Joy City

Exponential 2026 and the Next Gen

Today's episode is one that truly lit me up-because I had the privilege of sitting down with three incredible young people I met at Exponential 2026. If you've never heard of Exponential, think of it as a global classroom without walls-a space designed for learning, growing and connecting with others who are passionate about making a difference in the world. And these three? They embody everything that spirit stands for. They're curious, driven, and they have something powerful to share. My conversation with them reminds me why the next generation gives us every reason to be hopeful.  The church is at its best when every generation is in the conversation together.

The Value of Attending Exponential 2026

What happens when you put thousands of the world's most forward-thinking people in one room? My episode guest, Pastor Scott Ehle of New Berlin FMC in New Berlin, Wisconsin is my guest and he has a few answers. I want to unpack the real value of attending a conference like Exponential 2026-beyond the keynotes, beyond the networking buzzword, and into what actually changes when you show up. We try and post and cover a lot, but here's what doesn't get posted-the hallway conversation that turns into a business partnership. The lunch table where you meet the one person who's already solved the problem you been stuck on for six months. The moment where you're sitting in a room full of people who "get it." This causes something to shift in how you see what's possible for you.  The internet gives us information. A room like Exponential 2026 gives you transformation-and those are two different things. Thanks for joining Joy City, enjoy this episode.

Handling Disagreements Part II

Did you see that Super Bowl halftime show? Which one? Oh, the only one? Which one was that? Join m and my friend Josh Helton as we continue our discussion on handling disputes. Whether it's the pandemic and masks, no masks, ICE or any other political or cultural situation that arises, we feel it's our right to chime in with our opinion and then make others believe it. However, I have never seen a shouting match or name calling sway anyone. Josh says, Jesus command to love even our enemy, isn't a suggestion or a motivational speech on trying harder. No, it's a command to be Christ-like. Welcome to Joy City.

Handling Disagreements

Welcome to our first episode of 2026. Handling disagreements. My goodness, in today's climate we have lost the ability to, "Come and reason together..." We lose our tempers, emotions flare, name calling because the norm and we stop listening to one another. In this episode, my friend Josh Helton and I discuss a disagreement we recently had and how the bonds of our friendship are stronger than the disagreement on a political position. While in discussion, Josh received a call from another dear friend, Choong Man Kim and he imparted some tremendous wisdom on how our "tone" can be misunderstood. So, his prayer when he speaks is not just may he speak the word of God, but may he speak in the tone of God. This helps contain the emotion. In Acts 15, the Bible describes the Apostle Paul and his ministry partner, Barnabas, having a "sharp" dispute. So much so, that Paul selects Silas to go off and do ministry and Barnabas, selects John Mark. However, later in biblical writings, the Apostle shares, "as much as is dependent on you, live peaceably with all men..." in other writings, he encourages us to be kind, tenderhearted towards one another. Many see this as hypocritical; I see it as spiritual formation and development in our relationship with the Lord. Jump in, enjoy the episode and send a question if one arises.

Counting it all Joy in Joy City

Indomitable joy in the midst of suffering & sorrow is the topic of this recording. This calls for a meteoric mind shift, that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. Not in our situations or circumstances or the roller coaster of life, but that we find our joy in the Lord. Consider some "Thank Therapy" as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, list 20 things each day that you are thankful for. Now you may of never imagined the earth's orbit? That God keeps us spinning, just the right distance from the sun? Or even the air we breath? Those are things to be thankful for. So James is instructing us to make a deliberate choice to see your trials as an opportunity for joy. God bless you all and happy Thanksgiving.