Nathan and Pastor Kevin continue their discussion about the challenges of balancing ministry, marriage, and parenting. As a Youth Pastor, Kevin reflects on his desire to be a supplemental voice in students’ lives — not a replacement for spiritually engaged parents. Together, they discuss how youth ministry should support what’s happening at home, not carry it. Kevin opens up about the pressures of leadership, the importance of putting his marriage first, and the lessons learned from marriage counseling and personal failures. He also shares how his upbringing shaped his views on emotional vulnerability — and why he’s committed to being open with his wife. They dive deep into parenting, calling out the dangers of disengagement and the power of simply being present. Kevin’s advice to parents: ask real questions, build trust daily, and don’t let fear or shame keep you from connecting with your kids. Whether you’re in ministry or not, this episode reminds us that consistency, honesty, and grace are the foundations of impactful relationships. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*
Author: Cultivate Relationships
What if God parented like we do?
Let’s be real: if God parented like we sometimes do — distracted, reactive, or just running the same script for every situation — we’d be in trouble. But thankfully, He doesn’t. God parents us moment by moment. He’s not relying on a rigid formula. He’s present — paying attention to who we are, what… Continue reading What if God parented like we do?
STB128 | Youth Ministry + Pastor Kevin E1
Nathan shoots the breeze with Pastor Kevin, where they swap stories about fishing (or, in Nathan’s case, the complete inability to catch anything). They discuss how our connection with God shifts through life’s changing seasons and the chaos of parenting. They also explore how spiritual growth doesn’t always happen in quiet solitude, but often through the loud, messy, and beautiful moments of ordinary life. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode one.*
Temptation’s Coming — Do You Have an Exit Strategy?
Let’s be honest — temptation can feel like an onslaught of exhausting and unstoppable attacks. And too many of us treat it like we’re supposed to overcome just by “trying harder”. Some of us have even been told, “just don’t do it”. What’s worse, depending upon the culture and people we are around, some of… Continue reading Temptation’s Coming — Do You Have an Exit Strategy?
STB127 | BSE | Maturity Requires Repentance E2
BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott dive into what it takes to build spiritually mature relationships marked by humility, repentance, and growth. They explore how real connection requires more than surface-level friendship — it demands a willingness to confront sin, seek forgiveness, and walk in grace. They also encourage us to pursue relationships that reflect the transforming power of the gospel through honesty, accountability, and love. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*
Wait… I Have to Repent for That?
When most of us hear the word repentance, we imagine some big dramatic apology — tears, guilt, dramatic music swelling in the background. But sometimes, repentance looks a lot more like this super hypothetical situation: You’re in the kitchen, and your spouse (or loved one) comes into the kitchen at the same time, and you… Continue reading Wait… I Have to Repent for That?
STB126 | BSE | Maturity Requires Repentance E1
BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott dive into what it takes to build spiritually mature relationships marked by humility, repentance, and growth. They explore how real connection requires more than surface-level friendship — it demands a willingness to confront sin, seek forgiveness, and walk in grace. They also encourage us to pursue relationships that reflect the transforming power of the gospel through honesty, accountability, and love. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode one.*
Talk to God like He’s real… cause He is.
I used to have a friend who would wait for you to get done saying something, just so he could tell you what was already on his mind. His words would always come off feeling empty, pre-planned, and impersonal. Do you have anyone in your life who only talks at you instead of with… Continue reading Talk to God like He’s real… cause He is.
STB125 | BSE | Real, Vulnerable Prayer E2
BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott talk about what prayer truly is — and what it isn’t by looking at the disciples’ prayer in Matthew 6.5-14. Prayer isn’t just a monologue directed at God; it’s a real conversation with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They explore how prayer includes not just speaking, but also listening for God’s response and how to grow in our ability to hear His voice, not just Bible verses and what we think He’s saying. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*
Prayer Isn’t a Vending Machine. It’s a Marriage.
A lot of us treat prayer like that vending machine. We come with our selections, pay with the right “sacrifice” — good behavior, emotional sincerity, long enough prayers — and expect the desired outcome. And when it doesn’t happen? We get frustrated… maybe even shake the machine a bit. But prayer isn’t transactional. It’s… Continue reading Prayer Isn’t a Vending Machine. It’s a Marriage.
