Shows
Bright City ChurchHow Jesus Affirms Our Infinite WorthWhat gives us our worth and who has the power to define it? In this message, Pastor Ike Miller looks at Jesus' encounter with the man at the pool of Bethesda to show how Christ affirms our infinite value. Discover how being seen, respected, and invited into healing reveals the heart of God toward each of us.2025-07-0122 minBright City ChurchHow Jesus Meets UsIn this message, Pastor Ike Miller walks through Jesus’ late-night encounter with Nicodemus to show how Christ meets us exactly where–and how–we need him. From seeker to supporter, Nicodemus’s journey reveals that receiving Jesus means starting life anew and trusting his love, even when it’s hard to understand.2025-06-1730 minBright City ChurchWho does John say Jesus is?Who does John say Jesus is? In this message, Pastor Ike Miller walks through John 1 to reveal Jesus as the Word, the Life, the Light, the Lamb of God, and the very presence of God dwelling with us. Discover how John’s Gospel invites us to see and know the true nature of God through Jesus.2025-06-0336 minBright City ChurchThe Relationship SuperpowerIn the final message of our Pain Points series, Pastor Ike Miller explores how emotional and spiritual maturity go hand in hand. Through Jesus’ vulnerability in John 20, we discover that healing relationships requires compassion, courage, and the willingness to be emotionally honest—with ourselves, with others, and with God.2025-05-2729 minBright City ChurchWhat is your Pain Pointing to?How do the narratives we tell ourselves influence our current behaviors? This week, Pastor Ike Miller launched our new sermon series, “Pain Points.” This four-week series will explore how pain—past wounds, fears, and false beliefs—can quietly shape our lives and relationships.2025-04-3033 minBright City ChurchHow does Jesus Confront an Empire?On Palm Sunday, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks how Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem was a bold, subversive confrontation of empire—not through force, but through humility and peace. In this message, we explore how trust in God, not control, leads to true peace and how Jesus models a kingdom power unlike any the world has known.2025-04-1531 minBright City ChurchEngaging People the Jesus WayJesus had a way of engaging people that was deeply personal, intentional, and transformative. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, showing us how He was fully present, spoke to her pain, and created space for her questions. Join us as we learn how to engage others the way Jesus did—with love, truth, and a heart for redemption.2025-03-2633 min
Eastmans' Journal Podcast EditionHow We Bought a Montana Ranch with Kevan MillerIn episode #67 of the Eastmans' Journal Podcast, host Ike Eastman sits down with Former Boston Bruins player, Kevan Miller. This is the second recording that the guys have done together, and this time, they explore various life lessons and changes. Recently, Kevan and his family purchased a property in beautiful Pony, Montana. The guys discuss the life changes that led to this decision and have insightful conversations about how to approach change with your spouse. This is a great and genuine conversation that we know you will enjoy! Watch all of the EHJ Podcast episodes: • Eastmans' Journal Podcast ...2025-03-0451 minBright City ChurchHow to Know When You Have EnoughGreed keeps us chasing more, but true contentment sets us free. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks Jesus’ warning about the deceitfulness of wealth and the false promises it makes. Discover what it means to be “rich toward God” and find lasting security beyond material possessions.2025-02-2519 minBright City ChurchHow to Handle CriticismNobody loves being criticized, but what if we could handle it in a healthier way? In this sermon, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks how to handle criticism wisely—shifting our self-worth to God's truth, finding the kernel of wisdom in feedback, and responding relationally rather than reactively. Discover practical, biblical life hacks to navigate tough conversations with confidence and grace!2025-02-1132 minBright City ChurchHow To Build Self-ControlSelf-control isn’t just about resisting temptation—it’s about seeing the full story of our choices. In this message, Pastor Ike Miller unpacks Proverbs 25:28 and Proverbs 7 to reveal how self-control protects us from the deception of short-term thinking. When we pause to consider the long-term impact of our decisions, we gain the wisdom to choose what leads to life instead of destruction.2025-01-2826 min
The Dr. Jonathan Hoover ShowEpisode 3: Good Baggage with Guest Dr. Ike MillerGood Baggage: Transforming Past Pain into Present Growth with Dr. Ike Miller | Ep. 3
In this episode of The Dr. Jonathan Hoover Show, we sit down with Dr. Ike Miller, pastor of Bright City Church and author of Good Baggage. Dr. Miller shares his powerful insights on how our past experiences—both good and bad—shape us, and how we can turn our "baggage" into tools for growth and strength in our relationships.
We dive into topics like:
Coping mechanisms from childhood and their effects on adulthood.
The biblical perspective on pain, healing, and growth.
How to b...2024-12-1626 min
Tribe Sober - inspiring an alcohol free life!From Pain to Purpose with Ike MillerMy guest this week is author Ike Miller
In this episode:-
Ike’s father was an alcoholic, leading to family chaos and eventual divorce.
He experienced emotional and physical abuse, realizing the effects on his mental health only later in life.
Ike initially avoided alcohol due to his family background but started drinking at 22
Like many of us alcohol felt like a magic potion and he loved the effect it had on him
However as time passed he found himself relying on it more
During the pandemic, stress, anxiety, and depression exacerbated his drinking, leading to...2024-12-0747 minBright City ChurchHopeCome and celebrate Advent at Bright City Church! Each week, we'll observe the different themes of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Listen to this week's sermon with Pastor Ike Miller as he introduces the first theme of Advent: Hope.2024-12-0324 minBright City ChurchSuffering, but in the hand of GodWhat does it mean to trust in God's care during times of suffering? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he explores the church of Philadelphia in the book of Revelation. In this message, you'll discover three powerful promises that God gave to this faithful church—promises that still hold true for believers enduring hardship today.2024-10-2230 minBright City ChurchAlive In Name OnlyDoes comfort lead to complacency? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he explores the message to the church of Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6. In this powerful sermon, you'll discover two key insights to help you avoid becoming complicit in your complacency.2024-10-1527 minBright City ChurchWhat are your Convenient Beliefs?What’s the difference between living by convenience and standing firm in conviction? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he dives into Revelation 2, where the temptation to choose convenience posed a serious threat. In this powerful message, you’ll be challenged to examine what it truly means to live with conviction and unwavering faith.2024-10-0633 min
IKE Badgers PodcastBadgers USC Big Ten Match-Up - Miller Moss vs Braeden Locke, Lincoln Riley vs Coach Fickle (A Story of 2 Franchises, NFL Greats, Around College Football, Game Preview)Hey Badgers fans! It's USC Week, let the fun continue. In today's episode of the podcast, Alex and KJ break down the Big Ten opener for Big Red as they travel to California for a tough road game. Does Wisconsin have the coaching staff and quarterback play to get the win? Who are some former greats? Dive right in - Welcome back to the IKE Badgers Podcast!
Subscribing, leaving a five-star review on the Apple Podcasts, and telling a friend is the #1 way to help the show.
Follow IKE Badgers on Twitter for Live-Tweeting of...2024-09-2430 minBright City ChurchDemystifying RevelationWhat is the purpose of the book of Revelation? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he explores apocalyptic literature and why believers should engage with it. In this message, you'll discover the historical context behind this letter and the key takeaways for Christians today.2024-09-1033 minBright City ChurchRepairing Your FoundationListen to this message from Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses what it takes to rebuild trust and affection in your marriage. In this message, you'll receive two key tips on repairing the foundation of your relationship.2024-09-0329 min
Old Skool New Skool Comedy PodcastEP 55: IKE AVELLI- "50 Shades of Gay"On this week's episode of "Old Skool New Skool Comedy Podcast", Christy gets to kiki with her dear friend, writer/producer of the hit cabaret show "50 Shades of Gay", comedian Ike Avelli. Starting stand up back in 2009 at age 43, which he considers "late in life" (in gay years its true though 😂💀), he has become a beloved force in the LGBTQ community. With his hit cabaret show "50 Shades of Gay", Ike has been able to tour the country selling out theaters everywhere. A 2 time "Get Out Award" winner for Best LGBTQ Comedian and a Top 20 Best Selling Author on Amazon for hi...2024-08-1249 minBright City ChurchFour Stages of GenerosityWhat does it mean to use our resources for the kingdom? Listen to Pastor Ike Miller explore this topic in the book of James. In this message, you'll learn about the four stages of generosity and how to identify which stage you're in.2024-06-2530 minBright City ChurchResurrecting FatherhoodHappy Father's Day! While this day can be celebratory, it is also a challenging time for many believers. Join Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses the difficulties of this day and the significance of rebuilding trust in strained relationships. In this message, you will gain insights on how to navigate broken relationships and journey towards reconciliation.2024-06-1830 min
The Care Ministry Podcast140:Mental Health Awareness Month with Ike Miller“I can’t change what has happened to me…but I can use it to help somebody else.” Today’s guest, Ike Miller, is an author and pastor who shares his experience of the impacts of growing up with a parent with an addiction to alcohol. As he unpacks his story, we discover the beauty of God’s redemption, using our hurts and struggles for His glory. Now, Ike encourages others through his book, Good Baggage, to discover the same redemption.
Quotes
Once we share our lives with people…it actually makes people aware of that pain so...2024-05-3041 minBright City ChurchWhat kind of "wise" are you?There are two types of wisdom a person can have. Which kind of "wise" are you? Listen to this message from Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses the end of James 3 and the call to heavenly wisdom. In this message you'll learn the difference between the two wisdoms and how to identify the better.2024-05-2835 minBright City ChurchThe Vital Signs of your FaithWhat good is it if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Join Pastor Ike Miller in a discussion on works and how they relate to our faith. Throughout this message, you will receive four indicators that serve as the vital signs of faith.2024-05-0739 minBright City ChurchThe Danger of Adding to JesusWhat happens when we try to hold onto Jesus + (something else)? Join Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses James 2:1-13 and the dangers of showing partiality with our neighbors. In this message, we take away three reasons to avoid partiality and why it's important to serve the needs our community.2024-04-3034 min
What If I'm Wrong?Ike Miller: Good BaggageIs there such a thing as Good Baggage?For today’s episode Heather sits down with Ike Miller and discusses the baggage that we experience in our past that sometimes impacts our present and future. But, is it possible that seeing our parents' parent, or do marriage, or live out their faith, can reveal to us how we can do things differently? Ike believes that his upbringing is what gave him a passion to pursue a different path for himself. What if some baggage can be good?On today’s social toolkit, Heather discusses Elyse Meye...2024-04-1838 minBright City ChurchThree Threats to our IntegrityJoin Pastor Ike Miller as he speaks on James 1:1-18. In this passage James addresses three things that threatened the integrity of his community. In this message, you will see how these three threats are still prevalent in our community today.2024-04-1634 min
Author's Corner: Interviews about the Latest Christian BooksGood Baggage, by Ike MillerToday, Roberta talks to Ike Miller about his new book Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships.Baggage has gotten a bad rap. We think it's all bad. We think it makes us less likely to have good, healthy relationships today. But baggage isn't just the bad stuff that happened to us in the past. It's the lessons we've taken from the pain we carry. It's how what we've been through has actually made us stronger and more capable than we imagine. And it's how we're going to make our current relationships work.2024-04-1314 minBright City ChurchThis Is My Testimony with John PetersonOur talents and achievements pale in comparison to Jesus Christ. Join an interview with John Peterson and Ike Miller as they discuss John's testimony when he discovered Jesus. In this interview, you'll see how John's perspective on his own accomplishments changed when he began to follow Jesus.2024-03-2637 min
The Shaun Tabatt ShowIke Miller - How to Unlock the Relationship Wisdom You Didn't Know You Gained During Your Difficult ChildhoodIn this episode of The Shaun Tabatt Show, Shaun sits down with Ike Miller to discuss his new book Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. To connect with Ike Miller, visit: IkeMiller.com Instagram Facebook Twitter 2024-03-0846 min
Theology With FriendsE18 Childhood Trauma, Pastoral Vulnerability, & Mental Health: Ike MillerMy pastor Ike Miller joins TWF to talk about his new book Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. He shares his personal experiences with childhood trauma, including his father's alcoholism and his parents' divorce. Ike also talks about the impact of these experiences on his relationships and mental health. He hits on the pressure of marriage and church planting, as well as the impact of vulnerability in his pastoral role. He concludes by highlighting the significance of sharing failures and pain to make a real impact on others.
Buy G...2024-03-0844 minBright City ChurchConnecting to the Work of JusticeFasting has always been used as a way to engage in the work of justice. Listen to Pastor Ike Miller give insights on Isaiah 58 and God's calling for His people to fast meaningfully. In this message, you'll hear the importance of connecting to the work of justice through fasting.2024-03-0533 min
Last In Line LeadershipEP336 GOOD BAGGAGE | IKE MILLER | AUTHOR | SPEAKERIke Miller (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) leads Bright City
Church in Durham, North Carolina. He has written about the intersection of theology, mental health, and family of origin issues in outlets such as Christianity Today and Missio Alliance.
Ike Miller grew up in a dysfunctional home, and the trauma of his past continued to affect his relationships as an adult. But through a process of healing and understanding, Ike learned to let go of the negative habits and mindsets he developed as a child while leveraging his experience to pursue healthy
rel...2024-02-2655 minBright City ChurchDeveloping a Healthy AppetiteOne of the most influential factors shaping the life of a modern-day Christian is their relationship with their appetites. Listen to Pastor Ike Miller's message, where he discusses the crucial role of training and practice in the pursuit of Holiness. In this message, you'll learn the importance of developing a healthy appetite.2024-02-2039 min
MercyCastIke Miller on discovering our good baggage.Everyone has baggage. But what if your baggage wasn’t a bad thing?In this episode, pastor and author Ike Miller joins us to unpack his book, Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. From the start, we discuss the impact of baggage on our lives and relationships, where I tell the story of the best breakup gift I have ever received. Then, we explore the concept of codependency and how it can affect vocational Christian ministry. Next, we delve into the importance of setting boundaries and being present in th...2024-02-1442 min
The Conversation with Adam WeberUnpacking Your Baggage (especially as leaders or pastors) with Ike MillerToday's conversation is about baggage. We all have it. Oftentimes it’s heavy and difficult to carry. More than that, if we don’t deal with our baggage, after time it will catch up with us. But not only us, if we don’t deal with our baggage as business leaders, pastors, or even as parents, it’ll impact the people around us. How do we deal with our baggage? That’s what today’s conversation is all about! I sit down with author and pastor, Ike Miller, to unpack the topic of baggage. Ike is...2024-01-3128 minBright City ChurchThe Freedom to Prioritize GenerosityHow much does a person need to make in order to be financially generous? Listen to Pastor Ike Miller discuss Jesus and His disciple's perspectives on generosity. In this message, you'll receive key points on how to steward your resources well in order to be generous to others.2024-01-3037 minBright City ChurchWho Are The Marginalized?Who are the marginalized who knock at the door of the Church? Join Ike Miller as he discusses Jesus' love for the marginalized and the mission every believer has as part of the church. "How often have men experienced a similar disappointment when they knocked on the door of the Church at midnight." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.2024-01-1443 min
TypologyIke Miller Discusses "Good Baggage" and the Enneagram Three's Journey to Authenticity How does your past shape your present relationships? This week's episode is a treasure trove of insights that you won't want to miss! Join us as we sit down with the insightful Ike Miller, PhD, author, pastor, and Enneagram Three, who brings a fresh perspective on how the baggage we carry from our childhood isn't all bad. In fact, it might just be the key to unlocking healthier relationships and a more authentic self. Ike's new book, "Good Baggage," challenges the notion that all our past experiences weigh us down. Instead, he invites us to...2024-01-1150 min
Jesus Calling: Stories of FaithFaith: A Lighthouse for Finding Our Way ft. Jana Monroe & Ike MillerLiving with a negative worldview, often born out of childhood trauma or difficult experiences in one's life or workspace, can feel as if you're perpetually shrouded in a bleak fog. The world may seem unkind and unfair, every experience tainted by the shadows of your past. Sometimes it can feel like there’s danger around every corner, stealing our joy and our ability to live without constant fear. Former FBI investigator Jana Monroe worked on some notorious and heinous murder cases, including those of Ted Bundy and Jeffrey Dahmer. She shares about the demanding challenges of interviewing ser...2024-01-1120 minBright City ChurchRealigning Your Priorities With JesusWhere does your time, money, and energy go? What outcomes do you believe your use of these things will produce? Join Ike Miller as he discusses the priorities of Jesus and why it's important to align ours with His. In this message, you'll learn about the freedom we have when our priorities are aligned to Christ's.2024-01-0939 minBright City ChurchJoy 2023Come and celebrate Advent at Bright City Church! Each week, we'll observe the different themes of Advent in preparation for Christmas. Listen to this week's sermon with pastor Ike Miller as he introduces the third theme of Advent: Joy.2023-12-1931 min
Craft & CharacterGood Baggage for the Holidays with Ike MillerHow much does your upbringing influence your life now? The answer for all of us is ... more than we realize.In today’s episode, Ike Miller一who pastors Bright City Church alongside his wife Sharon一shares about his new book called Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships.Growing up in a dysfunctional family impacted by alcoholism and divorce, Ike shares firsthand wisdom about:
Cultivating a regular rhythm of counseling.
Why saying no is necessary to stay healthy.
How to stop editing our identity to please others.
How to prioritize rest an...2023-12-1255 min
Bought + Beloved with Kirby KellyFreedom From Dysfunctional Childhoods + Traumatic Baggage with Ike MillerHow do we process and grow from our rough childhoods, traumatic pasts, and broken relationships? Better yet, how do we learn from those to cultivate healthier relationships as adults? This week, I have the pleasure of discussing this with Author and Pastor, Ike Miller. I pray this gives you hope and healing!Buy Ike's Book Here: https://a.co/d/cKdYsCxSupport the ministry!: https://kirby-kelly.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=5d23856d41ec3a0001234376 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us. 2023-12-0639 minBright City ChurchAccountability for LeadersEvery organization should spend quality time developing a system of accountability for their leaders. Join Pastor Ike Miller has he discusses guidelines for this process found in 1 Timothy 4:11-16. In this message, you'll see two types of accountability and gain insights into the accountability framework implemented at Bright City Church for our leaders.2023-11-2832 min
The Good Baggage PodcastDo You Want to Be Well?In the final part of this message series on Good Baggage, we ask the question, where do we go from here? We look at this through the lens of the biblical story of the lame man by the Pool of Bethesda. Jesus asks him a question we are all being asked today, "Do you want to be well?" Jesus tells the man, "Get up, take your mat and walk." In this story, the man is being invited to participate in his own healing, and I believe we also are each being invited to participate on our own...2023-11-2827 minBright City ChurchWomen and LeadershipDoes 1 Timothy mean that women should not teach or have authority over a man? Listen to this message from Pastor Ike Miller as he discusses interpretative practices and the meaning of 1 Timothy 2:8-15. In this message, you'll learn more about women and leadership.2023-11-1339 min
The Resilient Pastor34 | Ike Miller on Redeeming Childhood Wounds & Cultivating Healthy RelationshipsSend us a textIke Miller joins Glenn Packiam to discuss the valuable insights he has gained from church planting, how painful childhood experiences and trauma shape pastor’s leadership styles and how to harness childhood wounds as a source of strength in addressing the needs of your congregation.Check out Ike’s latest book Good Baggage: How Your Difficult Childhood Prepared You for Healthy Relationships. Sign up for the Resilient Pastor cohort today. Early bird registration ends December 31, 2023.2023-10-3146 minBright City ChurchThe Prayer Practice: Listening To GodWhat does it look like to hear the voice of God? Join us as Pastor Ike Miller discusses five ways the Lord speaks to His people. In this message, you'll hear the answers to common questions about prayer and how to discern God's voice.2023-10-2433 minBright City ChurchThe Prayer Practice: Talking With GodDiscover what it means to delight in a rich prayer life! Join us as Pastor Ike Miller breaks down the barriers that often hinder our approach to God. In this message, you'll be given insight into WHO God is and why prayer can be an enriching experience.2023-10-1732 min
FrontStage BackStage with Jason Daye - Healthy Leadership for Life and MinistryHow Understanding Our Baggage Improves Our Leadership - Ike Miller - 79 - FrontStage BackStage with Jason DayeHow can we process the baggage we're carrying from dysfunctional relationships in our past in a manner that helps us become healthier in both life and ministry? In this week's conversation on FrontStage BackStage, host Jason Daye is joined by Ike Miller. Ike is the founding and lead pastor of Bright City Church in Durham, North Carolina. Ike writes regularly about the intersection of theology and mental health. His newest book is entitled Good Baggage. Together, Ike and Jason look at the importance for us as pastors and ministry leaders to better understand the coping mechanisms we've developed from...2023-10-1732 min