Once I have prayed, read, reflected, and then presented and recorded the devotional —I bring in AI. For me it works in a couple of steps.

Transcribe with Turboscribe - free

Turboscribe is a free tool that you can use to create transcriptions for video or audio files less than 30minutes long. Once I have my recording I then upload the file to turboscribe and let it produce a transcription. The process takes about 5 minutes.

Claude Creates an Engaging Title and Quick Summary

I have a project setup in Claude. The project instructions are: “I will upload a transcript. From that transcript I need you to create a title and a summary paragraph. An example is found below:

Hard Work, Honest Hearts, and Holy Living (Prov 28) | 5/20/2026

In this devotional from Proverbs 28, Justin draws out three timeless contrasts that cut across every stage of life. First, young people who follow God’s instruction aren’t just obedient — they’re genuinely wise, and don’t have to wait for age to earn that distinction. Second, hiding sin leads nowhere good; true prosperity comes through confession and repentance, a truth that pointed forward to Christ even when it was first written and still holds today. Third, hard work produces plenty — not abundance, just plenty — while chasing fantasies leads to poverty, a warning against the gap between what we think we deserve and what we’re actually willing to do.”

You can just copy that and paste it, or tweak it however you like. Then I have the following written int he Purpose & Context section:

”Justin works at Greenwood Baptist Church, where he leads a Wednesday Bible devotional series and is involved in producing formatted written summaries of sermon and devotional content. The email domain confirms his church affiliation. Kevin is identified as the high school pastor at Greenwood and appears in some content as a named figure.

Current state

Justin is actively producing formatted titles and summary paragraphs for devotional transcripts. Recent work has included a 1 Thessalonians series (at least three parts) and a completed Proverbs series spanning chapters 29–31. The Proverbs series followed a Wednesday-by-Wednesday cadence and has concluded with Proverbs 31.

Key learnings & principles

• Justin’s preference is for conciseness — when output is too long, he’ll signal this briefly and expects a tighter revision

• Format is communicated primarily through example rather than explicit instruction; Claude should infer structure from any sample provided

Approach & patterns

Justin uses a consistent formatting template for devotional summaries:

• Title line: Bold, includes topic, series name (in parentheses), part number, and date — using a bracketed placeholder when the recording date is unknown

• Summary: A single flowing prose paragraph covering biblical foundation, key verse references, illustrative anecdotes, and practical applications

• Dates follow M/D/YYYY format when known

• Summaries are rich but compact — dense with content, not padded

Tools & resources

• Source material: sermon/devotional transcripts

• Output used in a church content context (likely archive, bulletin, or digital library at Greenwood Baptist Church)”

Again, you are welcome to take that and use it, or (more likely) adjust it to fit your circumstances.

Within the Claude Project (which I titled Weekly Devo Summaries) I just paste the text of the transcription and then press enter. It gives me a quick summary and catchy title within 10-20 seconds.

Conclusion

This use of AI allows me to work faster without giving up what makes me human. I’m not super concerned about the phrasing of the summaries. A good summary/title should be SEO optimized anyway so that the google/search robots can find and categorize the post. So I’m just letting AI do the transcription and summary stuff in about 1/100 of the time it would take me. This is the sort of use of AI that I like. It takes away the boring monotonous work, and allows me to just do the uniquely human part.

FYI I have a human assistant who handles the audio/video editing. He also uploads the files to the correct destinations. Since we employ a human for that purpose we do not use AI (we’re not taking away a person’s job).

What Benefits Can Efficiency Give to Spiritual Growth?

Let’s acknowledge that efficient systems can genuinely serve spiritual growth if done in the right way. They can help reduce administrative workload and repetitive communication.1 It can also reduce paperwork so that we have more time to spend with people. Systems for efficiency like a calendar or planner can help us when to say “no” and what is enough work - so that work doesn’t hinder worship or family time.2

In the same way, technological systems can extend the hours available for formation. We can create a digital resource that our people consult even when we are not personally available.3 We can use our social media feeds to inspire people to grow spiritually when we aren’t face to face - and we can use it to know when/how to pray for our people.4 When we use tools of efficiency in these ways we can aid spiritual formation.

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We might also use tools of efficiency or systems and automations to create a specific sort of guide to daily schedule of rule of practice. We might use a calendar with scheduled times for prayer, meals, face to face interactions and such. Then we could build systems to protect those times and funnel our productivity to other times.5

But there is a undeniable problem with these efficiency gains…

What Does Efficiency Cost? What Are the Hidden Pitfalls of Systems and Automations?

Neil Postman turned me on to the idea that every technological gain costs something and shapes us in some way.6 So we shouldn’t just blindly assume that using technological systems to aid a process will only create efficiency gains. If you’ve been reading here long, you know I talk about both sides of technology. Systems, whether digital or paper, have costs as well.

There are direct costs and there are hidden costs to using systems to create efficiency. The direct costs might include the loss of margin in your schedule - you know the ones that allow for random conversations with others.7 Efficiency gains can cost us the slowness of old ways: less handwritten notes, fewer face-to-face conversations, etc. We can replace the artfulness and craftsmanship that tech-free modes of doing things once brought to our lives with AI slop.8

When efficiency is the goal, we increase our perceived pressure and increase the odds of burnout and spiritual desolation. If efficiency is the primary value, then we feel the weight of the pressure to do more and do it faster. That can lead to stress and burnout while numbing the desire for God and others.9 It’s also possible that layering new tools, including AI, can increase that feeling of numbness through a larger distance between the worker (us) and the goal (spiritual formation).10

Now let’s look at the hidden costs. Going back to my man Neil Postman, it’s also possible that technological systems of efficiency form us in their image - rather than us being formed more closely to the image of God. A productivity first mindset might subtly change our approach to spiritual disciplines.11 Have you ever been in the middle of your devotional time and thought of ways to optimize it? I have. It’s not good. We might even lose the distinction between fruitfulness and mere output.12 Going back to the ancient world: not all output is fruit - if you catch what I’m saying.

Furthermore, chasing systems can erode relational presence. I love the feeling of productivity. I like to tell my wife: I really got a lot done today. I mean who doesn’t?

Jesus.

I realize it’s an argument from silence, but we never see Jesus hurried in the scriptures. We never see him chase efficiency. We see him take naps and go on walks.

When we chase quick messages, efficient meetings and scalable programs—we lose presence. That’s where transformation tends to happen.13 We might even end up becoming competitive, anxious people rather than people formed in the image of Jesus—decidedly not competitive or anxious.14

So what’s the alternative? I would suggest not abandoning efficiency entirely, but asking…

How Can Intentional Slowness Actually Increase Spiritual Formation

I’ve noticed that when I slow down - like brew some coffee and block things out for an hour or more - then I grow and learn the most. I did it when I was a student who needed to study or work on a paper. So why don’t I (we) do that with people?

Lately I have.

I started using the fireflies.ai note taking app on my iPhone when I talk to people. It creates a transcription of the conversation. Then that night I have AI pull out the action items from the conversations I recorded and put them on my “to do” list.

It's a technological process that aids my ability to be present in conversation/meetings. I was recently able to just talk to an elder in a coffee shop for an hour. Yes, ministry things came up. Yes, personal stuff came up. Yet, I wasn’t trying to take notes or jot down tasks, so it just felt like a conversation with a friend. And that’s what meetings and conversations should feel like. I don’t want to come across fragmented, or distracted by tech. I want to be present with people.

That’s why I think the question isn't, “Should we use technology and/or embrace efficiency?” The question is: “What are we optimizing for?” If our systems are faster than our souls can grow, we haven't progressed—we've just gotten really good at going nowhere fast.

When we use tech to help us slow down and be present, then it is actually helpful.

8

Process This

The Allure of the Screen and the Erosion of the Soul: Smartphones, Fascination, and the Call to Contemplation - Tripp Fuller

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a year ago · 40 likes · 5 comments · Homebrewed Team

How do I know this?

1. I’m frequently frustrated by some of the parents of my kid’s friends. Some of them say they don’t really need to be at church regularly, or that they don’t want to be a part of an organized religious group. I also find it interesting that in our area many of the parents who send their kids to religious schools consider that their “church”. I use quotation marks because I don’t think it actually is.

2. Research shows that just under half of people who attend worship services in churches are involved in some sort of small group, or Sunday School type of class.1 And that number is even less for mainline protestant churches.2 In fact, according to Barna research, 37% of people who attend worship services want to pursue spiritual growth on their own. (I find that weird because they are listening to/reading something for that spiritual growth.)

3. I’ve had people straight up tell me that they aren’t interested in teaching others. And sometimes it is people who you would think could do it well. They just don’t want to invest the time/energy. 62% of people not in a discipleship relationship say it sounds like too big of a time commitment.3 Nearly half say they are too busy to do it.4

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Programs Don’t Fix Reluctance

In my own research through a survey of people who have been church members for 3 months, I found that of people who don’t attend a Group Bible Study (blanket term at our church): half say they don’t have time and 1/3 say they don’t like the time options. We offer groups nearly every day of the week. Lots of options - so that’s just what people are telling themselves when really they just don’t want to do it.

It turns out that others have found out some people are just afraid of vulnerability.5 I admit that I don’t exactly enjoy it - but I wouldn’t say I’m afraid of it. Past church hurts and also social anxiety can play a part too.6

There is literally nothing you or I can do to change this sort of reluctance in people. On the other hand, God can. So we should certainly pray for these people.

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What Actually Awakens Hunger for Discipleship

Now we get to why I wrote this post. I wanted to know the answer to this question too!

1. A conviction that scripture calls people to grow in obedience.7 I’m excited about this one because if we can clearly communicate this idea in worship, then it should logically follow the Holy Spirit draws people into discipleship.

2. Suffering, Crisis, Loss, or major transitions in life.8 While we cannot create these in people lives - or at least shouldn’t create them… Anyway we should be on the lookout for people in these types of circumstances because they do tend to respond to the call to discipleship over simple attendance.

3. Neurotic People.9 I wish I was making this one up. After seeing it demonstrated in research, I thought about some people I’ve come across who seemed uber-interested in spiritual growth. I remember one guy who told me he wanted to be as great as Bruce Lee or Brigham Young. Major warning lights going off.

After looking at these things today, I’m convinced that I need to work (in my church) so that we have a clearly stated reason for asking people into discipleship relationships. I need to do it when I preach and teach. I need to make sure that we adequately communicate the purpose on our website and in our bulletin and other printed materials.

Simultaneously we need to be on the lookout for people who are going through difficulty. It is like member care, but I think it’s especially important from a discipleship standpoint. It’s hard to know if a person who attends every month or two is dealing with a difficulty - but if we find it out we need to be sure we reach out to them and encourage them spiritually as well as physically meeting any needs.

Finally, we need to be on guard against people who are overly interested in spiritual growth - as if it is a way to obtain power or influence. I had a mentor who used to say “where there’s light - there’s bugs.” He meant that a good church will attract some bad people too and we have to stay on guard against those people.

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So last year I decided I would break “measurements” or “metrics” into 3 categories, and then add them all together for my “total steps taken”. You’ll see what I mean below…

Part One

Part one of my measurement criteria was “steps taken”. So here we go:

• Joined a Group Bible Study: 153 (probably more - but I have trouble getting people to take attendance 😊)

• Came to Regeneration for the first time: 66

• First attended a class: 62

• Attended Women’s Event: 457

• Attended Men’s Event: ?? 105 at a dinner, about 60 at breakfasts 4x, and 98 at another dinner… So conservatively 250.

Part 2

New Leadership Positions: 5

Part 3

Potential Leaders: I never refined my process for this. But I can tell you I am working with 4 people right now to become Bible Study leaders (a couple plus two men who will co-lead a group). I’ve got 2-3 more in mind also for Regeneration/etc.

Part 4

Total Steps Taken: Since I don’t know any better, this year I’m going to weight this stuff arbitrarily. Part one steps will be 1x. Part 2 steps will be 5x and Part 3 steps will be 3x. Again, I would love your suggestions for counting things!!

Using my formula, that would look like the following:

(153+66+62+457+250)+(5x5)+(3x4)=?
988 +25 +12 =1025

So that would be 1025 steps taken as a church.

What did I Learn?

I’ll admit that I didn’t really measure everything that I would like to measure. So that’s probably why I have a lower number than I had originally hoped. I was hoping for 2x the adult weekly worship attendance. I got more like the average adult worship attendance. Not what I wanted, but now I have some data and some ideas. I learned. Hopefully what I learned will drive me to do a better job of leading disciple makers at our church, and inviting people into discipleship opportunities.

I learned that I need to measure things more frequently. I learned that more steps were taken with new group attendance than I thought would happen. I also learned that I did a poor job of developing new leaders this year. I need to seek the Lord for ways to develop more leaders. At the same time, I’m proud of what I did - I feel like I did all that I could. I also know now where I can spend more time next year (2026). It really will be systems and processes so that I can develop and care for more leaders.

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Along the way, I’ve learned a few things (mostly the hard way). My hope: you can skip some of my mistakes and adopt what’s helpful for your own ministry.

Why I Started Sending Surveys

Several times a year, members receive short surveys. They give us two kinds of data:

1. Self-reported discipleship habits, and

2. Feedback on how clearly we’re communicating our discipleship process.

The 3-month survey is the first checkpoint.

3 Month Member Survey: What We Learn Early

We ask simple, behavior-based questions:

• How often do you read your Bible?

• Have you attended a Group Bible Study?

• Have you been to a Women’s or Men’s Ministry event?

• Have you served at an Outreach?

• Have you attended Regeneration?

• Have you served anywhere at Greenwood?

These questions help us see whether new members are aligning with the core things we emphasize:
Attend worship. Join a Group Bible Study. Serve in some capacity.

Bible Reading

With a sample size of 38 responses, 70% say they read Scripture at least 3 times per week.
Does that tell us why they’re reading? No.
Does it alert us if something is off? Yes—and that’s the point.

Group Bible Study

87% have attended a Group Bible Study. That tells me our messaging is working.

For those who haven’t attended, most cite schedule issues. A few said, “Nobody invited me,” which is interesting because we invite every member during their membership meeting. It might mean they want a personal invite from a leader—something I can improve.

Women’s and Men’s Ministry Events

Here’s where it gets fun:

• 10 respondents said they weren’t women.

• 22 said they weren’t men.

…Out of 38 total. The math doesn’t add up—but the feedback does.

Among women, half had been to an event. For the rest, the top reasons were:
“Didn’t fit my schedule,” “didn’t know about it,” or “nobody invited me.”

Among men, 11 of 16 had attended an event. Again, schedule issues topped the list for those who hadn’t.

Outreach

We offer two kindness outreach opportunities per month.
66% of respondents had participated at least once.
The rest? Mostly schedule conflicts.

Regeneration Ministry

This is our 12-step discipleship pathway. Only 2 of 38 had attended.

The encouraging part: only 6 people said they’d never heard of it.
The challenging part: most people still say, “It’s not for me.”
Which means I need to communicate its purpose more clearly. It’s not just for “recovery people.” It’s for… well, all of us.

Serving

79% of new members reported serving somewhere in the past year. That’s strong, and it gives us a sense of early engagement momentum.

6 Month and 1 Year Surveys: Going Deeper

These surveys still have a small sample size, but here’s what we ask:

At 6 Months

• Agreement with core theological statements

• Frequency of Bible reading

• Whether they feel connected

• Whether they’re confident sharing the ABCs of salvation

• Open-ended: How can our church better support your discipleship journey?

At 1 Year

• Can you tell you’ve grown spiritually?

• Are you in a Bible study?

• Have you found a place to serve using your spiritual gifts?

• What has changed most in your life since joining Greenwood?

• How likely are you to recommend us to someone looking for a church?

I wait a year to ask that last one. After a full calendar year, enthusiasm feels more honest.

What Version 1.1 Looks Like

We’re still measuring our big three:
Worship → Group Bible Study → Serve

At the 3-month mark, more than 75% of members are doing all three. Not perfect, but meaningful.

Going forward, I’m using:

Two kinds of metrics

1. Numerical formulas that give a big-picture, whole-church look.

2. Survey data that tells the actual story of individuals.

The numbers tell one part of the truth. People’s stories tell the other.

And discipleship requires both.

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The discussion explores Rex’s conviction that discipleship, not mere decisionism, is the heart of the Great Commission and authentic spiritual transformation. Drawing from his experience with university students in Togo, Rex describes how he intentionally created multiplying groups—twelve disciples who each led their own groups of twelve—resulting in a spontaneous church planting movement rooted in life-on-life relationships. He emphasizes that people learn to be Christian spouses, parents, and disciples by spending time in environments where they can observe authentic faith lived out, which is why he and Sherry strategically used their childless home for 17 years as a hub for constant fellowship. Rex also introduces a compelling framework contrasting “separation worldview” with “connection worldview,” arguing that true biblical worldview sees all people—including Muslims—as image-bearers of God rather than enemies, making genuine relationship the foundation for transformative ministry. Finally, Rex addresses technology’s role in discipleship, viewing it as a powerful tool for communication and connection that can facilitate the same deep, life-sharing relationships across continents, particularly valuable in Africa where communication barriers and 40+ distinct languages in Togo alone make connection challenging.

It’s December 28th. Christmas is over. The wrapping paper’s been thrown away. The leftovers are questionable at best. And you’re waking up every morning thinking, “What day is it even?”

We’re in that weird liminal space between what was and what’s coming. And if you’re anything like me, you’re already feeling it—that pressure starting to build. That voice whispering: Do more. Be better. Fix everything.

2026 is coming, and with it comes all those possibilities you’re supposed to seize. Maybe you’re thinking this is finally the year you’ll get your finances in order, or your health dialed in, or read through the entire Bible. Maybe you’re excited about all those fresh starts and new beginnings.

Or maybe you’re already exhausted just thinking about it.

The Scoreboard You Can’t Win

Here’s what I’ve learned: A lot of us approach the new year like there’s an invisible scoreboard, and somehow we’re already behind before we even start.

Last year, I set a ton of goals. By April, I was staring at that list thinking, “Yeah... most of these are off the table now.” It was humbling. And uncomfortable. Because that weight of expectations—of past failures, of circumstances beyond our control—it just piles up.

Maybe you’re heading into 2026 thinking, “I don’t know how I’m going to make it through this year.” Financial stress. Job uncertainty. Real struggles that keep you up at night.

Or maybe you’re on the opposite end, thinking everything looks pretty good, and you just need to beat the market again and you’ll be set.

Or maybe you’re like me—somewhere in the middle, trying to figure out how to be faithful in a thousand small decisions. Like, how do I balance my kids’ sports with family time and being present for what matters? How do I give like I want to give when I’m not sure I have the margin? How do I make time for that friend when my schedule is already overflowing?

These questions weigh on us. They create anxiety. They pile up until we’re buried under the weight of it all.

The Words That Change Everything

Into this exact feeling, Jesus speaks some of the most comforting—and confronting—words in all of Scripture. From Matthew 6:

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life... Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store in barns, for your heavenly father feeds them. Aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

Did you catch how many times Jesus says “don’t worry” in this passage? Five times. When the Bible repeats something five times in a few verses, it’s like flashing lights: Pay attention to this.

But here’s the thing—Jesus isn’t being dismissive. He’s not giving you some toxic positivity nonsense like, “Don’t worry about it, man. The universe has your back.”

You know that friend who tells you “don’t worry about it” when you’re spiraling over something that actually matters? Yeah, it feels more like a threat than comfort. That’s not what Jesus is doing here.

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A Nature Walk Nobody Asked For

Jesus is speaking to people with very real economic problems. Fishermen who don’t eat if the fish don’t bite that day. Farmers who face ruin if there’s a drought. These aren’t people worried about their 401k contributions—they’re worried about literal survival.

And Jesus says, “Let’s go on a nature walk.”

I’m not kidding. He literally says, “Look at the birds. Look at the flowers.”

If one of my kids suggested we look at birds when we’re trying to figure out how to pay for college, I’d have some words for them. It doesn’t sound helpful in the moment.

But remember: Jesus is the Word of God in flesh. When he talks about creation, it carries the same power as when God spoke the universe into existence in Genesis 1. When Jesus talks, you need to pay attention.

He points to the birds: they don’t plant, harvest, or build storage facilities. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. He points to wildflowers: they don’t work or make anything, yet God clothes them with a beauty that surpasses Solomon’s wardrobe—the guy who, in their memory, was the wealthiest person who ever lived. That’s like saying wildflowers wear better clothes than Elon Musk. It’s unimaginable.

And then Jesus drops the key phrase, repeated throughout this passage: Your heavenly Father.

The Father You’ve Always Needed

As a dad, I read this differently now than I did before I had kids. When my son comes to me and says, “Hey, my shoes are worn out” or “My pants are too short,” I want to take care of that. That’s what fathers do.

Jesus is telling us: you have a heavenly Father who takes care of you. Not a dismissive acquaintance. Not some cosmic vending machine. A Father.

When we live consumed by worry, piling up security measures and contingency plans, we’re living as if we don’t have a Father. We’re functionally atheist—acting like God won’t do what He said He’d do. We’re saying, “I’m responsible for securing my own survival.”

That’s exhausting. And it was never supposed to be our burden to carry.

The Ancient Secret Everyone Forgot

This idea that something could be more valuable than money isn’t original with Jesus. It’s woven throughout the book of Proverbs, written a thousand years before:

“Wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you desire can compete with her.”

“Choose a good reputation over great riches.”

There’s this thread running through ancient Jewish wisdom: There is something more valuable than anything you can accumulate.

Want to know what it is?

Character. Wisdom. Living obediently to God and shaping yourself to reflect His nature.

Someone won $1.8 billion in the lottery last week in Arkansas. According to Jesus and the wisdom tradition He’s standing in, developing your character is more valuable than that.

That’s radical. Most people won’t just nod and say, “Yeah, character beats money.” But that’s exactly what Jesus is saying.

And it reframes everything.

The Balance Myth

You’ve seen those guys on talent shows who balance lawnmowers on their chins while climbing ladders, right? Or the plate spinners with dozens of plates twirling on sticks?

Sometimes we treat our lives like that. We see people on Instagram who seem to have it all balanced—perfect parent, perfect job, amazing vacations, retirement contributions, house projects completed, and that nice new truck. We think, “If I just work hard enough, I could balance all that too.”

But here’s the question Jesus is asking: Why do you feel pressure to balance it all when what you really need to do is put things in order?

“Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these other things will be added to you.”

When things are in proper order, you don’t have to balance everything because everything has its place. Everything has meaning. Everything fulfills the purpose God intended.

The Hard Truth About Security

John Chrysostom—a pastor who lived 1,600 years ago (they called him “Golden Mouth” because he was apparently an incredible preacher)—told his affluent congregation something that still stings today:

“If you live your life trying to accumulate security, trusting in your stuff or money or connections for your future, you’re not actually trusting God. You’re saying God’s not reliable.”

Ouch. (Remember, that wasn’t me—that was John Chrysostom 1,600 years ago.)

Look, we need money to eat and buy clothes and live. Obviously. But when financial security becomes our goal, our organizing principle, we’re saying we don’t really believe God is a good Father to us.

The Only Question That Matters

John Calvin offered a different frame that I find really helpful. Sometimes you do have to plan for the future and take care of things. The question we should all be asking is:

“How will this choice enable me to live more effectively in God’s kingdom?”

I’m not saying you have to spend all your time at church. I’m saying God has called you—uniquely you—to live in particular ways that only you can do. He’s made you to relate to people and contribute to this world in ways no one else can.

So when you face a decision, ask: How does this impact my ability to live the way God created me to live?

Maybe your job provides benefits for thousands of people. Maybe you’re able to support extended family who needs help. I don’t know what your thing is. I can’t see inside your heart, and neither can anyone else—not even your spouse or closest friend.

But God can. He knows the “why” behind every decision. And Jesus is telling us that we need to align our hearts with seeking His kingdom first.

If you’re obsessively controlling every variable, losing sleep, unable to be generous because you’re terrified about the future—that’s anxiety revealing unbelief.

But Jesus isn’t anti-planning. He’s not against providing for your family. He’s against idolatry. He’s against you putting anything above God.

Bring It to Your Father

Philippians 4 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Notice what it doesn’t say: “If you’re a believer, you won’t have any needs.” It doesn’t say real challenges won’t exist.

It says: Take those worries to God. Take them to your Father.

We face real stuff. Medical bills. Lightning strikes. Car accidents. (My biggest challenge is coming in April—I’ll have two teenage drivers in my house. Pray for me.)

God’s not saying you’re not allowed to have troubles. He’s saying when you have challenges, bring them to your Father.

Your One Thing for 2026

Here we are, about to flip the calendar to a new year. You’ve probably been thinking about goals and plans. Maybe you’ve started feeling that weight I described at the beginning.

I want to encourage you: Don’t do what I did last year. Don’t make a giant list of goals.

Instead, plan to do one thing. One simple thing:

Seek first the kingdom.

Not “seek first the kingdom AND get in shape AND fix your finances AND spend more time with your kids.” Just put God first.

It doesn’t mean reading your Bible eight hours a day or living at church. It means asking: “God, in this decision right before me, which choice is more aligned with the purpose You created me for? How does this align with Your will in my life?”

Make that relationship with God—knowing Him, loving Him, obeying Him—the organizing principle of your life in 2026 and see what happens.

I’m not promising you’ll become mega-wealthy. Jesus never says you’ll get everything you’ve ever dreamed of. He says you’ll have enough. You’ll have what you need for kingdom living.

And honestly? Both of those things are good.

Your Move

So what’s weighing on you right now as you head into 2026?

What would it look like to take that to your Father instead of carrying it alone?

What decision are you facing where you need to ask: “How does this choice help me live more effectively in God’s kingdom?”

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Hit reply and let me know what resonated with you—or what you’re wrestling with as we head into this new year.

Because here’s what I’ve learned: We’re all trying to figure this out. And sometimes the most helpful thing is knowing we’re not alone in the struggle.

Seeking first the kingdom with you,

-Justin

P.S. If this resonated with you, I’d love to continue the conversation. Reply to this email—I read and respond to every message.

So I’ve devised a list of 10 things that I don’t want to use AI for in education. Some of these will overlap with what I named in my other article. I might be wrong - so please leave your feedback in the comment section.

10 Things I Don’t Think AI Should Do in Education

Replace Core Human Interaction: AI should not replace the personal, face-to-face interactions that build rapport and mentorship, and develop connections between professors and students. This includes impersonating me via email. Any AI response should be labeled so that students know.

Make Final High-Stakes Disciplinary Decisions: AI should not be the sole or final authority in judging academic misconduct (like plagiarism or cheating), as this requires human judgment.

Perform Unsupervised High-Stakes Assessment: AI grading or evaluation should not replace human assessment for projects or exams that require subjective judgment. So, using Canvas for fill-in-the-blank questions I have an assistant review the answers marked incorrect in case it was a simple issue that wasn’t correctly interpreted by the computer.

Formulate or Deliver Emotional Support: AI cannot provide the personalized counseling needed to address students’ emotional or mental health challenges. When a student is emotional and/or needs extra help, a human needs to interact with them.

Dictate Pedagogical Strategy: AI can provide tools, but it should not be allowed to replace a professor’s expert pedagogical judgment.

Serve as the Sole Source of Information Validation: Students and faculty should not rely on AI as the final arbiter of truth, as it is prone to producing “hallucinations” (inaccurate or fabricated information). As always, cite your sources!

Replace the Role of the Human Role Model or Mentor: AI cannot serve as a genuine role model or source of inspiration, which is a critical part of a professor’s influence on a student’s identity as a learner.

Access or Manage Confidential Student Records: AI cannot and should not be granted access to sensitive data like grades, disciplinary records, or private communications (FERPA/GDPR compliance).

Serve as a Direct Substitute for Research Library Resources: While AI can summarize information, it cannot replace the authoritative, verifiable primary and secondary sources available through your university library’s specialized databases and journals. I have dabbled in using Semantic Scholar for searching academic research and found it helpful.

Take Legal or Fiduciary Responsibility: AI is a tool and cannot be held legally or ethically accountable for the consequences of any information or decisions derived from AI output; the ultimate responsibility rests with the human professional.

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10 Things I Will Use AI to Do in My Role as an Educator

OK, I gave you a list of where I won’t use AI, but now I want to explain where I will use AI to help me. Because it really can save time and create clarity when used properly.

Generating practice problems or quiz questions: Creating variations on multiple choice options, or practice materials from learning objectives.

Drafting routine administrative emails: Templated responses about office hours, assignment reminders, or course logistics (that I review before sending). I’ll have an example about this sometime in the future.

Summarizing or organizing research: Helping process academic papers, extract key points, or identify themes in literature for course prep.

Generating discussion prompts or activity ideas: Brainstorming engagement strategies, icebreakers, or ways to apply concepts I’m teaching.

Converting content between formats: Turning lecture notes into study guides, creating accessible versions of materials, etc.

Proofreading and editing materials: Catching typos, improving clarity in syllabi, handouts, or assignment instructions.

Creating basic visualizations or diagrams: Generating charts, or visual aids to illustrate ideas I’m teaching.

Suggesting relevant examples or analogies: Finding contemporary examples, case studies to make abstract concepts concrete.

Exploring student perspectives: Simulating how students at different levels might understand (or misunderstand) my explanations, helping me anticipate confusion.

Administrative task management: Organizing to-do lists, tracking deadlines, scheduling appointments, etc.

Conclusions about AI in Education

I do think there is a limited role to play for AI in higher education. I personally find it highly useful for certain tasks as outlined above. However, I have decided that I do not ever want to try and use AI for tasks that in my judgment require human interaction, or human relationship. This obviously stems from my conviction as a Christian Minister that God created human beings as His image bearers, and as a result humans have unique value that AI does not. Additionally proper human interaction, or communion, can present a picture of the way the Trinity communicates/works.

These five books did exactly that.

Each one shifted something in my discipleship, my thinking, or the way I lead.
If you pick up even one of them, I think it might do the same for you.

(Amazon links included—if you choose to grab a copy, it supports my writing here.)

1. The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
Suggesting Lewis on Substack feels like a trope… but sometimes clichés exist because they’re true. This was the most influential book of my entire year.

Lewis reframes physical, emotional, and spiritual pain—not as a failure in the Christian life, but as the furnace God often uses to refine us. When my own health hit a wall in April and May, this book gave me a category for suffering that isn’t shiny or Instagram-worthy, but is deeply biblical.

Warning: If you still have traces of the prosperity gospel stuck anywhere in your soul, this book will flush them out.

2. New Christian Zionism by Gerald McDermott

I was asked a similar question several times by people from our church: To what extent do Christians need to support the modern nation-state of Israel?

This particular book suggests that Christians should support the group of people who are ethnically called Jewish/Israelites, without suggesting that they have to support every action/decision of the nation/state of Israel.

3. The Bible in the Early Church by Justo Gonzalez

If you’ve ever been asked,
“Why did the early church include some books in the Bible and leave others out?”
—this is the book you want.

González offers a clear, readable overview of how Christians came to recognize a canon of Scripture. No academic fog. No elitist gatekeeping. Just a crisp explanation that will strengthen your faith and your ability to answer real questions from real people.

4. His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis

Washington is often treated as myth or mascot. Ellis gives us the man.

This biography isn’t sentimental—and it isn’t cynical either. It’s fair. Ellis traces Washington’s victories and failures, his clarity and his contradictions, and makes the compelling case that he wasn’t the “best possible” leader… but he was the leader America uniquely needed at a fragile moment in its story.

It’s a surprisingly humanizing read.

5. Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI by Karen Hao

Even if you’re not an “AI person,” you are living in an AI world.
This book helps you understand it.

Hao chronicles the unbelievable rise of OpenAI, the decisions (and indecisions) that shaped the company, and the cultural questions AI is forcing all of us to ask:

What do we actually want from technology?
What does it mean to be human in an automated world?
And who decides the future we’re all about to inhabit?

If you want to be “in the know” culturally, this one matters.

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The truth is, no matter what job you have, you end up doing some genuinely bizarre things that never appeared in any course catalog. Even if you went to seminary. Especially if you went to seminary.

So today I’m giving you a list of weird things I’ve done as a church staff member where my only training was frantically Googling while hoping no one was watching...

1. Financial Plans/Budget Plans for Events or Ministries

Seminary offered exactly zero business classes. I took one in college, which apparently qualified me to manage budgets that would make my younger self break into a cold sweat. The most relevant training I received? Counting the register at Chick-fil-A. My financial credentials are literally “knows how to count chicken sandwich money.” And yet here I am, trusted with actual ministry budgets. The church is fine. Probably.

2. AVL (Audio/Video/Lighting)

I never learned a single thing about sound systems, video systems, or lighting in any educational setting. My entire expertise comes from the ancient pastoral tradition of “trial and error” (emphasis on error). When you hear me say, “Hang on, let me try something,” what I actually mean is: “I’m about to randomly push buttons until something happens or everything breaks. It’s 50/50.”

3. Designing and Supporting Computer Networks

Another area where my training is best described as “non-existent.” Do you know the difference between Cat5e and Cat6 cables? Do you know when to use shielded vs. unshielded cable? I didn’t either until I Googled it five minutes before someone asked. My IT department is me, my laptop, and a prayer that the Wi-Fi doesn’t go down during a sermon illustration that requires a video clip.

4. Unclogging Toilets/Cleaning Bathrooms

The glamorous side of ministry they don’t put in the brochures. I’m doing this less now, thankfully, but my plumbing education came entirely from fast-food restaurant training videos, not from seminary. Yet when disaster strikes (and in church bathrooms, disaster always strikes), someone has to answer the call. It’s very spiritual work. Very... aromatic... spiritual work.

5. Enduring Horrendous Smells

If you’ve never taken elementary or middle school boys to a week-long camp, you simply cannot comprehend what I’m about to tell you: Within 20 minutes of arrival, everything smells like feet. The cabin. The bags. The air itself. It’s like they brought extra feet just to make things worse. And this isn’t a one-day thing - you have to live in this foot-scented nightmare for seven days. Seminary taught me about spiritual warfare, but they never mentioned biological warfare.

6. Talking to Architects and Builders About Buildings

My construction knowledge peaked in 8th grade shop class when I learned to read basic blueprints. I retain exactly as much information as any 13-year-old boy forced to take shop: almost none. So when actual tradesmen ask me technical questions about our building projects, I nod thoughtfully while internally screaming. No wonder they look at me like I’m speaking a different language - I basically am. The language of “I have no idea what I’m doing but I’m the church representative so here we are.”

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In this episode, Justin talks with evangelist Ronnie Hill about his remarkable journey into leading small-group discipleship—something he had never done before despite decades of ministry on the road. Ronnie shares how his home Bible study grew from six people to more than fifty each week, with another thirty-plus joining from Canada and beyond through Zoom. He explains why immediate connection, baptism, and consistent follow-up are essential for new believers, and how his verse-by-verse study model naturally forms community and equips people to share their faith. Ronnie describes how small groups become places of real relationship, prayer, accountability, and growth as people learn not just by hearing but by doing.

The conversation also explores how technology is reshaping discipleship, enabling ministry that reaches across states, countries, and even continents in real time. Ronnie shares how his group has expanded internationally through digital tools, and he speaks candidly about the unique challenges and opportunities facing Gen Z. The episode closes with Ronnie’s honest take on measuring spiritual growth, the importance of truth-telling in love, and why authenticity creates a culture where transformation can flourish.

Find Ronnie at https://www.facebook.com/ronnieontheroad or https://ronniehill.com

I understand that people will disagree with me. I recognize that it is possible for me to be wrong. Having said that, what follows below is my best (current) attempt to outline my position on the issue and how it applies to a few situations.

When God Changes His Mind - And Doesn’t…

1 Samuel 15:10, 29, 35

Background: This is the moment that everything falls apart for King Saul. He had one job. Completely wipe out the Amalekites. Annihilate everything and everyone. He tells Nathan the prophet that he did - except he didn’t. So God tells Samuel "“I repent that I have made Saul king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not established My words” (15:10-11, LSB). The chapter ends with the same sort of statement: “And Yahweh repented that He had made Saul king over Israel” (15:35, LSB). God regrets that He made Saul the king? But He’s the one who made Saul king. Did he change his mind?

Now in between these two statements - right in the middle of the story in chapter 15 we read: “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or repent; for He is not a man that He should repent” (15:29 LSB). What’s going on here? Does God repent, or not? This is the same story presenting what seems to be contradicting ideas. So is the author so stupid as to not notice that he made two contradictory points? Or is it possible that there’s something else going on here? Maybe the tension is the point - maybe that’s how the author is teaching us about God’s character. What if the one who is not a man that he should repent, also experiences relationship with humans who change?

Genesis 6:6

You know the flood story. God wiped all the sinful humans off of the earth in his mighty Old Testament wrath. And yet, you likely didn’t pay complete attention to this verse: “And Yahweh repented that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (6:6, LSB). This stands in stark contrast to Genesis 1 where everything is good. Something has changed in creation, and that has affected God in some way.

Does regret imply surprise? Does the emotion of grief prove that things didn’t go to plan? Does it? Or does it mean that humans just think of it as God experiencing the same emotions that humans do? On the other hand, what if God actually is relationally involved in his creation so that he is responsive to it? What if God’s unchanging nature is precisely His faithful, responsive love not His emotional detachment?

Jonah 3:10

You know the story. Jonah (half-heartedly?) preaches a super short message about the impending doom of Nineveh. But then they repent and it feels like everything changes. “And God saw their deeds, that they turned from their evil way; then God relented from the calamity which He had said He would do to them, and He did not do it” (3:10, LSB). It seems like God said one thing would happen, but then it didn’t happen. But what if God’s very announcement of destruction functioned as a warning so that a wicked group of people would know to change their ways. Maybe God never changed his ways because repentance is what he was really after.

Could it be that God’s essence and eternal purpose are immutable, but His relational posture, attitudes, or actions change based on human responses (relational mutability)?1 To me this seems the likely answer.

God’s character remains constant.2 His holiness, his love, justice, and his faithfulness never change. But the expression of those attributes changes based on the creature’s response to Him. Wrath appears to change into mercy because of the response of the sinner’s position has changed. God’s position is the same.

So What is This Position Called?

I would call it something of a Biblical Theological Position as opposed to Classical Theism (Anselm or Aquinas?), or even modified Theism (Grudem and Erickson?). It’s definitely not Open Theism (Richard Rice, Clark Pinnock, James Sanders). Bob Chisolm is the closest to what I’m thinking (his article Does God “Change His Mind”?)

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So How Does God’s Unchanging Repentance Look in Real Life?

In conversation with friends, three examples came up that might be addressed by the idea I’m presenting here. First, how do we respond when a friend loses a loved one to suicide? Do we simply say that it was God’s will? Do we say God was surprised? I would suggest that we affirm what seems to be in tension. God is in control (sovereign), and mourns when awful things happen. Second, how do we describe God’s response to prayer - whether it’s a yes or no? I would again affirm that God responds to prayer, but is also unchanging. Third, what about God’s perfect will for my life, is there only one perfect mate for me? You probably see where I’m going… The one you marry is God’s ordained one for you. I’ve attached a handy chart below:

Conclusion

I really hope that this has helped you think through the claim that scripture presents a God is sovereign and unchanging, yet scripture says he repents. If you have anything to add to the conversation please leave a comment below. If you have any suggested reading on the issue then PLEASE LEAVE IT IN THE COMMENTS!!!

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Anthropopathism - That human emotion is ascribed to something not human, i.e. God. This position is commonly taken in the classical theist position which implies that God is not actually affected by these things, but that it only appears to be the case from a human point of view. God is not actually moved by these things.

AI WILL NOT BE DOING:

1. Praying for People - Now I have never tried to have AI pray for anything, but I’m confident that I will not do it. I don’t understand how this would be beneficial for anyone, so I’m avoiding the idea.

2. Calling People - I’m not planning to use AI as a sort of concierge who calls people on my behalf - whether it is for dinner reservations or in order to see how the hospital stay was. I’m reserving my voice to be for me.

3. Completely Write Sermons or Posts - Yes I used the word completely and I’ll explain that below. But what I mean here is that anything that I believe to be influenced by or the work of the Holy Spirit must be done by a human rather than AI.

4. Counseling - I know this is an idea that has been floated before, but I’m just not comfortable with AI doing counseling. I’m not any good at counseling either, but I know how to refer to certified people who are good at counseling from a perspective of faith in Christ.

5. Risk Assessment or Ministry Direction - Again, I feel like this should be an area where we allow the Holy Spirit to lead, and since AI isn’t able to listen to the Spirit, I’ll skip it.

6. Vision Casting or Goal Setting - Because of the Spirit, yes - but also because I have a hard time imagining that an algorithm can imagine a way to be uniquely human better than an actual human being.

7. Disciple Making - When Paul said, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Cor 11:1). If that’s the model of disciple making then how can an AI do that?

8. Physical Acts - Baptisms, Weddings, Singing, Preaching, High Fiving… These are embodied sorts of acts.

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AI Is Allowed to Help with:

1. Administrative & Operational Efficiency - These sorts of tasks require accuracy and organization, not empathy or discernment. Scheduling & reminders or automating meeting invites, small-group schedules, childcare rotations, facility reservations - all of those are fine with me.

2. Document Formatting - Sermon slides, handouts, small-group guides, bulletins, newsletters, mail merges. Yes please handle that.

3. Email Drafts - AI can generate polite replies to routine inquiries (like directions, service times, or event details) that I will then approve by clicking send or adjust.

4. Transcription - Turning sermon audio or class recordings into text for accessibility or archiving.

5. Idea generation - Brainstorm titles, which I’m bad at. Generating dozens of series ideas, illustrations, or analogies from which I will refine the ideas. Think of it as lateral thinking with a friend.

6. Drafting Study Guides - AI can generate first drafts of discussion questions or reflection prompts, which I will edit for tone and theological precision.

7. Newsletter/Social Copy - Turn a sermon into short-form posts, email snippets, or announcement blurbs for events.

8. Website Text or SEO Summaries - I’ll happily let AI write event descriptions, or meta descriptions you can tweak.

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The discussion shifts to some critical, forward-looking ideas about spiritual formation, including the powerful notion that Sunday morning worship should be seen as the “climactic moment of discipleship” each week—the concentrated time when the body of Christ is formed through the Spirit and the Word, rather than just a stepping stone to small groups. Nate also tackles the challenge of measuring spiritual growth. While acknowledging that “you will know them by their fruit” is the theoretical basis, he discusses tangible metrics like participation in the discipleship pathway and the helpfulness of self-reporting tools, such as the Spiritual Health Reflection from Practicing the Way. Finally, Nate, an 18-year-old growing up exclusively in the digital age, offers a powerful perspective on why his generation is “grasping for things we can actually do”—seeking embodiment and spiritual practices to combat the “floating ether” feeling of the digital world.

60,000ft view

At its core, our Group Bible Study ministry is simple: ordinary believers gathering around God’s Word, led by lay leaders, with the goal of making disciples who can, in turn, make disciples. We believe discipleship is best lived out in community, not isolation. Sunday sermons are vital, but they’re not enough on their own. People need a space where they can ask questions, share struggles, pray together, and apply the Bible to everyday life.

Our groups are not primarily about curriculum, though we occasionally use it. They’re about people. We want to help them follow Jesus in the ordinary rhythms of life. We currently run dozens of groups.

5,000ft view

So what does it actually look like? At Greenwood, Group Bible Studies meet throughout the week in homes and on campus. Many groups are 10–15 people, led by a trained lay leader. Sometimes we provide a curriculum (tied to Sunday sermons) so everyone is walking through the same passages together. That allows conversation to keep circling back to what God is teaching our whole church family. Most of the time I encourage leaders to read through a book of the Bible with their group. I encourage them to use Warren Wiersbe’s BE series of commentaries, since they have good discussion questions alongside a lay-leader type of commentary on scripture.

Each meeting is pretty straightforward: 30–40 minutes in the Word, guided discussion with application questions, and time for prayer. We keep the discussion anchored in Scripture but give space for people to be honest about their lives.

The heart of it is reproducibility. Leaders are raised up from within the group. Often someone has grown under another leader’s guidance and been the #2 or “substitute” for a time. I would like to say we’re intentional about multiplying groups rather than letting them get too large. But the truth is sometimes people just really key in on a particular leader and that group grows into a large group. It can work on-campus, but our groups that meet in homes are usually not able to grow too large.

I encourage groups to spend time together outside of Bible study too. We try and invite people over to our house, and spend time at other’s houses too. I also encourage groups to serve together. One easy way to do that is encouraging the group to attend a church-wide outreach together and do the same project. These two elements help us build relationships within the group.

Conclusion

I’ll write more in the future about how we train leaders, how we structure curriculum, and how we measure growth in discipleship. For now, just know this: Group Bible Studies are not a side project at our church. They’re the backbone of how we make disciples.

Whether you’ve got a dozen people in your church or a thousand, you can do this. Open the Word together. Pray together. Share life together. That’s discipleship in the local church.

Prompt 1: Hebrew Grammar and Syntax Assistant

You are acting as a Hebrew grammar and syntax assistant. Analyze {Passage/Verse Range} from the Hebrew Bible (BHQ) using Joüon–Muraoka, A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew as the primary reference.

Provide structured output for scholarly use according to the following format:

1. Grammatical & Syntactical Features
– Identify {#} of the most relevant features (default: 5–7).
– Present Hebrew phrases in Hebrew script with transliteration.
– Cite Joüon–Muraoka section numbers (e.g., §112d).
– Explain the grammatical form (e.g., infinitive absolute + imperfect, wayyiqtol chain, nominal syntax).

2. Exegetical / Interpretive Significance
– For each feature, explain how it affects meaning, nuance, or emphasis in the passage.
– Note implications for translation choices where relevant.

3. Comparative Observations (Optional)
– Where helpful, note parallels in other passages that use the same construction.
– Indicate how this strengthens or clarifies the interpretation.

4. Research / Teaching Utility
– Provide 2–3 suggested research questions for advanced Hebrew students.
– Offer 1–2 pedagogical hooks (e.g., “classroom exercise: identify all wayyiqtol forms in this passage”).
– Include key reference citations (Joüon–Muraoka section numbers, BHQ critical notes).

Parameters:
– {Passage} = [insert text or verse range]
– {Scope} = clause-level / verse-level / whole passage
– {Depth} = Short summary (3 features) / Standard (5–7 features) / Extended (8–10 features, with cross-references)
– {Tradition/Angle} = Philological / Exegetical / Translation-focused (optional emphasis)

Write in clear, concise prose for a technically trained interpreter. Assume audience has working Hebrew knowledge. Always cite Joüon–Muraoka section numbers where possible.

👉 Example input after you have copied and pasted the prompt from above:
“Analyze Genesis 3:1-5 with clause-level focus and a Standard Depth from an Exegetical Angle.”

To get the other 4 prompts for free you must subscribe with the link below.

Tune in to hear Austin’s framework, which he calls “low-risk, high-grace,” as a practical way to get church members involved in outreach, regardless of their comfort level with traditional evangelism. The conversation explores how consistent, simple acts of service can be a natural progression toward deeper spiritual growth and leadership.

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Setting an Example in Worship

At kids Camp we had two scheduled worship services each day. I learned that kids will follow the leaders from their church. So if I wasn’t excited about worship and just wanted to sit still and rest - so did the kids. But, if I was active and engaged in worship, the kids would follow my lead in that way too.

Of course, not every kid understands the purpose of worship and some were not believers yet. Those kids really benefit from a conversation about what worship is and why we do it. If the leaders can work together to send a clear message about the importance of worship, the kids will catch on.

Psalm 100 (LSB)

Make a loud shout to Yahweh, all the earth.
² Serve Yahweh with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful songs.
³ Know that Yahweh, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and ^[b]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

⁴ Enter His gates with ^[c]thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
⁵ For Yahweh is good;
His lovingkindness endures forever
And His faithfulness, generation unto generation.

Setting an Example in How to Treat Others

Inevitably tired kids get into conflict with each other. If the leaders are tired and snapping at the kids, then things will spiral. But, if we treat every kid with respect and work at being peacemakers - the kids will learn to do the same. After all, we are called to treat others as we wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12).

So when boys accuse others of stealing their money, towel, shoes or whatever - we can step in and be the calm voice who tries to make peace. After all, the kid probably just left their shoes under their bed and forgot where they were. Not every kid has this attitude modeled for them at home. But for the week of camp, they can learn that through Christ, we can live at peace with each other and treat each other with respect.

Setting an Example of Encouragement

One of the main things I try to do with kids is find some area in which I can compliment or encourage them (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Remember, some of the kids do not get positive attention at home. Even the ones who do get positive attention will need encouragement when they are tired and being accused of stealing another kid’s shoes.

This year (2025) our children’s minister had the idea that leaders could award “trophies” to kids for exceptional behavior. The kids were crazy excited to be recognized by a leader for their effort. It was a simple way to encourage the kids and reward them for their behavior.

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Bonus: Sharing the Gospel

One thing that we love about kids camp is that the gospel is presented clearly. Each year kids respond to the call to follow Jesus. Honestly, that’s the most important step a kid can take at camp. Then, the ones who have already made that step, can be encouraged to grow in their discipleship journey by praying for other kids or sharing the gospel with other kids.

Conclusion

I’m 45 and I’ve been to camp more years than not. It took me a while to learn that going to camp as a sponsor was a way to really impact a kid’s discipleship journey. I know, it’s kind of sad that I didn’t realize this in my 20s. So I encourage you to volunteer to help at kids camp. And when you do, keep in mind that you get an entire week to disciple kids while you are there. Use that time to honor God and grow the kingdom!

We can fill calendars with classes, organize programs until the printer runs out of ink, and preach until our voices crack—but if people are never given a pattern of life that puts them in God’s presence, we’re not making disciples. We’re just making churchgoers.

The question is not “Are my people busy?” The question is “Are my people becoming?”

The Missing Ingredient in Many Discipleship Plans

We tell people to pray, but we rarely show them how. We say “read your Bible,” but we never sit with them as they read. We champion solitude but fill every church calendar square until solitude is a luxury for the overachievers.

In Acts, the early believers were devoted to prayer, Scripture, and fellowship. Not dabbling. Not experimenting. Devoted.

A true discipleship pathway doesn’t just point to spiritual disciplines—it clears the brush so people can actually walk the path. That means:

• Teaching the why. People need to know that these practices aren’t religious hobbies; they’re how we meet with God.

• Modeling the how. We must embody what we ask others to embrace.

• Creating space. If we want prayer and Scripture meditation to flourish, we can’t run our ministries at a constant sprint.

What This Looks Like in Practice

• A church that models prayer doesn’t just open and close with it. Leaders invite members into times of prayer that are unhurried, sometimes awkward, but undeniably real.

• A church that models Scripture reading doesn’t outsource it to a Sunday sermon. They help people read it together and teach them to wrestle with it alone.

• A church that models solitude recognizes that noise isn’t just external—it’s internal—and discipleship requires both teaching and time for stillness.

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But What If…?

“Isn’t this just legalism in disguise?”
No. Legalism says, “Do these things so God will love you.” Spiritual disciplines say, “Do these things because God already loves you.” One is a ladder to climb; the other is a chair to sit in.

“Shouldn’t transformation be the Spirit’s work, not ours?”
Yes. The Spirit does the transforming, but He often uses the tools we place in His hands. Our role is not to cause transformation, but to create the conditions where it can happen.

“People are too busy for this.”
People make time for what matters. The early church lived under persecution, scarcity, and pressure, yet they still met, prayed, and read together. Our problem isn’t the clock—it’s the compass.

Why This Matters Now

In our discipleship environments, transformation must not be an unspoken hope—it must be a visible, measurable goal. That means we don’t just talk about spiritual practices; we teach them, model them, and make them the shared expectation of every follower of Jesus in our care.

Because if we keep telling people to “be like Jesus” without showing them how Jesus lived, we’re giving them the destination without the directions.

If we get this right, discipleship stops being a church program and starts being a way of life. And when that happens, transformation isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.

But not once—not once—did anyone offer a class called:

“What to Do When Someone Sees an Angel With a Ninja Sword”

And yet, here we are.

In 25 years of ministry, I’ve only had a handful of encounters involving people who’ve claimed to see angels, dream visions, or experience clear demonic oppression. That’s not a high percentage. But it’s just enough to keep you humble. And confused.

Exhibit A: The Angel With a Sword (and Possibly a Comic-Con Pass)

I was about 20 at the time and still believed I was qualified to handle basically anything.

A person approached me after a church event and told me they were “definitely a Christian,” because—and I quote—“an angel appeared to me in a dream.”

Naturally, I leaned in.

What followed was a surprisingly detailed description of this angel. But it wasn’t your typical Bible story angel. This one came armed with a ninja sword and a set of accessories that sounded like they came from a late-night anime marathon.

Most concerning: the angel was killing people in the dream. Repeatedly. And somehow, the person interpreted this as a divine sign that they should follow God.

I was too young and too stunned to know what to say. I shared some Scripture. I prayed for them. And I left the conversation unsure whether I had just heard a dream, a prophecy, a graphic novel pitch—or all three.

Exhibit B: Demons, Oil, and a Sleep-Deprived Stranger

Another time, a person came to the church visibly exhausted. They told me demons were living in their home and keeping them from sleeping. To be fair, they did look like they hadn’t had a full night’s sleep since daylight savings time started.

They asked if an ordained pastor could anoint them with oil and pray—because they believed that would drive the demons away.

I was with another pastor at the time, and we gently explained: “We don’t have power over those things, but we believe God does.”

So we prayed. I think we may have used a little oil—though my memory is fuzzy on that part.

Fifteen minutes later, the same person returned. Same story. No memory of the previous prayer. Total reset. We prayed again. They thanked us again. Later, we learned they were taken to a mental health facility.

Looking back, I believe it was a psychiatric issue. But in the moment, it’s not always obvious. Sometimes it feels like you’re stuck between Mark chapter 5 and a psychology textbook… holding a Bible in one hand and a bottle of anointing oil in the other.

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What Do You Do in Moments Like This?

Honestly? I still don’t know.

Scripture talks about spiritual warfare. And I believe it’s real. When I’m unsure, I fall back on what the Bible shows us—prayer, Scripture, and trust in God’s authority.

But real-life ministry doesn’t come with footnotes or clarity. Sometimes you’re left wondering: Is this a spiritual battle or something else entirely?

And that’s really the point of this post.

No class prepared me for these moments. And they’ve happened so infrequently that each one still catches me off guard.

Pastors, Let’s Talk

If you’ve been in ministry long enough, you’ve probably faced something like this too. Maybe you handled it well. Maybe you didn’t. But I’d love to hear about it.

What do you do when someone brings you a spiritual story you can’t make sense of?
Do you have any wisdom, Scripture, or stories to share?

Drop a comment below—I’m still taking notes for the class that was never offered.

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