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Craft & Character
As a preacher, are you just transferring information or speaking from a transformed place? No one can preach God's Word well without first being personally transformed by it.
Developing a Preacher's Hermeneutic with Joe Grana
In this special episode, Steve Carter talks to one of his mentors, Dr. Joe Grana, a longtime professor and dean at Hope International University, and currently a teaching pastor at The Refinery Christian Church in Arizona. Dr. Grana explains the importance of hermeneutics (the process of interpreting Scripture) and how it rescues teachers from the highly subjective "reader's response" approach to Bible study. Rather than shoehorning a passage into what we think it means, preachers can discover its original (and timeless) meaning by following three basic steps: Observation Interpretation Application After showing these three steps in action, using Luke 4:14-21 as his anchor text, Dr. Grana shares his vision for 2023: to grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. EPISODE LINKS Church: The Refinery Church Books recommended by Dr. Grana: Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes Misreading Scripture with Individualist Eyes @steveryancarter @craft_character RELATED PREACHING TODAY RESOURCES Human Authors, Words of the Spirit, and Preaching Christ, by David E. Prince A Preacher's Temptation: Forgetting or Neglecting Basic Hermeneutical Practices, by Douglas Sean O'Donnell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Preaching with No Regrets with Steve Sonderman
"Ministry to men is on their time, their turf, and their agenda." Steve Sonderman first heard those words from a mentor, and after pastoring at Elmbrook Church in Wisconsin for 34 years, serving as a chaplain for the Milwaukee Brewers, and launching No Regrets Men's Ministry, he's spent over three decades equipping the church to effectively disciple men. He currently serves as the president of No Regrets full-time, and this year marks the 30-year anniversary of the organization's annual men's conference. Steve Carter listens to the fascinating story of how the conference began, and how its impact reaches far beyond a single day, through a leadership cohort designed to disciple men for a whole year after the event. Steve Sonderman also drops some time-tested wisdom on how to engage men from the pulpit, including things like: relevance, relatable stories, authenticity, and application. Ultimately, his goal is to reach men for Jesus, root them in Jesus, release them for kingdom impact, and reproduce them as leaders in life. You can find info on how to host or attend the No Regrets Men's Conference here. EPISODE LINKS Steve's books: How To Build a Life-Changing Men's Ministry, Mobilizing Men for 1-on-1 Ministry @noregretsmen noregretsconference.org @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Preaching on Mission with Jordan Gustafson + Andrew Richards
What topic is on every page of the Bible? The answer is MISSION: God's heart to seek and save those who are not yet a part of his family. This mission is not just something we read about in Scripture一it's happening right now, and you can be a part of it! In this final episode of 2022, Steve Carter, along with his friends at Food For the Hungry (FH), ask you to donate to the severe famine impacting 36 million people in Africa. Every 36 seconds, someone will die from hunger-related causes. As God's people, we can make a difference! Donate to FH's Africa relief efforts HERE. Steve Carter talks with Jordan Gustafson (Director of Organizational Partnerships) and Andrew Richards (Organizational Partnerships Manager) about FH's mission to help impoverished communities around the world become self-sustaining. This episode is packed with practical wisdom about how to love and help those in need, whether they live next door or across the globe. EPISODE LINKS Donate to Africa here. Website: www.fh.org @food4thehungry @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Preaching Funnel with Jarrett Stevens
Most communicators know the agony of staring at scattered notes, wondering how to shape them into a compelling message. Enter Jarrett Stevens, lead pastor Soul City Church in Chicago, who has spent 25 years honing his writing and outline process into what he now affectionately calls the "funnel of love." Rather than a predictable formula, the funnel is like a trellis, undergirding messages with a thoughtful structure, while also letting them thrive in the freedom of the Spirit. Steve Carter asks Jarrett about how to balance levity and gravitas: When should we use humor in sermons? And when should we hold back? They also chat about Jarrett's helpful training course: The Communicator's Masterclass. EPISODE LINKS Website: jarrettstevens.com Church: soulcitychurch.com @jarrettstevens @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How to Preach Advent Like Never Before with Vanessa Stricker
For a lot of people, the holidays are physically frenetic, emotionally overwhelming, and spiritually distracting. Few slow down long enough to ponder what's happening in their own souls, or to give more than a passing thought to the significance of this season: God coming to earth. That's why Steve Carter is excited to introduce you to an incredible Advent devotional, written by his good friend Vanessa Stricker, who is the Pastor of Peacemaking and Justice at One Life City Church in Fullerton, California. Advent Reflections earnestly reminds individuals and families that hope, love, joy, and peace come from the God who does not shrink back from lament or suffering, but willingly embraces it to bring light into darkness. With Advent just days away, this is a great resource to guide you through the coming season, so that you might experience his nearness. EPISODE LINKS Buy Vanessa's Advent Reflections here. Vanessa's blog: onthesideofgrace.com Church: onelifecitychurch.org @onthesideofgrace @steveryancarter @craft_character PREACHING TODAY CHRISTMAS RESOURCES My Favorite Christmas Theme: Create Meaningful and Memorable Christmas Services, by Bri Johns Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem: As a Christian I love Christmas; but as a Preacher I dread it, by Paul Hoffman Preach Nothing New This Christmas ... And It Will Be Novel: Do we always have to find a new spin on the Christmas story?, by Mandy Smith Christmas and the Minor Prophets: For Advent let the 12 Minor Prophets lead us to Christmas, by Taylor Turkington Mary Christmas!: Exploring the lives of the 4 Marys in the Christmas story, by Scott M. Gibson Christmas Holiday Resource Page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Preaching to a Divided Nation with Paul A. Hoffman
The 2022 midterm elections, like most political events in our age, will undoubtedly spark new fires of division in our country一not only in the nation at large, but sadly, within the church. Enter Paul A. Hoffman, the lead pastor of Evangelical Friends Church in Newport, Rhode Island, and co-author of a new book: Preaching To A Divided Nation: A Seven-Step Model for Promoting Reconciliation and Unity. Steve Carter asks Paul to walk through the seven crucial steps every Christian can take to live out the reconciliation-filled power of the gospel. In this click-bait-laden, polarized cultural moment, these steps help us start conversations rooted in what bonds us, not what divides us. EPISODE LINKS Paul's books: Preaching To A Divided Nation, Reconciling Places Church: efcnewport.com @pastorhoffman @steveryancarter @craft_character Paul's Christmas Preaching Article: Fear and Loathing in Bethlehem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How Every Preacher Must Fan the Flame with Jim Cymbala
In his new book, Fan the Flame: Let Jesus Renew Your Calling and Revive Your Church, Jim Cymbala distills the Spirit-fueled, Bible-saturated ethos of his 50+ years in ministry. As Steve Carter affectionately quips, "Jim is like a firehose of passion and wisdom." In this episode, Jim explains why Acts 20 is the "spiritual selfie" every pastor should aspire to. He pushes back against the church growth movement一which is consumeristic in its mission and methods一instead imploring pastors to preach the full counsel of God, in the power of the Holy Spirit, for the singular purpose of pointing people to Christ. Jim offers a practical picture of his daily devotions, which includes a mixture of devotionals, Scripture, singing, and prayer. Rather than formulaic, his routine reminds novices and veterans alike that, above all, the call of every pastor is to spend time with God. EPISODE LINKS Jim's new book: Fan the Flame Jim's other books: Fresh Wind Fresh Fire, Spiritual Warfare Is Real Church: brooklyntabernacle.org Jim's Facebook @steveryancarter @craft_character Preaching in the Power of the Holy Spirit - Preaching Guide on Preaching Today Preaching Today's Christmas Article: "My Favorite Christmas Theme," by Bri Johns Christmas Resources Page on PreachingToday.com Advent Resources Page on PreachingToday.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Essential Preaching Frequencies with Erwin McManus
Erwin McManus has spent decades honing his skill as a communicator, at Mosaic (the church he founded in Hollywood, CA), at conferences around the world, and in living rooms filled with a handful of friends. Wherever he goes一even in places where he doesn't speak the native language一he's able to communicate in a profound way. Why? Erwin explains to Steve Carter that it's all about "frequencies," a concept he unpacks in his recent MasterClass titled "The Art of Communication." Frequencies are the key to understanding your own voice, as well as intuitively sensing the needs of your audience in real-time. Until you develop this awareness of self and listener, you're likely to communicate as ineffectively as "the loneliest whale in the world." Want to know what that means? Listen to the episode! EPISODE LINKS Erwin's books: The Genius of Jesus, The Last Arrow His masterclass: The Art of Communication Website: thegeniusof.com Church: Mosaic @erwinmcmanus @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Preacher's Checklist with Luke Norsworthy
This episode is packed with insights from Luke Norsworthy, pastor of Westover Hills Church in Austin, Texas, and author of God Over Good and Befriending Your Monsters. His conversation with Steve Carter meanders through all sorts of topics: How to put yourself into sermons without being narcissistic. Why Luke uses a checkmark system to track sermon writing progress. How the sobering but hope-filled journey of an Afghan family is shaping Luke's church. How Luke receives sermon feedback before Sunday, and why he's a better preacher because of it. Luke's final advice? Be grateful every time you preach, regardless of how you feel it went. There will always be another goal to reach, criticism to field, or growth area to explore. For today, be content with where you're at, trusting grace to carry you wherever you need to go. EPISODE LINKS Luke's books: God Over Good, Befriending Your Monsters Podcast: Norsworthy Website: www.lukenorsworthy.com His Church: Westover Hills Church @lukeanorsworthy @steveryancarter @craft_character Check out the book that inspired Luke to write 500 words a day: The War of Art Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Help Is Here with Max Lucado
"I can't do another meeting. I don't want to preach another sermon. Lord, help me!" Two years into his pastorate, Max Lucado offered this prayer as a last-ditch effort to stay in ministry. God answered him, and now decades later, he's written a new book that offers hope and wisdom to others feeling burned out and wiped out. The book is called Help Is Here: Finding Fresh Strength and Purpose in the Power of the Holy Spirit. Like all of Max's writing, this book masterfully tills the hardened soil of the heart, so that more of God's grace can be sown there. This book calls us to trade independence for Spirit-reliance. It's a reminder that, because He dwells in us, we never walk alone. The church often struggles with the mysterious nature of the Holy Spirit, but this, says Max, is part of the point: the Spirit can't be fully explained or contained. He is unpredictable, yet totally dependable. He is the unfailing friend of every saint. He is our helper. That's good news in our world of unprecedented anxiety. When we receive from the Spirit, not only can our souls be refreshed, but our character can be formed into the people God made us to be. EPISODE LINKS Max newest books: Help Is Here Website: https://maxlucado.com/ Church: oakhillschurch.com @maxlucado @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Best of You with Alison Cook
In Christian circles, thinking about yourself is often labeled selfish. Psychologist and theologian Dr. Alison Cook pushes back on this assumption, explaining why caring for yourself is actually the best way to care for others. It's the oxygen mask principle you always see in airplane safety videos: Put on your own mask so you can assist those around you. With jolting clarity, Dr. Cook debunks the narratives we use to justify self-neglect: We tell ourselves it's all about them, but actually we just want to be needed. We tell ourselves we're being sacrificial, but actually we lack healthy boundaries. We tell ourselves they are the problem, but actually we've trained them to be codependent. We tell ourselves we must solve every issue, but sometimes it's ok to walk away. Many of us want to care for ourselves, but years of bad habits have atrophied our self-awareness and self-care. Dr. Cook offers a simple, yet profound model called "the MEPS," which involves taking a…
Learnings from Seminary with Preaching Today's Biblical Preaching Award Winners
In this episode, Steve Carter chops it up with four recipients of the 2022 Preaching Today Biblical Preaching Award: Ryan Roach (Western Seminary, Portland, OR), Abby Stuckle (George W. Truett Seminary, Baylor, TX), Rachel Koch (Denver Seminary, Denver, CO), and Christian Schmitt (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Hamilton, MA). This award is given on the basis of faithful biblical exposition, clear and simple structure, creativity, pastoral application to daily life, and urgency in delivery. These students beautifully embody not just the excellence of world-class theological education, but also the humility of Jesus. They tackle some hard-hitting homiletics topics like: How to preach in a multiethnic church. Why preachers should know their passage AND their people well. Why expository preaching is a gift to the preacher and congregation. How to preach in a way your audience can absorb and process. The pros and cons of Haddon Robinson's legendary "big idea" preaching mod…
The Required Humility with Steve Carter
In this special episode of Craft and Character, Steve Carter shares why humility is the key to growing as a preacher一a reflection sparked by a conversation he had with Nancy Beach. Communicators give many reasons for neglecting their own development, but as 1 Timothy 4:14-15 reveals, honing our craft is a matter of stewardship, not just excellence. Steve gives three practical ways to embrace humility and grow as a preacher: Development Coaching Feedback This is a timely reminder that, to give ourselves wholly to the task of preaching, we must showcase a relentless consistency to get better each day as people, disciples, and preachers. Don't forget to sign up for Steve's epic book giveaway, featuring titles from past guests on the show! EPISODE LINKS Steve's books: The Thing Beneath the Thing, This Invitational Life Website: stevecarter.org Church: forestcitychurch.com Preaching Cohorts: theascentleader.org @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad cho…
Digital Hygiene with Jay Kim
Like many of us, Jay Kim often feels that involuntary urge to reach for his phone. As the lead pastor at Westgate Church in San Jose, CA, he knows firsthand that modern people crave guidance for using devices well. Jay's new book, Analog Christian, explains how Christians can respond to the values of the digital world一not by abandoning technology一but by faithfully stewarding it. Jay also shares with Steve Carter some valuable leadership practices, like pausing email while he's on vacation, resisting the pressure to respond to every headline immediately, and honestly admitting when he needs more time to hear from God. He paints a practical and compelling picture of life that's peaceful, not frenetic一intentional, not aimless. And in our overstimulated world, that's a vision we desperately need. EPISODE LINKS Jay's new book: Analog Christian Jay's other book: Analog Church Website: jaykimthinks.com Church: Westgate Church @jaykimthinks @steveryancarter @craft_char…
The Heart of Preparation with Ken Shigematsu
"Ken, if the ship sinks now, everyone will blame you." It wasn't the ideal pep talk for a pastor in his first few days on the job, especially at a church that had gone through 20 pastors in 20 years. But when someone spoke those words to Ken Shigematsu, he stuck it out. 25 years later, he's still leading Tenth Church in Vancouver, Canada. Steve Carter asks about his sermon prep process, and Ken explains how a tidbit from preaching legend Haddon Robinson transformed his method from anxiety-laden to prayerful一from crammed to creative. Ken shares why he's thankful for his Japanese heritage, and how he's learned to surrender outcomes to God through Father Thomas Keating's "The Welcoming Prayer," and practicing sabbath. He also uses an app called Centering Prayer that pings him throughout the day, reminding him to receive from God, not just achieve for God. EPISODE LINKS Ken's books: Survival Guide for the Soul, God In My Everything Church: https://www.tenth.c…
Speaking to the Soul with Jeanne Stevens
The modern world is a relentless waterfall of information一sound bytes and images flood our minds and trouble our hearts. Enter Jeanne Stevens, whose recent book, What's Here Now?, unpacks the power of presence and how it offers peace so many ache for in our frenzied age. Steve Carter asks Jeanne to unpack her book's punchy tagline: How to stop rehashing the past, and rehearsing the future, and start receiving the present. Presence begins with an awareness of your body, emotions, and thoughts一aspects of our God-created existence that have been neglected in the church. Jeanne also shares some preparation hacks she's honed through the years: the vital role of eliminating content, how to speak to the soul, the urgency to touch on tension in the first five minutes of a talk, and how to share stories that showcase her humanity rather than airbrush it. EPISODE LINKS Jeanne's book: What's Here Now? Website: jeannestevens.com Church: soulcitychurch.com @jeannestevens Learn m…
Make the Good News Your Life's Work with Nick Hall
Nick Hall's mission is to raise up the next generation of evangelists. In our anxiety-filled age, Nick boldly models how the gospel offers the exact hope and comfort the world craves. His voice is prophetically challenging一pointing out the ease with which apathy creeps into the church. But he's also relentlessly hopeful that God is stirring the next generation to share Jesus and transform the world. Steve Carter talks with Nick about the upcoming Together '22 conference, which seeks to empower the next generation of Christians to make Jesus known. Significantly, it will take place on the 50th anniversary of Explo '72一a historic evangelistic conference that transformed the lives of many people in Nick's life, including his dad. Nick's call to evangelism is bursting with zeal, yet rooted in reality. He says the goal is not arrival, but growth: all of us can take the next step in obedience. By God's grace, the character of our lives will open people's hearts to the gos…
A Church Worth Fighting For with Nancy Beach and Samantha Beach Kiley
In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Nancy Beach and her daughter Samantha Beach Kiley一two women humbly modeling what it looks like to lead the church in a skeptical age. They are both pastors, leaders, and champions of the local church. Steve unpacks a recent sermon Samantha delivered at Church on Morgan in Raleigh, NC and the way she writes her messages with such verbal precision. Nancy and Samantha love the local church and they spend time unpacking how they would debrief moments in a service or sermon around the kitchen island most weekends. Their forthcoming book, which they co-authored, looks honestly at issues plaguing the church: racism, patriarchy, exclusivity, abuse, and unchecked power. In light of these sobering realities, Nancy and Samantha are hopeful about the future of the church and fiercely committed to seeing it thrive. This conversation showcases the beautiful dynamic of a mother and daughter partnering in life and ministry一and also what it looks like when a…
Starting with Scripture with Annie F. Downs
Annie F. Downs hosts a podcast called That Sounds Fun一a title which captures the contagious joy emanating from everything she does. Her content travels the globe through speaking tours, books, and podcasts, but her most cherished role is serving on the teaching team at Cross Point Church in Nashville. Her rootedness in this local community keeps her grounded, accountable, and reflects her heart to prioritize people over platform. For any communicator who struggles against the time clock, or who gets overwhelmed by everything they want to say, Annie helpfully explains her process of elimination when crafting a talk. As a traveling speaker challenged to meet fluctuating time limits, she prepares 30, 45, and 60-minute versions for all her major messages. She also practices out loud, often in front of a football or baseball game on her TV. Steve Carter and Annie also reflect on the important voice of women in the church, and how she winsomely navigates the tensions facing female…
Speaking by the Numbers with Sean Palmer
Ever deliver a message—from the pulpit or in a meeting—that excited some but bored others? Why is the response in the room a mixed bag? Sean Palmer, teaching pastor at Ecclesia in Houston, TX, shares an Enneagram-informed strategy that helps him answer the one question plaguing communicators: How do I reach my entire audience? Sean explains to Steve Carter, how every person has three intelligence centers: thinking, feeling, and doing. We need to understand the demographic of our people to transform the effectiveness of our pulpits. While statistics are helpful, Sean doesn't reduce effective communication to crunching numbers. As he says, spending time with people, and listening to them deeply, is indispensable to crafting a powerful message. EPISODE LINKS Sean's books: Forty Days On Being a Three, Speaking By the Numbers, Unarmed Empire Ecclesia Church www.seanisaacpalmer.com @seanisaacpalmer @steveryancarter @craft_character Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastch…
Framing a Talk with Jonathan Pokluda
Jonathan Pokluda believes that good teachers are exceptional listeners. As the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, TX, he's intentional about checking the pulse of his people. Every Friday he hosts a Q&A session on Instagram Live, often with his wife and kids in the car. Of the 2,000-ish questions that pour in weekly, he tackles 50-100 of them. Inquiries come from people of all ages一boomers to Gen Z, and span all topics: sex, marriage, faith, divorce, friendship, you name it. At 3 pm every Thursday, a small group of people from his church listen to his full sermon, then offer honest feedback. Jonathan's humility to listen fuels his courage to speak on raw issues, like his recent series: The 7 Deadly Sins of Suburbia. Underneath his creative teaching approach to framing a talk is a 7-part outline, which he unpacks with Steve Carter in this episode: Image Subject Need Preview Text Summary Conclusion EPISODE LINKS Jonathan's books: Outdated, Welcome to…
The Last Supper on the Moon with Levi Lusko
What Bible verse did Buzz Aldrin take to outer space? What was the first meal eaten on the moon? What do space travel and the Christian life have in common? In this fascinating conversation, Steve Carter interviews Levi Lusko, the founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, located in Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Utah and everywhere online, about his new book, The Last Supper on the Moon, which plays off NASA's 1969 lunar voyage to draw powerful principles about what it means to follow Jesus. Sometimes we need to hear age-old truths in a new way, which is arguably Levi's forte. Whether curating a user-friendly digital livestream, or requiring all church employees to read a Michelin-rated restaurateur's manual on hospitality, Fresh Life Church is leading the way in engaging our cultural moment. At the core of his sermon prep and writing is a practice Levi calls "collect and connect," which is a relentless quest to learn, catalog stories and ideas, then use them as illustra…
How We Love Matters with Albert Tate
For Albert Tate, a sermon isn't about words streaming from your mouth, but truths running through your life. He explains how the best sermons start in the head, move to the heart, then lodge in your gut一until the Spirit grips you with conviction, you aren't actually preaching yet. A cursory glance at Tate's dynamic teaching reveals not only a willingness to say hard things, but to preach them to himself first. Steve Carter interviews Tate about his forthcoming book, How We Love Matters: A Call To Relentless Racial Reconciliation. With his trademark blend of creativity and conviction, Tate tackles a culturally contentious issue, building off his upbringing in Mississippi and decades of church ministry in Southern California. He views the Table as utterly transformative一a place where, like Jesus, we sit with people drastically different than ourselves. When we learn to listen well, we learn to love well. Episode Links Preorder his new book: How We Love Matters Read Albert…
Living Undistracted with Bob Goff
Whether in his books or live talks, Bob Goff seems to have ten lifetimes worth of stories. He has an uncanny knack for putting himself in unlikely places with unlikely people. He talks to dozens of strangers every week, because he listed his cell phone number in the back of his New York Times bestselling book, Love Does. He teaches classes at Pepperdine University and San Quentin State Prison. After the Taliban took control of major cities in Afghanistan in 2021, Bob called them to ask if they would allow women to return to a school he helped launch there. They said yes. Steve Carter talks with Bob about his forthcoming book, Undistracted一a manual for navigating life with purpose and passion. As always, Steve chops it up with Bob about how to put together a talk. They discuss how to spark action in people's lives, rather than spoon-feeding an audience prepackaged to-do's. The thread running through this whole conversation is Galatians 5:6, a verse that could easily serve as B…
If the Tomb Is Empty with Joby Martin
Few aspects of Joby Martin's ministry journey have been predictable. His first sermon was an impromptu talk at a youth camp, thanks to a coach who believed in him and tossed him into the deep end. He planted a church almost without realizing it. On Mondays he prepares sermons while hunting, tucked away in the woods, or poised quietly in a tree stand. He rarely plans sermon illustrations beforehand一they just sort of come to him in the moment. Through the ups and downs of 20+ years as a pastor, now as the pastor of The Church of Eleven22 in Jacksonville, the gospel of grace has kept him buoyant and grateful. Steve Carter draws out the hacks and habits Joby has refined through the years, including the storytelling culture Joby grew up in and how it informs his preaching, the necessity of humility, how to map out a preaching series that's culturally engaging and biblically robust, and the habits that enable pastors to finish well. They also chat about Joby's new book and it's cen…
Fighting Racism Through Preaching with Jemar Tisby
"We are living in times that demand a decision on justice." In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Historian, Author, and Speaker, Jemar Tisby. Tisby walks listeners through why we have to be pushing people towards the gospel truth, his expansive understanding of what progress looks like, and why the transformation of the heart as people pursue racial justice still gives him hope. He encourages pastors not only on WHY to lead your church well through racial justice, but provides priceless and practical recommendations on HOW to bake racial justice into the core of your culture. Finally, Tisby reminds pastors that as you pursue racial justice, you don't have to come up with it yourself. If you are ready to proclaim the good news for everyone in your preaching, you won't be disappointed. Episode Links The Color of Compromise by Jemar Tisby How To Fight Racism by Jemar Tisby How to Fight Racism: Young Leader's Edition by Jemar Tisby The Witness Inc White Awake: An Honest Lo…
Wanderlust and the Power of Place with Daniel Grothe
In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor, Teacher, and Author, Daniel Grothe. The vow of stability and place is counter cultural. We live in a world of cultural impermanence… and Daniel challenges us with the question, "How is that going for us?" Place matters. Stability matters. You have to fight to stay. "If salvation is going to break into the world, it's going to be local and personal." EPISODE LINKS Follow Craft & Character on Instagram: @craftandcharacter Find Daniel at DanielGrothe.com Get Daniel's New Book: The Power of Place: Choosing Stability in a Rootless Age YouTube: Rev. C L Franklin Sermons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Yearlong Quest of Jesus with Mark Moore
In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews teaching pastor and author of Quest 52 Mark Moore about how to intentionally pursue Jesus. Mark Moore is an NT scholar that has the ability to unpack the person, preaching, power, and passion of Jesus in ways that are wildly accessible. Steve and Mark discuss different passages that Mark writes about in Quest 52, playing off one another, diving deeper into the text to discover what it meant then and what it means for us today. Mark ends the podcast by examining the humility required to pastor today. The lessons learned in this alone are worth the entire episode. Mark joined the staff at Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona in July 2012 as a teaching pastor. CCV currently has ten locations and over 35,000 in weekly attendance. Prior to joining the CCV team, Mark was a Professor at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, (1990-2012). Currently, he is an online professor for Ozark, an Adjunct Profess…
Finding True Rest with Dr. Paul Alexander
In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews Hope International University President Dr. Paul Alexander about the importance of soul care and his findings in a study he conducted with over 2200 pastors about depression and anxiety in the pastorate. Dr. Alexander is an ordained pastor, licensed therapist, and has a doctorate in organizational leadership. His love for the local church, his compassion for the loneliness from which many pastors suffer, his transparency, and the way in which he walks you through how you can find true rest and care for your soul is deeply refreshing. YouTube link for conversation mentioned by Dr. Alexander: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ8xjkIBlbI Who is Paul Alexander? Paul Alexander is the President of Hope International University in Fullerton, California. Having served as a long-time faculty in the area of Psychology, Paul speaks in churches regularly on anxiety, depression, and leadership. Paul is an ordained pastor as well as a lic…
Spirit and Truth with Daniel Im
The Power Of The Spoken Word With Hosanna Wong
In this episode of Craft & Character, preacher and author of How (Not) to Save the World, Hosanna Wong, unpacks how poetry has influenced her preaching. Growing up in San Francisco, Hosanna competed in various underground slam poetry contests and she learned the art of storytelling, the rhythmic patterns within sentences, and how to speak truth using the fewest words possible. She talks candidly about what the transition was like moving from spoken word artist to preaching regularly at her church and around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Charisma over Character with Mike Cosper
In this episode, Steve Carter interviews the creator of the Rise And Fall Of Mars Hill Podcast, Mike Cosper, about what he discovered unpacking the Mars Hill story. We discuss which interview from the podcast broke his heart the most, why people are drawn to charisma over character, people's critiques of the podcast, and what he's looking for in a preacher and pastor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Simple Prayer with Charlie Dawes
In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Pastor and Author Charlie Dawes. Charlie and his team planted Hill City Church in the greater DMV ( DC + Maryland + Virginia) area. Steve and Charlie talk about how prayer plays a crucial part in the sermon prep process. Charlie wrote a fantastic book a few years ago called "Simple Prayer" about learning to speak to God. Charlie speaks candidly about the practice of prayer, not needing to hype up moments but rather how to stay wildly open to the burning bush moments that occur all around us, shaping us and the messages we get to preach. Who is Charlie Dawes? Charlie Dawes pastors Hill City Church in Alexandria, VA. He is the author of Simple Prayer and a loyal Cubs fan that hopes it won't be another 108 years until the next World Series. He is married to Nicole and they have 3 incredible kids (Caden, Hailey, and Declan). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ache, Desires, and Strongholds with Steve Carter
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character Podcast episode, Steve Carter takes your questions about how to dive deeper into your sermon prep. Steve unpacks how every person tuning into a sermon has an ache and good desires. As communicators, we must keep searching, praying, studying, and marinating to name the ache people are feeling and also how this text can call out good desires within. Every context we speak in has unique strongholds that must be addressed when we preach. In this episode, Steve will help you identify the problem (these three words), name the premise (what the scriptures have to say about it), and articulate the promise (what a person's life will look like if they apply it to their life). Who is Steve Carter? Steve Carter is a pastor, speaker, author, podcaster, and sports enthusiast. He is the author of, The Thing Beneath The Thing. He is the host of the Craft & Character Podcast and also the Home Team Podcast, a weekly show that talks about the intersection…
Preaching Logos with Passion with Mark Moore
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews author, professor and Christ Church of the Valley Teaching Pastor Mark Moore about the makings of a great talk. Mark explains his process, why he believes he needs to practice preaching a message six times before ever speaking it to an audience and how he has framed talks for students, college classroom, and adult congregation. What Mark shares about the importance of character at the end is worth the whole episode. Who is Mark Moore? Mark joined the staff at Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) in Peoria, Arizona in July 2012 as a teaching pastor. CCV currently has eight locations and 28,000 in weekly attendance. Prior to joining the CCV team, Mark was a Professor at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri, (1990-2012). Currently, he is an online professor for Ozark, an Adjunct Professor at Hope International University in Fullerton, California and Haus Edelweiss, Vienna, Austria. Mark is also the…
At Your Best as a Preacher with Carey Nieuwhof
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews author, leader and former senior pastor of Connexus Church Carey Nieuwhof about how to get time, energy and priorities for every preacher working in their favor. Carey speaks candidly about what he learned from burning out and the wisdom he has acquired along the way that will help every single communicator to get out of the stress spiral and live well in the thrive cycle. Who is Carey Nieuwhof? Carey Nieuwhof is a former lawyer and founding pastor of Connexus Church. Carey's passion for helping people thrive in life and leadership is evident in his latest book, At Your Best: How To Get Time, Energy And Priorities Working In Your Favor. Pastor Niewhof is also a gifted speaker and the best-selling author of, Didn't See It Coming: Overcoming the Seven Greatest Challenges That No One Expects But Everyone Experiences. From Carey: "I met the most amazing woman in my first year of law school. We got m…
Preaching towards Discipleship with Sharon Hodde Miller
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter talks with Bright City Church Teaching Pastor Sharon Hodde Miller. Sharon is an accomplished author and a thoughtful communicator who has an incredible ability to put her Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School to good use while also making her messages widely accessible. Sharon and Steve unpack her message, "We are heirs," from Bright City Church, process how she preps for her talks, and how her words compel people towards becoming disciples of Jesus. Who is Sharon Hodde Miller? Sharon leads Bright City Church in Durham, NC with her husband, Ike. She writes, travels around the country speaking at churches and conferences each year, and holds a Ph.D. on women and calling. Sharon is the author of two books: Free of Me: Why Life Is Better When It's Not About You, and Nice: Why We Love to Be Liked, And How God Calls Us to More. Sharon lives in North Carolina with her husband and 3 young children. To read mo…
Seven lessons for every communicator with Noah Herrin
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character Podcast episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Noah Herrin about the seven lessons he learned in his first five years of communicating. Noah is a gifted teacher of God's word, has a heart of gold, and offers up an honest reflection of the crucial lessons he has learned throughout his ministry. Whether you're just starting out preaching or have been doing it for years this episode is for you. Who is Noah Herrin? Noah is a 26 year old communicator and pastor based in Atlanta, Georgia. His passion is to reach the next generation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2017, Noah founded The Gathering young adult movement in Cleveland, TN that reached thousands of young adults on a weekly basis. Since that time, he has become a trusted voice to the GEN-Z and Millennial generations. In 2021 Noah founded a non-profit called "Neighborhood Young Adults" that seeks to disciple and raise up communities of Young Adult followers of Jesus in ev…
Bearing witness with Tyler Burns
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews pastor Tyler Burns about his commitment to being a local pastor and how in bearing witness to the pain of his people there comes a newfound power in his sermons. Tyler breaks down his prep for his Q Conference talk and shares a plethora of mentors, pastors and authors who have helped him shape and form a talk. What Tyler shares about his prep process is information you can immediately implement in your own talk creation process. Who is Tyler Burns? Tyler Burns is the President of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective (thewitnessbcc.com), Host of the Pass the Mic Podcast with Jemar Tisby and the Lead Pastor of New Dimensions Christian Center. Tyler is married to Mylena and they have two beautiful kids and live in Pensacola, FL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Journey of the Soul with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere
About the Episode In the latest Craft & Character episode Steve Carter interviews Spiritual Directors Bill & Kristi Gaultiere about the soul journey every pastor and follower goes on to experience more intimacy with Christ. Bill & Kristi run www.soulshepherding.com and have a heart to help people discover the pathway towards emotional honesty, spiritual maturity and how to handle those dark nights of the soul. Bill & Kristi also work with pastors around taking a sabbath break and how to best structure that so your heart, mind and soul can experience true replenishment. Who are Bill and Kristi Gaultiere? Bill is a psychologist (PhD; PSY12036 in CA) and ordained pastor, specializing in ministry to pastors. He and Kristi are the authors of Journey of the Soul, which was #1 on Amazon in Christian Counseling. He was personally mentored for many years by Dallas Willard and Ray Ortlund Sr. His earlier book Your Best Life in Jesus' Easy Yoke tells the story of his spiritual renewal from anx…
Learning to Linger in the Word with Jay Kim
On the latest Craft & Character podcast episode Steve Carter interviews Westgate Lead Teaching Pastor and Analog Church author Jay Kim about his sermon prep process. Jay is hands down one of the most thoughtful communicators on and off the stage. The process that Jay uses is deeply inspired by his story, his love for music and learning the spiritual gift of lingering. Too often we rush an idea; but Jay will help you see how sitting with an idea and truly lingering on a verse or theme can bring about deep revelation. Jay also talks about his award-winning book Analog Church - a must-read for any church leader. Jay serves as lead pastor of teaching at WestGate Church in the Silicon Valley area of California and teacher-in-residence at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz, CA. He is also on the leadership team at The ReGeneration Project, where he co-hosts The ReGeneration Podcast. Some of his written work has been featured in Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Relevant, Missio Allia…
Image Management with PreachersNSneakers creator Ben Kirby
In the latest Craft & Character Podcast episode, Steve Carter interviews Ben Kirby - author and creator of the PreachersNSneakers Instagram account. Steve and Ben talk openly about the pressure of image management, the power that can come from the pulpit, and what truly motivates what we wear, post on social media, and communicate. Ben opens up about what led him to start the account, the criticism he received, and what he ultimately hopes it will accomplish - especially for pastors. Ben's love for Christ and the Church is apparent in this episode and it's a must-listen for any preacher. Ben Kirby is the creator of the viral social media sensation PreachersNSneakers, an Instagram account that caused an uproar across the globe after showing the values of designer clothing preachers were wearing on stage. Along with growing from zero to hundreds of thousands of followers in just a few weeks, his work has been featured in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wallstreet Journal, Buz…
A Burning in my Bones with Winn Collier
On the latest Craft & Character Episode, Steve Carter interviews author Winn Collier about the life and legacy of Eugene Peterson. Winn unpacks stories from his latest book, A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson, Translator of The Message. The stories he shares detail how Eugene understood the calling to be a pastor, how his geography shaped his theology, how he fought to have his character lead the way, and what made Eugene such an important pastoral voice. Winn Collier was the founding pastor of All Souls Charlottesville. He now serves at Western Theological Seminary as Director of The Eugene Peterson Center for Christian Imagination & Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology and Christian Imagination. He is also the director of the Genesis Project. Winn Collier received a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia where his work centered on the intersection of literary fiction and religion, particularly the sacramental landscape of Wendell Berry's fictio…
Try Softer with Aundi Kolber
In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews therapist and author Aundi Kolber about the importance of language and tone as a counselor or a preacher. Aundi unpacks the heart behind the message of Try Softer and discusses how pastors can return power to the congregation through their lives and sermons. Aundi's deep, kind, and thoughtful voice provides insight on what to look for in a pastor and church community. Aundi Kolber is an author and licensed professional counselor in Castle Rock, CO. Her work has been featured on Relevant, CT Women, The Huffington Post, The Mudroom, Happy Sonship, and Circling the Story. Aundi is a speaker and consultant for churches, mental health professionals, and organizations on topics including trauma recovery, healthy emotional processing, identity formation, and infertility. In 2020 she authored Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety, Stress, and Survival Mode--and into a Life of Connection and Joy. Aundi and her…
Spirit + Word with Kevin Queen
In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter interviews Cross Point Church lead pastor Kevin Queen about the important role prayer plays in the preparation and delivery of a sermon. One of the keys Kevin brings to everyday life and the stage is his ability to walk in the Spirit, and talk about the Scriptures in practical and accessible ways while keeping an ear tuned to heaven. Kevin shares how living this way helps him in his sermon prep, in loving his family well, and in his role as lead pastor. Kevin Queen is a husband, father, pastor, and communicator. Born and raised in the Atlanta area, he's a graduate of the University of Georgia, New Orleans Seminary, and Bethel Seminary. Before joining Cross Point's staff in August 2017, Kevin served for 14 years on staff at 12Stone Church, a large multi-site church with 8 campuses in Metro Atlanta. During his last 10 years at 12Stone, he served as both a campus pastor and teaching pastor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p…
Identifying the Trap with Darren Whitehead
In the latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter talks with Church of the City lead minister Darren Whitehead about identifying the traps that often take senior leaders down. Of the 14 transformational practices offered by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, 11 of them deal with sex, money, or power. From there, Darren employs years of research to help us begin to identify the potential traps in our own lives. On the local church front, Darren reveals what the Church of the City is planning for Easter and how his team approaches telling the Resurrection story creatively each year. In 2013 when Darren and Brandy Whitehead and their small team founded Church of the City, they had a vision to plant a family of churches that live in the way of Jesus for the renewal of global cities. The team has now planted 6 congregations across Nashville and New York City. Originally from Australia, Darren has lived in the United States for over 20 years. He earned his Master's in Ministry from Wesl…
The Power of Verbal Precision with Ashlee Eiland
In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Mars Hill teaching pastor and author Ashlee Eiland about how she writes and rewrites each of her messages, fighting to find the perfect words. Ashlee is a gifted and accomplished author, and she shares her process of journaling, studying, and freewriting to capture the heart and essence of a talk. Ashlee exists to join God in His redemptive work here on earth. Her purpose is to help humanity build bridges back to the truth of who God is and between one another in redemptive, healing relationship. Her passions for Scripture, family, writing, elevating women in the Church, and the holy journey of adoption are core to who she is. Ashlee serves as formation and preaching pastor at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, MI, and she is the author of Human(Kind): How Reclaiming Human Worth and Radical Kindness Will Bring Us Back Together. Ashlee and her husband Delwin have three kids, Brooklyn, Myles, and Journey. Learn more ab…
The Importance of Preparation with Danielle Strickland
The Importance of Preparation with Danielle Strickland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Disciple Out Racism with Albert Tate
In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter talks with Fellowship Church Monrovia senior pastor Albert Tate about how preaching racial reconciliation is an act of spiritual formation. "Racism was discipled into the church," he says, "and it must now be discipled out of the church." As church leaders, we cannot avoid this conversation, and Albert offers great wisdom and insight. Who is Albert Tate? Albert Tate is the founding pastor of Fellowship Church Monrovia, a gospel-centered, multiethnic, intergenerational church that has established a solid foothold for life transformation to the glory and honor of Christ. Albert is passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ both to the local church and the global community. Blending the power of storytelling with a good sense of humor, Albert enjoys illustrating God's amazing grace and love in church, academic, and conference settings. Albert and his wife LaRosa have 4 beautiful children. Albert serves on the Boar…
Managing Leadership Anxiety with Steve Cuss
For most pastors, there has never been a year filled with more turmoil, tension, criticism, and anxiety than 2020. Our congregations were divided by politics, masks, in-person gatherings, and the appropriate reactions to racism in our country. Pastors struggled with preaching through cameras to invisible congregations while making impossible decisions, where any choice would disrupt half the church. 2020 was filled with leadership anxiety, and many of us were never fully equipped to manage it well. In this episode of Craft & Character, author and pastor Steve Cuss talks with Steve Carter about his book Managing Leadership Anxiety. They review what anxiety actually is and how to best take care of your personal struggles while shepherding your congregation through worry and anxiety. Who is Steve Cuss? Steve Cuss grew up in Perth, Western Australia, and came to the United States to study theology. He and his wife Lisa have two sons and a daughter. Steve holds a Master of Divinity from Em…
Leading through Preaching with Gene Appel
In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter talks with Eastside Christian Church senior pastor Gene Appel about effective leadership through preaching. Gene is an incredible mix of strategic leader and kind pastor, and he leads with integrity. He refers to this mix of strategy as "directional leadership" and explains that his goal of shepherding his congregation influences both his message preparation and his sermon calendar. Gene's clarity of mission plays a key role in moving the church forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chuck DeGroat on Narcissism in the Church
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Western Theological Seminary pastoral care professor Dr. Chuck DeGroat about narcissism in the local church. Chuck explains the narcissism spectrum and discusses how pastors can demonstrate characteristics that lead to unhealthy and toxic narcissistic actions. This might be the most important Craft & Character podcast to date. If you're a church or ministry leader, Chuck's wisdom will help you recognize and combat unhealthy narcissism within yourself, your ministry, and Church culture as a whole. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Carlos Whittaker on the Art of Storytelling
For over a decade, Carlos Whittaker was one of the leading worship voices in the church, but he began to feel a stirring toward preaching and teaching. A little over 4 years ago, he took that brave step and hasn't looked back. In this latest Craft & Character episode, Steve Carter asks Carlos about the process of obedience to move into the communicator's space and the keys that Carlos uses for effective storytelling. His comments are pure gold for anyone desiring to master this craft. Finally, Steve and Carlos discuss the importance of consecrating your day and how doing this regularly prepares Carlos for what God has in store for him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Church Called Tov with Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer
In this latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews New Testament scholar Scot McKnight and author Laura Barringer about their latest book, A Church Called Tov. Scot and Laura unpack the stories of abuse at Willow Creek, Harvest, and the SBC that led them to write these words. This is a different kind of episode than we have ever done—but we feel it is paramount to talk honestly as pastors, preachers, and teachers about our burden to do whatever we can to create cultures of goodness and not abuse. This episode will teach you about the Hebrew word "tov" and how we can bring "tov" to the pulpit and to our churches. It will also move you to consider what a pastor is truly called to be in this day and age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Into Me You See with Derwin Gray
In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Derwin Gray about the importance of personal discipleship, intimacy with Christ, and helping people truly discover what the gospel is all about. Derwin dives into everything from discipleship vs. leadership in the Bible, and how the church has forsaken one for the other, to the most pastoral and compelling way one can experience deep intimacy (or "into-me-you-see") with Christ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the Beginning Was a Conversation—with AJ Sherrill
In this episode Steve Carter talks with AJ Sherrill about his process for crafting messages and six the values that drive each talk he creates to be a transformative preacher. These six (character, identity, cultivation, authenticity, confidence, and teachable) will help your posture be open to all God wants to do within you and through you. One of the highlights of this episode is hearing AJ's honesty regarding what he must say no to in order to truly live the life God desires for him. We also talk about AJ's latest book, The Enneagram for Spiritual Formation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
When the Pastoral and Prophetic Intersect—with Tara Beth Leach
In this Craft & Character podcast Steve Carter interviews Tara Beth Leach, Senior Pastor at First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena ("PazNaz") in Southern California. Tara Beth discusses her prep process, how she invites the pastoral and the prophetic to intersect, the importance of preaching live via video during this COVID season, and the critical spiritual exercises that help her character lead the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meant for Good with Megan Fate Marshman
In this Craft & Character episode, Steve talks with Megan Fate Marshman, an incredible teacher, pastor, and author of Meant for Good. Megan shares how she started preaching, the art of storytelling, the importance of pacing, and key spiritual practices that are crucial for her. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rich Villodas on Desiring One Thing as a Preacher
Steve Carter and Rich Villodas have a lively conversation about how to stay both prophetic and pastoral as a preacher. The two will dig into Rich's sermon "Desiring One Thing" that he delivered last September after returning from sabbatical. Rich shares openly and honestly from moments in his leadership when he has spoken out and what practices have shaped him and propelled him to do so. Rich also discusses practices that are crucial for him and the heart behind his forthcoming book, The Deeply Formed Life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Digging New Wells with Dr. Glenn Packiam
In this episode, Dr. Glenn Packiam and Steve Carter unpack Glenn's teaching "Blessed," which was part 1 of a 3-week series based on his book Blessed, Broken, Given. Glenn and Steve talk about the importance and struggle of making a message theologically weighty yet accessible for the congregation. Glenn Packiam is Associate Senior Pastor at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Lead Pastor of New Life Downtown. To learn more about Glenn, head to his website: www.glennpackiam.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
John Mark Comer on Telling the Story and the Importance of Therapy
In the first ever episode of The Craft & Character Podcast, Steve Carter and John Mark Comer talk about a sermon John Mark preached in early May entitled "Holy Uncertainty." John Mark shares some specifics around how he builds a talk and opens up about his story, the importance of therapy, and specific practices that are helping guide him through the liminal space of 2020. John Mark Comer lives in Portland, Oregon and pastors Bridgetown Church, right in the center of the city. Bridgetown is built on the idea of practicing the way of Jesus together. John Mark has authored several books, including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry and God Has a Name. Want to know more about John Mark Comer or listen to the entire sermon being discussed? www.johnmarkcomer.com (Bridgetown.church/teaching/house-to-house/holy-uncertainty/) Bridgetown.church/teaching/house-to-house/holy-uncertainty/ (Bridgetown.church/teaching/house-to-house/holy-uncertainty/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p…
Trailer: Introducing Craft & Character
We are so pleased to announce one of the most pivotal partnerships CDF Capital is a part of: Craft & Character with Steve Carter. Steve is a nationally renowned pastor and communicator and will be leading our efforts to serve local church leaders with their public speaking craft and their personal character development. No one can preach God's Word well without first being personally transformed by it. You can find out more at craftandcharacter.org (http://craftandcharacter.org/). We'd like to invite you to be a part of a live online event called "The Craft & Character Backroom Conversation," where Dharius Daniels, Carey Nieuwhof, Steve Carter, and Sean Morgan explore of the reality of communicating the gospel in the new landscape of church. Participate live in the conversation and have your questions answered. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


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Tag Archives: skizophrenia
The Soloist
Posted on November 25, 2009 by carlosdev
Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx try to get away with some loot from the Disney Theater.
(DreamWorks) Robert Downey Jr., Jamie Foxx, Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Nelsan Ellis, Rachael Harris, Stephen Root. Directed by Joe Wright
Friendships can sometimes be formed in the most unlikely of places between the most unlikely of people. These are the sorts of friendships that can be life-altering for both of the parties involved.
Steve Lopez (Downey) is a successful columnist for the Los Angeles Times. While his marriage is on the rocks (to his editor Mary (Keener) no less) and he has been injured in a bicycle accident, his career is at least doing well.
One afternoon he hears music coming from Pershing Square near the Times building and discovers a homeless man sawing away on a two-stringed cello and making astonishing music. This is Nathaniel Ayers Jr. (Foxx) and as Lopez later discovers, he was once a prodigy who studied at Julliard before his schizophrenia forced him to drop out of school and essentially from life.
Intrigued, Lopez writes a column about Ayers. A reader, touched by the story, sends a new cello for Ayers which Lopez delivers. This touches off a friendship between the two as Lopez acts as something of a guardian angel for the highly erratic and sometimes explosive Ayers. Lopez follows Ayers to a shelter in downtown L.A. (filming took place on Skid Row where the shelter is located and actual homeless people were used as extras) and inspired, writes a series of articles on the homeless situation in the City of Angels.
This leads to awards and acclaim for Lopez but he feels conflicted about this – like he's profiting on the plight of his friend. He tries to help him, sets up recitals and an apartment for the former prodigy but Ayers' mental illness is once again getting in the way. Will the demons in Ayers nature prevent him from leaving the mean streets of L.A.?
Like real life, the movie doesn't answer this question because this true story is continuing. The real Nathaniel Ayers still lives in Skid Row and while his fame has allowed him to leave the streets, he still grapples with his mental illness.
Director Wright (who previously directed Atonement) has a good eye for detail and uses his L.A. locations to make a gritty, grimy portrayal of the streets which exist in a truly tragic juxtaposition within blocks of the glamour of the Walt Disney Theater in downtown L.A. Oscar-nominated (for Erin Brockovich) screenwriter Susannah Grant has the thankless job of trying to capture Ayers' madness without compromising the story's realism and for the most part, she succeeds although she does wander into maudlin territory from time to time though not enough to torpedo the movie.
At the center of the film is the relationship between Ayers and Lopez; if the actors can't capture that then the film is a disaster. Fortunately, Wright cast two of the better actors working today in Downey and Foxx to tackle the roles and they both do stellar jobs. Downey has the more nuanced role in Lopez; he's flippant and cynical but with a soft heart. He's not the stereotypical driven and ambitious journalist; he's more of an observer than a reporter.
Jamie Foxx resists the urge to over-dramatize the mental illness of Nathaniel Ayers but still manages to effectively portray the demons that torment him. This performance required a master's hand to pull off and fortunately it got one. I don't know if this is Foxx's second Oscar-winning performance (it's unlikely – the movie was postponed from its original November 2008 release date and relegated to the relatively barren April, when few films get any Oscar consideration) but it certainly merits a look.
Wright and Grant set out to make the movie as real and believable as possible and except for a few hiccups were successful. I like that the movie ended without tying things up in a neat package. I also admire the performances of the lead actors which are so compelling that some fine character actors also cast here are almost shuffled off to the wayside not through any fault of their own.
This movie, possibly because its release date was mishandled, didn't get the kind of box office love it should have gotten (and might have gotten if the studio had stuck to a fall release date). Still, if you didn't see it in theaters (and you probably didn't), this is worth seeking out on home video.
WHY RENT THIS: Both Downey and Foxx turn in outstanding performances. The relationship at the heart of the movie is believable. The resolution of the movie is not really a resolution but ties the events together nicely while ringing true to the realism of the story.
WHY RENT SOMETHING ELSE: The story occasionally meanders into the maudlin.
FAMILY VALUES: There's a good deal of crude language, some drug use and the overall theme of mental illness and homelessness might be a bit much for children.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT: During the final concert scene in the movie, the real Nathaniel Ayers Jr. can be seen in the front row of the concert hall.
NOTABLE DVD EXTRAS: There is an interview with the real Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Ayers Jr. in which the interplay that the actors modeled the relationship on is clearly visible. There is also a feature and an animated short on the situation with homelessness in Los Angeles which has one of the largest homeless populations in the world.
TOMORROW: The Astronaut Farmer
Posted in DVD Review | Tagged based on a true story, Catherine Keener, cinema, classical music, Disney Hall, Drama, Dreamworks, DVD Reviews, Films, homelessness, Jamie Foxx, journalism, Julliard, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, mental illness, movies, Robert Downey Jr., Skid Row, skizophrenia, Stephen Root, Steve Lopez, The Soloist | Leave a reply

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Which City In Northern California Has The Longest Name?
Fortunately for you, you won't ever have to data key city names like La Canada Flintridge or Rancho Santa Margarita.
Nonetheless, when data keying registration form after registration form, the shortest of city names can become a laborious task! It would be a fine new gadget if somehow, your old keyboard can read your mind, and enter the info for you.
Well, we aren't quite there yet… but try this the next time you're manually registering a player or an administrator: Enter in the street address, the first letter of the city only (you cannot leave this field blank), and the full zip code.
The Cal North DMS's address verification will review your input, and update the city field automatically for you based on the street address and zip code you entered.
A few seconds and key strokes here and there, multiplied by hundreds next year equals time you could be spending enjoying a latte.
Every second and key stroke counts!


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Arroyo del Ojanco is een gemeente in de Spaanse provincie Jaén in de regio Andalusië met een oppervlakte van 57 km². Arroyo del Ojanco telt  inwoners ().

Gemeente in Jaén

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Ken Lavigne's Road to Venables Theatre
The last time tenor Ken Lavigne performed in Oliver, the roof of the old Venables Auditorium was leaking and water dropped from the ceiling onto his head. Friday, February 28th at 7:30 pm he returns with his band to find himself front and centre in the fabulous, state of the art, Venables Theatre. Rising literally from the ashes of a devastating fire, the exquisite new theatre and this opening act will mark the beginning of a new era of music and performing arts in the South Okanagan.
In his latest touring concert, Ken and his band (piano, guitar, bass, drums and violin) will take the audience on a riveting and enchanting journey, retelling his personal campaign to sing at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. It's an unbelievable account of a man who, against all odds, found a way to live out his dream of singing on the world's most prestigious concert stage.
Four admission flex passes for only $60 are available at Beyond Bliss, Oliver, and Imperial Office Pro, Osoyoos, or at the door. Single entrance admission is $20. Students 17 and under are admitted free. Bring your cheque book so you can purchase your next season's pass at Early Bird prices.
The story of the road to Carnegie Hall is told with spectacular songs and entertaining and hilarious stories. Ken embodies the spirit of the underdog – audacity, tenacity, tragedy and ultimately triumph. His singing ranges from ballads and musical theatre favourites to familiar classics and operatic arias.
Ken is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer. Recognized early for the outstanding timbre of his lyric tenor voice as well as the ease and agility with which he sings, Ken undertook thorough vocal and music training in his native Victoria, B.C. and further study in Wales and in New York. He had the option of taking the traditional route to a career in opera and has performed many of the major roles. More recently he has branched out to cross-over solo concerts while remaining in demand for opera roles. He is a founding member of the Canadian Tenors and also co-founded the trio, Romanza.
Since his Carnegie Hall debut, Ken has regularly performed with multi-Grammy winner David Foster and has had the honour of performing for his Majesty Prince Charles last fall. All the while he continues to earn accolades with symphonies and orchestras internationally.
The February 28th concert is not to be missed. At long last we have an exceptional theatre space. Come and experience it ! This is a time to celebrate!
Call Maureen at 250 495 7978 to arrange for transportation by van if you are worried about winter driving conditions and know this performance is one you just can't miss!
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This isn't exactly a ready-to-wear make up look but eyebrows are important to a girl, they frame the face, they can even change the shape of the face.
Although I love golden eyeshadows I thought I'd make this post all about the eyebrows….
I then went over the brow wax with the powdered side of the brow kit with my angled brush to set it.
I used a clean angled brush to go in with a white highlighter just under my eyebrows, at the very top of my brow bone.
There you have it! OTT eyebrows for that extra wow factor.
Wireless Festival MakeUp: How to?


The average person says they want to retire by the age of 63.2 – but the reality is many of us are not financially prepared. A survey by the Conference Board of Canada found 60 per cent said they will be unable to retire comfortably with the financial plan they currently have. A majority of Canadians closest to retirement, aged 55-64, admit they haven't put enough money aside to resign from the workforce completely. Experts say the lack of financial literacy is contributing to Canadians being unprepared for retirement.
As November is Financial Literacy Month – a whole 30 days dedicated to helping Canadians learn more about their money -it makes sense to focus on the issue of impending retirement, which continues to be a major concern for many who feel they aren't saving enough for their golden years.
The general rule is always put 10 per cent of your after tax income towards your retirement saving. But the longer you wait to start saving for retirement they more aggressive you have to be. For someone who starts saving after 40, they would have to put in a lot more than 10 per cent to build a decent nest egg to retire.
Are You Saving in the Wrong Place?
The survey found more Canadians say they are putting money aside for retirement, which is great news. But many are not putting enough – often because they're saving for their children's education instead. The most important thing to remember is your child's RESP comes second to your RRSP. A child has many financial options when they arrive at university or college, grants, scholarships loans etc. But during retirement a person can only rely on the money they have saved or exists in a pension plan.
Many women may find they're spending part of their retirement alone – and this reality should factor into their planning. Despite this, an overwhelming number of women in North America have no retirement plan. In The Smart Woman's Guide to Planning for Retirement, author Mary Hunt says almost 92 per cent of women assume they will be taken care of by their husbands, work pensions or government benefits after they turn 65. She says the reality is 66 per cent of women living in retirement are single and women should be planning for that predictable situation Sadly more than 50 per cent of marriages end in divorce, women live longer than men and are usually younger than their spouses.
Will You Have to Delay Retirement?
Concern over poor financial planning is leading many to delay leaving the workforce: 20 per cent of respondents in the Conference Board survey said they were waiting longer than expected to retire. As well, a full 45.6 per cent of respondents say they plan to continue to work part-time or on a contract basis after their official retirement, and the percentage increases with age. About 51 per cent of those aged 45-64, and 60 per cent of those aged 65+ say they will continue working past their official retirement date, the survey revealed.
Understanding personal and financial matters plays an important role in retirement planning, says the Conference Board. Respondents who report excellent financial literacy skills are anywhere from four to seven times more likely to be confident that they will be able to retire when they want, understand the income they will receive from public pension plans, and know how much they need to save. In November there is a push across Canada to help people understand more about your money, but learning about your money can happen at any time.
Set your goals – What kind of a retirement do you envision? Lots of financial advice articles talk about seven-figure savings requirements, but it entirely depends on you. Will you travel? Will you downsize? Will you buy luxury items? Try this retirement lifestyle quiz from the Investor Education Fund to see what your future has in store.
Know your options – There is a range of ways you can fund your retirement, including public and private funds. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) has put together a list of retirement income sources to help you put some of your eggs in different baskets.
Eliminate debt – Everyone strives to be debt-free in retirement, but some studies show more than half of Canadians carry some form of debt into retirement. Attack your debt while still earning an income, or, seek help from a non-profit credit counselling service if your debt is unmanageable.
Tags: financial literacy month, finlit14, RESP, RRSP, Rubina, saving for education, saving for retirement. Bookmark the permalink.
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US sets coronavirus infection record as deaths climb towards 224,000
A person walks near a sign listing coronavirus precautions at the King County election headquarters in Renton, Washington (AP)
The US coronavirus caseload has reached record heights, with more than 83,000 infections reported in a single day.
This is the latest ominous sign of the disease's grip on America, as states from Connecticut to the Rocky Mountain West reel under the surge.
The US death toll has grown to 223,995, according to the Covid-19 Dashboard published by Johns Hopkins University.
(PA Graphics)
The total caseload across the States reported on the site Friday was 83,757 – topping the 77,362 cases reported on July 16.
The impact is being felt in every section of the country. Responses include a lockdown that started on Friday at the Oglala Sioux Tribe's reservation in South Dakota, a plea by Florida health officials for a halt to children's birthday parties, dire warnings from Utah's governor, and an increasingly desperate situation at a hospital in northern Idaho, which is running out of space for patients and considering airlifts to Seattle or Portland, Oregon.
Dr Robert Scoggins, a pulmonologist at the Kootenai Health hospital in Coeur d'Alene in Idaho, said: "We've essentially shut down an entire floor of our hospital. We've had to double rooms. We've bought more hospital beds.
"Our hospital is not built for a pandemic."
Many countries don't have enough oxygen available to assist sick patients as they struggle to breathe. The oxygen project reflects WHO's commitment to end-to-end solutions and innovation to do what we do better, cheaper and to reach more people. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/hSsfn3xKOC
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) October 24, 2020
In the southern Idaho city of Twin Falls, St Luke's Magic Valley Medical Centre said it would no longer accept children because it is overwhelmed with coronavirus patients. Except for new-borns, all under the age of 18 will be sent 128 miles away in Boise.
Utah's governor Gary Herbert proclaimed Friday to be "a record day for Utah – but not a good one" as Covid-19 cases reached an all-time high for the state.
He said: "Up until now, our hospitals have been able to provide good care to all Covid and non-Covid patients who need it.
"But today we stand on the brink. If Utahans do not take serious steps to limit group gatherings and wear masks, our healthcare providers will not have the ability to provide quality care for everyone who needs it."
By public health order, masks are required in 21 counties, Mr Herbert said, as he urged Utah residents to wear one whenever they are around someone outside their immediate household.
The seven-day rolling average for new daily Covid-19 cases in the US surpassed 61,140 on Thursday, compared with 44,647 two weeks ago.
#COVID-19 is not the flu. Virologist @andrewpekosz breaks down key differences between #COVID19 and influenza to show why this pandemic is so dangerous. https://t.co/xUqlq8b9Os
— Johns Hopkins University (@JohnsHopkins) October 23, 2020
The record was reached July 22 when the rolling average was 67,293 in the midst of a summer outbreak driven largely by surges of the virus in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California.
The US surge mirrors a similarly widespread spike in Europe, where Rome, Paris and other major cities are reining in nightlife as part of the increasingly drastic measures undertaken to slow the spread of the pandemic.
French authorities said the country had recorded more than one million confirmed coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic, becoming the second country in Western Europe after Spain to reach that number.
The head of the World Health Organisation warned that countries in the Northern Hemisphere are at a "critical juncture" as cases and deaths continue to rise.
WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "The next few months are going to be very tough and some countries are on a dangerous track."
more Coronavirus articles
Covid-19 latest: 93 deaths and 2,001 cases reported
coronavirususplace: international
Cork TD critical of the government's failure to deliver a return to special education on Thursday


The information and diagrams below will give you a basic overview of how the Acclaim system works and how to integrate with the API.
This diagram shows how all of the components of the Badging Platform fit together.
The external platform makes calls to the Acclaim Acclaim Platform REST API. Requests and responses are formatted as JSON.
The Acclaim Platform consists of a database, REST web service, and the Acclaim website.
The Acclaim Platform communicates with earners via email. Earners interact with the Acclaim website using a web browser.
This process diagram illustrates how an External Platform can issue a badge to a new user and how the user can share their badge via social media.
The External Platform makes a POST request to the badges API endpoint with a JSON payload describing the badge to be issued.
The Acclaim web service responds with HTTP status 201 Created if the badge was issued successfully.
The Acclaim web service sends an email notification to the Earner containing a link to the Acclaim web site, which can be used to accept the badge.
The Earner clicks on the accept badge link from the email notification.
The Acclaim web site responds to the Earner's web browser request by requiring the Earner to register a new account.
The Earner fills in the registration form and submits it to the Acclaim web site.
The Acclaim web site sends an email to the address provided by the Earner, which contains a link that the Earner must click to confirm their account.
The Earner clicks the email confirmation link, which confirms their registration.
The Acclaim web site displays the Earner's profile, where the Earner can accept the new badge.
After accepting the badge, the Earner can share the badge to social media or by email. For example, the Earner may choose to share by email with an Employer.
The Acclaim platform sends the Employer a share badge email, which contains a link to the Acclaim web site, where the Employer can verify the badge information.
This process diagram shows how an External Platform can retrieve a list of badges issued to a user. Refer to the API documentation for a full list of filter options.
The Acclaim web service responds with JSON describing badges issued to user ID 2.
This process diagram illustrates how an External Platform can revoke a badge that has been issued to a user.
The Acclaim web service responds with 200 OK status and JSON describing badge with ID , including its updated state of "revoked".


Many service providers in the market are focused exclusively on innovating within the cloud services layer, and then partnering for managed services and network connectivity. CenturyLink's strategy however is somewhat orthogonal to this mindset. By contrast, we are focused on a flexible range of options that span managed services, cloud computing, and network connectivity.
Different business customers have different needs. We're seeing many in the market gravitate toward a strategic partner – like CenturyLink -- who can support a range of scenarios across network, cloud, and managed services. Taken together, this service range helps businesses offload more onerous tactical items that IT just can't afford to spend much time (and money) on. There is a "better together" story across these three layers, so let's run through each one, starting with cloud.
Many enterprises have taken those first few steps to migrate existing apps to different cloud platforms. In doing so, they begin to get out from under the crushing weight of running on-prem infrastructure. But often times, it takes an entire investment around a new professional skill-set in order to master the mega-clouds. CenturyLink's platform creates a highly-accessible model, using our built-in enterprise controls and high-touch on-boarding programs. And of course, for customers with colocation and hosted deployments at CenturyLink, the public cloud is a logical extension of their existing data center outsourcing strategy.
There are many facets to the Mode 1 cloud evolution over time, including consumption of bare metal servers on-demand, building increasingly complex environments via self-service, and the exploration of "Mode 2" app development. From what we've seen, Mode 1 hosting with CenturyLink is the start of how IT begins to elevate from caretaker of infrastructure to strategic partner for the business.
But CenturyLink continues to invest in our cloud platform for more than a solution to reliably host enterprise applications for our customers – we also use it as a platform to fuel innovation in other critical areas of our business: network and managed services.
Next on the list for IT to modernize? The network.
There's a looming crisis for networks that power enterprise offices, factories, and other brick-and-mortar sites. These systems were designed for a time when nearly all applications were consumed inside the firewall. That's well and good for the client-server architectures of yore, but that usage pattern, for a majority of apps, has not existed for some time. Now, nearly everything is accessed via the public Internet.
The pain of this mismatch has been tolerable for a while. But as data consumption continues to grow exponentially - thanks to the convenience of cloud-based service platforms - the stress and strain on these creaky systems hinders productivity and elevates risk. The enterprise network is at an inflection point, similar to where the x86 server industry found itself on the dawn of virtualization, in 2005.
While many customers look at network tech purely through the OPEX-oriented prism of speeds, feeds and cost of bandwidth, we are now seeing a growing number that view the network as a source of competitive advantage. Customers are not only looking to the software-defined network way to reduce cost, but to securely connect with service platforms, business partners, and proximate data. The traditional telecom industry could not deliver on this promise through traditional provisioning methods – but with the advent of virtualized wide-area networks a new level of agility has emerged.
CenturyLink engineers have helped shape the many waves of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) innovation that have occurred since the creation of the simple, passive, elegant Internet Protocol (IP). Further, we continue to make major investments in the automated delivery of services across our global network assets and our latest release of Software Defined WAN -- CenturyLink® SD-WAN -- continues this trend.
What does this mean for our customers? At this stage, they have a growing public cloud footprint, a shrinking on-prem data center, and a sleek new corporate network any IT pro can manage from a web browser. In this scenario, so much of the "undifferentiated heavy lifting" is now CenturyLink's problem to solve. That liberates corporate IT to make the leap to a "software defined business".
So what's left for IT to outsource to a strategic provider?
The managed services value prop in the age of cloud remains tried-and-true: You have better things to worry about, so let a team of experts watch over your core applications so you don't have to.
Managed services from CenturyLink aren't new. But what is (relatively) new is the cloud-friendly business model for our capabilities: self-service, on-demand, and billed hourly. In fact, CenturyLink pioneered this billing model for managed services in public cloud. The response since its introduction two years ago has been overwhelmingly positive.
And now that we have matured our portfolio, we are expanding our capabilities. In the coming months, we will offer managed services on any server, virtually anywhere. In a future that includes many "islands of compute" (colocation, traditional hosting, public cloud, private cloud, bare metal), why not extend this expertise to run anywhere, powered by a RESTful API design? A great recent example of this "anywhere service" model is Runner, an automation service that can help IT organizations rapidly move to an immutable infrastructure model by standardizing configuration management anywhere a server exists.
CenturyLink's differentiated "niche" is one whereby we play to our strengths: a single-source provider with decades of expertise across cloud infrastructure, scalable networks, and managed solutions. Just like our peers in the industry, we expose our self-service, elastic infrastructure platform – the innovation foundry for our primary business – to our customers as well. And just like our peers in the industry, we partner in other dimensions that sit outside our core focus. Our innovation strategy allows us to build integrations between the CenturyLink platform and various other cloud platforms that our customers view as strategic.
The advent of #softwaredefinedeverything has had the effect of liberating IT and developers to focus at a higher level on impactful business projects. This mirrors CenturyLink's approach towards Hybrid IT automation. CenturyLink's platform strategy is rooted in the belief that, for many customers, our broader range of automated services across management, infrastructure, and network frees up a greater level of customer resources than would be achieved by purely focusing at the cloud computing layer. We feel this is a differentiated and unique approach compared to other service providers in the Gartner Magic Quadrant, and one we look forward to discussing with our customers seeking a digital transformation of their own.
Want to learn more about our complete enterprise cloud platform? Designed for your business needs today and tomorrow, the CenturyLink® Cloud Platform is reliable, secure, robust, and global.


Lanzahita is situated in Spain, in the Castilla y Leon region where it is within Avila.
If you are planning a visit be sure to see the long range weather forecast for Lanzahita and the Castilla y Leon region.
Natural highlights such as lakes, forests and mountains close to Lanzahita.
Know Lanzahita or operate a tourist attraction here?


One of the snacks I miss most while living abroad is Queso (cheese dip). Anytime we had a party back home there was a guarantee that cheese dip was made. We usually made it with onions sauted in butter, then added in a can of rotel tomatoes, and velveeta cheese. It was also something I loved to order from restaurants, but a restaurant never uses velveeta cheese.
In the last month Danish grocery stores finally started to carry monterey jack cheese at the stores. This cheese was unavailable here before, and guess what? It is great for making cheese dip. So I developed my own recipe with the ingredients I have access to here, and it turned out to be pretty delicious. I made a video on how I make queso dip without velveeta which you can see below.
Melt butter in a pan, and saute chopped onions, jalapeno, and chili pepper.
Add whipping cream to the pan, and bring it to a boil.
Lower the heat, and add in the monterey jack cheese. Stir until melted.
Add in the american cheese. Stir until melted.
Serve as is, or for a more creamy queso, add the cheese dip to a food chopper and blend until smooth.
I am pretty sure you could omit the american cheese, and add an additional 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese instead making a white queso dip, but I haven't tried this. The great thing about monterey jack cheese is that it does not become grainy and stays smooth. If you want to make larger quantities, then double the recipe, but be careful about doubling the peppers. You could always saute the peppers whole, remove them from the pan, and add them in a little at a time, until you think it's spicy enough.