Embracing Brokenness Ministries

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Steve and Michael explore the biblical concept of 'minding your own business' as they delve into 1 Thessalonians 4. They discuss the importance of leading a quiet life amidst chaos, managing life a bit like a corporation, and the significance of stewardship and balance in various life areas. The conversation emphasizes God's creative authority in our lives, the need to avoid distractions and comparisons, and ultimately living a life that pleases God through love and stewardship. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:55 Minding Your Own Business: A Biblical Perspective 06:11 Leading a Quiet Life in a Chaotic World 08:50 Managing Life Like a Corporation 11:53 The Importance of Balance in Life 15:05 Stewardship and Responsibility 17:51 God's Creative Authority in Our Lives 21:09 Avoiding Distractions and Comparisons 24:05 Living a Life that Pleases God 26:58 Final Thoughts and Encouragement --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this episode of our podcast Steve and Colleen explore the themes of safety, trust, and the importance of surrounding oneself with safe people. They delve into childhood experiences that shape our understanding of safety, the significance of having trustworthy counselors, and the impact of family dynamics on our ability to trust others. The metaphor of a 'glass ball' is introduced to illustrate the fragility of trust and the need to be cautious about whom we allow into our lives. The discussion also highlights the traits of unsafe individuals and the importance of recognizing these behaviors to foster healthier relationships. In this conversation, Steve and Colleen delve into the complexities of spiritual abuse, the importance of identifying safe individuals in one's life, and the role of Christ in the healing journey. They discuss the attributes that define a safe person, the necessity of holding space for others, and practical steps toward personal healing and growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic relationships and the transformative power of forgiveness and understanding. Download Safe and Unsafe People Attributes Here: https://embracingbrokenness.org/download-safe-and-unsafe-people-attributes/ Chapters 00:00 Finding Safe Spaces in Childhood 01:56 The Importance of Safe Counselors 04:10 Identifying Safe and Unsafe People 06:05 The Impact of Family Patterns on Trust 09:56 The Glass Ball Metaphor for Trust 18:06 Recognizing Unsafe Behaviors in Relationships 19:58 Defining Unsafe People and Their Traits 28:41 Understanding Power Dynamics in Spiritual Abuse 32:02 Identifying Safe vs. Unsafe People 33:30 The Role of Christ in Healing 41:55 Attributes of a Safe Person 49:51 The Importance of Holding Space 54:34 Practical Steps Towards Healing and Safety --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, host Steve Adams engages in a profound conversation with Chip Skowron, a former Hedge Fund Manager indicted for insider trading, who shares his transformative journey from a life of self-serving behaviors and material success to one of redemption and purpose. Chip discusses his early traumas, the impact of his career changes, and his commitment to prison ministry, emphasizing the importance of celebrating stories of redemption and healing. This conversation delves into the themes of brokenness, redemption, and the transformative power of community. They reflect on their journey from a life of deceit and materialism to one of authenticity and purpose, emphasizing the importance of confession, community support, and the role of faith in healing. The discussion also highlights the significance of prison ministry and the Prison Entrepreneurship Program in fostering connections and providing hope for those affected by incarceration. Prison Entrepreneurship Program: https://www.pep.org/ New Caanan Society: https://newcanaansociety.org/ Chapters 00:00 The Journey of Redemption 05:29 From Medicine to Finance: A Life Transformed 12:34 The Impact of Early Trauma 20:18 Struggles with Identity and Expectations 25:08 Navigating Career Changes and Life Decisions 32:01 The Quest for Soul Satisfaction 34:52 The Consequences of Deceit and Brokenness 38:36 Transformation Through Community and Confession 41:40 The Power of Community in Adversity 45:45 Building Bridges: Prison Ministry and Redemption 48:55 Connecting Inside and Outside: The Prison Entrepreneurship Program 56:10 The Importance of Authentic Community 01:00:51 Hope and Healing Beyond Incarceration --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Steve and Colleen Adams explore the themes surrounding the Tower of Babel, the spiritual forces at play, and the implications of a biblical worldview in today's society. They discuss the cultural mandate given by God, the nature of evil as represented by the Nephilim, and the modern parallels to the Tower of Babel in the context of globalization and technology. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding spiritual influences, the rise of a one world religion, and the consolidation of power in contemporary society. Ultimately, they call on believers to be truth tellers and to remain steadfast in their faith amidst the challenges of the modern world. Chapters 00:00 The Tower of Babel: Lessons in Humility 03:10 The Spiritual Forces at Play 05:57 The Cultural Mandate and Its Implications 08:53 The Nephilim and the Nature of Evil 11:46 The Scattering of Nations and Languages 14:47 The New Tower of Babel: Modern Parallels 18:00 The Role of Technology and Globalization 20:53 The Influence of Spiritual Forces 23:45 The Importance of a Biblical Worldview 27:07 The Rise of One World Religion 30:05 The Consolidation of Power 32:58 The Future of Humanity and Faith 35:46 The Call to Action for Believers --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, host Colleen Adams explores the current state of Christianity in America and discusses the alarming statistics surrounding biblical worldviews. She delves into the historical context of the Enlightenment and its impact on faith, the importance of understanding the spiritual realm, and the dangers of syncretism in modern Christianity. The conversation also touches on the pitfalls of manifesting and positive thought, and the distinctions between theism and deism. Finally, she reflects on the Tower of Babel and its significance in shaping cultural and religious identities. Chapters 00:00 The Quest for a Unified World Order 01:11 The State of Christianity in America 03:31 The Impact of Enlightenment on Faith 07:45 Understanding the Spiritual Realm 10:58 The Great Commission and Spiritual Integration 13:46 Evaluating Worldviews and Syncretism 20:01 The Dangers of Manifesting and Positive Thought 23:51 Theism vs. Deism: Understanding God 28:13 The Tower of Babel and Cultural Dispersal --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Defining a Biblical Worldview in a Post-Christian Culture. In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Steve and Colleen Adams dive deep into the concept of a biblical worldview, exploring its importance and implications in a modern, post-Christian American society. They discuss how only a small percentage of self-identified Christians in the U.S. hold a biblical worldview, according to research by George Barna, and address the concerning trends of increasing secularism, syncretism, and the 'Great Falling Away.' The conversation also touches on the impacts of spiritual and cultural shifts on society, including rising depression, and anxiety. It emphasizes the need to return to the roots of Jesus's teachings. The episode wraps up with the hopeful promise of a new heaven and earth, as described in Revelation 21. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Worldviews 00:58 Welcome to Embracing Brokenness 01:24 The Decline of Biblical Worldview 03:06 Defining a Biblical Worldview 05:05 Impact of Worldviews on Society 07:05 Historical Perspectives on Worldviews 22:05 Modern and Postmodern Worldviews 24:51 Syncretism and Its Effects 29:45 Personal Stories 37:29 Hope and Encouragement --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Todd Pierce, a former bareback rider, shares his story and the impact of his ministry, Riding High, which uses horses to convey the message of the Kingdom of Jesus. The conversation covers Todd's rodeo career, his passion for horses, and the transformative power of encountering God. The video clip from his presentation at Flatirons Community Church is highlighted, showcasing the profound impact it had on the audience. On today's podcast, Todd shares his journey of faith and how he found healing and redemption through his relationship with horses. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty in relationships with others and with God. He encourages listeners to embrace their role as leaders in their homes and to seek healing and transformation through the love of God. Flatirons Horsebreaking Presentation: https://youtu.be/CzKYytt2I50?si=InpxqPtgIKk1B7MZ Riding High Ministries website: https://www.ridinghighministries.org/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/hWVfooHwkHEziP2C/?mibextid=LQQJ4d YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toddpierceridinghighministries Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pierce_todd/ Chapters: 00:00 The Spiritual Connection Between Horses and Humans 01:06 The Tragedy of Misrepresenting God 02:03 Encountering Jesus: Transformation and New Understanding 03:21 Healing and Redemption: A Journey of Faith 30:13 God's Work in All Things 31:07 The Lie of Having to Make It Work 32:24 Leading in the Way of God's Love 33:21 Becoming the Word of God Made Flesh 34:51 Pressing Forward and Forgetting the Past 36:15 Jesus as the Father We May Not Have Had 37:02 The Consequences of Seeking the World's Offerings 38:17 Encountering God's Love and Making a Deal 39:46 Discipleship by Horses and Conversations with Holy Spirit 44:09 The Power of Connection and Authenticity with Horses 48:43 Authenticity and Healing in Front of Others 49:13 The Central Truth of the Bible: Sin has been Dealt With 51:31 Embracing Our Identity as Children of God 55:19 Becoming One with Jesus and with One Another --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Mark Whitacre is the highest-level executive to ever turn whistleblower in U.S. history. His undercover work with the FBI during the ADM scandal inspired the major motion picture, "The Informant," starring Matt Damon as Mark Whitacre. And was the inspiration for the Discovery Channel Documentary, titled "Undercover" which is linked below. In this podcast, Mark recounts his early years, education, career, and time with Archer Daniels Midland. He shares how his life was transformed when he found faith in prison and has since dedicated his life to serving others and spreading the message of redemption through Jesus Christ. Mark's Authorized Biography - Against All Odds - https://a.co/d/7ddvWr9 Discovery Channel Documentary - Undercover - https://vimeo.com/416514389 Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Mark Whitaker's Background 19:19 Living Large: The Temptations of Wealth 29:42 A Conscience Awakened: Ginger's Conviction 32:36 Exposing the Corruption 35:02 Wearing a Wire and Gathering Evidence 37:47 The Dangers and Toll of Being an Informant 46:18 Choosing Trial Over a Plea Agreement 51:28 Finding Faith and Redemption 56:20 Living a Life of Significance --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this episode of the Embracing Brokenness podcast, hosts Colleen Adams and Michael Kurtz delve into spiritual warfare, emphasizing that it revolves around standing on God's truth. They highlight the importance of abiding in Christ, understanding scripture, and maintaining one's position in God's truth to fend off deception from the enemy. The discussion touches on the misconceptions around spiritual warfare, the influence of cultural shifts, and the critical role of personal spiritual formation and obedience. The hosts conclude that true spiritual warfare is about being rooted in God's power and truth. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Warfare 00:47 Welcome to Embracing Brokenness Podcast 02:16 Defining Spiritual Warfare 05:37 The Role of Abiding in Spiritual Warfare 08:07 The Full Armor of God 12:17 Cultural Mandate and Spiritual Warfare 15:14 Challenges in Modern Spiritual Warfare 22:30 Standing Firm in Truth 31:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 37:57 Outro and Contact Information --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

What does it mean to abide in Christ? That's not a term we use often, but it is one you'll find in the Bible to describe our life in Christ. Why abide? How should we abide? There's a way things work. We bear the fruit of the Spirit only through abiding in Christ. (John 15:5) On today's podcast, our team takes a deep dive into why and how to abide in Jesus as that plays out in the current context of our days here on earth. Barna Study: A Biblical Worldview Has a Radical Effect on a Person’s Life https://www.barna.com/research/a-biblical-worldview-has-a-radical-effect-on-a-persons-life/ Grey Matter Research & Consulting referenced in this book: Mature-ish: Your Mission from God, Should You Choose to Accept It . . . https://www.amazon.com/dp/1947505327?ref=cm_sw_r_em_ud_dp_9DATPWYQ2HP8HY5ESD7F&ref_=cm_sw_r_em_ud_dp_9DATPWYQ2HP8HY5ESD7F&social_share=cm_sw_r_em_ud_dp_9DATPWYQ2HP8HY5ESD7F&skipTwisterOG=2 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Abiding in Christ 00:23 Welcome to the Embracing Brokenness Podcast 01:00 Discussing the Importance of Abiding 01:17 Statistics on Christian Worldview 03:06 Colleen's Perspective on Abiding 04:42 Defining Abiding and Intimacy with God 06:49 The Greek Meaning of Abiding 07:28 Analyzing John 15: The Vine and the Branches 08:56 Pruning and Spiritual Growth 11:16 Live Demonstration: The Rosebush Analogy 16:33 The Process of Spiritual Cleaning 18:12 Cultural Relevance of Abiding 21:24 The Responsibility of Abiding 24:07 Defining Abiding in Practical Terms 26:51 Developing a Lifestyle of Prayer 27:02 Understanding True Abiding 27:56 Spiritual Growth and Pruning 28:34 Challenges of Modern Christian Life 29:58 Intimacy and Communication with God 31:28 The Importance of Abiding in Love 36:20 The Role of Obedience and Commandments 37:37 The Journey of Spiritual Maturity 40:17 The Power of Community and Love 46:05 Final Thoughts on Abiding and Prayer --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this conversation, Steve Adams and Jacob Way discuss the topic of pornography addiction and the journey to freedom in Christ. Jacob shares his personal story of struggling with pornography from a young age and the stages he went through in his addiction. He talks about the lies he believed and the deep remorse he felt. However, he eventually reached a turning point and cried out to God for help. For the first 2 in our audience, email info@embracingbrokenness.org and say I WANT THE AUDIO BOOK. We'll send you a link for a free download. Link to Jacob's Book: Hope to Win the War Chapters 00:00 Growing Up in a Godly Home 00:38 Introduction to the Podcast 00:55 Meet Jacob Way 01:07 Jacob's Book and Its Impact 01:35 The Struggle with Pornography 02:52 Jacob's Background and Early Struggles 04:39 The Dark Path of Addiction 16:01 Stages of Addiction 21:16 The Turning Point 25:50 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing Faith 26:14 Understanding the Trinity's Role in Our Lives 26:47 God's Unwavering Love and Redemption 28:00 The Pursuit of the Prodigal 28:50 The Holy Spirit's Comfort and Assurance 30:03 The Gospel in a Nutshell 30:35 The Identity Crisis and Enemy's Lies 31:50 The Prevalence of Pornography in Society 33:16 The Church's Response to Pornography 37:50 Steps to Overcoming Addiction 43:14 Transformative Power of God's Redemption 47:05 Conclusion and Resources --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

On this audio podcast, we re-broadcast an interview that Steve did on Scott Wozniak's podcast, Play the Long Game. We hope this is an encouragement to you and will provide some insights into our ministry and Steve's life purpose. In Scott's words: I've seen Steve Adams, my guest, thrive in a wide variety of settings -- from finance to family, strategy coaching to spiritual healing. He's been at it for decades and, if anything, he is still speeding up. This conversation digs into what he does to keep his drive strong for so many years. 00:00 Introduction to the Long Game 00:23 Meet Steve Adams: A Visionary Leader 01:17 Steve's Diverse Background and Achievements 02:42 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Past Adventures 03:31 Exploring Steve's Varied Career 05:30 The Importance of Physical and Mental Fitness 06:08 Daily Routines and Lifelong Learning 08:09 Spiritual Practices and Personal Management 16:08 The Interconnection of Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Health 17:28 The Interplay of Physical and Spiritual 18:24 Distractions from Purpose and Identity 18:59 Learning from Past Mistakes 19:38 Common Pitfalls in Pursuing Success 20:17 Personal Story of Chasing Worldly Success 25:05 Reevaluating Life Goals and Priorities 29:03 The Importance of Community and Purpose 35:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

In this conversation, Steve interviews Dr. Terry Powell about the topics of brokenness and depression. They discuss the definition of brokenness, the importance of embracing brokenness, and the misconceptions Christians have about depression. Terry shares his personal experiences with depression and the strategies he has found helpful, including relying on God's Word, seeking support from the body of Christ, and engaging in honest prayer and lament. He also discusses the reality of spiritual warfare and the importance of recognizing the unseen battles we face, emphasizing the need to use spiritual weapons and faith to combat negative thinking and false beliefs. Powell also shares his hope in God's ability to use pain and brokenness for His glory, citing examples of how his own struggles with depression have led to opportunities for ministry and encouragement. He encourages transparency and open conversation about mental health, providing resources for those seeking help and support. Resources on Depression PDF Download: https://embracingbrokenness.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Faith-Based-Resources-on-Depression-Professor-Terry-Powell.pdf Get Terry’s Latest Book: Can You See the Cross From There - on Amazon: https://a.co/d/07eX7Scd For more information and resources visit Terry’s site: https://www.penetratingthedarkness.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Connection 02:40 Defining Brokenness 05:12 Embracing Brokenness: Acceptance and Redemption 14:58 Misconceptions About Depression in the Christian Community 21:21 The Power of God's Word and Support from the Body of Christ 23:08 Honest Prayer and Lament: Expressing Doubts and Finding Trust 25:26 The Spiritual Battle for the Mind and Heart 28:38 Finding Hope in the Midst of Depression 30:56 Using Pain and Brokenness for God's Glory 35:01 Encouraging Transparency and Open Conversation 40:57 Resources for Support and Guidance --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Jesus asked questions to lead people to change and transformation. Bob Tiede, a member of the US leadership development team at CRU, shares his 52-year journey with the organization and the importance of developing future leaders. He emphasizes the need for organizations to invest in leadership development to ensure long-term success. Bob also discusses the power of asking questions as a leader and how it can lead to more effective communication and decision-making. On today's podcast, Steve and Bob discuss his book '340 Questions Jesus Asked' and the power of asking questions in leadership and communication.  Get Bob's e-book free: https://leadingwithquestions.com/books/  00:00 Introduction 00:57 Bob Tiede's 52-Year Journey with Cru 04:16 The Importance of Leadership Development 07:30 The Impact of Asking Questions in Leadership 10:09 Personal Story and Spiritual Journey 25:24 The Significance of Asking Questions and Jesus's Questions 33:00 Effective Communication: Stories and Questions 45:55 Purposeful Leadership: Lessons from 52 Years of Experience --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Now on his 39th book, Jay Payleitner Checks the Boxes Only You Can Check. 40 Ways to Make the World a Better Place. No way you can sit this one out. Jay outlines ways for each believer to impact this world for good. To live out the cultural mandate through the simplest practices that bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a broken world. Join Steve and Jay on this week's podcast as they discuss being a difference-maker in God's kingdom here on earth. Check The Boxes Only You Can Check: https://a.co/d/3IjKnmD More at: https://embracingbrokenness.org/https://embracingbrokenness.org/ 00:00 Guest Introduction 00:18 Jay Payleitner's Career Journey 01:29 God's Plan and Overcoming Challenges 02:29 Impact of Writing and Reaching Others 05:07 New Book Introduction: Checking the Boxes 12:31 Making a Difference: Do What's Right in Front of You 15:24 Thinking Generationally 18:36 Getting Out of Your Silo 24:01 Reflecting on Scripture and Personal Growth 25:36 The Power of Immediate Prayer 31:37 Embracing and Protecting God's Creation 37:01 Creating and Supporting Uplifting Art 41:44 Throw Starfish Story: Making a Difference 45:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Get familiar with The Other Side Academy. Ex-felons and Ex-drug addicts thrive at TOSA. Colleen & Steve visited TOSA Denver and share their insights on this radically successful classic therapeutic community, on this special episode of the Embracing Brokenness Podcast. Support TOSA: https://www.theothersideacademy.com/how-to-help 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:39 Preview of the Other Side Academy 00:49 Challenges of Traditional Rehabilitation Models 01:45 The Other Side Academy's Social Enterprises 02:23 Accountability and Responsibility03:58 Therapeutic Community Principles 06:36 First Impressions of the Other Side Academy 07:32 The Bench and Denver the Dog10:55 Living and Working at the Academy 17:20 Success Rates and Program Structure 21:44 Accountability and Behavioral Challenges 23:05 Crucial Conversations in Action 24:17 Therapeutic Community Dynamics 27:54 Core Values and Principles 28:39 Personal Responsibility and Overcoming Trauma 33:39 Peer Support and Community Learning 36:35 Final Thoughts and Encouragement --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

As if raising kids isn't hard enough, the world's distractions and the noisiness of this age make it even more challenging. Katie and Colleen sit down to talk about the realities and difficulties of navigating the responsibility of parenting in a fallen world. But peace in the midst of it all is possible. 00:00 Introduction to Embracing Brokenness Podcast 00:44 The Puppy Training Analogy 02:16 The Overwhelming Noise of Parenting Advice 08:24 Seeking Divine Guidance in Parenting 12:15 The Challenges of Parenting in a Postmodern World 15:47 Finding Peace Amidst Parenting Noise 24:02 Conclusion: Embracing Obedience Over Perfection More at https://embracingbrokenness.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

The competition for our attention is deafening. The world deals us decibel levels of chaos that we weren't created to handle. But God... has a plan to cut through the noise and deliver peace in His presence. Our team discusses the challenges of dealing with the noise of this age and prescribes a few remedies to neutralize it all.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Does your work matter for eternity? We asked this same question a couple of weeks ago. Sadly, most believers don’t think so. Sure, the 1 percent of the time they spend sharing the gospel with their co-workers matters. But most Christians view the other 99 percent of their time as meaning very little in the grand scheme of things. But that’s not how God sees it. As a follow-up to Steve's interview with Jordan Raynor, we assembled our team to dig deeper into the Sacredness of Secular Work. Join us! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support

Does your work matter for eternity? Sadly, most believers don’t think so. Sure, the 1 percent of the time they spend sharing the gospel with their co-workers matters. But most Christians view the other 99 percent of their time as meaning very little in the grand scheme of things. But that’s not how God sees it. Jordan Raynor joins Steve in this week's podcast as they uncover why secular work is a sacred assignment. “The Sacredness of Secular Work does an extraordinary job of being both personally relevant and, more importantly, biblically faithful.”—Randy Alcorn, New York Times bestselling author of Heaven The Sacredness of Secular Work Jordan Raynor is a leading voice of the faith and work movement. Through his bestselling books (The Sacredness of Secular Work, Redeeming Your Time, The Creator in You, etc.), keynote speeches, podcasts, and devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work. In addition to his writing and speaking, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman of Threshold 360, a venture-backed tech startup that Jordan previously ran as CEO following a string of successful ventures of his own. Jordan has twice been selected as a Google Fellow and served in The White House under President George W. Bush. A sixth-generation Floridian, Jordan lives in Tampa with his wife and their three young daughters. The Raynors are proud members of The Church at Odessa. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/embracing-brokenness/support