Rusty George Podcast

When we're going through difficult times, the Bible says that "the Holy Spirit will give us the words to speak". It is no secret that God speaks to his people, but it's not always the booming, audible voice from above you see in movies ... No, the Holy Spirit often tends to speak in gentle nudges, often with words we have heard or read before, calling them to our mind at the time of need. Memorizing the verses in this episode, or any verse in the Bible, will better equip your mind to hear what God has to say to you today. What verses have you memorized that have helped you in your time of need?

After three weeks of protests, so many of us are striving to learn, educate, and find answers to move forward in the continued fight against racism. Brad Williams joins me in this episode to share his powerful perspective on what he has learned from these protests as a person of color.  In this episode, Brad shares how he's talking to his kids about these difficult topics and how we can open up those conversations in our own homes. He also shares his solution that he believes will result in an anti-racist world (one that may sound familiar to you, from Jesus himself). We are so grateful for these powerful and difficult conversations that we're able to have here on The Rusty George Podcast. If you have any questions or thoughts regarding this episode, reach out to us on social media at @rustylgeorge or at www.pastorrustygeorge.com

My former professor, Dr. JK Jones (Professor at Lincoln Christian Seminary and Pastor at Eastview Christian Church), joins me in this episode to discuss the power of reading, his top book recommendations, and how books have changes his life and faith over the years. If you yourself are looking to become a reader, JK's many recommendations in this episode will kickstart your journey with some amazing books that will never leave you the same.

We are three months into online church and quarantining due to COVID-19, and at Real Life Church we have learned so much about the heart, purpose, and the logistics of doing only online services to reach people for Jesus. These days, many people are asking "Is online church really.. church?" And the short answer is, yes! We believe that you can experience the love and transformational power of Jesus at home in the exact same way you can in a church building. While we are excited to gather together again, we have seen God move in big ways during this unique church season. I'm joined in today's episode by two of our RLC staff: Erika Watkins (Communications & Weekend Service Programing) and Clayton Boek (Tech & Audio/Visual) to discuss each of our perspectives and what we've learned during this unique era of church.

Ted Wright joins us in this episode to share his testimony and perspective on racial injustice today. Sharing his personal story of growing up in the Bahamas and later moving to America, Ted gives insight into the minimal tolerance that he's experienced in interracial relationships and friendships with Americans. He urges us all to learn to listen: to fight ignorance and to open our hearts and ears to learn about people of different backgrounds and colors.

In celebration of our 100th episode of The Rusty George Podcast, Brad and I are joined by a very, very special guest: my wife, Lorrie George. In this episode together, we discuss how Lorrie and I met, all things marriage, ways we're taking care of our family during these difficult times, and much more. Make sure to enter our 100th episode listener giveaway at: https://woobox.com/o4ec52

Michael Hinton joins us in this episode to breakdown understanding racism in 2020. As many of us are seeking ways to understand and further educate ourselves in understanding racism, Michael breaks down the history of racism and how our history has built racist systems and norms that many of us live unaware of. My prayer is that through this heartfelt and honest conversation that many of your questions on this difficult topic would be answered. My prayer is that God would continue to open the eyes of Christians all over the world to how we can fight the continuation of racism in any and every way possible.

I am beyond heartbroken over the injustice and cruelty displayed in our country over the past few weeks. The reality is that racism is evil, and unity and love is Christ like. And as your pastor, I am committed to being on the forefront of difficult and necessary conversations regarding racism in America and the world. Today I am joined by Pastor Anthony Hendricks to discuss systematic racism. My prayer is that this episode would provide further education and next steps for us all on how to fight against racism.

What does it mean to "live backwards"? Aaron Kellim and Brad Williams join Rusty in this episode to discuss the new website "backwards.live", coming soon...

We're all living a new "normal" during this time. After months of quarantine, you may now be feeling acclimated to homeschooling, extended family time, and all of the new routines we all have. But, many of us may be feeling the lack that COVID-19 has brought into our lives... The lack of finances. The lack of peace in the home. The lack of a job. But God, the giver of life and fullness and peace and contentment, desires to meet you in your lack today. In this episode, I share my heart during this season and how I've seen God provide peace and contentment in times of lack in my own life. Tell me, how is God working in your life today?

Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. These powerful words describe the leader who is willing to work hard, get it done, and make sure it’s not about him or her; the leader who knows that influence is about developing the right habits for success. Author of H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle. and former president of Catalyst, Brad Lomenick joins us in this episode to discuss these powerful leadership principles, faith in leadership, and more.

How are you doing during this stay home order? Are you settling in to this new normal, or are you struggling? In this episode, I share some resources that have been helpful for me and my family during this extended time at home. What has been helping you? And regarding this podcast, we're doing our annual check-in: What episodes would you like to hear from this podcast? What do you need from this platform? We're all ears. Take our annual survey now at the following link: https://us12.list-manage.com/survey?u=2d30326db092e48e95bece4cd&id=d80ad0d0f3

How can we be empowered to be vulnerable in our sharing, but also know our audience? When does vulnerability cross a line? In this episode, Brad Williams and Rusty break down and answer the important questions on vulnerability that many of us have.

Former American college basketball coach and current sportscaster for ESPN and SEC Network, Jimmy Dykes joins us in this episode for a powerful conversation on evaluating our lives. Author of the new release, "The Film Doesn't Lie: Evaluating Your Life One Play at a Time", Jimmy shares his life story, his faith journey, and walks listeners through the tough but crucial evaluation process every Christian should have for their life, family, and faith.

In this episode, Rusty George is joined by former lawyer and the founding pastor of Connexus Church in Barrie, Ontario, Carey Nieuwhof. This influential speaker and leader shares his life story, the impact his family and legacy has had on his life and work, his personal experience with overcoming burnout, and much more. You can connect with Carey and access his leadership resources at https://careynieuwhof.com

What does it take for a leader to succeed today? It's no surprise that older ways of leadership are growing stale and irrelevant. So, what does it take to lead well in 2020? In this episode, Brad Williams and I discuss the seven tensions that every leader needs to navigate (based on a Harvard Business Review article by Jennifer Jordan, Michael Wade, and Elizabeth Teracino).

This bonus episode is a conversation with Tuvya Zaretsky about being raised Jewish, coming to faith in Jesus, and advice on how to help others who question if Jesus is the Messiah. Part One of this powerful conversation can be found at our Real Life Church Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFNKqdrjaoo

Trusting people isn't always easy, but it's so important to have a handful of healthy relationships in our lives built on trust. So, how can we have relationships built on trust? What if people break that trust, can we rebuild it? What does really trusting someone look like in real life? Join Brad Williams and I in this episode as we discuss how to build trust with those in our lives.

How do you make real life simple during quarantine? How do you help and reach out to others during this time of isolation? If we're "better together", how can we find community? Stay safe, stay well, and stay home, friends. We're praying for all of you during this time.

This is a crazy time in the world, one we'll surely all remember for the rest of our lives. Many of us are experiencing confusion, stress, anxiety, and so much more. What can we do to get through COVID-19? Today, in listening to this episode, I encourage you to join me in speaking Psalm 91 over your life.