Shows
MinistryWatch PodcastEp. 487: Is Traditional Religion Obsolete? Christian Smith Says “Yes”If you are listening to this podcast, I’m guessing religion plays an important role in your life. It certainly does in mine. That’s why I was a little put off by the title of Christian Smith’s new book Why Religion Went Obsolete: The Demise of Traditional Faith in America. Religion is certainly not obsolete in my life.
But I must say: After reading the book, and after having the conversation with him that you are about to hear, I think he may be right. Of course, a great deal hinges on how you define such w...2025-07-1639 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 477: Michael Tait, Southern Baptists Meet, Truett McConnell President SuspendedOn today’s program, Christian music artist Michael Tait admits to living a “double life” after accusations surfaced that he had sexually groomed and assaulted multiple young men over the course of a decade. We’ll take a look.
And, Southern Baptist abuse survivor died last week after a brief illness, sending shock waves through the community of abuse reform advocates. Before her death, she took part in a deposition, publicly revealing details of her abuse by an SBC leader. We’ll have details.
Plus, pro-Israel evangelical Johnnie Moore is named chair of a Gaza aid group.
But first, the trustees o...2025-06-1329 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 475: Sean Feucht, Doug Wilson’s Empire, Christianity Today, and Robert MorrisOn today’s program, ministry leader Sean Feucht is being accused of moral, ethical, and financial failure by former leaders of his various nonprofits. The accusers issued a formal statement this week detailing their accusations and are calling for an independent investigation.
And, with the construction of a new school campus, Pastor Doug Wilson’s empire continues to grow in Idaho. We’ll take a look.
Plus, Tim Dalrymple is leaving his role at Christianity Today to take the helm of the John Templeton Foundation.
But first, Robert Morris is pushing back on Gateway Church’s claims that they didn’t know the...2025-06-0632 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 471: S.D. (Sam) Smith on Rabbits With Swords And Staying Put in West VirginiaI was recently trying to remember the first time I met S.D. (Sam) Smith, the creator of the wildly popular Green Ember books. I think it was at a homeschool conference a decade ago, back when I was working at The Colson Center. I noticed that one of the booths in the exhibit hall was crowded with kids and their parents. It was Sam’s booth, and the kids were going just crazy in their enthusiasm for Sam’s “rabbits with swords,” the heroic and delightful characters who are the stars of the Green Ember books.
Since then, Sam’s Green Em...2025-05-2834 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 464: Cross Timbers Church, Evangelical Leaders Petition Trump, Donations Increase While Donors DeclineOn today’s program, Milestone Church in North Texas announced this week it is expanding its campuses by absorbing Cross Timbers Church in nearby Argyle. Cross Timbers has faced a series of challenges in the past year, including the forced resignation of its senior pastor. We’ll have details.
Plus, prominent evangelical leaders petition President Trump to allow Afghan refugees to remain in the U.S. Refugees face arrest, torture, and possibly death by the Taliban if deported back to Afghanistan. We’ll take a look.
A new survey shows the number of donors continued to drop in 2024…but revenue from ove...2025-05-0930 min
Can You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSoul Care for Black Woman Grief with Dr. Barbara PeacockIn this episode, Natasha is joined by Dr. Barbara Peacock, a Spiritual Director and author of the award-winning book Soul Care in African American Practice and several other books. She is the Founder of Barbara L. Peacock Ministries and the Peacock Soul Care Institute.In this conversation, Dr. Peacock helps us as Black women get back to spiritual disciplines to help us navigate grief and this grief filled life in which we live.Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can...2025-04-2950 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithAllyship, Grief, and the Church with Aubrey SampsonIn this episode, Natasha sits with Aubrey Sampson, author of several books on grief, lament, and hope including The Louder Song, Known, her best-selling kids book Big Feelings Days and her newest book What We Find in the Dark. Aubrey is a church planter and teaching pastor at Renewal Church, a multiethnic congregation in the Chicagoland area, the co-host of the Nothing is Wasted Podcast, and leads The Louder Song Community, an online gathering for grievers and those walking with the hurting. I am so very honored to know her.In this conversation, Aubrey shares what it m...2025-04-2243 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithEmpowering Black Women through Activism and Advocacy with Ekemini UwanIn this episode, Natasha sits with Ekemini Uwan, a public theologian, international human rights activist, and co-author of the 2023 NAACP Image Award Nominated book Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. She co-hosts the award-winning podcast Truth's Table and Get In The Word With Truth’s Table. Her writings have been published in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, The Huffington Post Black Voices, and Hallmark Mahogany, and more. As one who is passionate about theology, Ekemini has a fierce commitment to the gospel and its implications for issues pertaining to reparations, racial injustice, anti-bl...2025-04-0848 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithThe Church, Grief and Sisterhood: Bridging the Gap with Liv DooleyIn this episode, Natasha sits with Liv Dooley, a Bible teacher and the podcast host of The Best Kept Secret with Liv Dooley, which has featured some of the leading teachers and burgeoning ministry leaders of our day. Liv is passionate about helping people enjoy greater intimacy and authority in Christ Jesus through prayer. She shares her heart about the church, grief and sisterhood.Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what...2025-04-0149 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 451: Willow Creek’s Dave Dummit, Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church & the State of the ChurchOn today’s program, Willow Creek Pastor Dave Dummit announced this week he is stepping down as leader of the influential Chicagoland megachurch. Leaders have also named his successor. And, revenue is down for Steven Furtick’s Elevation Church, while in-person membership is flat. We’ll take a closer look at the church’s 2024 annual report. Plus, the state of the church—Barna Group released its new report showing men have outpaced women in church attendance, reversing a longstanding trend. We’ll have details.
But first, more churches are leaving what’s known as ‘the Network,’ led by Steve Morgan. Nearly half of the...2025-03-2827 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithHealing Together: Communal Grief and Rebuilding with Dawn Mann SandersIn this episode, Natasha sits with Dawn Mann Sanders, an associate minister and has written and taught extensively on overcoming adversity and creating a new life, and she is the author of When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding.Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Unspoken GriefBreaking the SilenceNavigating Cultural and Societal ForcesRebuilding Thr...2025-03-251h 09MinistryWatch PodcastEp. 449: Robert Morris, USAID and Samaritan’s Purse, Steve LawsonOn today’s program, Gateway Church founder Robert Morris turns himself into authorities after a grand jury indicted him on child sexual abuse charges. We’ll have details. And, USAID unfreezes $19 million in funds for Samaritan’s Purse. We’ll take a look. Plus, nearly 200 ministries do NOT file a Form 990 with the IRS. We have that list, and many of the largest ministries in the country are on it.
But first, prominent pastor and theologian Steve Lawson breaks his silence six months after news surfaced that he was having an inappropriate relationship with a young woman. Steven Lawson, 73, who stepped...2025-03-2130 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithBiblical Encouragement Amid Grief with Christina PattersonIn this episode, Natasha sits with Christina Patterson, Founder of Beloved Women, author, speaker. and bible teacher. Christina walks alongside women everyday encouraging them in the Word of God and in this episode she shares Biblical Encouragement for Black Women navigating grief. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The Power of Presence in GriefFinding Peace in Scri...2025-03-1842 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 447: SBC Financial Challenges, Oklahoma Bible-Buying Plan Halted,On today’s program, the Southern Baptist Convention says the Department of Justice has wrapped up its investigation into the denomination’s handling of sexual abuse cases by its pastors and leaders. We’ll take a look.
Also, evangelical ministry leaders hold a vigil to protest the Trump Administration’s defunding of foreign aid. Plus, one ministry whose funding was canceled…then reinstated…but its operations remain in limbo. We’ll have details.
But first, Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction is asking Americans to donate money to send Bibles into public school classrooms, though the Oklahoma Supreme Court has temporarily...2025-03-1428 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithCultivating Allyship and the Power of Living Slow with Jodi GrubbsIn this episode, Natasha sits with Jodi Grubbs, Slow Living Advocate and author of Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale. In this conversation, we talk about the power of living slowly and what it means to come alongside Black Women. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Through PresenceEmpathy as a StrengthThe Power of Living Slo...2025-03-1134 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithEngaging in Grief, Lament, and Kingdom Work with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk RobinsonIn this episode, Natasha sits with Dr. Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, a writer, speaker, leadership consultant, and mentoring coach. A former Marine Corps officer and U.S. Naval Academy graduate, Natasha has nearly 2 decades of experience in leadership and discipleship across military, government, church, and nonprofit spaces. She’s the founder of Leadership LINKS, Inc., author of Mentor for Life and Hope for Us, and editor of Voices of Lament. In this powerful conversation we dive into discipleship, mentorship, sponsorship, and how we can faithfully walk through Black Woman Grief with God and community. Come and sit with...2025-03-0452 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithNavigating Racial and Ethnic Trauma with Sheila Wise RoweIn this episode, Natasha sits with Sheila Wise Rowe, MEd, author of award winning "Healing Racial Trauma" and "Young Gifted and Black," to explore the complexities of identity formation, trauma, and the journey towards healing. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Podcast. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Understanding Racial and Ethnic TraumaThe Exhaustion of Identity ChallengesCoping Mechanisms and Community SupportThe Path to Healing and Ho...2025-02-2536 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithReframing 'The Strong Black Woman' Narrative with Dr. Quantrilla ArdIn this episode, Natasha kicks off Season 7 with this ten-episode series with Dr. Quantrilla Ard. The episode serves as a rallying cry for Black women to embrace their full emotional spectrum and to create a balanced life filled with rest, resilience, and joy. Dr. Ard's vulnerability and insights remind us all that the journey through grief and strength is personal, and there is power in sharing and living our truths. Come and sit with us and join the conversation, Sitting with Black Woman Grief, an exclusive podcast series on the Can You Just Sit With Me? Po...2025-02-2543 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithIntroducing: Sitting With Black Woman GriefEvery loss is worthy of the space and grace to grieve. Sitting With Black Woman Grief is an exclusive podcast series dedicated to giving space and voice to the specific loss and grief experienced by Black Women. Black woman grief is real and it is valid. In this ten-episode series, host Natasha Smith, author of Black Woman Grief (and Can You Just Sit With Me) sits with guests and invite them to share their Black Woman grief experience as a Black Woman or ally. Offering solidarity, compassion, hope, and support for those navigating Black Woman grief and those w...2025-02-2104 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 438: Archegos Capital Management, He Gets Us at the Super Bowl, T.D. JakesOn today’s program, two former leaders from Archegos Capital Management have dropped their financial claims against disgraced Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang. Why did they drop out, and what does that mean for the other staff members hoping to collect $32 million? We’ll have details.
And, the controversial ‘He Gets Us’ ads showcased its message again at Sunday’s Super Bowl game. After critics last year labeled the ads too political, this year’s version was decidedly less so. We’ll take a look.
Plus, Mission Aviation Fellowship co-founder Jack Hemmings dies at 103…in 2024, he became the oldest pilot to fly a spitfire.
...2025-02-1428 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 430: Kanakuk, Climbing the “Benefits Cliff,” and Pastors and PlanesOn today’s program, the lawsuit against Kanakuk Kamps brought by Logan Yandell has been dismissed. Yandell was a former camper who was sexually abused at the camp by leader Pete Newman. We’ll take a look. Also, in the next episode of our Generous Living series, a story about how $4 an hour changed the life trajectory of a young mom. And, Pastors and Planes—after tracking planes owned by more than 40 ministries, who was the biggest user of private aircraft…and how much did it cost donors?
But first, an Ohio pastor has been found guilty of criminal charges for prov...2025-01-2428 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 428: Joyce Meyer Leaves Daystar, Financial Lessons From a Florida Church, Remembering “Coach Mac”On today’s program, Joyce Meyer joins a slew of popular televangelists who have pulled their programs from Daystar Television Network amid accusations the network’s president Joni Lamb covered up the sexual abuse of her granddaughter. We’ll have details.
Also, a long-time employee of a Florida church was sentenced to 2 years in prison for embezzling almost $1 million…the church is speaking out now with lessons it has learned. We’ll take a look.
And, legendary coach and founder of Promise Keepers, Bill McCartney, has died after a long battle with dementia. At its height in the 1990s, Promise Keepers dr...2025-01-1725 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithChelsea Ohlemiller on Sitting with Mother Loss, Faith, and the HolidaysIn this episode, Natasha sits with Chelsea Ohlemiller. She is the author of the new book Now That She's Gone, a book about her own journey of grief at the loss of her mother. Known for her blog, Happiness, Hope & Harsh Realities, Chelsea's work can be found featured in the national bestseller “So God Made a Mother” and two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, also published online by platforms such as Her View From Home, (in)Courage, Love What Matters and more. You don't want to miss this special episode, closing out Season 6. Come and sit w...2024-12-2536 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 421: Dr. Michael Brown, Bob Jones University, and PCUSA Decline ContinuesOn today’s program, author and teacher Dr Michael Brown of the radio program Line of Fire has agreed to a third-party investigation after being accused of sexual impropriety. We’ll have details.
And, we remember two anniversaries this week—the release of a GRACE investigation into Bob Jones University and their handling of sexual abuse cases, and the fall of Mars Hill Church. We take time to reflect on both—lessons learned and where things stand now.
Plus, overall membership in the Presbyterian Church USA continues to fall—except among people who identify as genderqueer. We’ll take a look.
But fi...2024-12-1328 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithCorine E. Phillips on Sitting with Child Loss and FaithIn this episode, Natasha sits with Corine E. Phillips, a wife and mom, originally from Cameroon, she now calls the US home. She is the author of When I Lost My Son to Him, where she shares her heartfelt story of losing her 2-year-old son Caleb, a story of loss and love that she hopes will bring comfort to parents who have experienced similar heartbreak. Come and sit with us and join the conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:A Story of Reckless Lov...2024-12-0929 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 429: Morningstar Dispute Settled, Bill Hwang Sentenced, and T.D. Jakes UpdatesOn today’s program, MorningStar Fellowship Church in South Carolina reaches a settlement with York County after a decade-long dispute over Heritage Tower—a building originally owned by Jim Bakker’s Praise the Lord Ministries. We’ll have details.
And, Christian philanthropist Bill Hwang was sentenced for a $10 billion fraud. We’ll take a look.
Plus, another Christian college is on the ropes. Saint Augustine’s University in North Carolina slashes its workforce by 50% in its fight to retain accreditation.
But first, a week after suffering a dangerous health incident during a Sunday morning church service, Bishop T.D. Jakes updated his...2024-12-0630 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithGeorge Ackerman on Sitting with Mother Loss and Parkinson's DiseaseIn this episode, Natasha sits with George Ackerman, PhD, Sharon’s son, works in the fields of law, police, and education. George lost his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman on 1/1/2020 due to Parkinson’s Disease.He wanted to honor his mother and continue to help in the Parkinson’s awareness cause and did not know how to bring change. TogetherForSharon® was started as a family for the purpose of keeping his mother, Sharon Riff Ackerman’s, memory alive and to share the message of Parkinson’s Awareness and hope for a cure.Come and si...2024-11-1229 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 413: My Faith Votes, Turning Point USA, Gateway ChurchOn today’s program, Jason Yates—the former president of the Christian advocacy group My Faith Votes—has been charged with possession of child pornography. We’ll have details.
Plus, Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA is rallying young people to become active in politics by establishing chapters on Christian college campuses. We’ll take a look.
And, results from our quarterly survey of ministry leaders—revenue decline remains the top ministry challenge.
But first, Gateway Church has removed four of its elders over former pastor Robert Morris’ sexual abuse scandal. Four elders at Gateway Church, whose senior pastor Robert Morris stepped d...2024-11-0827 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithDawn Sanders on Sitting with Rebuilding When Your World Ends (Part 2)In this episode, Natasha sits with Dawn Sanders, an associate minister at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG), where she serves as the director of the sermon-based life groups ministry. Dawn has written and taught extensively on overcoming adversity and creating a new life and she includes a roadmap of just how to do this in her new book When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life.So come and sit with us and join the conversation. This is part 2 of 2 of our conversation. Be sure to listen to part 1 to...2024-11-0729 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithDawn Sanders on Sitting with Rebuilding When Your World Ends (Part 1)In this episode, Natasha sits with Dawn Sanders, an associate minister at First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG), where she serves as the director of the sermon-based life groups ministry. Dawn has written and taught extensively on overcoming adversity and creating a new life and she includes a roadmap of just how to do this in her new book When Your World Ends: God’s Creative Process for Rebuilding a Life.So come and sit with us and join the conversation. This is part 1 of our conversation. Be sure to listen to part 2 to ge...2024-11-0630 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSara Schneider on Sitting with Meaning Making Amid Devastating LossIn this episode, Natasha sits with Sara Schneider, a 3x NICU mom to three boys, two on earth and one in Heaven. She is the founder of Bowen Walker Foundation, a national nonprofit serving grieving and bereaved children after trauma and loss, and author of the new book One Mother of a Miracle.As always, you will find this conversation both helpful as well as hopeful, so come and sit with us and join the conversation. Please let us know what resonates with you. Main points:...2024-10-3038 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 409: Operation Underground Railroad, Eric Metaxas, Joni and FriendsOn today’s program, Operation Underground Railroad founder Tim Ballard sues for defamation after six women accuse him of sexual assault. We’ll have details.
And, MinistryWatch reporter Marci Seither visits Joni & Friends in Tennessee as the ministry ships off hundreds of donated wheelchairs. They head to a prison, where inmates are repairing the equipment, even as they work to repair their own lives.
Also, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference announces the launch of new health initiatives, including mental health and financial health. We’ll take a look.
But first, relatives and scholars of Dietrich Bonhoeffer have issued a warnin...2024-10-2524 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithKelsey Scism on Sitting with Grief and One Year with JesusIn this episode, Natasha sits with Kelsey Scism, a wife, mother, former language arts teacher, and author of her new book One Year With Jesus. Kelsey shares her personal story of loss and grief and how her new book will help young readers in their faith.Come and sit with us and join the conversation and let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The power of presenceTransforming tragedy into purposeDeveloping spiritual muscles early onBuilding community and conversation...2024-10-2235 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithAlisha Reginal on Sitting with Pregnancy and Infant LossIn this episode, Natasha sits with Alisha Reginal. She is a faith-filled Christian, wife, and mother of two boys. After the stillbirth of their first son, Travis Jr., she and her husband founded Remembering My Child, an organization that helps bereaved parents grieve and cherish their children's memories.Come and sit with us and join the conversation and let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The emotional and mental challengesThe role of faith and the support systemsPractical advice and personal anecdotes to offer h...2024-10-1544 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithLea Turner on Sitting with God in the Midst of Grief and TraumaIn this epiosde, Lea Turner, author of The Freedom To Feel, joins Natasha for a conversation on how to find God in the midst of grief and trauma. Leah graciously shares her experiences navigating multiple losses including her father's cancer, her mother's cancer diagnosis, a tragic house fire, and her son's struggle with addiction. This episode is chalked with so many truths about the harsh realities of grief as well as the hope we can find in the midst of it.Come and sit with us and join the conversation and let us know what resonates...2024-10-0831 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithLisa Appelo on Sitting with Life After LossIn this epiosde, Lisa Appelo, author of Life Can Be Good Again, joins Natasha for a conversation on how to sit with life after loss. Lisa, no stranger to grief after the sudden death of her husband, offers a hopeful, yet realistic and gentle perspective on what life can look like when we invite God into our brokenness. She shares how faith can guide us through the pain and help us rediscover hope in the midst of loss. Come and sit with us and join the conversation.Let us know what resonates with you. 2024-10-0139 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 401: Steve Lawson, Steve Morgan and The Network, and Vince BantuOn today’s program, longtime pastor Steve Lawson was removed as pastor of Trinity Bible Church in Dallas over an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a woman...now, ministries are dropping the author and teaching fellow as ripples of his affair spread. We’ll take a look.
And, devastated families share stories of being cut off by adult children involved in The Network—an association of churches started by Steve Morgan. We’ll have details.
Plus, two prominent pastors announce their plans for retirement.
But first, Fuller Seminary Professor Vince Bantu is being accused of a secret second marriage. Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, M...2024-09-2729 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithAnnie Sklaver Orenstein on Sitting with Sibling LossIn this epiosde, Annie Sklaver Orenstein, a qualitative researcher, oral historian, and storyteller who has spent over adecade collecting stories from people around the world joins Natasha for a much needed conversation on Sibling Loss. They discuss Annie's latest book, Always A Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner's Guide to Grief, a practical, compassionate guide to sibling loss, with research, stories, and strategiesfrom someone who’s been there.Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Acknowledging the Unique Grief...2024-09-2638 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSummer Gross on Sitting with Grief and The Emmanuel PromiseIn this epiosde, Summer Gross, an Anglican priest rooted in the Christian classics and author of The Emmanuel Promise sits with Natasha to chat about sitting with grief and The Emmanuel Promise. Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Spiritual Direction and the Emmanuel PromiseAttachment Theory and Its ImpactBridging Attachment and Spiritual PracticesImportance of Secure Attachment with GodHelpful Links:Jo...2024-09-2643 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 395: Bethany Christian Services Sues Michigan, China Adoptions, 9/11 Heroes Get HelpOn today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details.
And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home.
Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot.
But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated. The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopti...2024-09-1329 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 392: Morningstar Ministries Turmoil, NRB Sues IRS over Johnson AmendmentOn today’s program, Morningstar Ministries is undergoing a leadership shakeup…after its CEO resigned, allegations of sexual misconduct began to arise. We’ll have details.
And, many Christian colleges have fallen on hard times. But a Christian university in Georgia has been trying out new ways to grow enrollment…and it appears to be working. We’ll take a look.
Plus, Trinity International University is on the look out for a new president….just six months after its current president took the reins.
But first, the National Religious Broadcasters is suing the IRS over the Johnson Amendment.
The producer for today’s...2024-09-0626 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 387: Gateway Church, Megan Basham, Turning Point USA, and MoreOn today’s program, Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, continues to struggle in the aftermath of sexual abuse allegations against its founder Robert Morris—including NEW sexual abuse allegations, the cancellation of its annual Gateway conference, and more. We’ll look at the latest.
And, Megan Basham is under fire from fellow journalists for naming an alleged sexual assault victim in her new book ‘Shepherds for Sale.’ We’ll have details.
Plus, the largest seminaries in the U.S.
But first, election season is in full swing, and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is urging pastors to mobilize their churches for...2024-08-2326 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 381: Clint Pressley, Pastors and Politics,and Vineyard AnaheimOn today’s program, after a slew of controversies, Southern Baptists chose a low-key leader. We take a closer look at new SBC President Clint Pressley. And, Pastors and politics—legally, what are churches and other Christian nonprofits allowed to do when it comes to this year’s presidential campaign?
We also highlight the results are in from our summer survey of top ministry executives. They tell us their biggest challenges—and hopes for the future.
But first, a former youth volunteer for Vineyard Church in Anaheim, California, has been sentenced to more than 120 years in prison.
The producer for today’s...2024-08-0927 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 378: Miles Smith Reads The Ex-VangelicalsYou may have heard the term ex-vangelical. An ex-vangelical is someone who formerly identified as an evangelical, but no longer does so. The phenomenon has created a sub-genre of books from memoirs – such as those by Josh Harris, Rachel Held Evans, and others -- to more journalistic accounts, such as Sarah McCammon’s “The Ex-Vangelicals.”
But is there really a groundswell of people leaving evangelicalism? Are these books fair representations of evangelicalism? Is the rejection of the ex-vangelicals really a rejection of Christianity, or a rejection of a certain brand of evangelicalism defined more by culture and politics than theology?
These ar...2024-07-3124 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 376: The SBC’s Reversal on Brent Leatherwood, First Baptist Dallas, Life Surge ConferencesOn today’s program, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission—the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention—fired its president Brent Leatherwood this week…then less than 12 hours later reversed course and said he was NOT fired. We’ll have details.
Also, Life Surge wealth conferences draw big audiences with its celebrity speaker lineup and wealth-building tools…we’re taking a closer look to see if it’s delivering on its promises. And, New York Theological Seminary closed its doors earlier this month—famous alumni include religious broadcaster Pat Robertson and author of the Message, Eugene Peterson.
But first, the historic sanct...2024-07-2623 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithJodi Grubbs on Sitting with An Invitation to Live SlowlyIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Jodi Grubbs, a slow living advocate, author, and podcast host. They discuss Jodi's latest book, Live Slowly: A Gentle Invitation to Exhale, which encourages readers to integrate slow living practices into their busy lives. Jodi shares personal stories of loss and the importance of taking time to reflect, be present, and accept life’s uncontrollable moments.Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:The need to slow downThe S.L.O.W. a...2024-06-1726 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithLiv Dooley on Sitting with God through DisappointmentIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Liv Dooley, Bible Teacher, Podcast Host of The Best Kept Secret Podcast with Liv Dooley and author of the new books Selah: A Study of 1 and 2 Samuel and Expectant: 31 Prayers to Help You Prepare for Your Baby Girl. We chat about unanswered prayer, unmet expectation, and navigating disappointments with God. Liv brings such a fresh perspective from her lived experiences and biblical wisdom. Tune in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Navigating DisappointmentsWorship as an anc...2024-06-1045 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithEmily Lawson on Sitting with Motherhood and LossIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Emily Lawson, a Communications Director and author of the new book Cracks In My Cup: Reflections on Motherhood and Loss. We chat about the loss of a parent, fostercare and adoption and associated grief in motherhood. This is such a needed conversation. Listen in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Writing as a Path to HealingThe Duality of Motherhood and LossNavigating Complex EmotionsGod's Presence in Our GriefHelpful Links:...2024-06-0350 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithLeanne Friesen on Sitting with Grieving RoomIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Leanne Friesen, an ordained minister and author of the new book Grieving Room: Making Space for All the Hard Things after Death and Loss. We chat about the concept of giving oneself and others the space to mourn, and discuss personal stories of loss and healing. I love her perspective and this conversation around sibling loss as well. Listen in and join the conversation. Let us know what resonates with you. Main points:Navigating Sibling LossFinding Grieving RoomThe Challenges Within Church Set...2024-05-2745 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithAubrey Sampson on Sitting with Big Feelings Days and MoreIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Aubrey Sampson, an author of several books including The Louder Song, Known, and her latest best selling kids book Big Feelings Days. This is probably going to be the most joyous episode you will hear about grief. I loved it so much and so will you. So listen in and join the conversation. Main points:Children and Grief: A World OverlookedLearning the Language of LamentPractical Tools for Navigating Big FeelingsHope on the HorizonHelpful Links:2024-05-2034 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithDr. Quantrilla Ard on Sitting with Grief: Finding Hope, Joy, and CommunityIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Dr. Quantrilla Ard, a passionate behavioral scientist, a lived experiences expert, and loss and grief coach. She holds a doctoral degree in Health Psychology and is an advocate and champion for social and reproductive justice with a focus on Black maternal and infant health and mortality. This episode is so rich and hits deep. Listen in and join the conversation. Main points:You Are Not Alone: The Power of CommunityEmbracing Hope: Knowing Grief Has an Expiration DateFinding Strength in Vulnerability: Sharing Stories of Loss and ResilienceRecognizing an...2024-05-1342 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithClaire Bidwell Smith on Sitting with Conscious GrievingIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Claire Bidwell Smith, a licensed therapist and author of her 5th book Conscious Grieving: A Transformative Approach to Healing from Loss. Claire is a well of knowledge, sharing from her lived experience and years working in hospice and private practice. Listen in and join the conversation. Main points:Conscious grieving as a new framework for the stages of grief.The value of companionship and supportive relationships.Grief as a catalyst for growth and self-discovery.Acknowledging the beauty and interconnectedness present in grief.Helpful Lin...2024-05-0624 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithWhitney K. Pipkin on Sitting with How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms UsIn this epiosde, Natasha sits with Whitney K. Pipkin, a journalist and author of her new book We Shall All Be Changed: How Facing Death with Loved Ones Transforms Us. Whitney writes from a place of lived grief after facing the death of her mom to cancer. You will fnid this conversation engaging, informing, as well as comforting. Listen in and join the conversation. Main points:Embracing Grief as a Path to HealingThe Theology of DeathFinding Strength in VulnerabilityLiving in Light of the EndHelpful Links:2024-04-2934 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSarah Bell on Sitting with Life, Loss, and HopeNatasha sits with Sarah Bell, Grief Educator and creator of Life, Loss and Hope. Sarah brings a wealth of wisdom and knowledge from her years of service as a Hospice Chaplain and lived grief experience. Come and sit with us and join the conversation. Main points:Honoring our individual paths of healingFacing the storm head-onFinding hope in the person of Jesus ChristHealing through shared storiesHelpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Just Si...2024-04-2232 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 349: Mark Driscoll, Calvin University, Chuck SwindollFIRST SEGMENT
Warren
Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.
Natasha
I’m Natasha Cowden in Denver, Colorado. We’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.
Warren
On today’s program, General Episcopal Theological Seminary thought it had found a solution to its financial woes—until 7 bishops intervened, saying they didn’t want to be in partnership with a conservative. We’ll have details.
Also, controversial pastor Mark Driscoll got booted off the stage at last weekend’s Stronger Men’s Conference after calling out the conference host for his choice of entertainment openin...2024-04-1929 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithChuck & Ashley Elliott on Sitting with I Used To Be______Natasha sits with Chuck & Ashley Elliott, authors of I Used To Be___: How to Navigate Large and Small Losses in Life and Find Your Path Forward. Chuck and Ashley uniquely combines their professional backgrounds in pastoral care and licensed counseling, respectively, to guide others through grief. Their insights offer not only practical advice but also a compassionate understanding of grief's impact on intimate relationships and personal growth.Main points:Navigating Identity and LossDiscussion of The Three A's of ChangeNavigating Intimate RelationshipsProviding a message of Hope and LegacyHelpful Links:2024-04-1537 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithRachel Marie Kang on Sitting with The Matter of Little LossesNatasha sits with Rachel Marie Kang, author of her latest work The Matter of Little Losses. Rachel guides us into focusing attention to life's small details and losses. She highlights the therapeutic role of personal storytelling, art in mirroring grief, and practical spiritual coping mechanisms. The conversation explores acknowledging all kinds of losses and why it all matters.Main points:The importance of vulnerability and connection.The role of storytelling, both personal and artistic.Practical spiritual practices as tangible ways to cope with loss.Small (and big) things shape our lives.Helpful Links:2024-04-0829 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithTheo Boyd on Sitting with My Grief Is Not Like YoursNatasha kicks off Season 5 in conversation with Theo Boyd, author of Your Grief Is Not Like Mine. Her story has been described as one where "you just can't make this stuff up". You don't want to miss this one!Main points:We are not alone in the depth of our grief.Learn about the therapeutic effects of writing out grief.Presence is powerful for those who are grieving.Hope is possible amid grief.Helpful Links:Join the newsletter | Sign up for monthly encouragement from Natasha hereGet your copy of Can You Ju...2024-04-0136 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithLearning to Grieve Broken Hallelujahs (Beth Slevcove)In this episode, I sit with Beth Allen Slevcove, Author of Broken Hallelujahs: Learning to Grieve the Big and Small Losses of Life. Beth says, “We have this pressure to not give our grief the amount of time, attention, and space and help...that leads to moving through/metabolizing [grief]. That [the grief] will turn into something useful and helpful. More compassionate, more understanding. Give us a deeper ability to love and see the beauty in life. This is what can naturally happen if we give it space and help that it needs.” Epis...2023-11-2043 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithFinding Life After Traumatic Loss (Mel Lawrenz)In this episode, I sit with Mel Lawrenz, Author of A Chronicle of Grief: Finding Life After Traumatic LossMel says, “Survival means to live through…Surviving is a positive thing. It’s God-honoring to say life goes on and I’m gonna go on. If someone thinks, well you can certainly do better than surviving…Well yeah, eventually. You can thrive. There comes a day when you can have a smile on your face when you remember your loved one, when you can get back to some things that have been more normal in life. But...2023-11-1335 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithMiscarried Hope: Pregnancy and Infant Loss (Rachel Lohman)In this episode, I sit with my new friend Rachel Lohman, Author of Miscarried Hope: Journeying with Jesus through Pregnancy and Infant Loss. Rachel says, “One thing we lose sight of so often is we know what comes after Good Friday, we know what comes after Saturday and we love to skip past that…thank goodness for the hope we find in resurrection Sunday. But when I stepped back and looked at all of these emotions that they [the disciples] walked through in a fairly short period of time. I thought, this is so similar to the emotional expe...2023-11-0637 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSitting with Hopeful Lament in Grief (Terra McDaniel)Terra McDaniel talks about lament as an antidote to despair and hopelessness. She says, “Lament doesn’t mean getting stuck in grief…[instead] it is the freedom to express all kinds of pain related to all kinds of losses and to invite the presence of God into them.” In this episode, I sit with Terra McDaniel, Author of Hopeful Lament: Tending Our Grief Through Spiritual Practices to chat about Sitting with Hopeful Lament in Grief. Terra is a spiritual director and teacher who loves making space for people of all ages to tune int...2023-10-3044 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSitting with Hard Feelings When Everything is Not Fine (Katie Schnack)“Yes, I fully believe God is good and is with us at every step, but also, that doesn’t guarantee outcomes…so yeah. That is not an easy tidbit to accept”, writes Katie Schnack. In this episode, I sit with Katie Schnack, Author of Everything Is (NOT) Fine to chat about Sitting with Hard Feelings When Everything is Not Fine. Katie Schnack is a writer who has been featured in outlets like Romper, HelloGiggles, ScaryMommy, XOJane, TODAY Parents - NBC, Relevant Magazine and more. Her next book -- which has nothing to do with...2023-10-2333 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSitting with Chronic Pain and Illness (Liuan Huska)“I think the question I really wanted answered at the beginning was the why questions…then prayer partners, friends, and ministers helped me to see that the more important questions are the who and the how…who is God to me and who am I going to become as a result of this thing that I’m going through”, says Liuan Huska. Liuan Huska is a freelance writer and speaker focusing on topics of embodiment and spirituality. Her writing, on everything from chronic pain to evangelical fertility trends, appears in Christianity Today, The Christian Century, In Touch Maga...2023-10-1646 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSitting with Grief as a Companion (Clarissa Moll)“Grief is not a strength-building exercise.” Clarissa writes. Clarissa Moll is an author, a podcaster, and the young widow of author Rob Moll. Clarissa’s writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, RELEVANT, Modern Loss, Grief Digest, and more. Her husband’s first book, The Art of Dying, was released in April 2021 with Clarissa’s new afterword. Clarissa is the author of Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living with Grief and Thriving after Loss. Episode resources:Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses...2023-10-0940 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSitting with Loss and Loneliness (Wendy Alsup)When we are suffering it helps to know we are not the only one. Wendy Alsup is an author who encourages women to engage theology for themselves. She is the author of several books including Practical Theology for Women, The Gospel-Centered Woman, and By His Wounds You Are Healed. She also teaches math at a local community college and is editor at theologyforwomen.org. She lives in Saint Matthews, South Carolina, with her two sons. Episode resources:Can You Just Sit With Me: Healthy Grieving for the Losses of Life by Natasha Smith 2023-10-0242 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithSitting With the Reality of Suffering (Paul Borthwick)“If we follow Jesus, we will experience pain.” Paul writes. Paul Borthwick (DMin, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) is senior consultant for Development Associates International and previously taught global Christianity at Gordon College for thirty years.Through his speaking, writing, and resource ministry, Borthwick works to mobilize others to participate in world missions. Borthwick is an active speaker and teacher, having taught courses at Gordon College, Africa International University (Nairobi), Alliance Theological Seminary (Manila), and Lanka Bible College (Sri Lanka), plus a guest faculty position at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Previously he served for more than twenty year...2023-10-0249 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 270: Just How Broken Is The Bible Translation IndustryI’m Natasha Smith, and today you’ll be listening to a special episode of the MinistryWatch podcast. We’re calling it “Just How Broken Is The Bible Translation Industry.”
Over the course of the next month, we’ll be releasing a companion episode, “Fixing The Bible Translation Industry.” Stay tuned for that.
To read more of MinistryWatch’s coverage of the Bible translation industry, just go to the MinistryWatch website and use the search engine to type the words “Bible translation.” More than 50 articles will show up, showing the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Bible translation world.
The producers for...2023-06-2132 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith4. Navigating a Loss by Suicide with Author Jennifer ThompsonMay is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I wanted to chat about a hard yet an often-overlooked topic. In this episode, I sit with my friend Author Jennifer (Jen) Thompson to chat about navigating a loss by suicide. Jen says, “I feel very passionate about talking about suicide because there are some people that are suffering in silence and so many people who are struggling with their mental health. And we need to be able to have the conversations and hopefully the more we have the conversations lives can be saved. Jen’s essays can...2023-05-0949 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith3. Grief-Worthy Trials of Motherhood with Author Katie FarisJoin me as we sit with Author Katie Faris.In this episode, we discuss the trials and sorrows of motherhood and how they are deemed grief worthy. Yet, God is Still Good. Katie shares encouragement and hope from her new book God is Still Good: Gospel Hope and Comfort for the Unexpected Sorrows of Motherhood. Get Katie’s new book, God is Still Good: https://amzn.to/3KUACbs Connect with Katie: Website: https://katiefaris.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katietfarisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katietfaris/ Get my fr...2023-04-2441 minMinistryWatch PodcastEp. 254: A Conversation with MinistryWatch Podcast Co-Host Natasha SmithOn this week’s EXTRA episode, we’re doing something a bit different. We’re featuring a short conversation with my MinistryWatch co-host Natasha Smith. Natasha shares a bit of her background, how she got to MinistryWatch, and some big news coming up in her life.
The producers for today’s program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.
Until next time, may God bless you.2023-04-1909 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith2. How Can God Be Good and Let My Baby Die? with Author Allison BrostJoin me as we sit with Author Allison Brost. In this episode, Allison shares her grief journey and we discuss some of the hard questions of grief and how to find hope. Get Allison’s new book, This Side of Perfect: https://amzn.to/3GPDuoF Connect with Allison: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllisonsBrost/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonsbrost/ Sitting with you,Natasha*Get my free mini devotional “You’re Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLPre...2023-04-1726 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith1. We Weren’t Meant to Overcome with Author Jillian BenfieldJoin me as we sit with Author Jillian Benfield. In this episode, we chat about the story behind her new book The Gift of the Unexpected, and what it means to undergo versus overcome grief of the unexpected moments of life. Get The Gift of the Unexpected book: https://jillianbenfield.com/book/ Connect with Jillian: Website: https://jillianbenfield.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianbenfieldInstagram: https:// https://www.instagram.com/jillianbenfieldblog/ Get my free mini devotional “You’re Not Losing It, Life is Hard” : http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLB...2023-02-0632 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith10. Grief and Hope: Powerful Takeaways from 2022In this special episode, listen to powerful moments from 2022.Join me and sit with friends as we share on all things grief and Hope. Connect with Natasha:Website: https://www.imnatashasmith.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imnatashasmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imnatashasmithGet my free mini devotional “You’re Not Losing It, Life is Hard” : http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/can-you-just-sit-with-me-with-natasha-smith--4123861/support.2022-12-2310 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith9. Navigating Grief with Kids + Holiday Firsts with Author Sydnei KaplanJoin me as I sit with my friend Sydnei Kaplan, author of the children’s book The Heaven Phone.In this episode, we chat about the story behind her book as well as navigating the holidays after a recent loss. Get The Heaven Phone book: https://amzn.to/3AeZkyDConnect with Sydnei: Website: https://www.mom-in-the-moment.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mominthemoment1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mom_inthemoment/Get my free mini devotional “You’re Not Losing It, Life is Hard”: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLBecome a...2022-11-2830 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith8. From Grief and Shame, to Healing, Hope, and Surrender with John Arthur GreeneJoin me as I sit with my friend John Arthur Greene. He is a singer, songwriter, musician, and Broadway star who walks in his calling as a Storyteller, Minister, and Worship Pastor.In this episode, you’ll hear an honest conversation about grief, shame, and our resistance to healing amid grief. Yet, how Jesus shines through the darkness when we choose to hear Him through our pain. “God gives us the power of choice. God wants us to choose Him”. - John Arthur GreeneConnect with John:Website: http://johnarthurgreenemusic.com/Facebook: https...2022-11-1446 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith7. God's Love is Loud in Our Pain with Paige PippinJoin me as I sit with my friend, Paige Pippin. She is a Wife, Mama, Attorney, and Writer who shares laughter and encouragement as God leads her on her blog as well as other publications, such as The Gospel Coalition. In this episode, we chat about her loss story and how God is loud in our pain even in grief.Connect with Paige:Website: https://paigepippin.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepaigepippinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepaigepippin/Get my newsletter for monthly encouragement: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML...2022-10-3144 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith6. Processing Grief as a Ministry Leader with Pastor Melissa HeereboutIn this episode, I sit with my friend, Melissa Heerebout. She pastors Burnette Church in British Columbia alongside her husband and she is the Founder of Dear Sisters Magazine, an online and print lifestyle publication for Christian women.We chat about grieving as a ministry leader, what it looks like, and where you can find hope as well as help amid grief. Connect with Melissa and get your copy of Dear Sisters Magazine:Website: https://www.dearsisters.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DearSistersMagazineInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearsisters_mag/...2022-10-0342 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith5. From Grief Lady to Glory Lady: Author Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young on finding Hope amid griefIn this episode, I sit with Author, Speaker, and Grief Guide Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young. We chat about Dorina’s grief journey after the loss of her late husband, and how she found hope amid grief.Connect with Dorina:Website: https://dorinagilmore.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DorinaLazoGilmore/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorinagilmore/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DorinaGilmoreGrab Dorina’s book Walk Run Soar and pre-order Chasing God’s Glory: https://dorinagilmore.com/books/Join Dorina’s Glorygram for encouragement and access to exclusive free resources-->...2022-09-1938 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith4. Navigating the In-Between with Liz Newman, Author of "I Look to the Mourning Sky"In this episode, I sit with my writer friend, Author Liz Newman. We chat about the loss of her dad and how it inspired her latest book “I Look to the Mourning Sky”.We chat about grief, faith, hope, and navigating the in-between. Join our conversation, listen, and share. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Look-Mourning-Sky-Writing-Grieving-ebook/dp/B09NML7F57Connect with Liz:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/liznewmanwriterInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/liznewmanwriterGet my free mont...2022-07-2540 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith3. Do You Ever Get Used to Loss?In this solo episode, Natasha shares a bit about her grief story and discusses the topic: Do You Ever Get Used to Loss? Connect with Natasha:Website: https://lovelyyoublog.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imnatashasmithInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/imnatashasmithGet Natasha's free monthly resource: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/can-you-just-sit-with-me-with-natasha-smith--4123861/support.2022-07-1211 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith2. Author Katie Faris - He Will Be Enough: How God Takes You by the Hand through Your Hardest DaysIn this episode, I sit with Katie Faris, my friend and author of He Will Be Enough: How God Takes You by the Hand through Your Hardest Days. We chat about some hard stories she has encountered and those she continues to live. Yet how God is faithful to meet us even if and even when life is unbearably hard.Get Katie’s new book: https://www.thegoodbook.com/he-will-be-enoughConnect with Katie Faris:Website: https://katiefaris.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katietfarisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/katietfaris/2022-06-2732 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith1. Author Amy DiMarcangelo - A Hunger for MoreIn this 2nd season opener, I sit with Amy DiMarcangelo, Author of A Hunger for More: Finding Satisfaction in Jesus When the Good Life Doesn't Fill You. This episode will leave your spirit stirred and encouraged. Listen as we chat about being unsettled, longing for more, loss, injustice, and how it can all point us back to Christ.Get Amy’s latest book: A Hunger for More: https://www.crossway.org/books/a-hunger-for-more-tpb/Connect with Amy DiMarcangelo:Website: https://equippedformercy.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equippedformercyInstagram: https://www.in...2022-06-1339 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith15. Coping and Celebrating Mother's Day without Mom hereIn this special episode, I chat with Nicole Pharr of Pharr Away. A wife, mother of 2, and a successful businesswoman, who also happens to be my niece. You don’t want to miss this.We chat about coping and celebrating Mother's Day without Mom here. Listen in, as we have a candid discussion about how to honor and celebrate Mother's Day amid grief. And how sitting with and making space for grief is helpful and often necessary for healing.Connect with Nicole here:https://www.instagram.com/pharr_away/Please listen, share, and re...2022-05-0839 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith14. Grief & Trauma - With Brain Tumor Survivor Michaela GasselingIn this episode, Michaela Gasseling of Cowgirl Boots and Running Shoes, sits with me to share her miraculous experience of overcoming a brain tumor and the unexpected grief that followed. She says, “sometimes you can have all the best possible outcomes and still experience grief”. Amen to that! Listen and share.Connect with Michaela here:https://www.instagram.com/cowgirlbootsandrunningshoes/https://www.cowgirlbootsandrunningshoes.com/And for more inspiration, join my monthly email community:http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podc...2022-04-2532 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith13. A Story of Hope, Redemption, and FreedomIn this episode, you will meet Whitney Harris. She shares her powerful story of the hope, redemption, and freedom she found only in Jesus. Her story is filled with God's amazing love and grace. And her story testifies that no matter where you find yourself, even if it is the darkest and deepest pit, there is still hope in Jesus. Revelation 12:11 NIV says, "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony".Thank you Whitney for sharing your story with us! Connect with Whitney via email at waharris1...2022-04-1131 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith12. "I can't believe they're gone". Is it really denial?“I can’t believe Daddy’s gone”, is what I found myself thinking just the other day…it made me think of similar expressions in relation to the 5 Stages of Grief. In particular, the 1st stage of grief: Denial. So, this episode touches on when we say, “I can’t believe they’re gone”. Is it really denial?Listen and share.References for this episode:https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/denialhttps://dictionary.apa.org/denialThe Grieving Brain: https://amzn.to/36aNxWxOn Death and Dying: https://amz...2022-03-2216 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith11. Tabitha Yates - You Don't Have to Live Your Life in the AshesIn this episode, I chat with my friend, Tabitha Yates, Writer and Mental Health Advocate about moving beyond the ashes. She says, “You don’t have to live your life in ruin…you don’t have to live in the ashes”. Listen as Tabitha shares her powerful testimony of redemption. Share with friends and family who need this encouragement. Connect with Tabitha Yates:Website: https://theredeemedmama.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRedeemedMama/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theredeemedmama/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MamaRedeemedGet my free eBook and monthly resources...2022-03-0727 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith10. The Grief of Losing Oneself to Gain More of Christ (with Author Stevie Swift)Today, I’m excited to have my friend, Stevie Swift sitting with me. She is an author, artist, speaker, podcaster, and just an overall beautiful human. In this episode, we chat about Losing Oneself in order to Gain More of Christ.Because grief goes far beyond the loss of a loved one. I love what Elisabeth Elliot says about suffering in her book “Suffering is Never for Nothing” which can be applied to grief....she says, "Suffering is having what you don't want or wanting what you don't have".In this case, grief can be anythi...2022-02-2134 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith9. How to Love the Grieving Well - Say This, Not ThatPull up a chair and sit with Natasha as she discusses how to love the grieving well. You may or may not be surprised to find loving others well begins with what we say.James Petersen in his book “Why Don’t We Listen Better”, says his first rule of crisis is: “Listen First – Talk Second.” If you acknowledge people’s fears, pain, losses, hurts, confusion, anger, etc. first, then they may calm enough to hear your thoughtful reassurances. Listen and share.Get this month’s free resource, A Change of Heart: http://eepurl.com/bCTWML...2022-02-0712 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith8. Lauren Flake - Grief Forever Shapes Who You AreIn this episode I chat with Lauren Flake, artist, author, and Alzheimer’s daughter. Lauren shares her grief story and how it informs her writing on her blog at Love of Dixie. As well as how it inspired her book, Though I Walk through the Valley: 12 Days in Psalm 23 and her award-winning children’s books, Where Did My Sweet Grandma Go?: A Preschooler’s Guide to Losing A Loved One and Where Did My Sweet Grandpa Go?Listen in as Lauren shares how “Grief is love…the final stage of grief never ends because love never ends.” Get my...2022-01-2425 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith7. Pregnancy After Loss (with Author Jenny Albers)In this episode I chat with Jenny Albers, Author of Courageously Expecting: 30 Days of Encouragement for Pregnancy After Loss about her grief story and her new book. “Healing really is possible…When dealing with grief, you feel like you’re always going to be in this dark space and that life is never going to get better again…Life may never be without triggers and you’re certainly going to always remember and be marked by these traumatic experiences. But there is hope that life can really be good again. I really want to leave people with that…There is alw...2022-01-1024 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith6. Grieving Our World - Responding with PrayerGrief, it can be felt, seen, and heard all around our world. But what can we do about it? Listen to Mel Bjorgen of I’ll Bring the Bible with Mel and Monica and I, as we chat about, “Grieving our World” and responding with prayer.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Mel Bjorgen:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/illbringthebibleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/illbringthebible/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ill-bring-the-bible-with-mel-and-monica/id1400113021Become a supporter of this podcas...2021-12-2736 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith5. Grief During the Season of JoyThe holidays bring along with it, the pressure to “put on a happy face” even when you are unhappy. But do you know that you are allowed to grieve regardless the time of year? Whether you suffered the loss of a loved one, lost a job, experienced major life change or things are different than you hoped, there is always space and grace to grieve. God makes space for you. This episode is simply a reassurance that although you may not be feeling joyous during this season of joy, know that God sees you, he cares for you, He u...2021-12-1308 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith4. Parenting While GrievingGrief, in and of itself is hard. But parenting while grieving is a different type of hard. Join me with special guest Latonya Moore of Joy in the Ordinary, as we chat about "Parenting While Grieving" on this episode of, Can You Just Sit with Me?For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Latonya Moore:Website: https://joyintheordinary.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyintheordinaryInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyintheordinarymom/Podcast: https://joyintheordinary.simplecast.com/Become a supporter of...2021-11-2954 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith3. Grief Changes You (Part 2)Have you ever gone through a challenging or hard time, or suffered a great loss that left you feeling like "I don't even know who I am"?This episode discusses the topic "Grief Changes You" Part 2. Listen in as Natasha chats with Chelsea Ohlemiller of Happiness, Hope, and Harsh Realities about her grief journey and how grief changed her life. You will enjoy this candid conversation and be encouraged that you are not alone.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Chelsea Ohlemiller:...2021-11-1512 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith2. Grief Changes You (Part 1)Have you ever gone through a challenging or hard time, or suffered a great loss that left you feeling like "I don't even know who I am"?This episode discusses the topic "Grief Changes You" Part 1. Listen in as Natasha chats with Chelsea Ohlemiller of Happiness, Hope, and Harsh Realities about her grief journey and how grief changed her life. You will enjoy this candid conversation and be encouraged that you are not alone.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLConnect with Chelsea Ohlemiller:...2021-11-1512 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha Smith1. Where is Your God?Amidst grief, pain and challenge...Where is God? This is a question that is not uncommon for many even for the believer especially when hard and challenging times arise. This episode will affirm that you are not alone in grief, in the challenging times of life nor in the hard places of life. This episode will also encourage you to look for God even in the crushing places of life.For more encouragement, connect with Natasha via her monthly newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/bCTWMLBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast...2021-11-1510 minCan You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithIntroduction to "Can You Just Sit With Me?" Podcast with Natasha Smith*New Episodes launching November 15th, 2021*Welcome to "Can You Just Sit With Me?" with Natasha Smith, a podcast about hope in grief, hope in the hard place and hope during the challenging times of life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/can-you-just-sit-with-me-with-natasha-smith--4123861/support.2021-10-2600 min
Can You Just Sit With Me? with Natasha SmithMental OverloadJoin Inspirational Author and Lifestyle Content Creator Natasha Smith as she chats about Mental Overload. What it means and how to recognize it. Along with 5 tips to help you avoid it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/can-you-just-sit-with-me-with-natasha-smith--4123861/support.2019-11-0112 min