The Average Pursuit

In this episode, Jonathan Sheppard explores the critical moment in a believer's life when faith transitions from mere belief to active movement. He emphasizes the dangers of remaining stagnant on the 'shore' of faith, where comfort and safety can lead to delayed obedience and a slow fading of conviction. Through the lens of Joshua 3, he challenges listeners to identify their own 'river'—the call to action that God has placed in their lives—and encourages them to step forward in faith, despite the uncertainties that may lie ahead.Learn more by visiting us online HERE

In this conversation, Jonathan Sheppard explores the theme of spiritual refinement through the metaphor of fire, as introduced by John the Baptist. He discusses the process of exposing impurities, entering the fire of trials, and emerging transformed. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity in faith, the transformative power of Jesus, and the invitation to surrender to God for true renewal.

In this episode, Jonathan takes us beneath the surface of spiritual life to explore why so many believers feel tired, unstable, or inconsistent in their walk with Christ. We live in a culture obsessed with visible results—busyness, productivity, output—and without realizing it, we bring those same pressures into our faith.But Jesus isn’t asking us to perform.He’s asking us to abide.Through personal reflection, biblical insight, and honest examples from everyday discipleship, this conversation uncovers the simple truth: fruit that grows faster than its root system can sustain will always be fragile. If you’ve ever felt spiritually thin, easily shaken, or frustrated that your growth doesn’t “stick,” this episode will feel like a deep exhale.Jonathan walks through:What burnout culture has done to our faithHow hurry, pressure, and comparison convince us that spiritual value equals spiritual productivity.His own story of passion without rootednessA vulnerable look at what it felt like to have momentum in ministry but shallow spiritual stability underneath.Five signs of shallow-rooted faithReal-life, relatable examples—from Sunday-strong/Monday-weak Christianity to serving without being spiritually filled.What Jesus actually wants for you (John 15)Why abiding—not performing—is the foundation of a life that can withstand storms.The three essential root systems every disciple needs• Truth – Scripture that forms and stabilizes you• Communion – Honest daily presence with Jesus• Community – Interlocking roots with God’s peopleWhat deep roots make possibleImagine peace that doesn’t disappear, joy that doesn’t depend on a good week, and strength that isn’t tied to your emotions.A gentle, pastoral warningFor the listener who feels tired, thin, or inconsistent—this part is for you. Not shaming, but freeing.A simple, permission-giving call to actionSmall rhythms that actually grow spiritual roots:Three minutes in Scripture, one honest prayer a day, and one connection with another believer.Key Quote“Fruit without roots is fragile fruit. If you want a spiritual life that lasts, build your roots in Christ.”Next StepsIf this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who might be living with shallow roots without realizing it. And subscribe to stay connected as we continue pursuing deeper, quieter, more resilient spiritual formation.

This week’s episode builds directly on Sunday’s sermon, “Emerging Refined,” where we stepped into Stage 3 of the refining process. In the sermon, we explored how God uses fire—not to destroy us, but to reveal, remove, and transform.In this episode, Jonathan takes the message further by confronting one of the most destructive misunderstandings in modern Christianity:We expect God to deliver a life He never promised.Many believers unknowingly live under the “comfort gospel”—the belief that God’s primary job is to make our lives work smoothly. When suffering comes, it feels like betrayal, disappointment, or failure.This episode reframes the fire through the lens of the cross gospel, helping listeners release false expectations and embrace the refining work of God with clarity, courage, and trust.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE• A pastoral and honest opening that exposes the unspoken “deal” many believers make with God• A clear contrast between the comfort gospel and the cross gospel• Why so many Christians feel disappointed with God—and how to break that cycle• A biblical correction: what Jesus actually promised His followers• A redefinition of the fire as precision, not punishment• A powerful Stage 3 description of what it feels like to emerge refined• Three practical “reflex-shifting” prayers to carry into your week• Liturgical moments throughout the episode that guide listeners in repentance, trust, and surrender• A closing call-and-response that reinforces truth in a deeply personal wayKEY PHRASES FROM THE EPISODE• “Some of us are angry at God for not giving us a life He never promised.”• “The comfort gospel told you the fire was punishment. The cross gospel tells you the fire is precision.”• “Emerging doesn’t mean finished. It means you’re beginning to see what God has been forming.”• “God is not breaking you; He is breaking what is breaking you.”• “I release what God never promised. I receive what He already gave.”PRACTICAL NEXT STEPSThis week, challenge yourself to:Rewrite one false expectation you’ve placed on GodPray the Stage 3 prayer dailyTell someone: “God is doing something in me. I’m staying in the process.”SCRIPTURE REFERENCES• 1 Peter 1:6–7• Zechariah 13:9• Philippians 1:6• Romans 8:29• Matthew 28:20• John 16:33LISTEN TO THE SERMONTo hear the full Sunday sermon that this episode builds upon, listen to it HERE

In this raw and urgent episode, Jonathan delivers a bold warning for every believer standing at the edge of obedience: quitters die in the desert.Drawing from the story of Israel in Numbers 13–14 and the courage of Caleb and Joshua, this episode confronts the dangerous habit of shrinking back when God calls us forward. Jonathan exposes the lies fear tells, the slow death of spiritual complacency, and the subtle ways the desert can become a permanent home instead of a temporary testing ground.This is not a motivational pep talk.This is a wake-up call for anyone who’s been circling the same mountain, avoiding the giants in front of them, or clinging to comfort instead of stepping into calling.You don’t have to die in the desert.You can choose courage.You can step into the land God promised.What You’ll LearnWhy quitting always feels justified — and why that’s so dangerousHow fear distorts reality and magnifies obstaclesThe hidden, slow death of staying in spiritual “survival mode”Why the desert kills purpose in inches, not milesHow Caleb embodied a different spirit and outlived the quittersSigns you’re shrinking back in your own lifeWhy courage is a choice, not a feelingThe difference between surviving the desert and inheriting the promiseA radical warning that could save your callingA radical hope that can move you forward todayNotable Quotes“Quitters don’t die because God leaves them — they die because they stop walking.”“Survival without movement becomes a slow death.”“Fear makes giants look bigger than God — faith makes God look bigger than giants.”“Caleb refused to die in a place he was never meant to live.”“Breakthrough doesn’t come to the brave. Breakthrough comes to the obedient.”“If you stay in the desert long enough, it will bury your faith in inches.”Call to ActionIf this episode hit hard — if it woke something up inside you — share it with someone who needs courage, breakthrough, or a push back into obedience.Leave a rating and review to help more people discover the podcast.And ask yourself today:Where is God calling me to trust instead of turn back?Connect With JonathanFacebookWebsite

This week on The Average Pursuit, Jonathan takes listeners deeper into Sunday’s sermon on Jesus in the Wilderness (Matthew 4). Most Christians are losing the battle against temptation — not because they’re weak, but because their souls are starving. In this episode, we explore why temptation is a battle of truth vs. lies, why Jesus used Scripture — not willpower — to overcome the enemy, and why you cannot win spiritual warfare without feeding your soul with the Word.If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or spiritually empty, this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and practical tools to strengthen your inner life.👉 New Average Pursuit episodes drop every Wednesday.Make sure to follow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.Subscribe to the podcastLeave a rating and reviewFollow on social mediaShare your biggest takeaway using #AveragePursuitListen to the EPCC Sermon HERE

We hate waiting because it reminds us we’re not in control — but what if waiting is exactly where God does His deepest work? In this honest, soul-level conversation, Jonathan explores the beauty, frustration, and purpose of divine delay.🕊️ “Waiting isn’t wasted time — it’s where God refines your trust.”Refined: A 12-Week JourneyThis episode is part of the Refined journey — a devotional written by Jonathan Sheppard that helps you walk through the process of spiritual formation in the fire of life.Each week dives deeper into themes like surrender, waiting, trust, and transformation.➡️ Learn more or order your copy of Refined: A 12-Week Journey 🎚️ EPCC Sermon Series – “Refined”Want to go deeper into this theme?Listen to Jonathan’s full Sunday sermons from Elk Park Christian Church (EPCC) in the Refined series➡️ Stream EPCC sermons here

In this raw and honest episode, Jonathan takes us deep into the heart of what it really means to follow God when there’s no clear path forward. Drawing from the stories of Jonah, the Israelites in the wilderness, and Jesus’ own time in the desert, this episode challenges the illusion that faith requires clarity — and shows that the truest form of trust is surrender. If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or uncertain about what God is doing, this message is for you. It's time to stop demanding maps and start following the cloud.Key Themes:Why God doesn’t give us the full planThe wilderness as a place of spiritual refinement, not punishmentThe difference between believing in God and trusting GodHow control issues reveal our lack of surrenderA practical practice: Look up. Step out. Let go.Practical Application:Look up. Step out. Let go.A simple rhythm to help you trust God this week — even when the path isn’t clear.Connect with Jonathan HEREListen to this week's sermon HERE

You can’t be refined by what you refuse to release.In this week’s episode, Jonathan Sheppard unpacks one of the hardest truths of the Christian life — that the idols we protect are often the very things destroying our obedience, peace, and purpose.Building on Sunday’s message from Luke 18 and the story of the Rich Young Ruler, this episode is a radical call to abandon every false god of comfort, control, and convenience that keeps us from full surrender.Jonathan shares a deeply personal struggle from his own journey — the tension between trusting God in full-time ministry and clinging to the safety of secular work. Through Scripture and honesty, he reminds us:“The idols you refuse to kill will kill you.The fire can’t refine what won’t enter the flame.”If you’ve ever struggled to fully let go, this conversation is your invitation back to freedom.Luke 18:18–23 — The Rich Young RulerMatthew 16:24–26 — Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow MeMalachi 3:2–3 — “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”Exodus 32:1–6 — The making of modern golden calves“Most idols in our lives aren’t evil things — they’re good things that have taken God’s place.”“We’ve asked God to bless what He’s been trying to burn.”“Jesus doesn’t compete for thrones. He simply says, ‘Follow Me.’”“Every idol dethroned makes room for the presence of God.”“The furnace can’t refine what won’t enter the fire.”Why safety can become your biggest idolHow the Rich Young Ruler exposes our love for controlThe difference between confession and surrenderHow to identify and kill the idols that quietly rule your heartWhat happens when refinement turns from theory into reality📖 Refined: A 12-Week Devotional Journal — available now HEREEPCC Sermon: The Rich Young Ruler – “Almost Refined”📘 Event. Process. Promise. — coming soon🌐 Visit The Average Pursuit for more resourcesTake ten minutes in silence this week. Ask the Holy Spirit:“What’s the one thing I’ve refused to surrender?”Write it down, name it, and lay it before God.Freedom begins where idols die.“Don’t walk away sad — walk forward surrendered.Because the same fire that burns away your idols will reveal God’s glory in you.”

Hey friends, welcome back! You probably noticed that this week’s episode released on Wednesday instead of Monday — that’s the new day for The Average Pursuit!This episode dives deep into one of the hardest truths: respect for God without trust in God is rebellion dressed in worship. We talk about what it means to move beyond performance-based faith into surrendered obedience — where reverence becomes relationship.🎧 Weekly Sermon: Elk Park Christian Church — Refined Series📖 Refined Journal/Devotional: Get the Refined Journal🎙️ Podcast Home: The Average PursuitThis week we strip away the act and get honest about the difference between outward reverence and inward surrender. You’ll hear stories of struggle, moments of conviction, and hope for every believer tired of performing for God instead of walking with Him.Every story, line, and pause leads to one call:👉 Lay down the act. Step out of the spotlight. Let reverence become surrender.

Series: Refined – Week 2Host: Jonathan Sheppard | The Average PursuitWe’ve all done it — treated God like a vending machine.We insert our prayers, press the right buttons, and wait for our blessings to drop. But what happens when what we prayed for doesn’t fall out?In this honest, heart-level episode, Jonathan Sheppard confronts the mindset that turns faith into a transaction and calls us back to the deeper truth:God isn’t here to serve your desires — He’s inviting you into a relationship that transforms them.Through raw reflection and practical insight, this episode challenges listeners to stop chasing God’s stuff and start seeking His Spirit.🔗 Go Deeper This WeekListen to the Full Sermon:🎧 “Bread or the Bread of Life” — from Elk Park Christian Church (Refined – Week 2)Companion Devotional:Go deeper with Refined: A 12-Week Journey from Consumer Faith to Surrendered Discipleship — a devotional that aligns with each week of the Refined series.→ Order your copy HEREQuote of the Week:“Jesus doesn’t just give bread — He is the Bread.”The Average Pursuit is where faith meets real life.Each episode unpacks truth, tension, and transformation — helping you live out a faith that’s not just believed, but refined.

In the opening episode of Refined, Jonathan confronts one of the most dangerous deceptions facing the modern church — cultural Christianity.With honesty and conviction, he challenges listeners to move beyond words, performance, and religious habits into a life of authentic obedience to Christ.Jesus’ words — “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” — expose the hollow comfort of surface-level faith.This episode is both a warning and an invitation: to let God’s refining fire reveal what’s real, remove what’s fake, and restore what’s pure.If your faith has felt routine, heavy, or shallow — this conversation will awaken your soul to the beauty of surrendered discipleship. Resources & LinksOrder the Refined Devotional Journal:📖 Click here to get your copy – your 12-week journey from consumer faith to surrendered discipleship.Watch or Listen to the Full Sermon:“Not Everyone Who Says ‘Lord’” – available on EPCC’s sermon podcast feeds HEREConnect with Jonathan:Facebook HEREWebsite HERE

What do you do when you keep showing up, keep praying, keep serving… but no one seems to notice?You’re faithful in the small things, but the spotlight never shines your way. You’re holding on, but discouragement whispers, “Does this even matter?”That’s the raw question we’re wrestling with in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest — whether in the Appalachian mountains or anywhere else — it’s easy to wonder if quiet, unseen faithfulness has any value in a world obsessed with speed, size, and success.But what if the problem isn’t that faithfulness is irrelevant? What if the problem is that we’ve forgotten how heaven measures greatness?In Ephesians 6:21–24, Paul closes his letter with a name most of us skip over: Tychicus. His story reminds us that in God’s kingdom, faithfulness is never wasted. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three truths that reframe our calling:The Beauty of Hidden Obedience – Why unseen acts of obedience carry eternal weight.What It Means to Finish Well – Why incorruptible love matters more than flashy beginnings.Encouragement for the Unseen and Discouraged – Why God delights in faithfulness even when no one else sees.If you’ve ever wondered, “Does faithfulness even matter anymore?”—this episode will remind you that God sees, God remembers, and God rewards every act of love done in His name.Scripture References:Ephesians 6:21–241 Corinthians 4:2Luke 16:102 Timothy 4:7Revelation 2:10Hebrews 6:10Galatians 6:9Matthew 25:21Reflection Questions:What “small” act of obedience is God calling me to today?If my life ended tomorrow, would I be found faithful?Who can I encourage this week the way Tychicus encouraged the Ephesians?Prayer:“Lord, when I feel unseen or discouraged, remind me that You see me. Strengthen my love for Christ so it remains incorruptible. Teach me to finish well, to serve faithfully, and to encourage others with Your peace, love, and grace. Amen.”📖 Scripture reading: ⁠⁠Ephesians 6:21–24⁠⁠🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit → HERE🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → HERE✨ If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who feels unseen. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the launch of Season 4: Refined, starting October 6th.

What do you do when you believe Jesus has already won the victory… but your life still feels like one defeat after another?You know the verses, you’ve sung the songs, you’ve heard the sermons. But when temptation returns, anxiety lingers, or relationships keep unraveling, it’s easy to wonder: “If Christ is victorious, why do I still feel like I’m losing?”That’s the raw question we’re diving into in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest—in the Appalachian mountains, and everywhere else—it’s not unusual to feel like the enemy’s voice is louder than God’s victory. But what if the problem isn’t that Jesus failed to win? What if the problem is that we’ve misunderstood how to live in His victory right now?In Ephesians 6:10–20, Paul shows us that the battle is real, the enemy is strategic, and yet the victory is already secured. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks four truths that flip the script on defeat:Already / Not Yet of Victory – Why the cross was D-Day, but we’re still waiting for V-E Day.Schemes of the Enemy – How Satan uses deception, discouragement, division, and distraction to keep us living like losers.Armor of God as Christ Himself – Why victory comes not from trying harder, but from putting on Jesus daily.Prayer as the Engine – How prayer keeps the armor active and the church standing strong together.If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I feel defeated if Jesus already won?”—this episode will help you see the battle clearly, stand in Christ’s strength, and experience victory even when your feelings say otherwise.Ephesians 6:10–20Colossians 2:151 Corinthians 15:25–26Romans 13:14John 15:52 Corinthians 12:9James 4:7Where in my life do I feel most defeated right now?Which piece of Christ’s armor do I need to put on in that area?Who could I “lock shields” with this week in prayer?“Lord, when I feel defeated, remind me that victory is already won in Jesus. Help me see the enemy’s lies, put on Christ daily, and stand firm in Your strength. Teach me to pray at all times in the Spirit. Amen.”📖 Scripture reading: ⁠⁠Ephesians 6:10–20⁠⁠🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit ⁠⁠HERE🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → ⁠HERE✨ If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who feels like they’re losing the battle. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next deep dive.

What do you do when life feels dry, stuck, or restless—even though you know Jesus promises living water? When you read the Word, show up to church, and try to do the right things, but deep down you sense something isn’t flowing?That’s the raw question we’re diving into in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest: in the Appalachian mountains—and everywhere else—it’s not unusual to feel spiritually parched. But what if the problem isn’t that God has stopped pouring out His Spirit? What if the problem is that something in us is blocking the flow?In Ephesians 5:21–6:9, Paul reminds us that submission to Christ brings order, and order brings life. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three blockages that keep God’s living water from flowing freely:Distrust of God’s Goodness – Why hesitating on the edge of God’s promises keeps us from jumping into His arms.Disrespect of God’s Authority – How trying to be the head instead of submitting to the Head clogs the stream.Broken Relationships – Why when we resist God’s order in marriage, family, or work, everyone downstream feels the dryness.If you’ve ever wondered, “Why does my faith feel dry even though I believe?”—this episode will help you identify the blockages and invite Jesus to clear the channel so life can flow again.Ephesians 5:21–6:9Philippians 2:8John 7:38Luke 22:42Philippians 2:10–11Where am I hesitating to trust God’s goodness?In what areas of my life am I trying to be the head instead of letting Christ lead?Who downstream from me might be feeling dry because of a blockage in me?Pray: “Lord, show me the blockage in my life. Help me trust Your goodness, respect Your authority, and repair what’s broken.”Then take one specific step of submission today—whether that’s jumping in faith, yielding control, or reconciling with someone downstream.📖 Scripture reading: ⁠⁠Ephesians 5:21–6:9⁠⁠🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → ⁠HERE⁠✨ If this episode stirred something in you, share it with a friend who feels spiritually dry. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next dive into The Deep End.

What do you do when your faith feels more like a Sunday performance than a Monday reality? When you say the right words, show up at the right times, but deep down you know your steps don’t match the talk?That’s the raw question we’re diving into in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest: in the Appalachian mountains—and in church culture everywhere—it’s easy to impersonate faith. We know how to dress right, smile at the door, and bow our heads in prayer. But impersonation is not the same as imitation. And Jesus calls us into something far deeper.In Ephesians 5:1–21, Paul reminds us that the Christian walk isn’t about looking religious on the outside. It’s about living as God’s beloved children on the inside. In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three truths that separate appearance from belonging:Impersonation vs. Imitation – Why showing up to church without surrendering your heart is like wearing a mask, and how being God’s child changes the walk from the inside out.Struggle vs. Show – Why ongoing battles with sin don’t mean you’re not saved—and how hiding sin is far more dangerous than confessing it.Identity Over Performance – Why your salvation doesn’t rest on your perfect walk but on Jesus’ perfect work.If you’ve ever wondered, “Because I sin, does that mean I’m not saved?”—this episode will meet you in that wrestle with honesty and hope.Scriptures to sit with:Romans 7:15–19Matthew 23:27–28Ephesians 5:1–21 John 1:6–92 Corinthians 13:5Philippians 1:6Reflection Questions:When I sin, do I hide it—or bring it into the light?Am I impersonating religion, or imitating Christ?Does my confidence rest in my performance, or in Christ’s finished work?This week’s challenge:Pray: “Lord, help me stop hiding. Give me courage to bring one area of my life into the light.”Then tell one trusted person the struggle you’ve been keeping in the dark. Let confession open the door to healing.📖 Scripture reading: ⁠Ephesians 5:1–21 ⁠🌐 Learn more about The Average Pursuit ⁠HERE⁠🤝 Connect with Jonathan on social media → HERE✨ If this episode stirred something in you, share it with a friend who’s tired of pretending. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next dive into The Deep End.

If you stripped away the Sunday version of yourself—the church clothes, the polite small talk, the highlight reel—would your life still look different?That’s the raw question we’re asking in this episode of The Average Pursuit. Because let’s be honest: the pressure to blend in is everywhere. And if we’re not careful, our faith becomes a surface-level identity instead of a Spirit-shaped reality.In Ephesians 4:25–32, Paul shows us that holiness isn’t about big, dramatic moments. It’s about the ordinary choices we make every day—what comes out of our mouths, how we handle conflict, and whether we forgive or cling to bitterness.In this conversation, Jonathan unpacks three marks of a set-apart life:Speak Truth, Not Falsehood – Why honesty is the glue of community and how even small lies fracture relationships.Respond with Grace, Not Anger – How unresolved anger gives the enemy a foothold, and how our words can either rot or heal.Forgive Instead of Growing Bitter – Why forgiveness isn’t about the other person’s worthiness but about living in the freedom of Christ’s forgiveness.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I really any different?”—this episode will both challenge and encourage you.Ephesians 4:25–32Proverbs 12:22James 1:19–20Colossians 3:13Hebrews 12:15Matthew 18:21–22When life “bumps” you, what spills out—grace, truth, and forgiveness, or anger, lies, and bitterness?Who in your life needs to hear truth from you this week—spoken in love?Who are you tempted to react to instead of responding with grace?Who do you need to release into God’s hands through forgiveness?Pray: “Lord, show me one person to forgive, one person to speak truth to, and one person to respond to with grace instead of reaction.”Write those three names down. Take one step with each of them this week.Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:25–32 (ESV)Learn more about The Average Pursuit HEREConnect with Jonathan on social media → HERE✨ If this episode stirred something in you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement. And don’t forget to subscribe so you won’t miss the next dive into The Deep End.

Overview:In today’s episode of The Average Pursuit, Jonathan tackles one of the most deeply personal and painful questions we all wrestle with: “Why can’t I change?” Despite our best efforts to grow in faith, many of us find ourselves trapped in cycles of struggle, questioning if real transformation is even possible.Drawing from Ephesians 4:20-24, Jonathan explores the disconnect between our beliefs and our behavior, offering a spiritual roadmap for true change—not mere behavior modification, but a deep, inner transformation. This episode walks you through a powerful four-step process: Learn. Strip. Renew. Wear.Key Takeaways:The Deep Ache of Feeling Stuck:Ever feel like you should be further along in your faith journey by now? You’re not alone. Struggling doesn’t mean you’re not saved, it means you’re still in process.The key question: Why does change feel so elusive despite believing in Jesus?The Four Movements of Spiritual Transformation:Learn: It’s not about learning about Christ but learning Christ—an intimate relationship that shapes your identity.Strip: Change begins when we strip off the old self—our habits, wounds, and idols. Real transformation requires deep, gritty honesty.Renew: True renewal happens when we unlearn the lies we’ve believed and embrace the truth of God’s Word.Wear: Putting on the new self means living out your true identity in Christ—walking in forgiveness, grace, and holiness every day.The Picture of Metamorphosis:Transformation is not about cleaning up the old self, but becoming a new creation. Like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, you are meant to fly—not crawl.Practical Steps to Start Changing Today:Learn Christ: Spend time in His Word, listen for His voice, and encounter His heart.Strip the Old Self: Name the sin or habit you need to surrender and bring it into the light.Renew Your Mind: Replace the lies you’ve believed with the truths of Scripture.Wear the New Self: Act out of your true identity in Christ, not the broken version of yourself.Encouragement for the Journey:You are not stuck forever. Change is possible because Jesus didn’t die to make you better; He died to make you new. Don’t let the pressure of immediate results discourage you. Transformation is a process, and you’re right in the middle of it.Blog Post: We're going deeper this Wednesday in our blog post, click HERENext Episode Preview: Am I Really Any Different? – Living Set Apart in a Blended-In WorldSubscribe to The Average Pursuit for more deep dives into the hard questions of faith.Stay Connected:Website: Click HEREFollow Jonathan on Social Media:FacebookSupport the Show: Click HERENeed Prayer? Click HERE

If you’ve ever felt like you’re barely holding it together, this episode is for you.In this honest, front-porch style conversation, Jon opens up about what it’s like to run on fumes while everyone assumes you’re fine. Together, we’ll explore the difference between pretending and healing, and the hope Jesus offers to the weary and worn out.At the end, Jon leaves you with two powerful questions to help you take the mask off and step toward healing:Take a breath. You’re not alone. There’s hope here.Links & Resources👉 Go deeper with this week’s blog post:Blog will release this Wednesday Read Blog Here👉 Subscribe to The Average Pursuit newsletter:Stay encouraged and receive practical tools each week. Sign up here👉 Register for the Raising Digital‑Resilient Kids Training HereJoin us online on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, from 8–9 PM ET for this empowering training that will help you set healthy tech boundaries and disciple kids in a digital world.Reserve your spot now👉 Support The Average Pursuit Ministry:Your generosity makes this podcast and ministry possible.Give hereConnect With JonNeed prayer or want to connect? Click Here

Have you ever prayed with everything in you… and been met with silence?In this raw and honest episode, we’re not offering easy answers—we’re sitting in the silence together. I share one of the most painful seasons of my life, and how I wrestled with God’s silence through loss, confusion, and unanswered prayers. But I also share the truths that helped carry me through—and how Scripture meets us in our deepest questions.This episode kicks off Season 3 of The Average Pursuit—a season we’re calling “The Deep End.” And it all begins here, with faith that feels fragile, but still holds on.📝 Want to go deeper?Make sure you’re subscribed to The Weekly Pursuit—our free newsletter that drops every Friday with exclusive content, encouragement, and spiritual tools to help you keep growing. 👉 Sign up for "The Weekly Pursuit" Newsletter ⁠HERE📦 This Friday’s newsletter includes: The Scripture Toolbox — a powerful, practical resource to help you find anchor verses and truth for whatever you’re facing.📅 Coming Wednesday: Our first blog post of the season will release—diving deeper into the themes of this episode.👉 Find the blog post ⁠HERE⁠👉 👉 Don’t miss what’s coming.