You're Not Crazy

In the final episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry share their gratitude, reflect on the challenges and joys of the podcast, and offer encouragement and insights on building gospel culture, adapting preaching styles, and navigating ministry challenges.They discuss the following:Their gratitude for You're Not Crazy listenersThe challenges and achievements of the podcastHow to build gospel culture in established churchesChanging preaching stylesGospel culture in business meetings and staff gatheringsHow to navigate ministry challenges and imposter syndromeFuture plans and their final encouragement for listenersRecommended resource: Daily Liturgy Devotional: 40 Days of Worship and Prayer by Douglas Sean O'DonnellHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

Paul’s love for the church and ambition to preach the gospel provide an example for ministers today. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund offer encouragement for pastors to persevere in ministry, receiving their calling as a gift from the Lord. They look to the final reward of ministry — not the success of the minister but that the Lamb would receive the reward of his sufferings. And they conclude their discussion of Romans 12–15 by reflecting on how our receipt of the gospel transforms our relationships and ministries.Recommended resource: The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary by Christopher Ash Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow.Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

Overcoming petty differences and finding unity in God’s Word, Christians can live together in a way that defies the principalities and powers of this world. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund consider the church’s role as a beacon of hope amid a tumultuous world. They challenge us to extend welcome to outsiders as we have been welcomed in Christ, sacrificing our own interests for the sake of Christ and the good of others. And they speak a word of encouragement to weary pastors, encouraging them to turn to the Lord in prayer and find grace for their callings.Recommended resource: Worthy: Living in Light of the Gospel by Sinclair B. Ferguson

To bear with one another in love includes respecting others’ sensitivities and reservations, even when we disagree with their conclusions. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry help to reframe this difficult task by challenging us to consider our brother or sister’s sincerity to the Lord, noting the beauty of a conscientious Christian and the power of disagreements to bring about our sanctification. They warn pastors of the danger in leading congregants to violate their consciences and commend dependence on the Lord as we navigate challenging relationships within the church.Recommended resource: Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life by Paul Tripp (Crossway)

The book of Romans expounds as much on how we bear with one another in love as it does on the doctrine of justification. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into this important section of Paul’s letter, considering matters of conscience, how to love the weaker brother, and what it means to be convinced in our own minds. They also celebrate the beautiful diversity of Christ’s church and the important call to delight in our differences.Recommended resource: One with My Lord: The Life-Changing Reality of Being in Christ by Sam Allberry (Crossway)

The law defines our flourishing life as Christians, but often we are prone to see God’s commands as restrictive and burdensome. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry highlight love as the fulfillment of the law. They point to God as not only the authority but also the expert in love, showing how each of his commandments overflows with implications for how we might love our neighbor. And they celebrate God’s kindness to transform our desires as we put on Christ, being evermore transformed into his likeness.Recommended resource: Proclaiming the Word: Principles and Practices for Expository Preaching by David Jackman

The apostle Paul tells Christians to submit to their governing authorities — but are there exceptions? And what does that submission look like? In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry dig into these questions and more, considering God’s providence, the function of the government, what characterizes Christian dissent, and how we can prepare our hearts for election season.Recommended resources:You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches by Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry (Crossway)

When the apostle Paul warns Christians not to be overcome by evil (Rom. 12:21), he knows it will be difficult. Nonetheless, he challenges us to believe that God is at work in redemptive reversals. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund unpack the difficulty of death to self and consider how it looks to entrust ourselves to the Lord even as we face evil and wrongdoing. And they once again commend the beauty of gospel culture, where pastors and church communities “give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all” (Rom. 12:17).Recommended resource:The Heart of Jesus: How He Really Feels about You by Dane Ortlund (Crossway)

What marks genuine Christian love? The apostle Paul lays out an extensive list in Romans 12:9–21. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry examine how Paul’s commands are meant to hold together as part of an integrated ecosystem that makes up the Christian life. They consider the humility and vulnerability required to give and receive genuine affection, and they challenge pastors and congregants to cultivate countercultural communities marked by gospel hope.Recommended resource:Saved: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Acts by Nancy Guthrie (Crossway)

In this episode, Ray and Sam dig into Romans 12:1–8 and how to live as recipients of God’s mercies. They model sober judgment as they reflect on the ways we tend to overestimate our own capacities, considering instead how we might acknowledge that we’re part of a greater whole. Recognizing we belong to one another, they encourage pastors to view themselves as members of Christ’s body, reveling in the beauty of relationships within the church.Recommended resource: ESV Systematic Theology Study Bible (Crossway)

Join Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry for this final season of the You're Not Crazy podcast, as they delve into the transformative passages of Romans 12-15 and equip you with fresh perspectives for leading and nurturing gospel-centered communities. This season, you can look forward to more in-depth discussions and practical insights that will further prepare and rejuvenate you for the work of pastoral ministry.

Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the upcoming season of You’re Not Crazy, where they’ll delve into Romans chapters 12-15 and focus on how to foster gospel culture in churches. They also introduce their forthcoming small group curriculum, based on the book You're Not Crazy, and announce the launch of the Center for Gospel Culture by Sam Allberry and Immanuel Nashville. The center will offer resources and events for pastors and churches, including a decade’s worth of sermons, manuals, and other materials. 

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