Caring for People by Caring About Their Stories

In this bonus episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura are joined by Andy Bannister, Director of Solas Centre for Public Christianity, to explore how evangelism can thrive in today’s complex cultural landscape. Together, they tackle common fears and misconceptions surrounding sharing the gospel. Andy offers practical strategies for overcoming barriers along with ways to spark meaningful spiritual conversations rooted in genuine curiosity. Whether you're new to evangelism or looking to grow in confidence, this episode offers actionable steps to help you share your faith with clarity and compassion. Additional Resources: - Learn more about the Solas Centre for Public Christianity. - Check out the C.S. Lewis Institute for a variety of training resources. - Read Andy’s book, How to talk about Jesus Without Looking Like an Idiot. - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In this special episode, Jeff and Laura take a thoughtful pause to look back on this season, The Mission of the Church. They discuss the deep conversations, surprising revelations, and unforgettable guests and share their favorite moments. With ten compelling interviews behind them, they revisit the moments that challenged their perspectives, sparked big ideas, and lingered long after the recording stopped. Jeff and Laura share personal takeaways and behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Whether you’ve been along for every episode or are just joining in, this is a heartfelt, inspiring close to a season that aimed to explore the core of The Mission of the Church. Additional Resources: - Listen to "The Mission of the Church" sermon series. - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

Today’s guest is Sandy Willson—pastor, author, and former interim president of The Gospel Coalition. Join us for a rich conversation about the mission of the Church in today’s world. Drawing from decades of leadership and pastoral experience, Sandy offers wisdom on the vital balance between local ministry and global engagement. This episode is both an encouragement and a challenge to resist the pull of secularism and materialism and to live with gospel intentionality across generations. Whether you're a church leader, a parent, or simply seeking to live more faithfully, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, live bolder, and dig deeper into God’s global mission. Listen now and be stirred to live on mission—locally, globally, and generationally. Additional Resources: - Read and watch more of Sandy’s work at The Gospel Coalition - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff Norris and Laura Story Elvington dive into the mission of the Church and God’s heart for His people with special guests Carl and K.A. Ellis. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of living out a mission-driven life, sharing wisdom, personal stories, and biblical insights that inspire and equip believers to make an impact. Listen as they unpack what it means to live with purpose, walk in faith, and engage in the work God has called us to. We hope this conversation will encourage you to step boldly into God's calling. Additional Resources: - Learn more about K.A. Ellis’ work with The Edmiston Center. - Read Carl Ellis' book, Free at Last?: The Gospel in the African-American Experience. - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In this conversation, Jeff and Laura sit down with Katie Davis Majors, founder of Amazima Ministries, and discuss her journey from Nashville to Uganda, her experiences in orphan care, and the importance of community and education in transforming lives. Katie shares her insights on the realities of family dynamics in Uganda and the mission of her ministry to support children and families. In this conversation, Katie shares her journey of faith, adoption, and global missions, emphasizing the beauty of connecting with others and the challenges faced while serving in Uganda. She talks about the hardships of living in a different culture, and the lessons learned about God's faithfulness and dependence. The discussion encourages believers in the call to serve locally and globally. Additional Resources: - Learn more about Amazima Ministries on Katie’s website. - Check out Katie’s latest book, Our Faithful God. - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In this episode, host Laura Story Elvington is joined by Jimmy Kim to talk with author Rebecca DeYoung. Together they explore her new book, Glittering Vices. They discuss how these vices are not just historical concepts but are relevant to modern life, emphasizing the importance of self-examination and community in spiritual growth. The conversation delves into specific vices like greed and sloth, highlighting their impact on personal and communal life, and the necessity of grace in the journey of faith. Additional Resources: - Read Rebecca’s latest book, Glittering Vices. - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In this episode, Jeff and Laura are joined in the studio by Russ Ramsey—author, pastor, and storyteller—who reminds us of the deep significance of seeing and honoring people’s life stories. Together, they explore how we engage with others as whole people, teaching and relating in ways that reflect the beauty of their unfolding narratives. Russ challenges us to embrace transparency, recognizing our own need for a Savior as we share the hope we have in Christ. Through authenticity and vulnerability, we embody the true mission of the Church—living as a community that extends grace, compassion, and truth. Listen to this powerful conversation on faith, storytelling, and what it means to be the body of Christ in the world today. Additional Resources: - Learn more about Russ Ramsey on his website, Russ Ramsey (russ-ramsey.com). - Read Russ’ book, Rembrandt Is in the Wind: Learning to Love Art through the Eyes of Faith. - Get Russ’ latest book, Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About the Wonder and Struggle of Being Alive. - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

The mission of the Church is to make disciples. In today’s episode, Jeff and Laura sit down with two Perimeter staff members: Ryan Brown, Executive Director of Life on Life Ministries, and Kelli Means, Women's Discipleship Director. Together, they explore how God works through discipleship to transform lives. The conversation focuses on the biblical model of discipleship that Jesus demonstrated, revealing a pattern woven throughout Scripture—God’s presence with His people and His sending of His people. Ryan and Kelli emphasize that the most significant spiritual growth happens when believers walk alongside one another, helping each other deepen their relationship with Christ. Additional Resources: - Learn more about Life on Life Discipleship - Interested in learning about discipleship at Perimeter? Visit perimeter.org/Discipleship - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In this episode of Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with Paul Miller—author and director of See Jesus Ministry—about the vital role of prayer in the church’s mission. Paul shares practical insights on overcoming prayer struggles, embracing honesty with God, and understanding His promises, especially in disappointment. He also reflects on his family’s journey with disability, the fight against cynicism, and the power of love, faith, and hope. Together, they explore the J-curve—how suffering leads to resurrection—and offer practical ways to overcome prayer fatigue and foster radical dependence on God. Additional Resources: - Learn more about Paul's ministry at seejesus.net - Read (or gift) Paul's book, A Praying Life - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.

In today’s conversation on Digging Deeper, Jeff and Laura talk with J.D. Greear, pastor of The Summit Church, about the mission of the church and church planting. They discuss the need for churches to equip members for mission rather than catering to consumerism. J.D. discusses the importance of recognizing the call to mission. It’s not about if you’re called, but where and how God leads you to be on mission for Him. Together, the three discuss the challenges of sustaining passion for their mission in the face of personal struggles and sufferings. They emphasize the significance of the Christian community in providing support and guidance during these times. We hope this episode encourages you to seek opportunities for evangelism in everyday life, being confident that even in times of personal struggle, God can use you to impact others. Additional Resources: - Learn more about J.D. Greear Ministries Read J.D.’s book, Gaining By Losing: Why The Future Belongs to Churches That Send - Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to get notified of new episodes.