Made Alive

What is one topic you’re not supposed to talk about? Money. So why does the church talk about it so much? This month, we continue destigmatizing the church by addressing money, and all that comes with it. 5 Lies Christians Tell About Money https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/5-surprising-things-that-the-bible-says-about-money/ https://katjellicorse.medium.com/money-the-church-2153be6dc4e4

You've been asking for it so Philip and Seth are delivering! Just kidding... no one asked for politics. But it needs to be discussed. Exvangelicals are increasing and fewer people are regularly attending church. Philip and Seth believe that this is largely due to the poor reputation the church has earned for itself. This is the first in a series on destigmatizing the church as the discussion centers on how politics has become a barrier to faith in Jesus. Resources mentioned in this episode: Study on the black church largely voting in line with the democrat party: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/02/23/u-s-religious-groups-and-their-political-leanings/ The Liturgy of Politics by Kaitlyn Schiess: https://www.amazon.com/Liturgy-Politics-Spiritual-Formation-Neighbor/dp/0830848304/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._sOSIg1c821I1IxjlBMnUyismgUOGnup8ojIrSQUhKf28OvmCQS_XYrrYMANujJekPcURzfmePkvKZbkoa78WTNsVFOuW0pLN9DQqes8nfytR9ELElRxRvf8tezEiy9_gr26ng1XEGoXtHn6brTYmMktTLYZAKDsI4NqO9_ZjSe4ic6AH8c2bxp6uNMmpb3AiIux_Yh9wKi96WXv8qR8cSojYhFjsYHJhEt9srztqcg.PHYI-gHTkeWhqzwji6AOV6lvw8DLna7D_GOsvmAlcdA&qid=1709059462&sr=8-2 The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess: https://www.amazon.com/Ballot-Bible-Scripture-American-Politics/dp/1587435969/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._sOSIg1c821I1IxjlBMnUyismgUOGnup8ojIrSQUhKf28OvmCQS_XYrrYMANujJekPcURzfmePkvKZbkoa78WTNsVFOuW0pLN9DQqes8nfytR9ELElRxRvf8tezEiy9_gr26ng1XEGoXtHn6brTYmMktTLYZAKDsI4NqO9_ZjSe4ic6AH8c2bxp6uNMmpb3AiIux_Yh9wKi96WXv8qR8cSojYhFjsYHJhEt9srztqcg.PHYI-gHTkeWhqzwji6AOV6lvw8DLna7D_GOsvmAlcdA&qid=1709059510&sr=8-1 Article regarding biblical passages used by politicians and pundits: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2023/august-web-only/gop-president-debate-republican-candidate-christian-nation.html

Your pastor probably struggles with pride, and the Bible says that's one of the most concerning sins. Seth and Philip share their own struggles with pride. They break down how the intentionally pursue humility while remaining confident in the gifts God has given them.

Another life update because big things are changing in Seth's life. Spoiler alert, he's gotten a job as a lead pastor and shares his story. Our hope is that this behind the scenes look at getting a ministry position will be helpful to some of you!

Kyle Big Boi Relph is back! This time we talk about why the Christmas season isn't all it's cracked up to be in the church. Maybe this is actually just a therapy session for the three of us, but we figured we'd bring you along anyway! Top 5 Draft Results: Kyle Elf The Santa Claus National Lampoons Christmas Vacation The Grinch (2000) The Holiday Seth Jingle All the Way Edward Scissor Hands How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1967) Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) Polar Express Philip Home Alone The Grinch (2018) Angela’s Christmas Just Friends Charlie Brown Christmas

The conflict in the Middle East that we are witnessing is horrendous and devastating. In this situation, and other situations like it, how are Christians supposed to respond? While we are not experts, that is the question that we are processing in this special release episode. Articles referenced: Esau McCaulley | "The Theological Truth we Must Press During War" | NY Times https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/10/opinion/war-faith-theology.html?mwgrp=c-mbar&unlocked_article_code=1.F00.hPvm.QYA7fend1f-9&smid=url-share Heinrich Arnold | "Perspective: How Should Christians Respond to Hamas Attack on Israel?" | Deseret News https://www.deseret.com/faith/2023/10/13/23915072/how-should-christians-respond-hamas-attack-on-israel#:~:text=First%2C%20the%20New%20Testament%20calls,we%20must%20pray%20for%20peace.

We had Seth's wife Katie on the podcast to talk about her experience with purity culture. Seth, Katie, and Philip all grew up in the same religious denomination which had a high emphasis on purity culture. Unfortunately, if you know about purity culture then you know that it has a tendency to put all the emphasis on women and men are considered the victims. Philip and Seth believe there is a better way forward for the church and it begins with hearing stories of real people who have been hurt by this way of treating people, specifically women. Video mentioned by Katie with disclaimer: https://youtu.be/vG9o9m0LsbI?si=OrjkFecbqfSAdCd9 I think it’s fair to include a disclaimer that it’s from 1946 and talks about societal standards of the time in there as well. Particularly because of the theme of the podcast. 😅 Top 5: Seth Sneezing into your mouth When your kid sticks their hand in their poop during a changing Old pull-ups Lack of personal bubble Unnecessary band-aids Philip: Chewing and spitting food out into dad's hand Vacations with kids People equating dog "parenting" to human parenting Unsolicited advice/ mom shaming Being given hand-me-down "gifts" Katie: Car vomit Why is it sticky?  Why is it wet?  Potty training Is it chocolate?

Anxiety Sucks. Depression sucks. Like seriously, they're terrible. The sad reality of life is that many of us deal with mental health issues on a regular basis, and as leaders, we need to acknowledge that. In this episode, Philip and Seth talk about their experiences dealing with their mental health struggles, and how Jesus meets us where we are and loves us. Struggling with mental health does not make you weak. A Helpful Resource: The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero.

What if how we think about the end of the world impacts everything about how we live right now? Seth and Philip break down the implications properly thinking about the end times for the sake of loving our neighbor here and now. Also, the most psychotic thing Seth's ever done! Amy Kenny article: https://hopeheals.com/articles-archive/my-body-is-not-a-prayer-request Tim Keller sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wDcxg85qhc&t=5s Books: My Body is Not A Prayer Request by Amy Kenny Revelation for the Rest of Us by Scot McKnight and Cody Matchett

If the Church is the hope of the world, why are so many people leaving? The reality is that when humans get involved, life gets messy, yet Jesus still calls us to change the world. Looking at the data, Seth and Philip look at why people are leaving the Church, what the Church can do to try to combat this, and what it means to love people like Jesus called us to. Referenced articles: Pastors Quitting Ministry Millennial Church Attendance Flourishing People American's Reasons for Leaving Church Music in this episode: All Stars - Patrick Patrikios Dorian - Andrew Langdon

Okay, yeah, we said we were back once already. This time is real. We wanted to come back and let you know why we thought we were back once before and we really weren't. In this episode you'll hear where we've been, a highlight of our time away, advice from Philip on becoming a eunuch, and so much more! Music in this episode: All Stars - Patrick Patrikios Dorian - Andrew Langdon

We are back with another life update, podcast update, and a draft with Kyle “Big Boi” Relph. Be sure to follow us on IG (@madealivepodcast) to stay up to date on all things Made Alive. As always, subscribe wherever you get podcasts, and rate us on Apple Podcasts.

Season 1 is in the books! We want to give you a life update to let you know what's going on in our lives and what to expect in the future. This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Species by Diamond Ortiz Long Life by Text Me Records / Bobby Renz Complicate Ya by Otis McDonald Mission Start by The Brothers Records

We are back for part 2 of our interview with Carissa Wiggins. We continue to hear her story of postpartum depression, and hope it encourages you. **NOTE: in this interview, Carissa discusses mental illness and suicide. If these are things you struggle with, feel free to skip this episode, or check out https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org for resources/ help. Resources mentioned in this episode: Carissa’s Postpartum blog: https://trialsandtriumphs.blog/2019/03/16/my-portion-my-strength/ Philip’s Postpartum blog: https://trialsandtriumphs.blog/2019/03/23/its-just-a-wave/ How to get the Calm app through Kaiser: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/digital?kp_shortcut_referrer=kp.org/selfcareapps Link to Calm app https://www.calm.com Link to Pin it or Bin it https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/csd/app-directory/pin-it/ Link to Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields https://www.amazon.com/Down-Came-Rain-Postpartum-Depression/dp/1401308465/ref=nodl_ This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Emotional Aftermath by Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions Lullaby by Yung Logos Mission Start by The Brothers Records

Having a new baby is an incredibly challenging time. However, for Carissa Wiggins, it wasn’t just the changes a newborn brings, but postpartum depression that made it extremely dark and scary. We hear part 1 on her story in this episode, and hope it encourages you. **NOTE: in this interview, Carissa discusses mental illness and suicide. If these are things you struggle with, feel free to skip this episode, or check out https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org for resources/ help. Resources mentioned in this episode: Carissa’s Postpartum blog: https://trialsandtriumphs.blog/2019/03/16/my-portion-my-strength/ Philip’s Postpartum blog: https://trialsandtriumphs.blog/2019/03/23/its-just-a-wave/ How to get the Calm app through Kaiser: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northern-california/health-wellness/mental-health/tools-resources/digital?kp_shortcut_referrer=kp.org/selfcareapps Link to Calm app https://www.calm.com Link to Pin it or Bin it https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/csd/app-directory/pin-it/ Link to Down Came the Rain by Brooke Shields https://www.amazon.com/Down-Came-Rain-Postpartum-Depression/dp/1401308465/ref=nodl_ This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Far Apart by Causmic It Could Have Been You by K-Rutz Mission Start by The Brothers Records

It's part 2! We knew that one episode with Kyle wouldn't be enough, so he's back with the second half of our interview with him. Kyle comes on to talk about his life as a worship pastor, some of what he loves, and some of his struggles in leading people to encounter God through worship. Follow Kyle on Instagram @kylerelph Resources mentioned in this episode: Simple Church by Thomas Rainer https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Church-Returning-Process-Disciples/dp/0805447997/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=simple+church&qid=1614483389&sr=8-1 Shane & Shane's album "Hymns" This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Water Please by Text Me Records / GrandBankss Regrets by Causmic Mission Start by The Brothers Records

Kyle is back on the podcast! We brought him back this time to talk about how he actually practice leadership regularly. Kyle comes on to talk about his life as a worship pastor, some of what he loves, and some of his struggles in leading people to encounter God through worship. Follow Kyle on Instagram @kylerelph Resources mentioned in this episode: Simple Church by Thomas Rainer https://www.amazon.com/Simple-Church-Returning-Process-Disciples/dp/0805447997/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=simple+church&qid=1614483389&sr=8-1 Shane & Shane's album "Hymns" This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Ring By Spring by Stag Awful by Josh Pan Mission Start by The Brothers Records

Philip has mentioned the book Humility by CJ Mahaney so many times, we thought we should talk about it! In this conversation, Seth and Philip talk about humility and pride, and how to navigate these difficult topics. As always, let us know what we got right, got wrong, or any questions you have on our IG (@madealivepodcast) or via email (madealivepodcast@gmail.com).  Resources mentioned in this episode: Humility: True Greatness by CJ Mahaney  Chick-Fil-A saves COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic: https://abc11.com/chick-fil-a-coronavirus-covid-vaccine-drive-thru/10215701/ Philip's Podcast Episodes:  For the episode with Payton, Search "Millennials & Money" on all podcast platforms Seeking the Centerline: https://linktr.ee/Seekingthecenterline This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Sunset Dreams by Cheel Sunday Rain by Cheel Smokey Eyes by Cheel Mission Start by The Brothers Records

Leadership is hard. While the task of leadership seems daunting, one thing that can really help is to breakdown leadership into smaller, more accessible, categories. This is where transformational leadership, and other leadership theories, come into play. Transformational leadership is defined as "Producing Change and Building Lives through Authenticity, Inspiration, Empathy, and Innovation." By approaching leadership through this lens, leaders can better develop more leaders, and lead in a people-centric way.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Shape Your World by David Timms (https://www.amazon.com/Shape-Your-World-Transformational-Leadership/dp/1719182949) Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter Northouse (https://amazon.com/Leadership-Practice-Peter-G-Northouse/dp/1506362311) The Work of Leaders by Straw, Scullard, Kukkonen, and Davis (https://amazon.com/Work-Leaders-Vision-Alignment-Execution/dp/1118636538) The Medici Effect by Frans Johannson (https://amazon.com/Medici-Effect-Preface-Discussion-Guide/dp/1633692949) The 4 I's: Idealized influence Inspirational Motivation Intellectual Stimulation Individual Consideration This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Mellow Bears by K-Rutz Sunset n Beachz by Ofshane Sunny Travel by Nico Staf Drop by Anno Domini Beats Mission Start by The Brothers Records

People have always been hurting, but now maybe more than ever in our lifetimes, we see it so clearly. So how do we approach that as leaders, as Christians, and as human beings? We believe that empathy is the best place to start. Empathy allows for genuine human connection that can lead to real and lasting healing. Resources mentioned in this episode:  Shape Your World by David Timms (https://www.amazon.com/Shape-Your-World-Transformational-Leadership/dp/1719182949) Creative Confidence by Tom & David Kelley (https://smile.amazon.com/dp/038534936X/?coliid=I2U7XJQF02HVE4&colid=ULYI8XM4T3LA&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it) This episode is sponsored in part by Audible Free Audible Trial at: audibletrial.com/madealive Follow us on Instagram: @madealivepodcast Email us: madealivepodcast@gmail.com We aim to bring transparency to leadership to help enable the next generation of leaders to thrive. Music used in this episode: Intro/Outro: Dorian by Andrew Langdon Transitions: Missive by Andrew Langdon Sunset n Beachz by Ofshane Touch by Patrick Patrikios Mission Start by The Brothers Records