Best Paul Granger Podcasts (2024)

1
Authentically seeking 54:20

14h ago54:20

54:20

In episode 177, AmiLynne Carroll invites us to consider how we are seeking God. How do we know if we are authentically seeking Him? How do we seek when questions go unanswered and hardship intensifies? AmiLynne pressed into this when she was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and given 6 weeks to live; it was in this raw, vulnerable space t…

1
Evangelism = Love? 47:07

4h ago47:07

47:07

In episode 176, Audrey Dutton invites us to consider what evangelism actually is. When she identified as an atheist, she encountered many forms of it, but it was the authentic love of two friends that truly softened her heart to the good news, and prepared her for an unexpected encounter with God in the mountains. Now, she knows that genuine evange…

1
Intentionally molded 46:51

3d ago46:51

46:51

In episode 175, Morgan McCarver helps us navigate those seasons when we ask God, "why did you make me this way?" Today Morgan is known as a fantastic potter, but that was not the plans she had for herself; when a diagnosis of scoliosis and a resulting surgery took dance off the table, she wrestled with how God was molding her away from her dreams. …

1
Hidden trauma 53:03

24d ago53:03

53:03

In episode 174, Michele Okimura invites us to consider the impact of hidden trauma. There are moments in our lives when our thoughts and actions don't match -- or even oppose -- who we aspire to be, and when we realize it we can feel confusion and shame. "How could I have done that?!" What if those moments are not a result of our intentions, but hi…

1
Coincidence, or God? 44:19

1M ago44:19

44:19

In episode 173, Jack Maher's story leads us to consider when the simple, the random, and the coincidences may actually be the God of the universe communicating to us. After the sudden loss of his wife, Jack encountered God in unexpected ways, and found himself in deeper relationship than ever before. In what simple or random ways is God speaking to…

1
What comes after "all in"? 51:29

1M ago51:29

51:29

In episode 172, Dub Karriker helps us explore the reality that we can be authentically "all in" for Jesus, and then... not. Through his story, we explore the journey aspect of a relationship with Christ that extends beyond the initial "yes", and how we can learn what it really means to be "all in" for him, even amidst doubt and hardship Is God invi…

1
Ministry in lament 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

In episode 171, Andrea Herzer invites us to discover the ministry in the midst of lament. When hardship hit, it can be easy to spiral in emotion, and miss the blessing healthy lament can bring. What if God wants to do something beyond us in that space? What if He is actually equipping us to love and serve others, even while we long to be loved and …

1
Space for doubt 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

In episode 170, Nic shares the importance of creating space for doubt. "Doubt" has a stigma on it in the church; yet if "the wisdom of God is foolishness to man", it shouldn't be surprising that we wrestle with understanding. Unfortunately, that stigma can lead to shame and rejection rather than love and presence. After a difficult season where he …

1
All-in disciple 53:35

2M ago53:35

53:35

In episode 169, Aaron challenges us to confront our understanding of what it means to be "all-in" with discipleship; we may think we are committed, but what if we aren't? And if we aren't "all-in" for Jesus, how can we get there? Pulling from his experiences in combat, Aaron has learned what it means to put your life on the line, and wants the Chur…

1
A city on a hill 47:48

3M ago47:48

47:48

In episode 168, Ty-Shaun-Dra Davis invites us into her step of obedience: allowing God to make her a city on a hill that can't be hidden. She isn't one to pursue the spotlight, yet over and over God has invited her to come out of the shadows and "let her light shine." She's come to discover that when she trusts Him, He is able to do amazing things …

1
More than prayer 52:40

4M ago52:40

52:40

In episode 167, Dr. Leoma Gilley pulls from her decades of experience with Wycliffe Bible Translators and ministry in the Sudan to press us into our understanding of the Word and prayer. More, she invites us to consider that it's perhaps not about the "how", but the "Who"; when we recognize that relationship with God is the point, it gives freedom …

1
Sharing amidst hardship 47:31

4M ago47:31

47:31

In episode 166, Miriam Washington accepts God's invitation to share her story, but it was not easy. Health issues, hospital stays, and even a mic refusing to connect became obstacles to what she sensed God saying: "share of your faith amidst disability and chronic illness."Throughout her life, Miriam has known hardship, yet she's known something gr…

1
This is not a podcast 11:11

5M ago11:11

11:11

In episode 165, I break the months-long hiatus to reveal that this is not a podcast... at least not as you understand it. What you are hearing is a by-product of the true ministry: an authentic, accessible space -- with a twist -- to process who God is, who He's made us to be, and what that means for life. This space is for anyone -- perhaps for yo…

1
Sitting in Suffering: To hell and back (Series Finale) 43:09

1y ago43:09

43:09

In episode 164 -- the series finale -- we address what is the quintessence of suffering, hell, through an unexpected conversation. For nearly 17 years, my wife Becca Granger has been navigating something that is difficult -- if not impossible -- to share, yet arguably one of the heftier experiences of suffering we've explored this season. She share…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Take this cup 26:57

1y ago26:57

26:57

In episode 163, we do something different. I felt like God was inviting me to have one more guest before the finale, and I had several exciting options in mind. Then, every single one said no. I was left with a sense there was one more episode, but no clue who to invite. Then, on the morning of my self-determined deadline, I felt like God wanted me…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Engaging AS community 47:19

1y ago47:19

47:19

In episode 162, Blaine Lay helps us process how -- amidst suffering -- we're not just invited to engage with community, but engage AS community. Scripture invites us to step in to the hardships around us as a Body, and through God's wisdom and power we can see Him do amazing things. But how do we engage as a community? What makes it difficult? Why …

1
Sitting in Suffering: Blessed with disability 49:34

1y ago49:34

49:34

In episode 161, Colleen Faul hits us early with a phrase that would catch many off-guard: "blessed with special needs." When she describes her daughter's journey with Infantile Spasms and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, she is aware many would see Gracie's life as unfortunate; yet God has shown her and her family how He is doing abundantly more than th…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Called WITH Bipolar 44:13

1y ago44:13

44:13

In episode 160, Susan Johnson invites us to confront how we understand Bipolar Disorder and other mental health conditions. As we've explored in several episodes, mental health conditions are frequently stigmatized, misunderstood, and seen as disqualifying. What if, though, God is calling us to serve Him not INSPITE of our struggles, but WITH them …

1
Sitting in Suffering: One in the midst 53:02

1y ago53:02

53:02

In episode 159, Marti and Louis Williams share how not even near-death experiences could keep them from being "one" in the midst. Hardships have a tendency to isolate us, but the reality is that God has created us to be in relationship with one and with others; while isolation can weaken us, oneness can bring us to abundantly more than we could ask…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Ministry in the midst 50:47

1y ago50:47

50:47

In episode 158, Dan Coe shares how a season of suffering seemed to strip them of a thriving ministry... until they discovered a new ministry in the midst. We've heard often this season of folks who held traditional jobs, experienced suffering, and landed in a new ministry after; but what if you're already IN a ministry, and the hardship bring thing…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Trust 43:04

1y ago43:04

43:04

In episode 157, Donna Tashjian shares a story that helps us confront our struggle with trust. After all, it's hard to trust when others have hurt you, or not shown up when you needed them; and it's hard to trust God when He didn't protect you from the hardship. When Donna was 14, someone close to her family hurt her in such a way that she found her…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Finding meaning 51:41

1y ago51:41

51:41

In episode 156, Beth Thorp helps us know what it means to find meaning in the midst of our suffering. Her family was thrust into hardship when a mystery illness struck her son Mitchell and upended their lives. Their thoughts became filled with questions -- for doctors, for God -- that too often went unanswered. Yet God heard them, and more than ans…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Starting over again 48:10

1y ago48:10

48:10

In episode 155, Coach Jonathan McLernon invites us to embrace starting over again as an opportunity. Starting over can feel daunting and unjust, and so many of us have found ourselves there despite our best efforts. Jonathan takes us on a journey through an attempted murder, to a pursuit of weight-loss, to a costly betrayal, and how along the way h…

1
Sitting in Suffering: (Forced) rest 46:02

1+ y ago46:02

46:02

In episode 154, my friend Angela Westmoreland's story presses us into an element of "rest" that is uncomfortable: what if our need for rest is so vital that God forces it? It sounds unfair and controlling; but what if "forced rest" can actually be a profound display of God's love for us? This is what Angela discovered: when a foot injury led to a d…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Accepting grace 40:32

1+ y ago40:32

40:32

In episode 153, Karis Meier's story challenges us to consider if we are accepting grace. When an unexpected medical issued to life-long, serious health issues, it could be hard for Karis to know what God was doing and how to navigate the mounting hardships. In the midst, however, God was inviting her at accept his grace; even more, Karis -- who's n…

1
Sitting in Suffering: It shouldn't have been this way 49:07

1+ y ago49:07

49:07

In episode 152, Darryl Rodgers helps us acknowledge a sentiment that can trip us up: "It shouldn't have been this way." It could have been easy for him to say this, when after striving to be a good father he watched his son slip into a destructive addiction struggle that eventually cost him his life. What makes this particularly hard is that someti…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Suicide and addiction 1:01:58

1+ y ago1:01:58

1:01:58

In episode 151, Tim Lodgen's powerful story allows us to go deeper into a topic we've only lightly addressed: suicide. Suicide is difficult to discuss; it's a topic that carries deep emotions, difficult theology, and hefty stigmas. However, not discussing it leaves the many who wrestle with suicidal thoughts feeling more alone. The truth is, they a…

1
Sitting in Suffering: The Spirit 1:01:59

1+ y ago1:01:59

1:01:59

In episode 150, Steven Snook presses us to not miss out on the most powerful gift in the midst of suffering: the Spirit. There is no shortage of valuable advice and resources for navigating suffering that aren't Christian-based; so if you can navigate suffering without God, what does God bring to the table? Steven would tell you it's the power of t…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Others are watching 42:12

1+ y ago42:12

42:12

In episode 149, EksAyn Anderson shares a story that reveals what can seem a daunting reality; in the midst of our suffering, others are watching. EksAyn had interactions with his mom as a kid that impact him to this day, and she never knew the depth of impact. When we are in hardship, we can already feel like we have no capacity, and the thought of…

1
Sitting in Suffering: The Word 53:50

1+ y ago53:50

53:50

In episode 148, Johnathan Drayton presses us to consider how we are understanding and engaging the Word in the midst of our suffering. Too often, we will utilize the Word for platitudes or fixes, but what if God actually intends abundantly more than we could ask or imagine? If you enjoy this conversation, check out the conversation Johnathan and I …

1
Sitting in Suffering: Hope 52:02

1+ y ago52:02

52:02

In episode 147, Laura Diehl invites us to press into the concept of "hope". If hope is "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen", that means that anytime we have an expectation or desire, we are hoping for something; in other words, rather than wondering if we have hope, perhaps we should ask "what am I hoping for?" After …

1
Sitting in Suffering: Oppressive spaces 39:38

1+ y ago39:38

39:38

In episode 146, Nicky Billou helps us explore the concept of oppressive spaces leading to suffering. As a child, Nicky's father recognized that remaining in Iran could become dangerous for their family, so he worked to move his family out before things got worse. Though he was saved from that oppressive space, Nicky discovered that hardship remaine…

1
Sitting in Suffering: God can. 49:48

1+ y ago49:48

49:48

In episode 145, Benjamin Bell helps us confront how we limit God's ability. Sometimes our suffering is heavier because we question what God can do; sometimes in our spiritual maturity we know God can do things, but we decide precisely what those things should be. The real invitation is to simply affirm that "God can", and leave the details to Him. …

1
Sitting in Suffering: Love is 51:39

1+ y ago51:39

51:39

In episode 144, Kim Sorrelle shares the wild invitation God gave her when she was sitting in suffering: to commit over a year exploring what "love is" by engaging the "is" and "isn't" phrases in 1 Corinthians 13 one month at a time. Let's be honest: we may acknowledge that "God is love", but do we really know what "love is"? Afterall, aren't we qui…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Disqualified 40:47

1+ y ago40:47

40:47

In episode 143, Michael Scholtes invites us to confront what we think disqualifies us, that God may actually intend to use for abundantly more than we could ask or imagine. Michael has struggled with depression throughout his life and is keenly aware of how that could seem like a disqualification to being a pastor. Not only has it not disqualified …

1
Sitting in Suffering: Counting the cost 51:55

1+ y ago51:55

51:55

In episode 142, Kent Stoneking shares his journey of navigating diabetes and the threat of amputation, pressing us to consider how we respond to the decision-points in the midst of suffering. Those moments can be stressful, frustrating, or crippling, and can seem to deepen our suffering; what if they actually create an opportunity to follow Christ?…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Spiritual myopia 50:04

1+ y ago50:04

50:04

In episode 141, Phil Thompson helps us acknowledge a difficult reality: sometimes our suffering is a result of our nearsightedness (or even the nearsightedness of others.) Spiritual myopia -- our tendency to focus hard on the present and leave the eternal a blur -- is something we're all prone to struggle with, but God desires us to have "eyes to s…

1
Sitting in Suffering: There is no breakthrough 55:23

1+ y ago55:23

55:23

In episode 140, Annette Spurr hits us with a tough one: sometimes the breakthrough we're longing for is realizing there is no breakthrough. It's tough because in our heaviest moments, we long for breakthrough; interestingly, God longs for it as well, but what He is after is abundantly more than our best breakthrough ideas. How can we learn to relea…

1
Sitting in Suffering: When to walk away 52:00

1+ y ago52:00

52:00

In episode 139, Alicia Luca Dean's story invites us to consider how our boundaries can be opportunities to "love God and love others". She made the hard call to walk away from a toxic relationship with her parents, and through that learned the healing God can bring when we trust him in the midst. If you are navigating childhood trauma or toxic rela…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Broad Sweeps 52:50

1+ y ago52:50

52:50

In episode 138, Jacqui Wilson's story forces us to confront the reality that we often view our situations -- and other people -- in broad sweeps. Jacqui has learned from her roles as an attorney and Children's Minister that without the nuances, we may not see others as "made in the image of God", and may actually miss God at work. What if God is in…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Beyond our story 57:45

1+ y ago57:45

57:45

In episode 137, Sue Corl invites us to see beyond our story, to the stories God is writing amidst ours. Her's is a powerful journey itself; due to medical issues at birth, she endured dozens of surgeries throughout her youth, traumatic bullying, and challenges within her home. However, God was in her midst, and used her story to plant seeds around …

1
Sitting in Suffering: Discernment 52:00

1+ y ago52:00

52:00

In episode 136, Scott Schara helps us process what discernment looks like in the midst of suffering. It's often said "hindsight is 20/20", and what we can discern in retrospect is too often mired in confusion when we are sitting in suffering. Scott has navigated this as he's processed the death of his daughter during a hospital stay. The more he ha…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Suffering well (the "almost finale") 46:35

1+ y ago46:35

46:35

In episode 135, Pastor Corey Widmer invites us to do something we aren't interested in by default: suffering well. That's because we don't want to suffer at all. Interestingly, I intended this to be the finale of the "Sitting in Suffering" series, but God had other plans; throughout this season we've heard not just stories of suffering, but moments…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Leaning into spiritual family 24:31

2y ago24:31

24:31

In episode 134, we experience a special episode with multiple guests! I set up my mic during a unique event called "The Gallery", hosted by East End Fellowship, which invited the congregation to share their creative gifts with the entire spiritual family. In fact, that was the theme: spiritual family. John (a previous guest), Adrianna, Kenya, and S…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Limiting God 43:06

2y ago43:06

43:06

In episode 133, Dorsey Ross shares how he will not let his circumstances lead him to limit God. Born with Apert's Syndrome, Dorsey has known what it has meant to be both limited and have others assume limitations for you. He also knows Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Dorsey's story reminds us both of our t…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Your value in the Body 48:02

2y ago48:02

48:02

In episode 132, previous guest Micalah Collins shares how a season of suffering led to an invitation to operate outside of the internal and external expectations that had been influencing her. In this space she found peace; yet so many are still pressured by expectations, trying to fit into a construct counter to what God may have intended. 1 Corin…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Running into the storm 58:35

2y ago58:35

58:35

In episode 131, Dr. Pamela Mshana invites us to "run into the storm." She found God inviting her into this when a challenging work situation brought up deep, forgotten trauma from her past, and she had a sense that God was inviting her to not flee or cower, but run towards Him. While that experience deepened her spiritual maturity, she has sense di…

1
Sitting in Suffering: Public transparency 54:46

2y ago54:46

54:46

In episode 130, Heather Carter helps us discover a gift God has given us to thrive: public transparency. That's not our gut expectation though, is it? Public transparency seems risky, costly, and even foolish. Yet, it was through public transparency that Heather was able to navigate a season of suffering, discover more about God, and find a purpose…

1
Sitting in Suffering: More than positivity 47:40

2y ago47:40

47:40

In episode 129, Joshua Marcengill uses his story of being met by Jesus at his lowest point to help us process that God invites us to more than simply positivity. We've talked often about the risks of platitudes, and this conversation presses us further to note that positivity it limited; God's eternal gifts, however, are limitless, and He's invitin…

1
Sitting in Suffering: The invitation of caregiving 47:49

2y ago47:49

47:49

In episode 128, Mark Steiner gives us a unique companion episode to his wife Darci's episode in the "Healing Series." The theme of the caregiver in the midst of suffering continues to appear, and Mark gives us a transparent look into his experience of caring for (and at times not) for his wife, and how this journey has not only brought them closer …

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