You're Not Crazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address listener questions. They discuss:How to lead a staff team in building a gospel culture, emphasizing the importance of eye contact, laughter, openness, and vulnerability.Imposter syndrome in Christian ministry, sharing stories, and insights on how to cope with feelings of inadequacy.The transformative power of the gospel and the need for a shift in preaching focus—from challenging people to presenting Christ and his promises.The role of church membership in establishing a gospel culture and the importance of setting expectations for behavior within the church community.The episode concludes with reflections on how pastors should seek feedback and criticism for personal growth and a desire for a Great Awakening rooted in the goodness of Jesus.Recommended resource: Reactivity: How the Gospel Transforms Our Actions and Reactions by Paul Tripp A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss 2 Timothy 4:9-22, uncovering the weight of Paul's personal instructions to Timothy—his last words before martyrdom that shed light on his character and personal life.Whether you're seeking to enrich your pastoral leadership journey or strengthen your faith, this conversation is for you. Recommended resource: Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the timeless relevance of 2 Timothy for pastors—emphasizing its guidance for preaching in various seasons. They highlight the importance of patience and understanding in pastoral ministry, addressing cultural trends where people seek teachings that align with their passions.Their discussion ends with reflections on Paul's perspective on impending death, emphasizing a sense of calm and fulfillment in ministry and the anticipation of a crown of righteousness for those who await the appearance of Jesus.Recommended resource: The Beauty and Power of Biblical Exposition by Douglas Sean O'Donnell and Leland Ryken A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the importance of standing firm in the faith amid persecution and opposition. They emphasize the need for pastors to be open and vulnerable in their relationships, following the example of Paul and Timothy.They address the dangers of moralism and the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of pastors, emphasizing the need to hold onto the gospel and continue to follow Jesus with a strong sense of identity and mission.Recommended resource: Evangelical Pharisees: The Gospel as Cure for the Church's Hypocrisy by Michael ReevesA note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy 

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the challenges of serving in a godless world and emphasize the importance of relying on Jesus and holding onto hope. They reflect on the difficulties faced in pastoral ministry and the prevalence of self-centeredness and pleasure-seeking in society.As they warn against counterfeit Christianity and highlight the need for authenticity and true transformation, they also discuss the dangers of allowing unconverted individuals into positions of influence within the church and emphasize the importance of integrity and discernment.Ortlund and Allberry also discuss the the vital role of pastors' spouses and highlight the significance of unity and support within the church community when it comes to enduring in ministry.Recommended resource: Help! I'm Married to My Pasor by Jani OrtlundA note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund discuss 2 Timothy 2:14-26 and the importance of avoiding a quarrelsome spirit in Christian leadership and the need for kindness, patience, and gentleness in dealing with others. Their conversation highlights how the apostle Paul's approach to correction is to first connect with others, not shame or reject them, and to do so in a way that makes it easy for them to repent and follow Jesus.Recommended resource: Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church by Paul TrippA note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy 

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry continue their study of 2 Timothy, emphasizing the strength that comes from the grace of Christ and the importance of passing on the gospel to the next generation.They also highlight the significance of remembering the risen Jesus, which enables pastors to face challenges in ministry with boldness and confidence.Recommended resource: Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca McLaughlinA note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into 2 Timothy 1:8-18 and reflect on the recurring theme of shame in pastoral ministry, particularly the fear of being ashamed of the gospel.They discuss the temptation to feel ashamed in the face of opposition and the importance of holding firm to their faith, emphasizing that the gospel brings comfort, hope, and true, abundant life.Recommended resource: United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit: A Theology of Ephesians by Benjamin L. MerkleA note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy 

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry reflect on the importance of pastors honoring those who have come before them in the faith, and how it strengthens their own faith and encourages them to pour out their lives for the next generation.Though pastors may feel isolated in their studies and in their ministries, they have the communion of saints—including Paul and their own spiritual ancestors—cheering them on. Recommended resource: Knowing God by J. I. PackerA note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy 

In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into the first few verses of 2 Timothy, highlighting what Paul says are the most essential elements for ministry.They discuss the importance of pastoral ministry being characterized by grace, mercy, and peace, and how these qualities should be evident in the way pastors love and serve their congregations. They emphasize the need for pastors to be vulnerable and genuine in their relationships with their flock and introduce their unofficial third "co-host", John Stott, whose commentary on 2 Timothy is referenced throughout season three.Recommended resources:The Lord's Work in the Lord's Way by Francis Schaefer A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy

You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Young Pastors, hosted by Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund, is returning for a third season in which the hosts will focus on the book of 2 Timothy. Over the course of ten episodes, Ray and Sam encourage pastors and ministry leaders through discussions on the essential elements of pastoral ministry, how to live unashamed of the gospel, the importance of a gentle spirit in the age of contention, and more.Tune in to You're Not Crazy season three, starting on Monday, October 9. If you're a pastor or ministry leader who feels overwhelmed and in need of a refreshment of gospel hope, Ray and Sam invite you to listen and be reminded that you're not crazy. A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry want to help weary leaders renew their love for ministry by equipping them to build a gospel-centered culture amid every aspect of their churches. If you have benefited from the You're Not Crazy podcast, then we think your church will really benefit from this book.Pick up a copy of You’re Not Crazy today, and receive 30% off when you sign up for a free Crossway Plus account at crossway.org/yourenotcrazy. 

In the final episode of season two of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry answer pressing questions from you, the listeners.• Introduction (0:00)• Icebreaker: Where do you most love to be? (1:22)• Why does small talk matter? (4:45)• How do you encourage a culture of grace among team leaders across the church? (8:07)• How do you deal with people in the church who are opposed to gospel culture? (11:17)• How do you prioritize unhealthy areas to address? (15:25)• Is there ever a right time to commend someone to another church? (18:45)• How can a church care for its pastor? (23:38)• Recommended resource: What God Has to Say about Our Bodies by Sam Allberry (26:23)

“Romans 15:7 says, ‘Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God.’ So, welcome one another. That’s gospel culture. That's the horizontal dimension of grace.” – T. J. TimsIn this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and special guest, T. J. Tims, discuss how pastors cultivate gospel culture in their churches at the ground level so that it becomes an intergenerational reality.• Introductions (0:00)• The horizontal dimension of grace (2:18)• What’s at stake (5:14)• Sensing what’s in the room (9:31)• Everyone feels like an imposter (11:31)• Intergenerational gospel culture (17:55)• Recommended resource: Deeper: Real Change for Real Sinners by Dane Ortlund (22:39)

“We're like sprinters, we're hurtling down the track at top speed, giving it our best, giving it our all. But, we’re not made of titanium, and we can't live at full stretch all the time. We must pull back and be replenished, and experience rejuvenation for the next big push.” – Ray OrtlundIn this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address the need for pastors to rest. In an unprecedented time fraught with fragmentation and a heartbreaking number of pastors collapsing under the weight of leadership in these circumstances, rest is not an option, it’s an imperative for the soul.• Introductions (0:00)• Favorite foods (2:19)• We’re like sprinters (3:49)• Rest is not just a part of the fallen world (5:50)• We don’t have to rest perfectly (7:19)• We need regular renewal (10:51)• “Go to sleep in peace. God is awake.” (14:17)• Where we find refreshment (18:14)• Recommended resource: The Death of Porn by Ray Ortlund (20:50)

In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the biblical idea of finding strength in weakness.• Introductions (0:00)• “Gospel Culture,” the album (1:08)• Boasting in weakness (5:07)• Liberatingly less (10:13)• Wonderfully ordinary (13:53)• A thorn to harass (15:50)• Where the power of Christ rests (19:16)• Recommended resource: Weakness is the Way: Life with Christ Our Strength by J.I. Packer (22:39)

“We like instruction. We need instruction. But preaching is meant to be so much more than that. It's not just data transfer . . . it’s wanting people to encounter Jesus Himself.” – Sam AllberryIn this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss sermon preparation for a gospel culture.• Introductions (0:00)• What are we asking the Lord to do? (1:45)• Not developing our own brand (7:06)• Study and preparation, alliterated (11:06)• Digging (15:50)• Waiting (16:28)• Writing (18:21)• Recommended resource: Crossway Scripture Journals (19:33)Explore more from Ray Ortlund on sermon preparation.

In this episode of “You’re Not Crazy,” Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the role of positivity in the life of a pastor and how to build positivity in a world that would prefer cynicism.• Introductions (0:00)• Best book in the last 10 years (1:02)• Staying positive in a cynical world (6:34)• Resourcing positivity (9:25)• Irritating Scripture (14:02)• Getting more granular (17:31)• Recommended resource: A Dozen Things God Did with Your Sin by Sam Storms (19:33)

“One of the ways that ministers injure people is by rebukes that are too severe. People are never helped by being cornered and pressured and embarrassed, especially publicly embarrassed.” – Ray OrtlundIn this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss biblical criticism and correction.• Introducing Larry (0:00)• Gospel culture and criticism (1:52)• Blessed by correction (5:37)• Correction is a two-way street (8:40)• Reasonable and biblical (13:22)• Gentle restoration (16:12)• Conflict aversion (19:14)• Recommended resources: ESV Devotional Psalter (Crossway) and In the Lord I Take Refuge by Dane Ortlund (21:01)Explore more from TGC on the topic of relationships.

“I think what I most deeply needed to know was not just that I was forgiven, but that if it came to the worst, I wouldn't be alone.” – T. J. TimsIn this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and his pastor, T. J. Tims, discuss the topic of friendship and gospel culture.• Introduction to T. J. Tims (0:00)• Friendship is a gospel issue (2:28)• The honesty and freedom in true friendship (4:22)• Friendship can’t be about friendship (9:01)• Creating space between the systems in our churches (13:56)• The ministry of lingering (18:07)Explore more from TGC on the topic of friendship.

“Maturity in the Christian life is needing Jesus more, not needing Jesus less. We don't graduate out of needing him.” – Sam AllberryIn this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address, from Scripture and their own experience, the exceptionally important role of the minister to bring comfort to suffering people.Comfort to the suffering (00:00)Does Jesus regret getting involved with you? (2:18)Pastors who sin and suffer caring for people who sin and suffer (7:39)How painful the goodness of the Lord will be (12:01)3x5 cards in a cupboard (15:05)Not supposed to feel pain (19:18)Recommended resource: Suffering Wisely and Well by Eric Ortlund (21:37)Explore more from TGC on the topic of suffering.