Placed For A Purpose

New News

In this special farewell episode, we share some heartfelt "new news" as we officially bring the Placed for a Purpose podcast to a close after two and a half years of fun and insightful conversations on neighboring. Reflecting on over 100 episodes, we celebrate the journey, from memorable interviews and book discussions to practical insights on hospitality, evangelism, and everyday friendship. We also share updates on what’s next: one of us is stepping into a new pastoral role in men’s ministry while the other continues to write, speak, and create neighboring resources. With gratitude and hope for what’s ahead, this final episode is both a goodbye and an invitation to keep neighboring with purpose.

How to BLESS your neighborhood with Dave Ferguson

In this bonus episode, we sit down with Dave Ferguson, author of Bless: 5 Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World, to explore a practical and relational framework for neighboring based on the life of Jesus. Dave shares how each part of the BLESS acronym, Begin with Prayer, Listen, Eat, Serve, and Share Your Story, offers simple yet impactful steps to build genuine friendships with neighbors and live on mission without turning people into projects. Through stories, research, and a focus on hospitality, the episode dives into why neighboring through blessing, not converting, is not only more effective but more faithful to Jesus’ example. Whether it’s praying for neighbors, sharing meals, or simply being a friend, this conversation encourages listeners to take intentional steps toward loving those around them with authenticity and grace. Order Dave's Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684510880/?bestFormat=true&k=bless%205%20everyday%20ways%20to%20love%20your%20neighbor&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_14_de&crid=EFJW3UXDM232&sprefix=Bless%20neighbor [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684510880/?bestFormat=true&k=bless%205%20everyday%20ways%20to%20love%20your%20neighbor&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_k0_1_14_de&crid=EFJW3UXDM232&sprefix=Bless%20neighbor] CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/placedforapurpose] TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link [https://www.placedforapurpose.com/contact-us] to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Wrapping Up the Parables

In this final episode of our “Neighboring Through the Parables” series, we reflect on how Jesus’ parables have shaped our understanding of neighboring, from letting go of grudges to celebrating the overlooked, being generous with our resources, and trusting that even the smallest acts can grow into something meaningful. We revisit key lessons from parables like the unforgiving servant, the mustard seed, the prodigal son, and the rich fool, and how they’ve shown up in everyday moments with our neighbors, whether through sharing a trash can, welcoming new dog-owning neighbors, or pushing past assumptions and scarcity mindsets. As we close out the series, we challenge ourselves (and you!) to take one step of generosity toward a neighbor, trusting that these small acts reflect the upside-down values of Jesus’ kingdom. ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus  [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]by Klyne Snodgrass ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]Interpreting the Parables [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk] by Craig Blomburg ⁠Bible Project Podcast series on Parables⁠ [https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/series/parables-podcast-series/] in 2020 ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]The Parables of Jesus: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible)  [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]by Douglas O'Donnell CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/placedforapurpose] TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link [https://www.placedforapurpose.com/contact-us] to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

In this episode, we explore Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant, highlighting the vast contrast between the immeasurable debt God forgives us and the much smaller offenses we often withhold forgiveness for. Through Peter’s question about limits on forgiveness and the real-life example of Corrie ten Boom, who forgave a former Nazi guard by faith, we see that forgiveness isn't about forgetting or excusing pain, it’s about releasing resentment because we’ve been shown radical mercy. Jesus challenges us to measure our forgiveness with the same generosity God has shown us, reminding us that true mercy transforms how we treat others. ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus  [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]by Klyne Snodgrass ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]Interpreting the Parables [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk] by Craig Blomburg ⁠Bible Project Podcast series on Parables⁠ [https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/series/parables-podcast-series/] in 2020 ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]The Parables of Jesus: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible)  [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]by Douglas O'Donnell CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/placedforapurpose] TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link [https://www.placedforapurpose.com/contact-us] to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Parables on Prayer

In this episode of our Neighboring Through the Parables series, we explore how Jesus uses everyday stories to reframe the way we approach prayer. Drawing from three parables, the friend at midnight, the persistent widow, and the Pharisee and the tax collector, we see a picture of prayer that is raw, relentless, and radically relational. These parables show us that prayer isn’t about polished words or perfect motives, but about persistence, dependence, and humility. Whether we feel powerless like the widow, desperate like the midnight guest, or tempted to rely on our own spiritual résumé like the Pharisee, Jesus invites us to come honestly and shamelessly before God, trusting that He is far more willing to respond than we imagine. Through storytelling and personal reflection, we’re challenged to pray boldly and consistently for our neighbors, not just once, but with a kind of gritty faith that doesn’t give up. ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]Stories with Intent: A Comprehensive Guide to the Parables of Jesus  [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Intent-Comprehensive-Guide-Parables/dp/0802875696]by Klyne Snodgrass ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]Interpreting the Parables [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Interpreting-Parables-Craig-L-Blomberg/dp/0830839674?adgrpid=180038477402&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426858&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6418801247702863325&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023533&hvtargid=dsa-2414841786406&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=6418801247702863325--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Religion_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk] by Craig Blomburg ⁠Bible Project Podcast series on Parables⁠ [https://bibleproject.com/podcasts/series/parables-podcast-series/] in 2020 ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]The Parables of Jesus: A 12-Week Study (Knowing the Bible)  [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Parables-Jesus-12-Week-Study-Knowing/dp/1433589443]by Douglas O'Donnell CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/placedforapurpose] TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link [https://www.placedforapurpose.com/contact-us] to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.