How to Prepare for the 4 Major Hurdles of Adoption | Kolby Knell

In this week's episode, Grant sits down with Darren Whitehead, Senior Pastor of Church of the City in Franklin, TN. They explore the transformative benefits of doing a digital fast. Darren talks about navigating a world increasingly dominated by screens and technology and how taking intentional breaks can lead to profound personal and spiritual renewal. He shares how he led his congregation through The Digital Fast and the effectiveness of taking collective action. Listen in as Grant and Darren confront the challenges of constant connectivity, the importance of reclaiming time for meaningful activities, and how disconnecting from technology can improve mental clarity, relationships, and spiritual growth. Resources: Learn more about The Digital Fast and sign up to participate individually, with your family, or through your church. Register for THINQ Summit 2025 October 2-4 in Nashville, TN. You'll experience an unparalleled convergence of 2,500 next gen and mentors in Music City, with three days full of creative, immersive experiences packed with art, film, farming, concerts, comedy, cuisine, worship, keynotes by top thought leaders…and more! Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Participate in Let's Talk Tech Detox. Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 October 2-4 in Nashville, TN. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson

In this episode, Grant sits down with author Davey Blackburn to explore the complexities of trauma, healing, and faith. They dive into processing life's most challenging moments, with a focus on the profound impact of experiencing "sin done to us," as taught by John Mark Comer. Davey shares his deeply personal story of navigating unimaginable loss, recounting his raw experience of trauma and how he dealt with the immediate aftermath of disbelief and shock. Listen in as they reflects on God’s presence throughout Davey's journey and how he finds glimpses of divine protection and grace even in the midst of profound grief. If you're grappling with trauma or loss, you'll want to lean in to this episode. Resources: Buy Davey's book "Nothing is Wasted" Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Catch the Next Gen Summit livestream, now on-demand. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church throughout the month of January or March. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

In this week’s episode of Next Up, Grant explores the complexities of adoption with guest Kolby Knell, a singer, speaker, and mother dedicated to helping leaders navigate the challenges of parenting and adoption. Kolby outlines the four major hurdles of adoption and offers practical advice for preparing mentally and logistically for each stage. She addresses both the emotional and logistical aspects of the process, sharing valuable insights for those considering or currently on their adoption journey. Tune in as they discuss managing expectations, understanding the legal aspects, adapting to a child's needs, and the personal growth that comes from the adoption experience. Resources: Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Catch the Next Gen Summit livestream, now on-demand. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church throughout the month of January or March. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

In this episode of NextUp, Grant Skeldon talks with Filmore Bouldes, the pastor of OneChurch in Seattle. They discuss the challenges Christian leaders face in a large urban environment. Grant and Filmore delve into how the spiritual demands of city life can cultivate a heightened sense of purpose and urgency for a strong prayer life. They emphasize the unique pressures and obstacles leaders encounter when building and sustaining faith communities in cities where secularism and busy lifestyles are prevalent. Tune in as they explore the church's broader role as a space for forming genuine, supportive relationships and for individuals to find belonging in a city where isolation and individualism are common challenges. This episode is a must-listen for Christian leaders in big cities who strive to stay grounded in their faith. Resources: Learn more about Filmore and his work at ONECHURCH. Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Catch the Next Gen Summit livestream, now on-demand. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church throughout the month of January or March. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons

In this episode, Grant explores the complex yet rewarding journey of parenting with guests Dave and Sydney Clayton from Ethos Church in Nashville. They offer a faith-based perspective on some of the biggest questions parents face regarding how to raise children with the right balance of discipline, guidance, and compassion—all rooted in biblical principles. Tune in as Dave and Sydney share valuable insights and actionable steps on how to help kids build emotional resilience, integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. Whether you are navigating early childhood or the teenage years, this conversation provides timeless, faith-centered guidance for raising the bar in four key areas that are essential for their children’s long-term success and spiritual growth.

In this episode, Grant talks with Luke Lezon, the pastor of Lifebridge Church in Orlando, about the challenges and triumphs of revitalizing a mega church in your twenties. Luke shares his personal journey of embracing big responsibilities, even when feeling unprepared, and offers insights on how to overcome the criticism that often comes with being a young leader. Listen in as they dive into four key leadership challenges that every young leader must tackle when stepping into a major role and how to have confidence that God will provide support through difficult times. This conversation is packed with practical advice on how to lead purpose, no matter your age. Resources Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Before the upcoming election, hold a Let's Talk Politics conversation with your family or small group. Register for Next Gen Summit, November 8-9, 2024 in Nashville. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church throughout the month of January. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons

In this episode, Grant interviews Mike Burnette, pastor of LifePoint Church in Clarksville, Tennessee, one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. They discuss the many roles senior pastors navigate, but aren’t necessarily trained to do in seminary–from hiring and firing staff as a nonprofit president, to doing multi-million dollar budgets and meeting with mortgage lenders, to counseling couples on the verge of divorce. Listen in as Grant and Mike paint the practical and complex reality senior pastors manage while shepherding people humbly and well. Resources Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Before the upcoming election, hold a Let's Talk Politics conversation with your family or small group. Register for Next Gen Summit, November 8-9, 2024 in Nashville. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church throughout the month of January. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons

In this episode, Noah Herrin, pastor of Way Church in Nashville, Tennessee, shares the valuable communication lessons he learned after speaking over 100 times in a year. He addresses the common difficulties communicators face and provides practical strategies for overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, preparation, and audience connection. Key Takeaways: Preparation is Key: Noah underscores the value of thorough preparation. Being well-prepared reduces anxiety and helps communicators stay focused and clear in their messaging. Confidence Comes with Practice: Speaking over 100 times in a year taught Noah that confidence grows with practice. Repeated experience in communication builds both skill and comfort. Authenticity Builds Trust: Audiences respond to speakers who are genuine and relatable. Noah stresses that being authentic in your communication can make you a more trusted and effective leader. Clarity and Simplicity Matter: Successful communication often depends on the speaker's ability to simplify complex ideas and articulate them clearly for the audience to understand. Engaging the Audience: Noah advises focusing on building a connection with the audience. Whether through storytelling, humor, or personal anecdotes, engagement is crucial for maintaining attention and fostering trust. Learn from Mistakes: Fumbling or making errors while speaking is part of the growth process. Each mistake offers an opportunity for improvement, and communicators should not be discouraged by early struggles. Resources Check out Noah Herrin's book, Holy Habits. Create a free THINQ Account to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at thinqmedia.com. Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: Before the upcoming election, hold a Let's Talk Politics conversation with your family or small group. Register for Next Gen Summit, November 8-9, 2024 in Nashville. Bring the 28-Day Digital Fast to your family, workplace, or church throughout the month of January. More from the THINQ Podcast Network: THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons

Episode Summary: In this episode, Grant interviews author, speaker, podcaster Tara-Leigh Cobble. They dive into the challenges many young Christians face when it comes to engaging deeply with the Bible. Despite a desire to be in God's Word, factors like social media culture, church trends, and the private nature of Bible study can create barriers. Grant and Tara-Leigh explore why biblical illiteracy is prevalent among younger generations and discuss how Christians can work for God without consistently engaging with His Word, leading to an inauthentic faith. Key Takeaways: Understanding the Challenge: Explore why young Christians often struggle with consistent Bible engagement and how modern culture contributes to this issue. Superficial Knowledge vs. Deep Understanding: Learn why knowing only the essential verses or stories can disconnect you from a deeper relationship with God. Tips for Engaging with Scripture: Our guest shares five powerful tips to help you dive deeper into the Bible: Look for God: Shift your focus from personal application to understanding God's character. Consider Context: Avoid taking verses out of context to truly grasp their meaning. Embrace Uncertainty: It's okay not to have all the answers—continue seeking understanding. Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to seek wisdom from God, others, and trusted resources. Practice Humility: Approach God's Word with humility, allowing for ongoing growth and learning. Why You Should Listen: If you've ever felt distant from God's Word or struggled to make Bible reading a regular habit, this episode is for you. Whether you're a young Christian leader or simply someone looking to deepen your faith, these tips will help you cultivate a more authentic and meaningful relationship with God through scripture. Resources: taraleighcobble.com The Bible Recap GotQuestions.org

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the upcoming election? With all the tension surrounding this year’s presidential candidates, some of you may feel politically homeless.In this episode, Grant Skeldon and Will Chung talk with Michael Wear, author and CEO of Center for Christianity and Public Life. They discuss dealing with this feeling by gaining a new vision to navigate this unique election year.Listen in and learn how to go into this year’s election with more confidence and context. Resources: Michael Wear: Instagram: @MichaelWear Michael’s Book: The Spirit of Our Politics: Spiritual Formation and the Renovation of Public Life Grant Skeldon: @GrantSkeldon Will Chung: @WillKChung