individual responsibility. Discipline, in its truest sense, is about restoration, not punishment. But how can we ensure it doesn't become a tool for control or manipulation? Join Evan, Jen, and Jesse in this episode as they explore scriptural perspectives and discuss the intricacies of church discipline. From setting boundaries to understanding the real motivations behind certain actions, they shed light on the importance of nurturing a community's spiritual well-being while ensuring every member feels acknowledged and valued. Grab your favorite drink, be it bourbon or a Yoo-Hoo, and dive into a candid conversation about one of the church's most sensitive topics. Here's to understanding the heart of discipline and the grace that surrounds it! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: YOO-HOO Chocolate DrinkE.H TAYLOR - SMALL BATCH Frankfort, KYYELLOWSTONE SELECT Lebanon, KYSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Ever wrestled with the idea of universalism? Does everyone, regardless of faith or deeds, get a pass into the eternal afterlife? Is God's love and grace truly universal, or are there some boundaries we shouldn't cross? How does this theological stance fit in—or clash—with mainstream Christian doctrine? Join us as we unpack the intricate and often controversial subject of universalism. We're cutting through the religious jargon, questioning long-held assumptions, and diving into some great discussion that might leave us with more questions than answers. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: PAVO REAL - Prairie Street Brewing Co. Rockford, ILSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Ever ponder the complexities of salvation? Is it merely a one-way ticket to heaven, or is there more to it? Can you lose your salvation once you've got it? And if so, is there a comeback route? How about the role of prayer—should we keep reciting "the prayer" as an eternal insurance policy? Hop down the rabbit hole with us this week on the Christian AF Podcast, where we'll deconstruct the multi-layered notion of salvation. We're peeling back the layers, challenging popular beliefs, and getting down to the spiritual nitty-gritty. Plus, don't miss out on the finale: we've got a worship tune that's poised to take the world by storm! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: PRAIRIE STREET BREWING CO – Oktoberfest Rockford, ILSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Did you hear the news? Just in case you've been living under a rock for the last month (much like our friend Evan), it seems as though the possibility of extraterrestrial life is looking more like a reality than ever before. With the recent congressional hearings, a spike in unexplained sightings, and more intentional eyes on what used to be dismissed as absolute malarkey, we just might be on the cusp of an unprecedented unveiling that we are, in fact, not alone in this universe. With these concerns come many questions, and for those of us in the faith community, a whole different waterfall of uncertainty and doubt is unleashed. How does this discovery align with our theological beliefs? What moral considerations arise when considering potential interactions with beings from beyond our world? The ripples of this revelation touch every corner of religion, morality, and philosophy. Join us in this episode as we dive into a cosmic conversation, exploring the profound theological implications and philosophical quandaries this news presents. From divine universality to moral frameworks, we'll seek to understand how the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence might reshape our understanding of faith and our place in the cosmos. Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or just curious about the unknown, this episode promises to be a thought-provoking and, of course, humorous journey into the spiritual frontier. Grab a drink and join us as we boldly go where no podcast has gone before! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: KNOB CREEK - Bourbon Whiskey Clermont, KYSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Have you ever heard someone use the saying "#blessed" or talk about how "blessed" they are every chance they get? What does that really mean? Is it vocabulary we should be using? Is there any harm in casually throwing that hashtag around? Let's discuss! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY - Woodford Reserve Versailles, KY 9-YEAR BOURBON WHISKEY - Knob Creek Clermont, KYSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

In part two of our conversation with Philippe we're getting personal! Philippe challenges the CAF crew to answer these two questions: 1. Where are we suffering and avoiding in our personal lives? 2. How are you designing your life to stay healthy? Answer them for yourself or reflect on them with a friend if you're ready for a little constructive introspection. EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: TECHNICAL ECSTACY - 2nd Shift St Louis, MOPAVO REAL - Prairie Street Brewing Co. Rockford, ILLIMONATA - Sanpelligreno ItalySupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

Have you ever noticed yourself sweeping your problems under the rug, hoping they will just disappear? Have you caught yourself blaming others for your shortcomings, without daring to look inwardly and ask the tough questions? Perhaps you've realized that denial and avoidance have become your subconscious defense mechanisms. Or, maybe you've begun to ask yourself why the same issues seem to crop up again and again in your life, never truly resolving. If any of these thoughts resonate with you, then this episode of Christian AF is one you won't want to miss. In this episode, we step into the sometimes uncomfortable territory of self-reflection and accountability. All too often, we become experts at diagnosing others' faults while conveniently overlooking our own. However, the question we need to ask is, what is the potential harm when we persistently dodge an introspective look? Is there a cost to consistently shying away from self-improvement? Join the Christian AF crew and our insightful guest, Philippe, as we courageously tackle the subject of avoidance. Together, we'll dive into this common human tendency, exploring how it can affect our personal growth, relationships, and spiritual journey. As always, we invite you to bring your questions, doubts, and fears into this discussion, so grab a drink, and join us as we take an in intentional look into avoidance! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: TECHNICAL ECSTACY - 2nd Shift St Louis, MOPAVO REAL - Prairie Street Brewing Co. Rockford, ILLIMONATA - Sanpelligreno ItalySupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com

On today's episode, we're talking about church branding. We know this topic may not be the most interesting to some of our listeners, but we think it's an important conversation to have! We promise to still be our entertaining selves despite the potentially "boring" (to some of you) topic. So, what's the deal with church branding? Do churches really NEED a brand? What are they selling anyway? What makes a church brand stand out and where do they fall short? Let's discuss! EPISODE DRINKING NOTES: HOPPIN' JAVELINA - Pig Minds Brewing Co. Machesney Park, ILLIL BUDDY - Hopewell Brewing Co. Chicago, ILSupport the show –––––––– LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIA Website • Facebook • Instagram Email: christianafpodcast@gmail.com