Shows
Breaking Bread PodcastMental Health and the Church: The AC Story ACCFS is a mental health service that supports the Apostolic Christian Church. This unique connection between church and mental health agency has a storied history. To tell it, Ron Messner and Ted Witzig Jr are interviewed by Matt Kaufmann on this episode of Breaking Bread. Show notes: Caring for people spiritually has given way to the need to care for them mentally. This led to the following statement of belief and consequently, the carrying out of counseling services at ACCFS. Based on scripture and extensive experience, we are complex beings with thre...
2025-08-1838 minBreaking Bread PodcastFour Action Words for the New YearThe new year carries a sense of hope for needed change. In this episode of Breaking Bread, the clinical staff from ACCFS share four words to help inspire and guide the changes we need to make. These simple four verbs will be easy to remember and promise helpful practical action. Show Notes: Four simple action words that can motivate and guide positive change for our new year. Walk – Slowing down is necessary for us to live well. It puts us in a position to live mindfully. Cultivate – Fostering, encouraging, and nurturing growth. It puts us in...
2023-01-0920 minBreaking Bread PodcastLocal Church: where people find careGod saves his people into families. A nurturing community where souls are cared for and loved. In this episode of Breaking Bread, ACCFS's church outreach team shares the vision that propels the work they do. Show notes: Vision: By God's grace, the Church Outreach division of ACCFS is committed to supporting the local church by providing resources and teaching that equips the local church to care for its members.
2022-12-2615 minBreaking Bread PodcastWalking through the Grief of Suicide: a Testimony"Grief can't be avoided; it waits for you to walk through it." June Knobloch said this. She and her husband understand grief deeply after suffering the loss of their son Jeff to suicide. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Del and June share their story of grief and how they walked through it. Resources: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline This Lifeline is for people experiencing a crisis and is available 24/7 in the United States. If you need help for yourself, a friend, or family member, call or text 988 right away. Lifeline Crisis Chat
2022-11-1444 minBreaking Bread PodcastThe Benefits of LaughterLaughter is relational, healing and necessary. In this episode of Breaking Bread ACCFS clinicians Ted Witzig Jr., Brian Sutter, Kathy Knochel and Kaleb Beyer enjoy a light moment together. But don't underestimate the weighty benefits such moments bring to our mental health. Show notes: There are many matters that concern us: struggle, hurt, loss and sorrow abound. Yet, even among these, humor exists. Sometimes laughter springs from surprising places acting as a grace from our heavenly Father who no doubt loves to see his children laugh. What is laughter? Laughter is the ph...
2022-10-3126 minBreaking Bread PodcastEmotional RegulationEmotion is like fuel. The right amount, at the right time and for the right purpose, yields wonderful results. However, on a negative note, emotion is like fuel. That is why healthy people know how to regulate their emotions. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kathy Knochel and Brian Sutter coach us on how to do that. Show Notes: What is Emotional Regulation? People who have good command of their emotions use emotional regulation. In fact, emotions for these people are used in their life for the purpose God intended. Emotions are a gift...
2022-10-1728 minBreaking Bread PodcastCaring for Aging ParentsBirth is sacred and yet, so is death. For many people they will have the opportunity and responsibility to care for their folks as they age and pass. This responsibility is met with challenges, difficulties, opportunities, and blessings. Roger Gasser and Tim Funk let us in on some of these responsibilities and help prepare us to walk these important days with our aging parents. Realize the aging process of giving up control. Give parents control where you can, as control is taken away. Realize every situation is difficult. Be careful when comparing your situation to the next. They...
2020-09-0726 minBreaking Bread PodcastSuccessAt some level, we all want to be successful. Yet success can have ill-effects. On this episode of Breaking Bread, Brian Sutter and Fred Witzig tackle this topic of success. Approaching the topic from a historical, clinical and biblical perspective helps provide insight into this "success" we all want. Show Notes: How healthy is my success? Success should promote humility. Success should not promote arrogance. Success should promote thanksgiving. Success should not promote entitlement. Success should promote a dependence on God. Success should not promote an independence from God. Success should promote a healthy...
2020-08-2222 minBreaking Bread PodcastSexual and Gender Identity with Grace and Truth (Part 2 of 2)Conviction of truth. Compassion for people. Context for our society. And comfort in Christ. These are our goals. Join Ted Witzig Jr. as he speaks to the important topic of gender and sexual identity with grace and truth.
2020-08-1022 minBreaking Bread PodcastSexual and Gender Identity with Grace and Truth (Part 1 of 2)Conviction of truth. Compassion for people. Context for our society. And comfort in Christ. These are our goals. Join Ted Witzig Jr. as he speaks to the important topic of gender and sexual identity with grace and truth. Conviction of Truth Mark 10:6-9 Gender is a divine creation. Marriage between a man and a woman is a divine institution. Fidelity is the divine intention. Compassion for People See people as Christ sees them. Love them. We are created in God's image. We are loved by God. We have undying souls. We are in need...
2020-07-2722 minBreaking Bread PodcastEmpathyEmpathy is a gift we give to others. It is a gift for many reasons, not the least of which, is the selflessness required. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Amber Miller flushes out empathy. She helps us walk the fine line of looking within ourselves and accessing the God given skill set to turn outward and connect with another person. Empathy is feeling with people. Empathy is not fixing people's hurt. Empathy is recognizing, acknowledging, and connecting with another person's emotion. Empathy is not talking. Empathy requires selflessness by not making the interaction about us. Empathy does...
2020-07-1322 minBreaking Bread PodcastConnection in Marriage Part 2Connection in marriage is possible. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer shares with us three keys in connecting with our spouse. Accessibility, responsiveness and engagement go a long way in moving us in the right direction - toward each other.
2020-06-2911 minBreaking Bread PodcastConnection in MarriageMarriage is far more than a living arrangement. It is a living relationship which meets a core need we each have for connection. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer exposes this core need and coaches us on how to achieve it. Connection in marriage models the connection God desires with us - one in which life flows between us. Christ is the vine and we are the branches. Every spouse desires connection. Connection answers "yes" to the questions, "Do I matter to you? Are you there for me?" Withdrawal is a poor but common response to...
2020-06-1515 minBreaking Bread Podcast3 Small Things for Improving Your Marriage, Part 3Conflict happens. Some conflict can be avoided. All conflict needs resolve. Sometimes little things make big differences. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer relays three small things that exist in happy marriages. 3 Small Things Be Purposeful Highly happy couples find that when they can't resolve conflict before bedtime, they choose to sleep on it. If anger remains in the morning, they don't let it go unresolved; they deal with it. Be Present Highly happy couples treat one another with intentional kindness; they joke and they challenge, but they try to n...
2020-06-0119 minBreaking Bread PodcastUnknown ExpectationsUncertainty, unpredictability, unreliability, riskiness, chanciness, unsureness, changeability - 2020. It's one thing to have expectations gone unmet. It's another thing to be so uncertain that expectations can't even be set. Those are the days we are in. And yet, there is an advantage these days afford. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Arlan Miller helps us see those advantages. We learn flexibility. A lot is out of our control. We learn childlikeness. God is our Father. We learn dependence. God is our supplier. We learn to be responsible in those things we know. We learn to shift our trust fr...
2020-05-1818 minBreaking Bread PodcastWalking with Kids through Their LossIt is easy to overlook the losses our kids are enduring these days. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Craig Stickling highlights what many of our kids are experiencing as their lives have been put on hold during these days of COVID-19. Fortunately, parents are equipped with a few helpful tools to minister to their losses. Some tools for the toolset: Acknowledge their loss. Don't down-play it. Kids have had limited experience. Bring perspective. Connect with their loss. Resist shifting the focus to yourself. They will be fearful. Help them express it. They will be frustrated...
2020-05-0425 minBreaking Bread PodcastLament: Bringing our Emotional Pain to GodWhat do we do with emotional pain when we can't make it better? (Hint: David, Hannah, Jerimiah, Job, Habakkuk and Jesus all did it.) In fact, the example is so abundant in the Scriptures you can't miss it. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Ted Witzig Jr. will answer this question and make it very accessible to all who endure pain. Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust. Lament includes four steps: Turn to God Make a complaint Make your request Move forward in trust Lament connects the experience of our pain with the reality of...
2020-04-2025 minBreaking Bread PodcastSufferingSuffering nearly touches us all and is a common human experience. Suffering is bad. Period. Yet, God steps into this badness. Somehow His knowledge of it and presence in it has some redemptive qualities. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Brian Sutter with Fred Witzig take the topic of suffering head-on and expose the hope that suffering affords. Suffering rises from different places. One type of suffering results from consequences from our actions. Another type of suffering results from calamity completely outside of our control. And yet, a third type of suffering comes about when we, by choice, p...
2020-04-0726 minBreaking Bread PodcastMaintaining a Healthy Self Through COVID-19God has made us to be healthy through the COVID-19 crisis. Sometimes that's hard to believe. On this episode of Breaking Bread, Brian Sutter helps us untangle our thoughts and emotions so we can walk these days with a healthy mind. What we need to know about ourselves… We each have an emotional reservoir with only so much capacity. The stress resulting from the COVID-19 crisis can quickly overwhelm us. We need to make the effort to process the emotions we are feeling so as to manage our capacity to absorb stress. Fear, the awareness of da...
2020-03-3027 minBreaking Bread PodcastIntercessory Prayer (Part 1 of 2)The Moravians, an unassuming, powerless, group of refugees prayed mightily for one hundred years. The effects of those prayers cannot be estimated and are still felt today. This is no surprise to anyone who understands intercessory prayer. Prayer makes a difference. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Joe Gerber recounts this history and lays a foundation for prayer today. Listeners will be inspired by the privilege and responsibility of prayer.
2020-03-1120 minBreaking Bread Podcast3 Small Things for Improving Your Marriage -Part 2Sometimes little things make big differences. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer relays three small things that exist in happy marriages. 3 Small Things Be Purposeful Highly happy couples practice meaningful touches throughout the day, boosting relational and individual health. Be Present Highly happy couples aren't just spending time together because they are happy; a big part of the reason they're so happy is that they are spending time together! Be Positive Highly happy couples quickly stop a negative train of thought or action by replacing unhappy or angry...
2020-02-2417 minBreaking Bread PodcastForbearanceThe apostle Paul encouraged the Ephesian church to forbear with one another. Forbearance requires a skill set that is growing increasingly foreign in today's world. A world where individual preferences abound and we have increasingly less reason to endure with those things that do not suit us. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Arlan Miller and Kaleb Beyer flush out the attribute of forbearance and expose it for its Christ-like beauty. Forbearance is enduring with someone or something that doesn't comply with your favor. Forbearance is not forgiveness, which requires an offense to be pardoned. Forbearance is acknowledging...
2020-02-1018 minBreaking Bread PodcastParenting Styles: Part 2 Parenting kids can tee up disagreement between parents. Why? Parenting styles differ. However, it doesn't have to drive a wedge in a family. In fact, by working together couples might just get parenting right. In this episode Brian and Alison Sutter finish addressing the four basic parenting styles and expose God's overarching purposes.
2020-01-2721 minBreaking Bread PodcastParenting Styles: Part 1Parenting is hard. Should we scold? Punish? Praise? Or ignore? In this episode of Breaking Bread, Brian and Alison Sutter walk us through the dense undergrowth of parenting kids. To discern the path, they give us two lenses: grace and truth. Together these lenses will help us parent our children wisely. Yet if we fail to use either one or both, we'll surely lose our way. Content contained in this episode: Good parenting requires a growth mindset. Determine to learn and grow as a parent. Jesus was "full" of grace and truth. Healthy parenting is "full"...
2020-01-1325 minBreaking Bread PodcastFour Mental Hygiene TipsAll of us tend to our physical hygiene. It is important that we do. Little attention, however, is given to mental hygiene. In this episode Ted Witzig Jr. urges the listener to employ four simple mental hygiene tips in the new year.
2019-12-3022 minBreaking Bread PodcastA Conversation Between the Generations (Part 2 of 2)Some things we see clearly and yet, other things are blind spots to us. Because of this, the generations can clash in their ideals. Commitment, change and freedom are all such ideals that vary widely among the generations. In this episode, a spirit of hearing and learning is cast by participants Amber Miller (Millennial), Tim Funk (Baby-Boomer) and Matt Kaufmann (GenXer) in such a way that each learns and can appreciate each other.
2019-12-1616 minBreaking Bread PodcastA Conversation Between The GenerationsWe are not self-made people. We are influenced. We are molded. Each one of us has been born into a generation and that generation has molded us. In this episode of Breaking Bread Tim Funk, Amber Miller and Matt Kaufmann dialogue about different generations and learn from each other.
2019-12-0221 min
Breaking Bread PodcastParent & Child Attachment Part 2The best way to be helpful to an unattached child is to direct them back to their parents. In this episode of Breaking Bread Craig Stickling answers some direct questions regarding attachment disorder. His answers are both practical and hopeful. Critical content contained in this episode: Question: How can the believing community be helpful with the unattached child? Answer: Always direct the unattached child back to their parents. Question: Is unattachment unique only to non-biological children such as foster children and adoptive children? Answer: No. Biological children can undergo attachment trauma in the ear...
2019-11-1819 minBreaking Bread PodcastParent & Child AttachmentDescription: Sometimes the struggles while parenting is not rebellion in the child, nor is it poor parenting in the parent. Sometimes the problem lies in the attachment between parents and children. This is a brain problem – with answers. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Craig Stickling teaches us about Reactive Attachment Disorder. Critical content contained in this episode: Attachment is a deep and lasting connection between a child and a caregiver established in the first 36 months of life. Attachment is a construct built over time. Attachment impacts a person's self worth, emotional management and ability to bui...
2019-11-0423 minBreaking Bread Podcast3 Small Things for Improving Your MarriageSometimes little things make big differences. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer relays three small things that exist in happy marriages. 3 Small Things Be Purposeful Highly happy couples tend to put God at the center of their marriage. They focus on Him, not their spouse, for fulfillment and happiness. Be Present Highly happy couples choose gratefulness for how their spouse realistically meets their needs instead of longing for something which is difficult or impossible for their spouse to meet. Be Positive - When highly happy couples experience hurt, the...
2019-10-2118 minBreaking Bread PodcastAddiction TreatmentAddictions of all kind concern us. Fortunately there is hope. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Roger Gasser walks us through what addiction treatment looks like. Seeing a path through addiction is, in itself, hopeful. The following questions will be addressed in the podcast: What to do when a family member is addicted but is in denial. What is an Intensive Outpatient Program and when is it needed? When is it recommended? What is Residential Treatment and when is it needed? When is it recommended? What should I look for in choosing one? What are the p...
2019-10-0724 minBreaking Bread PodcastCommunityJesus lived in community. Interpersonal, face to face relationships, with people. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Amber Miller makes a strong case for community, especially for the single. What is community and how is it done? Turns out community is critical for personal well-being and many times requires intentionality on our part.
2019-09-2225 minBreaking Bread PodcastSocial Anxiety in ChildrenBrian Sutter and Craig Stickling provide very practical advice on what to look for and how to engage our children with social anxiety in this episode of Breaking Bread. Be informed. Be equipped. Be encouraged.
2019-09-1025 minBreaking Bread PodcastAnxietyWe are all too familiar with anxiety. We don't like it. But do we understand it for its finer details? In this episode of Breaking Bread, Ted Witzig Jr. walks through three types of anxiety: spiritual, situational and anxiety disorder. Show Notes: Below are some of the topics covered in this podcast: Is there a difference between worry and anxiety? How does God view anxiety? Is all anxiety sin? Understanding the nuances between spiritual anxiety, situational anxiety and anxiety disorders. What is the role of our thoughts in worry and anxiety? How does focusing on...
2019-08-2626 minBreaking Bread PodcastStewarding our Sexuality (part 2 of 2)Without question, sexual vice carries with it sobering consequences. There are things at stake. Yet, oddly enough, the trials we bear have an upside – they define the space of faith and worship we exhibit through obedience to God.
2019-08-1516 minBreaking Bread PodcastStewarding our Sexuality (part 1 of 2)We live in a sexually sensual culture. No doubt about it. And it impacts all of us, irrespective of age, gender and marital status. All the more reason we need to be good stewards of our sexuality. In this episode Katie and Arlan Miller along with Matt tackle this very real aspect of our lives.
2019-07-2915 minBreaking Bread PodcastRestoration Attempts in MarriageCommunication with our spouse can be hard. It is important to note that the content of our conversation is not most important. Process is critical. In this episode, Kaleb Beyer teaches us, with very practical tips, how to steer our conversations back on track. In so doing, we will answer a question superior to content agreement, that is, you matter to me.
2019-07-1523 minBreaking Bread PodcastMarijuanaMarijuana is experiencing a sweeping acceptance across America. How do we make heads and tails of this drug today? In this episode, Dr. Aaron Plattner provides some very welcome discernment.
2019-07-0124 minBreaking Bread PodcastUnderstanding Trauma & its impact on Children (Part 3 of 3)We want to protect them at all costs. But our children will not be able to navigate through this world unharmed. In this episode Brian Sutter and Craig Stickling help us understand the impact trauma has on children. They also provide practical insights on engaging them on the basis of trauma awareness and healing.
2019-06-1726 minBreaking Bread PodcastUnderstanding Trauma & PTSD (Part 2 of 3)Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is becoming a house hold term. In this episode, Ted Witzig Jr. continues to shed light on trauma and it's effects. He helps us understand PTSD and more importantly what Jesus thinks of trauma.
2019-06-0319 minBreaking Bread PodcastUnderstanding Trauma (Part 1 of 3)The event is in the past. It jeopardized your core, basic human needs. Yet your mind and body remain on alert as if the event was in the present. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Ted Witzig Jr. educates us on trauma.
2019-05-2024 minBreaking Bread PodcastSupporting Those with Special Needs (Part 2 of 2)A supporting community is not just a nice idea for those with special needs. It is essential. Wonderfully, the church is such a community. In this episode, Randy and Evie Mogler conclude their remarks about supporting those with special needs. Included in their remarks are practical tips for engaging those with challenges as well as a high and noble calling for the church.
2019-05-0625 minBreaking Bread PodcastSupporting Those with Special Needs Part 1Jesus engaged those with special needs -the blind, the lame, the leper. And we should too. In this episode of Breaking Bread, guests Randy and Evie Mogler educate us on the beautiful world of special needs.
2019-04-2326 minBreaking Bread PodcastEmotional Intelligence (Part 2 of 2)The previous episode focused on the "What is" of emotional intelligence. In this episode Brian Sutter and Amber Miller address the "how to." Expect practical ways to regulate your emotions.
2019-04-0822 minBreaking Bread PodcastEmotional Intelligence (Part 1 of 2)Emotions play a huge role in governing our behaviors and subsequent wellbeing. It is so important then, that we are able to perceive, understand and regulate them. In this podcast Brian Sutter and Amber Miller help us do just that.
2019-03-2519 minBreaking Bread PodcastDealing with Doubt (Part 2 of 2)The greatest born among women, Jesus called him. Yet this man, who was set aside by God to proclaim Christ's deity, questioned it deeply. John Reinhard and Brian Sutter explain three critical lessons we learn from the way John the Baptist dealt with his doubt.
2019-03-1123 minBreaking Bread PodcastDealing with Doubt (Part 1 of 2)Because doubt is such an affront to faith, it can be ignored in Christian circles. Yet John Reinhard and Brian Sutter see doubt much differently. Doubt is not an affront to faith, it is necessary for faith.
2019-02-2519 minBreaking Bread PodcastFamily DynamicsFamilies are a system. A set of dynamic moving parts that effect and influence each other. Over time they form up our norms for family life. In this episode of Breaking Bread, Kaleb Beyer exposes the nuances of family systems and helps us notice where adjustments can be made.
2019-02-1119 minBreaking Bread PodcastMarriage Decision Making (Part 2): When the Answer is NoGiving and receiving a "no" is painful. Ron Messner and Amber Miller discuss the complexities that swirl when this has happened. While easy answers will not be given, a cradle for carrying the difficult questions will be.
2019-01-2820 minBreaking Bread PodcastMarriage Decision Making (Part 1): Faith and WisdomMarriage decision making is under consideration in this episode of Breaking Bread. Guests Ron Messner and Amber Miller discuss critical elements that form up "marriage by faith".
2019-01-1424 minBreaking Bread PodcastFear (Part 2 of 2)If He hasn't already, God will likely force your hand to face your fear. At the core of fear is trust and God very much desires to shift our fears from circumstances to a reverent fear of Him. In this episode Roger Gasser helps us make this transition.
2018-12-3114 minBreaking Bread PodcastFear (Part 1 of 2)What are you afraid of? Often fear lurks just below the surface of our lives. While the fear itself may be concealed, its manifestations are not. In this episode Roger Gasser helps us understand fear - what it is, its purpose and how to deal with it.
2018-12-1716 minBreaking Bread PodcastResiliencyWe know life is not a sprint, but at times it sure feels like it is and we need a serious breather. The fact is, God intends for us to have a breather, quite regularly actually. He has created us to need rest. His rest affords us the respite to be resilient.
2018-12-0319 minBreaking Bread PodcastAbuse in Marriage (Part 2 of 2)In part 1, Kaleb Beyer and Ted Witzig Jr. unpacked what abuse in marriage looks like. In this episode they walk us through the daunting and tricky task of responding to abusive marital situations. We learn a great deal by listening to them speak to both victims and abusers.
2018-11-1919 minBreaking Bread PodcastAbuse in Marriage (Part 1 of 2)News of abuse is all too common today. Sorting out fact from fiction can be challenging. In this episode, Ted Witzig Jr. and Kaleb Beyer stick to the facts as they walk us through the ins and outs of marital abuse.
2018-11-0521 min
Breaking Bread Podcast5 Strategies for Speaking with your ChildrenAs an extension of God's love, He speaks to us. As an extension of our love, we speak to our children. In this episode, Craig Stickling shares five strategies for speaking with our children: envisioning, reinforcing, reminding, redirecting, and open ended questions.
2018-10-2321 min
Breaking Bread PodcastPreparing for Mission (Part 2 of 2)Mission work is not without its difficulties and unmet expectations. Yet it possesses the potential for deep joys. In this episode, Kirk Plattner and Amber Miller speak to critical aspects of preparing for mission.
2018-10-0916 min2018-09-2414 minBreaking Bread PodcastAddictions (Part 2 of 2)Repetitive, degenerative, unmanageable, medicative and destructive – the earmarks of addiction. In this episode, Roger Gasser continues to educate us on these characteristics while at the same time framing up the hope that can be found.
2018-09-1019 minBreaking Bread PodcastAddictions (Part 1 of 2)Am I addicted? A question not a few people have asked. In this episode ACCFS clinician Roger Gasser begins to sort through the finer points of addiction. What it is. How it works. What it means.
2018-08-2719 minBreaking Bread PodcastRespecter of Persons (Part 2 of 2)God is about setting the solitary into families. Psalms 68:6. It's a brilliant plan. As sons and daughters of His we have the opportunity to embrace each member of the family as He does – without being a respecter of persons. In this episode Arlan and Katie Miller provide welcome description on what this looks like.
2018-08-1313 minBreaking Bread PodcastRespecter of Persons (Part 1 of 2)God is not a respecter of persons. Amazing. In this episode Arlan and Katie Miller explain just how easy it is to be partial. Even in church. Yet the community of believers is called to reflect this attribute of God. And it's so good that she has.
2018-07-3013 min
Breaking Bread PodcastMissionary Care: Re-entry Part 3While the process for sending missionaries to the field swirls with preparatory support systems, the process for re-entry can go seemingly without even a footnote. Kirk Plattner and Amber Miller address this vacuum for caring for our missionaries as they return home. And as you would expect, the local church has a large role to play.
2018-07-1613 minBreaking Bread PodcastMissionary Care: Spiritual and Physical Care Part 2The apostle Paul required care from the church. Specifically, he requested spiritual, relational and physical aid. In episode 1, Kirk Plattner and Amber Miller unpacked the relational care the local church can provide a missionary on the field. In this episode, they highlight in detail, ways the church can provide spiritual and physical care.
2018-07-0212 min
Breaking Bread PodcastMissionary Care: The Role of the Church Part 1Out of sight, out of mind is true in many contexts. But it is painfully true when missionaries and local churches are those that grow dim. This episode is the first of a 3 part series on the church's responsibility and opportunity in missionary care. Guests on the show are HarvestCall's Kirk Plattner and ACCFS's Amber Miller. Wonderfully, tangible and meaningful connections can be made that will bless the missionary, the local church and as a result – "be a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God."
2018-06-1819 min
Breaking Bread PodcastHonoring Parents Part 2We want to honor our parents. After all, it is on God's top ten. Beautifully, honor takes on different hues depending on the life stage we are in. However, some situations make honor especially challenging. In this episode, Brian Sutter and Amber Miller address some of those challenging circumstances.
2018-06-0211 min
Breaking Bread PodcastHonoring Parents Part 1Honoring your father and mother is a big deal [Ten Commandments #5]. Yet working that out in real time can be challenging. Especially when we disagree. Obedience has an important voice at the table of honor, but its not the only voice.
2018-05-1916 min
Breaking Bread PodcastLeaving and CleavingLeave and then cleave. This is the pattern for marriage set early in the Scriptures. This is also the pattern for the gospel set throughout the Scriptures. Christ calls us to leave our previous lives, cleave to Him and become a new creation. In a divine reflection of the gospel, marriage calls us to leave our previous lives, cleave to our spouses and be a new family. In this episode, Kaleb Beyer walks through the nuts and bolts of this "marriage long" process.
2018-05-0620 min
Breaking Bread PodcastFamily TimeGod says to His children, "Come unto me." In like manner, I should say to my children, "Come unto me." But what does that look like? Craig Stickling and Brian Sutter offer practical encouragement for parents to engage their children in "family time."
2018-04-2220 min
Breaking Bread PodcastRebuilding TrustOne of the hard realities of relationships is that love and hurt are bundled together. The vulnerability that relationship requires makes disappointment possible, even likely. Getting back up after disappointment and repairing trust is required for relationship maintenance. In this episode Kaleb Beyer and Arlan Miller provide a helpful template for restoring trust.
2018-04-0719 min
Breaking Bread PodcastKnowing GodGod had a controversy with His chosen people in Hosea's day; they didn't know God (Hosea 4:1). Christ had a quarrel with the people of His day; they didn't know God (John 7:28,29). Paul had a burden for the people of his day; that they would know God (Ephesians 1:17). In this episode Matt Kaufmann interviews Brian Sutter about how we can know God better and the delightful and sometimes surprising end that comes as a result.
2018-03-2415 min
Breaking Bread PodcastStewarding Strengths in Our ChildrenEvery parent wants his or her child to excel at something; to possess a gift, a talent, a strength. Because they have been fearfully and wonderfully made, they do. As parents, how do we steward them in these strengths? In this episode, Brian Sutter and Craig Stickling help shed light on this responsibility.
2018-03-1222 min
Breaking Bread PodcastWomanhood: Understanding Equality and Submission Part 2Men and women are equal. Yes. But equality is far too narrow a term to say all that needs to be said concerning gender. In this episode, Amber Miller and Matt Kaufmann discuss the limitations of these terms and introduce a few more helpful ones.
2018-02-2614 min
Breaking Bread PodcastWomanhood: A Reflection of God's Image Part 1God created man in His own image. Male and female created He them. And God blessed them. Genesis 1. In this episode Matt Kaufmann leads Amber Miller in a conversation that highlights the blessing of gender. In particular, the female gender. God has placed unique characteristics of Himself in women. In so doing, God has placed His likeness in the genders in such a way that each is necessary to illustrate Himself the Composite One.
2018-02-1219 min
Breaking Bread PodcastFriendship in Marriage: Connecting with your Spouse (Part 2 of 2)Bringing the sun back out in our overcast marriages is not the result of extravagant acts. In this episode, Kaleb Beyer explains the power for good that accumulating small moments of connection have in warming up the climate of our marriages. The currency of affection is simple, basic, local and accessible.
2018-01-2714 min
Breaking Bread PodcastFriendship in Marriage: Knowing Your Spouse (Part 1 of 2)Friendship is a critical component of marital love. Unfortunately, too often its maintenance is neglected and our "like" for our spouse suffers. Wonderfully, our friendship can be revived. In this episode, Kaleb Beyer gives us the first of three hints on helping our friendship flourish.
2018-01-1413 min
Breaking Bread PodcastMaking Plans for Improvement in 2018The New Year naturally engenders reflection and anticipation. With gusto, we make plans for improvement. In this episode, Ted Witzig Jr. explains that the best way to make plans for success – is to make plans for failure. Getting back on track is the discipline required to get to the end of the rail.
2018-01-0121 min
Breaking Bread PodcastSeasonal Affective DisorderThese are the darkest days on our calendar. For many, the darkness that overshadows is not only physical. The wintertime blues touch the psyche. In this episode, Ted Witzig Jr. speaks to the issue of Seasonal Affective Disorder and points us to the solution – The Light.
2017-12-1616 min
Breaking Bread PodcastParenting Part 3: Disciplining our ChildrenDiscipline is much more than behavior change. In fact, it must be. In this episode, Craig Stickling and Brian Sutter elevate this parental role to a more noble end than that of producing good kids. Listen for the hope that naughty kids afford.
2017-12-0222 min
Breaking Bread PodcastParenting Part 2: Child Parent RelationshipsBy default, our children enter into our families in a relationship with us. After all, they are our sons and daughters. However, relationships are not in name only. In this episode, Craig Stickling and Brian Sutter speak to the importance of building meaningful relationships with our children.
2017-11-2020 min
Breaking Bread PodcastParenting Part 1: Having a Vision for Teaching your ChildrenTeaching is wonderfully optimistic. The sky is the limit; what do you want your students to know? With a little intentionality, parenting is exciting in the same way. In this episode, Craig Stickling and Brian Sutter, interviewed by Matt Kaufmann, encourage us to seize the parenting moment of teaching.
2017-11-0421 min
Breaking Bread PodcastDiscipleshipChrist chose discipleship as the means to pass down faith and sanctify lives. When we engage in Christian discipleship, we participate in the divine and ancient classroom of Christ. In this episode, Arlan Miller and Matt Kaufmann help us understand what discipleship looks like in the church.
2017-10-2220 min
Breaking Bread PodcastCelebrating Our ListenershipOctober marks a milestone for Breaking Bread. Two years, 48 episodes and 46,000 downloads later, we are blessed to find our listenership growing. We rejoice in Christ, our Broken Bread who meets our many and varied needs. He is the substance of our hope in every conversation. In celebration of this milestone we have given Breaking Bread a fresh look and a new sound. Check it out today by listening to our special broadcast.
2017-10-1115 min
Breaking Bread PodcastPsychiatry Part 2: Brain ChangeOur brains are plastic – moldable, changeable. In this episode Dr. Aaron Plattner connects the dots between our thoughts and our actions. He explains how thinking patterns can be changed for the better. This is very good news and ups the ante for our thought life.
2017-10-0120 min
Breaking Bread PodcastPsychiatry Part 1: The science of the BrainWhen it comes to human organs, the brain is arguably the most precious. Thinking, feeling and behaving find their genesis in the brain. How has God created our brains to function? In this episode, Psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Plattner helps us understand this brilliant creation. He sheds much needed light on the intersection of faith and psychiatry.
2017-09-1821 min
Breaking Bread PodcastApologetics Part 3: Giving a DefenseYou don't need to be an intellectual to make a defense for the faith. A visible hope, a genuine love, an honest humility and a listening ear will go a long way in this regard. In this final episode of the Apologetics series Brian Sutter and Matt Kaufmann peal back the onion of faith to reveal the beauty of God and give some tips on how we can engage the skeptic.
2017-09-0217 min
Breaking Bread PodcastApologetics Part 2: Grounding Our FaithThe Christian faith is not a house of cards, tenuous and in need of protection. Thus, questions and challenges are welcome. Within the church especially. Within our families absolutely. In this episode, Brian Sutter helps us understand four main lenses through which we can understand apologetics and make a defense for the faith.
2017-08-1918 min
Breaking Bread PodcastApologetics Part 1: Laying a Foundation for the TopicChristian apologetics is the discipline of making a defense for the Christian faith. Apologetics, therefore, has an important place in the life of a believer. But what place does it have? Does our faith rest on the sum total of a bunch of rational arguments? Or, do the arguments rest on our faith in God and thereby give rise to worship? In this episode, Brian Sutter, interviewed by Matt Kaufmann, cites the importance for both but advocates for worship. Apologetics offers a great deal of health and hope to the believer.
2017-08-0715 min
Breaking Bread PodcastShedding Hurt Part 3: Dealing with DisappointmentThe tools for shedding hurt should be viewed as items in a tool belt to be used upon demand as opposed to items stored away in a box if per chance the need for use arises. In this final episode of the "Shedding Hurt" series, Ted Witzig Jr. explains both the importance and the skills for not allowing hurt to pile up. Having a lifestyle of shedding hurt will allow us to weather life's many disappointments.
2017-07-2322 min
Breaking Bread PodcastShedding Hurt Part 2: Dealing with ForgivenessAt the root of forgiveness there are two gifts to be given. The vindication we want to give to the offender we give to Jesus. The grace we want to keep for ourselves we give to the offender. In this episode, Ted Witzig Jr. walks through the steps of forgiveness and helps us give these gifts to the right recipient.
2017-07-0821 min
Breaking Bread PodcastShedding Hurt Part 1: Dealing with AngerAre you hurting? Have you sustained an emotional wound? Suppose you could shed that hurt. Suppose that hurt could fall away. Ted Witzig Jr. suggests it can. In this podcast series, Matt Kaufmann leads Ted in unpacking the disciplines of shedding hurt, anger, and bitterness.
2017-06-2418 min
Breaking Bread PodcastThe Settled Identity Part 2Settling your identity on Christ will be a journey. A journey worth taking. In this episode, Amber Miller identifies the road markings for this journey and provides some practical helps along the way.
2017-06-1017 min
Breaking Bread PodcastLiving Joyfully Part 2It is a great relief to know that a believer can live joyfully in spite of difficult circumstances. In this podcast, ACCFS clinicians Kaleb Beyer and Brian Sutter unpack two more practical helps for living joyfully – living in the present and living with acceptance. The Christian will understand that their faith in Christ sets them free to apply these techniques regardless of their difficult surroundings.
2016-06-1219 min
Breaking Bread PodcastLiving Joyfully Part 1We should be joyful, however, all too frequently the believer in Christ is not. Living Joyfully is a 4 part podcast series which provides the biblical framework and practical helps for living joyfully in a not-so-joyful world. In the first episode, ACCFS staff Kaleb Beyer, Brian Sutter, and Matt Kaufmann explain how to live intentionally and how such living can restore joy.
2016-05-2917 min
Breaking Bread PodcastStructured Family WorshipCareful intentional teaching concerning family worship is good practice. What forms does it take? ACCFS staff encourages parents in this sometimes daunting task. Resources, techniques, attitudes and strategies are shared to equip parents in this endeavor.
2016-02-1521 min
Breaking Bread Podcast"In the Way" Family WorshipMuch of worship is caught. Our children witness our lives day to day. They see our devotion and catch our patterns. Do we let them in on our worship? ACCFS staff discusses this critical component of worship development in our families.
2016-02-0819 min
Breaking Bread PodcastWhy "Breaking Bread?" Have a Listen....A short explanation of why we at ACCFS chose "Breaking Bread" as the name of our podcast.
2016-02-0103 min
Breaking Bread PodcastCorporate Family WorshipAs parents, God has equipped us to lead family worship. Corporate Family Worship is the first of 4 episodes in a series of conversations concerning the topic of family worship. Specifically in this first episode Matt Kaufmann interviews ACCFS counselors Craig Stickling and Brian Sutter on the topic of family worship in the context of Sunday worship.
2016-02-0110 min
Breaking Bread PodcastTechnology Episode 3: Reacting to Problems that Arise from Adolescent Cell Phone UseChallenges and problems will arise when adolescents are using
cell phones. How should parents react to these challenges? ACCFS
counseling staff presents the power of the cell phone contract.
2015-10-2919 min
Breaking Bread PodcastTechnology Episode 2: Common Mistakes and Safeguards with Adolescent Cell Phone UsageACCFS counseling staff carefully unpack the necessary teaching
that needs to accompany an adolescent who has a cell phone.
2015-10-2917 min