Introducing Live Oak Associates

Ragamuffin Circus

Tim sits down with Dr. Eric Sandras ("Dr. E") — pastor, professor, and author of The Ragamuffin Circus — to talk about what a life spent on the margins has taught him about God, grace, and belonging. Eric's journey has taken him from a small timber town in Washington state to the streets of LA, Las Vegas, and now the underserved corners of Colorado Springs — working alongside people coming out of addiction, gang life, homelessness, and more. Along the way, he didn't just minister to people. He learned from them. In this conversation, Eric shares the philosophy behind Sanctuary Church — a community built on the idea that people shouldn't have to keep secrets — his formula for healthy growth, and why he believes the church should feel more like a recovery room than a courtroom. He also digs into his new book, The Ragamuffin Circus, a honest and personal look at what people on the edges of society have taught him about God, himself, and others. Deeply shaped by the legacy of Brennan Manning, it's the kind of book that stays with you. For more info on Dr. E's book and other resources go to: - Book: Ragamuffin Circus [https://www.ragamuffincircus.com/] - Church: The Sanctuary Church  [https://www.TSCwest.org] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567805/support] The Book "Create an Environment for Growth" [https://a.co/d/hQYE9HG] Other Resources [https://www.liveoakassociates.com]

At the Crossroads

Tim sits down with Pete Kuiper, co-founder of Crossroads Counseling of the Rockies, to hear the story behind 25 years of intensive counseling ministry. Pete shares how God placed a deep conviction on his heart — that real transformation takes more than an hour a week — and how that conviction became a model that has helped individuals and couples from across the country find lasting freedom. A conversation about surrender, the work of the Holy Spirit, and what it looks like when God uses broken people to help other broken people get unstuck. 📍 crossroadsworkshop.com [https://www.crossroadsworkshop.com] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567805/support] The Book "Create an Environment for Growth" [https://a.co/d/hQYE9HG] Other Resources [https://www.liveoakassociates.com]

Soaking

In this episode, Tim leads us through an experiential exercise designed to show us how we can use Focus as part of our daily rhythm to create an environment for growth.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567805/support] The Book "Create an Environment for Growth" [https://a.co/d/hQYE9HG] Other Resources [https://www.liveoakassociates.com]

Introducing Live Oak Associates

Tim and Elise interview Vern Salter, founder of Live Oak Associates. Vern describes the needs for intentional missionary care and how Live Oak is positioned to provide for those needs in a professional, competent, and compassionate manner.  For more information, go to www.liveoakassociates.com [http://www.liveoakassociates.com/]. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567805/support] The Book "Create an Environment for Growth" [https://a.co/d/hQYE9HG] Other Resources [https://www.liveoakassociates.com]

What's in a Name?

In this inaugural episode, we describe what this podcast is about. You are not a slave to your genetics or environment. You can create an environment for growth so that you can be and do everything that God is calling you to be and do! Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2567805/support] The Book "Create an Environment for Growth" [https://a.co/d/hQYE9HG] Other Resources [https://www.liveoakassociates.com]