Unraveling Threads: A Quick Guide for Churches to the New Threads Platform

In an increasingly digital world, the birth of a new social platform, Threads, offers unique opportunities for churches to connect with existing members and reach a broader audience. But what is Threads, and how can churches make the most of it?

Understanding Threads A brainchild of Meta, formerly known as Facebook, Threads emerged as a direct competitor to Twitter, boasting over 70 million sign-ups within the first 48 hours of its launch. Unlike other social media platforms, Threads focuses on real-time updates, similar to live tweeting.

Key Features of Threads A post on Threads, known as a ‘Thread’, is currently limited to 280 characters, similar to Twitter, allowing for quick, digestible bites of information. This limitation encourages brevity and conciseness, fostering a fast-paced, dynamic communication environment. 

What Makes Threads Different? Threads is not just a Twitter clone. What sets Threads apart is its emphasis on real-time interactions. As users post updates, followers can view and interact with them as they unfold, creating a sense of immediacy and presence that other platforms don’t offer. 

It is also getting a boost based on the demographic it is starting with compared to Twitter. Threads is an Instagram app that automatically connects people to the audience, friends, or followers they already built on Twitter. A new person to Twitter is coming into a culture set by an older audience without theses connections.

In short, young people are more excited about Threads than Twitter, and it is boasting some early energy as a result.

Unlike Facebook or Instagram, which emphasize visual content like photos and videos, Threads is primarily text-based, focusing on the power of words.

While TikTok features a short-video format, Threads encourages discussion and engagement through written content.

Limitations of Threads As with any platform, Threads has its limitations. The character limit may restrict in-depth conversations, and the text-based format might not appeal to those who prefer visual content. However, Threads offers an unparalleled immediacy that promotes real-time interaction, setting it apart in the social media landscape.

Conclusion Threads presents a fresh opportunity for churches to adapt to the digital age, fostering a real-time, interactive connection with their congregation. As we continue to navigate the digital terrain, the key is not to abandon traditional methods but to embrace the possibilities these new platforms offer. The message remains unchanged; it’s just the medium that’s evolving.

A Solitary Lighthouse

A Story of Unwavering Faith

Once a solitary figure perched high upon the craggy cliffs, the lighthouse keeper had spent decades faithful to his duty, diligently keeping the tower’s light aflame. Through the biting winters and the serene summers, he carried out his task with an almost religious devotion, despite never truly knowing if any sailors found salvation in the radiant beam that cut through the darkness.

His lighthouse seemed forgotten. Few travelers ever passed on land or by sea. Other passages proved more profitable for shipping and other destinations more fitting for vacationers seeking the ease of beaches over the tangled rocks that made up the steep and rugged terrain that made up his home.

As years turned into decades, he bore the toll of time on his aching bones. Each day brought with it an arduous climb up the spiraling staircase of the tower, and each step seemed a little more difficult than the last. His skin, once resilient, was now leathered by the salt-laden air, and his eyes, though still sharp, wore the weary look of an old soldier wondering if he’d ever seen the enemy.

Doubts began to cloud his mind, casting dark shadows on his years of dedication. Had anyone ever truly seen his light? Had his lonely vigil saved anyone? Was his life on this distant cliff meaningful, or was it all in vain? Such thoughts haunted his quiet nights as he gazed into the endless sea.

On the eve of his retirement, as fate would have it, a storm of epic proportions rolled in. The sky was a tumultuous sea itself, bellowing thunder and hurling sheets of rain that lashed the lighthouse like a ship in a tempest. Lighting crackled in the sky. The wind howled a furious and chilling screech, rattling the windowpanes of the keeper’s quarters.

The old keeper looked out at the storm, a flicker of doubt crossing his lined face. Would anyone notice if he ascended the tower this one last time? Would it make a difference in the maw of this storm? He questioned his worth, his purpose, and his legacy.

The day of his retirement dawned, the storm having passed, leaving behind a clear sky with a freshness only a storm can bestow. A gathering was held in the heart of the nearby fishing village, a quaint bay filled with weather-worn cottages and hardy souls who shared a life forged by the sea. Friends and family, children who’d grown and grandchildren who played under his watchful eye, all came together to honor his decades of service.

Just as the celebrations were reaching their peak, an interruption came. A stranger, rugged and worn by the sea, pushed open the door of the village hall. He was a sailor, his eyes carrying the depth of the ocean, his stance that of a man who had faced the sea’s wrath and survived.

“I’m sorry for the interruption,” he began, his voice deep and resonating. His gaze found the lighthouse keeper amidst the crowd, “but I heard about a man retiring today – the man who has kept the lighthouse lit for more years than I can count.”

The hall fell silent, all eyes now on the newcomer and the old lighthouse keeper. The sailor continued, “I wouldn’t be here today, nor my crew, if it wasn’t for this man. Last night, amidst the worst storm I’ve seen in years, it was his light that guided us. That lighthouse was our lifeline, the beacon that brought us home.”

He walked over to the lighthouse keeper, extending his calloused hand. The keeper, his eyes welling up with unshed tears, accepted the handshake. His heart, so recently heavy with doubt, now swelled with fulfillment. His years of solitude, of questioning and uncertainty, faded away in that moment. His life, his service, hadn’t been in vain. He had been a beacon in the dark, a savior to those lost at sea, even if he hadn’t known it.

The room erupted in applause and cheers, the villagers celebrating their hero anew.

As we navigate the complexities of our lives, we must remember that God is capable of empowering us in our own journeys of faith, and it is often our unwavering faith God uses to shine a light for others to be guided to safety 

Eat the Ham – Birmingham Restaurant Guide

Birmingham Restaurants Recommendations 

Here is an (incomplete) list of restaurants I recommend for those visiting from out of town. Let me know what you think if you visit one of these places!

Bar-B-Q

Any bar-b-q place you go to around here will be good.

Top Favorite

Saw’s Juke Joint – BBQ and Soul-food – Get the pork-n-greens (I substitute chicken). Everything is great, the potatoes, the burger, the wings. Just all around good.  https://s.yelp.com/6xU2qbrDVg

Rodney Scott’s Bar-B-Que – Homewood.

Saw’s BBQ – Homewood location of Saw’s. Much smaller hole in the wall feel. I like their brisket when it’s available. https://s.yelp.com/vwdK7gb6B0

Martin’s BBQ – In Cahaba Heights. Our go to BBQ place these days. Large seating area for groups inside and out. Get the Brisket Burger. https://s.yelp.com/Q984i1TbQe

Chicken plate at Martin’s.

Jim-n-Nicks BBQ – Locations around town. Good for groups. Made from scratch ingredients. Cheddar biscuits are a must. Piggie in the garden healthy option. Potatoes are good. Great pies. Is now a large chain. https://s.yelp.com/g7yPq1wNrM

Pizza

Troup’s – In Cahaba Heights. Our most frequented pizza place. Brick oven pizza. Great original flavors. Get the Blazer. Lots of drink options with a fridge full of unique choices (including Barq’s root beer in the bottle) and regular fountain drinks. Delicious salads. Great for groups. After dinner walk next door for Starbucks or Cookie Fix. https://s.yelp.com/zYA09ZquAj

Blazer and Pepperoni Pizza at Troup’s.

Davenport’s – Legendary local pizza place in Mountain Brook. Generous topping on thin (but not crunchy) crust cut in squares. It’s a throwback to the 70’s and 80’s with old arcade games and carpet just as old. Not the best for large groups, but small groups may enjoy the nostalgia and delicious pizza and a fair price. We like to go here and then walk to Mountain Brook Creamery. They have another location in Vestavia. https://s.yelp.com/UuUhFBN76c

Slice – Pizza with a twist created with local ingredients. We like the Vestavia location near Grandview. Great for groups. Their tater tots are on of the best apps in Birmingham. This place is #1 or #2 on most lists for area pizza places. https://s.yelp.com/NjNY86tbRJ

Post Office Pies – Wood fired brick oven pizza. Avondale location is in an old post office. Rated the 30 best pizza’s in Alabama. Also have a location in Mountain Brook near Jeni’s ice cream. https://www.yelp.com/biz/post-office-pies-birmingham?utm_source=ishare

Slim’s – Fancy pizza place. Think date night pizza. Get the Hot Honey. You’re welcome. https://s.yelp.com/cIozbRWgSt

Pizza GM – This could also qualify as a date night pizza place but more casual than Slim’s. Pizza place by what I think is one of the best Italian restaurants, Gianmarcos. Great apps and main courses. https://s.yelp.com/zOoQOSYJtR

Vecchia Pizza – In beautiful Moss Rock Preserve. You feel transported to Italy eating these old world style pizzas. Great for large groups. https://s.yelp.com/6IGXubj10c

I really can’t believe I have so many pizza places on this list. I guess I like pizza, but surprisingly, there have been many pizza places that are highly rated that I have yet to try!

Healthy / Fresh Options

Season’s 52 – Sit down restaurant with a menu that changes with the seasons. A nice date night place. The Summit.

Real and Rosemary – Locations in Homewood, the Summit, and Mountain Brook. I used to love it, but don’t go as much anymore. Vegan and Vegetarian Options. https://s.yelp.com/pcLB7DLWJk

Ashley Mac’s – Local chain that seems like it is for the ladies but has great options for guys as well. I like the poppyseed chicken and the BLT salad. Everything is great on the menu including the desserts. Locations throughout the city. https://s.yelp.com/jpthMYxYI6

Ono Poke – We go to the summit location. So good! Surprisingly amazing French fries. https://s.yelp.com/bpfAcAdiVp

Chicken Bowl at Ono Poke.

Chop N Fresh – In Mountain Brook. Where we like to go for chopped salad. Not great for large groups, but in an area with lots of food options. https://s.yelp.com/7VtC9L0NBR

Urban Cookhouse – Great healthy meals made with local ingredients. Salads, sandwiches, but also fork and knife plates that will fill you up. The cookie dessert is amazing. Comes half cook in a tiny frying pan with ice cream and should be shared. The Summit and Homewood. https://s.yelp.com/UwT3WekLxy

Quick and Easy

Shake Shack – legendary burger chain from NYC. The Summit.

Taco Mama – affordable and fresh ingredients. Very popular around here, but a little on the bland side for me. The Summit and just about everywhere else.

Italian

Gianmarco’s- Best Pricy Italian –

North Italia (chain) but amazing. At the Summit.

Sushi

Chuck’s Seafood on 280.

Bamboo on 2nd  – downtown https://s.yelp.com/18AgnW8FQB

Abhi – Mountain Brook Village https://s.yelp.com/pyiwf03O4Y

Blue Sushi Saki Grill – The Summit

Chicken

Eugene’s Hot Chicken – My favorite hot chicken place. Wings are the size of chicken thighs. Very hole-in-the-wall and be prepared to wait. Uptown area.

Hattie B’s – legendary Nashville hot chicken.

Guthrie’s – on 280. Identical to Raising Cane’s (just about). Some say this is where Cane’s got their concept from!

Chicken Basket at Guthrie’s.

Breakfast 

Big Bad Breakfast – Overall one of the best restaurants in Birmingham. Best breakfast. In Homewood and on 280.

Biscuit Love – Cahaba Heights. A Nashville spot now in Birmingham.

Crestline Bagel – location in Crestline Village and Cahaba Heights.

Fine Dining

Our favorite fine dining is Hot and Hot Fish Club. Lots of Louisiana flavors and despite the name is not a seafood restaurant.

Most people in Bham would send you to Highlands Bar and Grill and it is the same level as Hot and Hot.

Bottega is also super fancy (where Micheal Jordan would go out to eat when he played for the Birmingham Barons). There are all in the same area and will let you see a cool part of the city.

A great Italian fine dining restaurant is Gianmarco’s. It is one of my all-time favorite places.  

Helen is a newer place a lot of people recommend for fine dining, but I’ve never been!

Flemings is always good!

Steakhouse/Americana

Brick Tops – also has great sushi

Local Greek and Mediterranean Chains

Fast Casual: Tazikis, 

Sit down Greek: Tasty Town

Eli’s Jerusalem grill: Slightly different take on Mediterranean. Gyro, Sharma, humus and delicious rice.

Sweet Treats

Cookie Fix in Homewood  also in Cahaba Heights now (closer to Grandview) – the best cookie in the world. They always have a couple healthy options. Imagine a cookie that is about two inches thick in the middle that’s slides down to edge about four inches out to make an okey gooey mound of sweet deliciousness.

Jeni’s ice cream is downtown and in Mountain Brook, Lane Parke.

Bendy’s Ice Cream (next door to Martin’s Bbq). 

Sons donuts – little donuts made right in front of you. Avondale and Lane Parke.

Son’s donuts.

Hero Donuts – Homewood 

Hero Donuts.

Heavenly Donuts in Vestavia near Grandview campus.

Coffee

O’Henry’s is my favorite. Lots of flavors. Revelator is going to be for the purest who wants their pour over beans to be  ground right before serving with no syrup.

Frothy Monkey is now here downtown.

June is good. Downtown.

Caramel Latte at June.

Cala is probably the most popular place right now in Cahaba Heights.

Quick/Cheap

Taco Mama is good cheap quick Mexican,

Urban Cookhouse

Ashley Mac’s – chicken salad, etc

Near the ARC Office

Little Donkey – good Mexican with a southern twist. Everything is made from scratch. Famous for the fried chicken. Get their potatoes as a side and street corn (i always like it off the cob). I also like their brisket tamales.

Big Bad Breakfast – just the best breakfast. Known for their skillets and biscuits, but i like the regular breakfast.

Eli’s Jerusalem Grill – gyro, shawarma, amazing rice, and amazing hummus.

Areas with Good Food

Avondale (Saw’s Soulfood Kitchen, Post Office Pies, Melt, Etc.) If you go to Avondale make sure to go to Big Spoon Creamery, locally source gourmet ice cream.

Mountain Brook has different villages with local spots.

Lane Parke – Newest area with several good places and shopping near the Grand Bohemian, Botanical Gardens, and the Zoo. Melt, Chop N Fresh, Lady Bird Taco, Sons Donuts, Starbucks, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Post Office Pies, and more. https://www.laneparke.com/explore/

Crestline Village – Great area to walk around and shop. Some local candy stores, boutiques, shops, and restaurants.

Homewood SOHO (South Homewood) – Lots new places added recently. Rodney Scott BBQ, Ashley mac’s, Little Donkey, Big Bad Breakfast, O’Henry’s Coffee, Urban Cookhouse and more that are all great. Also local shops and boutiques. Might be the best area as one stop area to park and shop and eat local.

Uptown – great options in one central location downtown near top golf and the  

Pizitz Food Hall – Downtown. Please everyone by going to the pizitz which has been planned to include food genre’s from around the world from New Orleans to Pho.

Things to do in Birmingham

If you are in Homewood you can go to Vulcan Park (Free) and overlook the entire city.

 If you are in Mountain Brook you can go to the Birmingham Botanical Garden (free). See the Japanese gardens. 

If you are downtown visit railroad park (Free). 

Visit boutiques in Homewood, Mountain Brook, or Cahaba Heights. 

Shop at the Summit.

Pizitz Food Hall

Downtown. Please everyone by going to the pizitz which has been planned to include food genre’s from around the world from New Orleans to Pho.

Hiking and Running in Birmingham, AL

Here are some hiking and running trails in Birmingham, Alabama, that I use. There are others that are worthy of visiting, but this should be a good list to get you going.

Hiking in Birmingham 

Oak Mountain State Park

http://www.alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park

Oak Mountain State Park  <- Google Profile

overall best hiking and camping in the area. So many different hiking trails with different levels of complexity

Ruffner Mountain 

Ruffner Mountain <- Google Profile

Ruffner Mountain

In the city. In an old rock quarry. You can hike to a place that looks out over the city skyline.

Red Mountain

Explore – Red Mountain Park

Red Mountain Park <- Google Profile

In the city on the opposite side to Ruffner. You drive through Homewood to get there. Built around iron mines and you can hike to a point that see the tree line. Supposedly some huge tree houses but I’ve never seen them. All levels of hiking.

Moss Rock Preserve

Moss Rock Preserve | Hoover, AL – Official Website

Moss Rock Preserve <- Google Profile 

In Hoover near the mall. Giant boulders you can climb and squeeze through. Really fun. Easy trails.

Jogging trails

Jemison Trail

Jemison Park <- Google Profile

Jemison Park Nature Trail: 321 Reviews, Map – Alabama | AllTrails 

The best place to run in Birmingham located in Mountain Brook. You run on a pavement and crushed rock trails very flat along a creek and mansion lined streets. Connects to the roads of Mountain Brook where you can make a loop through the city, which is very friendly to runners. Where I run multiple times a week.

Lake Shore trail

Shades Valley Greenway eastern trailhead (off Brookwood Village parking area) <- Google Profile

Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore Trail) – Great Runs

Some may say this is the best place to run. Wider paths, very flat, takes you through Homewood and Samford University and actually connects (in a way) to Jemison trail. To connect, just run through the Brookwood Mall parking lot and go under 280. The other side is the beginning of Jemison.

Dunnavant Valley Greenway 

Dunnavant Valley Greenway <- Google Profile

Very easy trail  south of the city but still close that goes along a creek where you can see gentle waterfalls. Less crowded but not the wow factor of the other trails. Easy to get to.

Railroad Park Downtown

Railroad Park Foundation  <- Google Profile

Beautiful park with skyline views, across from the Birmingham Barons Baseball park and lined by cafes and shops. Connects to sidewalks that will take you on jog throughout the city or rent scooters or bikes provided by the city.

Rotary trail 

Rotary Trail Birmingham <- Google Profile

New pathway through downtown Birmingham.

Veteran’s Park 5k trail

https://goo.gl/maps/Skm35AF8isF1FwrRA <- Google Profile

5k trail that is mostly flat with one big hill. Takes you around a pond, and then about half of the trail is through the woods. Huge park for kids to play.

The Attractional Church Model as a Funnel for Discipleship

Joshua Roberie

Is the Attractional Model (AM) a way for churches to funnel new attendees into discipleship or does it produce churches whose only focus is “a way of ministry that… [makes] Christianity appealing?”[1] While many of the fastest-growing churches in America utilize the AM,[2] criticism of this approach has risen. It is effective at gathering new people, but some believe these churches are compromising their missio Dei for relevancy.[3] Is it possible to have a church committed to being attractional and making disciples? This research will present that the AM works as a funnel for discipleship as long as the same commitment to attracting the lost to weekend services is present in a church’s attention to missional-style discipleship.

In How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, Alan Ehler presents a biblical framework for making decisions utilizing the power of story. His goal is “to bring together biblical wisdom and the best scholarly insights to help you shape your story in the best way possible.”[4] He accomplishes this by teaching a model of decision-making he calls “Story Shaping.”

Story Shaping has a “four-step framework for decision-making: (1) Read the Backstory, (2) Catch God’s Story, (3) Craft a New Story, and (4) Tell the New Story.”[5] The Story Shaping method is used in this research to address the discipleship problem facing AM churches. It will become clear that there are various opinions on the AM and multiple approaches available for discipleship in the local church. As Ehler states, “if outside experts or others involved cannot agree on the right approach, or if there seem to be multiple options with equal chance of success, then an intentional decision making process like Story Shaping is warranted.” [6]

Read the BackStory

A few simple questions must be asked to “read the backstory” of the AM. In Ehler’s first step of the Story Shaping process he says one should “ask questions about the existing strengths of an organization and uses those to determine what must be eliminated when change is made.”[7] The research will ask questions that examine the AM’s backstory to help determine its ability to lead people into a discipleship process.

If its critics are correct, then the AM has a discipleship dilemma. In an article written for the Gospel Coalition, Jared C. Wilson says that in the AM, “there is no significant attention given to life or discipleship beyond the weekend worship service.”[8] According to Richard Green in an article for the Keystone Project, the AM “does not make disciples.”[9] Green continues by saying the AM’s methods lead to “a form of Christianity which has allowed [an attendee] to be a Christian without being a disciple.”[10] L.E. Brown cautions that because of the AM paradigm, “the Church in America faces a significant existential threat that will eventually sweep countless congregations into history’s dustbin.”[11] These warnings paint a picture of crisis for those who seek to utilize the AM for their congregations. These churches may be growing in size, but are they making an eternal difference in their communities and their members’ spiritual formation?

Should attractional churches even be concerned with discipleship if they see large attendance numbers in their weekend services? The most evident reason church leadership should make discipleship a top priority is that going out into the world and making disciples was the last command given by Christ in Matt. 28:19-20 (NIV): “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

The Apostles also continued to emphasize the importance of discipleship. In one of the most well-known discipleship relationships in scripture, Paul tells Timothy, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim. 2:2). In His masterwork, The Master Plan of Evangelism, Robert E. Coleman says, “The ultimate goal of Jesus for his disciples was that his life be reproduced in them and through them into the lives of others.[12] Coleman proposes that Jesus had no backup plan for world evangelism other than his investment into people who would do the same for others through discipleship. It can be gathered from these examples that a church’s commitment to discipleship is paramount. 

Now that the AM’s dilemma has been established and why it is essential to be solved, it is now important to define the AM and its strategies. Two opposing views on what the AM is will be considered, along with a third that seeks to find common ground between the two.

 One predominant view of the AM that has already been reflected in this research is that the AM seeks crowds more than mission effectiveness. This point of view is represented in a review of The Prodigal Church by Joey Chen. In his paper, he states that Jared C. Wilson believes pragmatism and consumerism are the two ideologies driving the attractional church.[13] Chen explains these two points further by saying Wilson “criticizes pragmatism because it assumes that ‘what works’ is wise and beneficial. He identifies consumerism as being ingrained in the Church Growth movement but questions whether consumer desires should be the primary concern of the church.”[14] In Wilson’s perspective, churches are misguided if they believe “that the customer’s interests are legitimate.”[15] Based on these insights, it can be concluded that Wilson’s definition of the AM is one where a value system of prioritizing consumers’ interests above other missions of the church is present. This perspective questions whether an approach is valid simply because this is what brings people into the church building on Sunday Morning.

In his book, The Attractional Church: Growth Through a Refreshing, Relational and Relevant Church Experience, Billy Hornsby gives many examples to describe what an AM church looks like in practice. A straightforward definition he gives is that they are called attractional simply because they attract large numbers of people.[16] What is it that they are attracted to attend? Is it a compromising of the message of the gospel in order to shamelessly get them in the door? According to Hornsby, people are attracted to these churches simply because they are “refreshing, relational, and relevant church experiences.”[17] He says a good word to describe these kinds of churches is “life-giving.”[18]

The contradicting perspective on even how to define the AM is rooted in someone being a part of one of two camps: missional or attractional. Interpreting the story of the AM is based on one’s own experience or connection to one of these groups is what Ehler calls “our story reading glasses.”[19] It is from these two groups that a “controversy over the most effective way to expand the kingdom of God” [20] has been argued. According to Dr. Jesse Wilson, this “is an argument that the church cannot afford.”[21] He offers a definition of both to find common ground between the two ideologies. He says a missional church “is about the (1) missionary status of God and His church… (2)  …incarnational ministry… [and] (3) …actively participating in the missio Dei, or mission of God.” [22] He then defines the attractional church by saying that the AM “hungers for lost people, …believes in worship excellence, [and] … creates a loving community.” [23] These two definitions create a clearer picture of how the attractional church can be defined, a glimpse into its methods, and why it has taken on criticism because of how it differs from the missional approach to church growth. 

The researcher’s experience with training, planting, and leading AM churches finds a definition from Sam Horn to be the most accurate. He states, “AM churches believe the primary purpose of weekly corporate worship is to attract lost people, disengaged Christians or the unchurched to come to Jesus, accept the Gospel and reconnect with the church.”[24]From this definition of AM churches, an evaluation of AM discipleship dilemma will be conducted. To use this definition alone, though, and not include the perspective of the missional and attractional proponents’ opinions on the AM would be incomplete. All that has been covered is vital to moving forward because in both the criticism and defense of the AM, the issue of discipleship is front and center.

Catch God’s Story

The research will now attempt to “collaborate with God in shaping [the AM] story” [25]  in the second step of the Story Shaping process. This process is in line with “the principles of practical theology, which seeks to ‘interpret the revelatory realism of God’s action in concrete lived experience.’”[26] From this perspective, the research expects God to be involved in the story of the AM and will attempt to “catch” that involvement in this next section.

The AM does not derive its “primary purpose [from] making Christianity appealing,” as Wilson claims. This would stifle God’s work through repentance. Instead, the AM embraces a “growth mindset that sees[s] themselves and others as capable of learning and improving.” [27] This is seen in how the AM takes a friendly approach that draws people to church so repentance can occur. The AM abandons the reasoning of  churches that refuse to adjust their approach with the change of culture due to a “fixed mindset.”[28] Hornsby says that “theologically, the attractional church’s message is biblically based.[29] It is not “the content of the message but rather… the style of presenting it”[30]  that the AM seeks to change. 

One can further observe God’s involvement in the methods of the AM by comparing them to how Jesus ministered. Hornsby says that an attractional church’s “real success can be measured by the number of souls that come to Christ and the impact the church has on its community.”[31] This example reveals that the attractional church model seeks to be evangelical, not for gathering alone, but for multiplication and the glorification of God in the community. Jesus often gathered crowds and cared for their needs when he taught (Matthew 5-7). God is involved in attempts to gather people to hear the gospel, as displayed in the AM, and not just church gatherings that are believer-focused.  

God’s involvement in the AM process is further displayed in the book of Romans. Paul quotes the prophet Joel when he tells the Romans that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13 NIV). He then goes on to explain how one comes to salvation. “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them (Romans 10:14)? From this, it can be concluded that hearing is necessary for believing, which is required for salvation. Since discipleship cannot begin without salvation, we can rightly say that creating opportunities for people to hear the gospel is paramount for discipleship to take place eventually. With this understanding, we can “catch God’s story” in the AM strategy for evangelistic gatherings to create a funnel for churches to engage in discipleship.

God can use weekly church services created with unchurched people in mind to see new attendees connected to the church, but does that mean these services are effective at creating disciples? The next step in the Story Shaping process will present ideas to understand this area better. 

Craft a New Story

In this section, an attempt will be made to“craft a new story” about the AM and discipleship. Ehler describes this step as including three different elements.[32] The word craft is used to show a person’s involvement with God in finding the best possible solution.[33]He describes this step as “a story” so that a person does not become paralyzed into believing there is only one way forward.[34] This is certainly true when making disciples in the local church. Many options are available. This research aims to find the best options for the AM to make disciples. The final component used to describe this step is the word “new.”[35] The reason why Ehler uses this word to describe the third step in his Story Shaping Process is that the results “will change the future for [the person involved in the decision making process] and perhaps others.”[36]

To craft a new story for AM’s effectiveness in discipleship, attention will first be given to an explanation of how discipleship takes place. In a post called “Jesus’ Upside Down Strategy” at EmotionallyHealthy.org an example is given between modern-day discipleship vs Jesus’ discipleship strategy. The author claims that “Jesus focused a disproportionate amount of time discipling the Twelve…”[37] The article goes on to explain that programs and services can distract ministry leaders from the critical work of discipleship.[38] Honest attention is given to “the great tension of the big and the small”[39] in churches. Then the author asks the question that this research is attempting to address as well, “How do I focus on the few… when modern culture demands the big… and now?”[40] Two models of discipleship are presented along with a graphic that depicts both to answer this question. 

The first graphic represents “modern-day discipleship.” This can also be described as the AM’s discipleship method because “attend” is at the top of the funnel (Fig. 1). 

Fig. 1 The AM is being reflected as one that attracts a large number of people but leads to only a few followers going into the world as disciples. The impact is minimal and represented by a drip on the world.[41]

The interpretation of the AM shown in Figure 1 paints a picture of a discipleship funnel with little impact on the Great Commission.  The “Jesus Discipleship Strategy” in Figure 2 tells a different story of many disciples being released to fulfill the Great Commission.

Fig 2. The missional model of discipleship is reflected as starting with a few people but, over time, multiplying until a large number of followers are turned into followers. The massive impact of these disciples is reflected in the flood of water being emptied onto the earth from the funnel.

These two funnels do not have to exist in a contradictory relationship. Benny Perez says he sees great value in both the attractional and the missional model. According to Perez, they “do not need to be in opposition to each other.”[42] Perez says that when Jesus spoke to crowds, he got on their level by using stories.[43] Jesus was attractional in his presentation of the gospel in order to connect with as many people as possible. Perez models the example of Jesus by avoiding insider language in his church that outsiders will not understand.[44] He says that taking this approach allows his church services to be geared toward both believers and unbelievers.[45] According to Perez, the experience does not end with the weekly worship service. He says, “when people come to church… there should be a ‘wow factor.’ Then, when people leave your church, they should leave with the understanding that they too are on a mission, living life with a higher purpose.”[46]

A new model for discipleship can be derived from the Both/And approach of Perez, and the Jesus Discipleship Strategy presented in the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship article. In Figure 3, a model is presented where many of the upside-down funnels are taking place in one church because, first, a come-and-see approach was taken by a church. Many Jesus Discipleship funnels can exist in one church using the AM as a larger funnel that feeds this smaller funnel. This is how a church can commit to making disciples once new people are connected to the church. 

The new story for the AM should involve a commitment to its current strategy of attracting people who otherwise would not come to church while also embracing a missional “perspective of sending people out into the community, [and] encouraging… members to evangelize in those places.”[47]

Tell the New Story

Ehler’s final step in the Story Shaping process is to “Tell the New Story.”[48] He calls this step “making your decision happen.” [49] How can AM churches tell the new story of being both attractional in their weekend services and missional in their approach to discipleship? In Deep & Wide, Andy Stanley suggests that discipleship in past models increased people’s knowledge without growing people’s faith.[50] To tell the new story for his church that he wanted to be both deep (missional) and wide (attractional.). He states his approach to discipleship is to “lead people into a growing relationship with Christ” and “a growing relationship equate[s] to growing faith.”[51] From this, Stanley developed “five faith catalysts” that include: “practical teaching, private disciplines, personal ministry, providential relationships, and pivotal circumstances.”[52] These “faith catalysts” correlate with Ehler’s encouragement to “frame the plan with a clear model” when telling the new story.[53]

Chris Hodges suggests four simple steps that help “tell the new story” of discipleship through a faith journey that includes “know God, find freedom, discover purpose, and make a difference.”[54] As Ehler teaches, these four steps are “simple” and are created with the target audience in mind.”[55] These four steps could have easily been called salvation, church membership, discipleship, and leadership. Instead of framing the discipleship journey with traditional language, Hodges prefers to lay out the steps in a way that is “refreshing, relational, and relevant;” which is how Hornsby describes an attractional church’s weekend services.[56]

What is the result of Hodge’s attempt to bridge the gap between the attractional and missional models with weekend services that are “empowering environments [that] challenge you to your core in an atmosphere of encouragement”[57] and a simple and inviting discipleship program? Church of the Highlands, the church Hodges pastors, has grown to 24 locations.[58] As of 2019, the church has 51,153 people in weekly attendance.[59] While this growth is impressive compared to the average church size (65 in weekly attendance)[60], does it mean Hodges and Highlands is effectively making disciples? According to the Highlands Legacy Report from 2021[61] the church’s members regularly serve over 21,000 people in the community through outreach efforts and served over 15,000 people on the church’s annual service and outreach day called “Serve Day.” The church also gathers 4,856 prisoners weekly across 21 Alabama correctional facilities for Sunday worship. Through the church’s local and global efforts, 87,653 people were baptized in 2021.

The Attractional Model for churches can work as a discipleship funnel as long as the churches who use this strategy include a missional mindset to equip believers for the work of the ministry once they are connected to the church. Churches cannot, as Cross states, “relegate the majority of ministerial work to paid clergy whose professional training has provided them with various forms of work we call ministry.”[62] This is because “God is not pleased with sacrifices arising only from [church attendees] lips but demands the service of [their] lives.”[63] If AM churches are content to only gather and not properly prioritize discipleship with the same commitment that they give to excellent weekend services, then they are laboring in vain. This does not need to be the case. As many churches have shown, for example, Andy Stanley’s Northwood and Chris Hodge’s Church of the Highlands, churches can utilize a simple onboarding process for discipleship that complements their attractional weekend services with great success.

Bibliography

Brown, L. E. “Missional Ecclesiology in the Book of Acts.” Journal of the Grace Evangelical 

Society Autumn2011, P65 (2011)

Chen, J. (2016). Book Review: The Prodigal Church: A Gentile Manifesto against the Status 

Quo by Jared C. Wilson. Great Commission Research Journal, 8(1), 131-134. Retrieved 

from https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol8/iss1/12 

Church of the Highlands. Last modified October 17, 2022. 

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/campuses/

Church of the Highlands. “Highlands Legacy Report.” accessed October 17, 2022. 

Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Revell, 2008.

Cross, Terry. Serving the People of God’s Presence: A Theology of Ministry. Grand Rapids: 

Baker Academic, 2020.

Duck, Braeden, Jack Kellum, Carson Knauff, and Adam Carr. “Church of the Highlands, Grants         

Mill Campus.” Magic City Religion (blog), December 16, 2019. 

Earls, Aaron. “Small Churches Continue Growing—but in Number, Not Size.” Lifeway Research 

(blog). Lifeway Research, October 20, 2021. 

https://research.lifeway.com/2021/10/20/small-churches-continue-growing-but-in-number

-not-size/#:~:text=While%20the%20average%20U.S.%20congregations,the%20median

%20church%20each%20week., October 17, 2022. 

Ehler, Alan. How to Make Big Decisions Wisely: A Biblical & Scientific Guide to Healthier 

Habits, Less Stress, A Better Career, and Much More. Grand Rapids, Michigan: 

Zondervan Reflective, 2020.

Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. “Jesus’ Upside down Strategy,” Emotionally Healthy 

Discipleship, April 26, 2016, https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/jesus-upside-strategy/.

Henry, Desmond. “Missional Postures and Practices for South African Baptist Churches.”

Verbum Et Ecclesia 39, no. 1 (2018): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v39i1.1817.

Hodges, Chris. What’s Next? The Journey to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and 

Make a Difference. Nashville: Nelson Books, 2019

Hodges, Chris. Fresh Air: Trading Stale Spiritual Obligation for a Life-Altering, Energizing, 

Experience-It-Everyday Relationship with God. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Momentum, 

2012

Horn, Sam. “Choosing a Church: Two Models Recognizing the Theological Orientation of a 

Local Church” Bob Jones University: November 19, 2019, 

https://today.bju.edu/vice-president/choosing-a-church-doxological-vs-attractional-model

s/

Hornbsy, Billy. The Attractional Church: Growth Through a Refreshing, Relational, and 

Relevant Experience. New York: Faith Words, 2011

Perez, Benny. Both/And Ministering In Between Life’s Extremes. Las Vegas: ChurchLV, 2020

Saldivar, David. “The Problem with Attractional Evangelism.” The Keystone Project, February     

25, 2013. https://keystoneproject.org/the-problem-with-attractional-evangelism/.   

Wilson, Jared C. “5 Reasons You Should (Probably) Leave Your Attractional Church.” Web 

blog. The Gospel Coalition (blog), February 2, 2016. 

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-reasons-you-should-probably-leave-your-attr

actional-church/. 

Wilson, Jared C. The Prodigal Church: A Gentile Manifesto against the Status Quo. Wheaton, 

IL: Crossway, 2015.

Wilson, Jesse. “Missional vs Attractional: An Argument the Church Cannot Afford.” Ministry 

Magazine: August 2018: https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2018/08/Missional-

versus-attractional-An-argument-the-church-cannot-afford


Footnotes

[1] Wilson, Jared C. The Prodigal Church: A Gentile Manifesto against the Status Quo.( Wheaton, IL: 

Crossway, 2015), 25 

[2] Billy Hornsby, The Attractional Church: Growth through a Refreshing, Relational, and Relevant Church 

Experience (New York: FaithWords, 2011), 2

[3] Henry, Desmond. “Missional Postures and Practices for South African Baptist Churches.” Verbum Et 

Ecclesia 39, no. 1 (2018): 1 https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v39i1.1817.

[4] Ehler, Alan. How to Make Big Decisions Wisely: A Biblical & Scientific Guide to Healthier 

Habits, Less Stress, A Better Career, and Much More (Grand Rapids, Michigan: 

Zondervan Reflective, 2020), 19

[5] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 20

[6] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 26

[7] Ibid.

[8] Jared C Wilson, “The Gospel Coalition,” The Gospel Coalition (blog), February 2, 2016, 

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/5-reasons-you-should-probably-leave-your-attractional-

church/.

[9] Saldivar, David, “The Problem with Attractional Evangelism,” The Keystone Project, February 25, 2013, 

https://keystoneproject.org/the-problem-with-attractional-evangelism/.

[10] Ibid.

[11] L.E. Brown. “Missional Ecclesiology in the Book of Acts” (2011) Journal of the Grace Evangelical 

Society, p66-5.

[12] Coleman, Robert E. The Master Plan of Evangelism (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Revell, 2008), 161 

[13] Joey Chen, “Book Review: The Prodigal Church: A Gentile Manifesto against the Status Quo by Jared  

C. Wilson,” The Great Commission Research Journal, 8, no. 1, 

https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol8/iss1/12

[14] Ibid.

[15] Ibid.

[16] Hornbsy, The Attractional Church, 2

[17] Ibid., 1

[18] Ibid.

[19] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 39-41

[20] Wilson, Jesse. “Missional vs Attractional: An Argument the Church Cannot Afford.” Ministry 

Magazine: August 2018: https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2018/08/Missional-

versus-attractional-An-argument-the-church-cannot-afford

[21] Ibid.

[22] Ibid.

[23] Ibid.

[24] Horn, Sam. “Choosing a Church: Two Models Recognizing the Theological Orientation of a 

Local Church” Bob Jones University: November 19, 2019 

https://today.bju.edu/vice-president/choosing-a-church-doxological-vs-attractional-model

s/

[25] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 73

[26] Ibid.

[27] Ibid., 44

[28] Ibid.

[29] Hornsby, The Attractional Church, 3

[30] Ibid.

[31]Hornsby, The Attractional Church, 2

[32] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 92-93

[33] Ibid.. 

[34] Ibid.

[35] Ibid.

[36] Ibid.

[37] “Jesus’ Upside down Strategy,” Emotionally Healthy Discipleship (Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, 

April 26, 2016), https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/jesus-upside-strategy/.

[38] Ibid.

[39] Ibid.

[40] Ibid.

[41] Ibid.

[42] Perez, Benny. Both/And Ministering In Between Life’s Extremes. (Las Vegas: ChurchLV, 2020) 

Kindle Edition, 31

[43] Ibid., 32-33

[44] Ibid., 33

[45] Ibid., 34

[46] Ibid., 31-32

[47] Ibid., 31

[48] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 119

[49] Ibid.

[50]  Stanley, Andy. Deep and Wide: Creating Churches Unchurches People Love to Attend. (Grand 

Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2012), 107

[51] Ibid.

[52] Ibid., 108-109

[53] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 121

[54] Hodges, Chris. What’s Next? The Journey to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and 

Make a Difference. (Nashville: Nelson Books, 2019)

[55] Ehler, How to Make Big Decisions Wisely, 120

[56] Hornsby, The Attractional Church, 2

[57] Hodges, Chris. Fresh Air: Trading Stale Spiritual Obligation for a Life-Altering, Energizing, 

Experience-It-Everyday Relationship with God. (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Momentum, 

2012), 28

[58] Church of the Highlands, last modified October 17, 2022, 

https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/campuses/

[59] Braeden Duck et al., “Church of the Highlands, GrantsMill Campus.” Magic City Religion (blog), 

December 16, 2019.

[60] Aaron Earls, “Lifeway Research,” Lifeway Research (blog) (Lifeway Research, October 20, 2021), https://research.lifeway.com/2021/10/20/small-churches-continue-growing-but-in-number-not-size

/#:~:text=While%20the%20average%20U.S.%20congregations,the%20median%20church%20each%20week., October 17, 2022.

[61]Church of the Highlands, “Highlands Legacy Report,” accessed October 17, 2022 

[62] Cross, Terry. Serving the People of God’s Presence: A Theology of Ministry. (Grand Rapids: 

Baker Academic, 2020), 13.

[63] Ibid.,26

Believe Again Podcast Launch

I am excited to launch a new podcast called Believe Again. This interview-style podcast aims to tell real-life stories that inspire people to exchange exhausting religion for refreshing faith, discover hope to keep going when things seem impossible and realize each day is a new opportunity to trust and “believe again” in God’s promises.

I would love for you to listen, review and subscribe. If you are up for it, I have also included some promotional images you can use to spread the word on your Instagram feed and story. 

Episode one with the one and only Amy Roberie is out now, and you can listen or watch at the links below!

Audio link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/believe-again/id1637368624

YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz5_EreWPZilljGpuiHUckA

Promotional Images for Instagram feed and story: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/i59urjhk0svylp8/AADBBaSnEtKZ3RYY4bF9iZ_Na?dl=0

Along with the podcast, I am launching a new site that will host a new blog and provide information about my book and the podcast. You can check it out here: believeagain.co.

What Does it Mean to Take Up Your Cross?

The Dangers of Follow at a Distance

“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” – Jesus, Matthew 16:24 NLT

What did Jesus mean when He said, “take up your cross, and follow me?” This statement is more than just religious symbolism. It is a call to a radical new way of living your life.

Going to the Electric Chair

To fully understand the gravity of how Jesus is defining what it means to be one of his followers, we must bring the idea of the cross into modern language. In Jesus’ time, crucifixion was used for execution and humiliation. That means we could rephrase this verse to say, “If you want to be a Christian, you must give up the self-centered way of living that has become normal in society, go to the electric chair, and die just as Jesus also gave up His life.”

Seeing Jesus’s statement in this light changes how most people define being a Christian – a good person who goes to church. Instead, a Christian is defined as someone who follows Jesus so closely that even though they may never have to die for their faith physically, they are willing to die to their self-centered desires and reputation (living a life that meets the approval of others).

Following at a Distance

Defining a Christian as a good person who goes to church permits us to follow Jesus at a distance. Before Peter denied Jesus and the rooster famously crowed three times, the Bible says he “was following [Jesus] at a distance.” I do not want to become someone who follows Jesus at a distance. If Jesus is worth following, then He is worth following closely, even if that means “taking up my cross,” aka dying to my will and reputation, to do so.

This leaves us with the question, when was the last time you took up your cross to follow Jesus? When did you last die to having things your way in favor of being led by the Holy Spirit to defer to others or God’s commands? When was the last time you lost your reputation for the sake of the gospel?

The Way of the Cross

Following Jesus closely does not only mean death, but it also leads to abundant life. Not just eternal life in heaven, but a new life on earth where we enjoy intimacy with God and the blessings that follow obedience to the way of the Cross.

When Not to Slap

What to Do When You Want to Smack Back

Have you ever had a road rage moment? I recently ran into a situation that made me glad not to have a “Jesus is my Co-Pilot” bumper sticker on my car. 

Someone pulled out in front of me on a busy street. Which is annoying by itself, but then the person continued down the road 20 miles an hour below the speed limit with no sign of speeding up in sight. I am not proud of what I did next, but sometimes life gives you a reason to want to smack back. Instead of slowing down for them, I kept going and waited until the last second to go around the driver. When I passed him, he gave me the one-finger salute.

In my book, I think you get one “off.” You can have the cut-off or the flip-off, but you don’t get both. To cut someone off and then flip them off seems a little greedy. So when that person got behind me, I slowed down to the same speed he was when he cut me off. I know. That took it too far. 

Immediately after doing this, I felt horrible. I realized that I had let a wrong done to me produce a wrong response from me. I cannot control other people, but why did I lose control of myself?

The next day, I was praying and believe God gave me a phrase to use in situations like this to help keep calm. Here it is:

“I have too much to lose to sweat the small stuff and too much to gain from moving on to more important things.”

We all experience annoyances, disrespect, and people not doing the right thing, negatively impacting us. Most of these situations are resolved by just moving on. It is a mark of wisdom to overlook a fault, according to Proverbs 19:11:

“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” English Standard Version

If you are like me, then you can sometimes become easily frustrated. Life’s agitations can be sandpaper that smooths out your character or sand in your shoes that irritate your journey. What I feel like I learned from my situation is that minor frustrations become big problems when we do not let them go. It is best to remember that we have more to gain from overlooking an offense than we can hope to achieve by trying to smack back.

The Other Side of Your Comfort Zone

Believe Again Devotional Part 5

Scripture

Genesis. (12:1–3 NLT)

“Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you” 

Devotional Thought

It is the questions that every child asks and every parent has to answer: “Why?”

“Buckle your seatbelt.”

“Why”

“Eat your vegetables.”

“Why”

Have you ever wondered what the “why” is behind the “why”? In other words, why do we ask, “why”? We ask, “”why,” because we want to know what is on the otherside of our obedience. We want to know the reason and the reward for our compliance when we are being asked to sacrifice or make an adjustment that is uncomfortable.

Have you noticed God does not always give us the reason up front? Sometimes we feel like we have to have everything figured out before taking a first step. In, The Grave Robber, Mark Batterson says, “We want God to reveal the second step before we take the first but faith is taking the first step before God reveals the second!”

In my book, Believe Again, I share how I stepped away from my role in full-time ministry because God had told us to go first, and then He would show us what to do next. This rang true to our hearts. We had peace about this being God’s will, but we struggled to accept the risk that came with this new course. We were hoping God would “show” first, and then we could “go.” Our fear of the future created a long season of waffling back and forth until God gave me a dream, that was really more of a memory.

In the dream, I was child playing football. When the ball was kicked to me, instead of picking it up and running with it, I fell on the ball and covered it up. I was afraid of fumbling and my teammates were screaming for me not to pick it up. When I got to the sidelined my coach asked me why I did not pick up the ball and run. 

“What if I fumbled?”  Was my excuse.

My coach replied, “What if you score a touchdown?” 

God does not want you to live your life falling on the ball when He has called you to pick up the ball and run with it.  That dream caused me to realize that I needed to live for an audience of one and obey right away.

We made a lot of sacrifices along the way that I do not know that I would have agreed to if I knew all that it would have cost me up front. I had to mature with each step of the way, and as I did, I saw the value in what I would have to give up next in order to follow God outside of my comfort zone. What I learned is that life truly begins on the otherside of my comfort zone.

Our success in life does not depend on our ability to give God the solutions we want and then believe for that to happen, but by our ability to depend on God as He leads us according to His will.

Reflection

Have you had an experience where God has asked you to leave your comfort zone in the way He was asking Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3? What happened?

How does God ask you to leave your comfort zone on a daily basis?

How would you define your spiritual comfort zone right now and what may be keeping you from not living beyond it?

What role does the fear of man play in our obedience to God? Is there any fear of what other may think that is keeping you from prioritizing what God thinks of you?

Disappointment, Burnout, and Religion

I was recently on the Bridgecast Podcast with Pastor David Lewkowicz. We met an ARC event last year, and he has been a huge blessing to have as a friend. I am so glad he asked me to be on Season 3 of his podcast to talk about Believe Again and church planting.

It was a lot of fun recording this episode. We talked about my favorite superhero (no way you guess who it is), I tell a Boudreaux and Thibodeaux joke, and David does a pretty amazing Coach O impression. You will also hear us talk about disappointment, burnout, and religion. I share some lessons learned from my book, Believe Again, and also include some stories I wish I could have included in the book.

This was a lot of fun, and I think you will enjoy listening. 

You can listen to the podcast by following this link. https://www.podpage.com/the-nook-podcast/going-from-on-fire-to-burned-out-josh-roberie/