The Shock Absorber

Jan 28 2025 154 ep. 59 mins 8
The Shock Absorber Podcast artwork

Thinking and doing church a little differently...

  Religion & Spirituality
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Ministry as mates

Jan 28 2025 75 mins  
MINI-SERIES: Theology-Strategy-Practice for ministry teams. Stu, Tim and Joel look at the practice element of ministry teams. They explore how friendship fuels the heart of ministry.They kick things off by reflecting on Wes Huff’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience and the cultural shift toward appreciating Christianity’s influence on the West. Is this a Bob Dylan or a Jesu

Is efficiency a good metric for ministry?

Jan 21 2025 73 mins  
MINI-SERIES: Theology-Strategy-Practice for ministry teams - this time it's strategy behind church ministry teams.The guys delve into Soul Revival's Strategy of ministry teams. Starting with cultural artefacts, debating the depiction of AI in fiction versus reality and sharing stories about our favorite libraries, setting the stage for a discussion on deeper societal reflections.Ne

Ministry teams are like dragon boating — But is your church just watching?

Dec 17 2024 56 mins  
MINI-SERIES: Theology-Strategy-Practice for ministry teams, kicking things off by diving deep into the theology behind church ministry teams.Drawing from Ephesians 4 and Acts 6, Joel, Tim and Stu explore the Biblical foundation that shapes our understanding of ministry teams and the essential role of pastors as leaders who raise up others — both paid and unpaid — to serve and l

It takes a village — and we need it back

Dec 10 2024 62 mins  
MINI-SERIES: Young People in the Church [PRACTICE]In this episode, Joel and Tim dive into the critical importance of practice in youth and children’s ministry, exploring its role within Soul Revival's Theology-Strategy-Practice framework. They discuss how churches can be an essential pillar of stability for young people, providing relationships and networks that foster genuine co

Without a youth strategy, it’s disastrous

Nov 26 2024 58 mins  
MINI-SERIES: Young People in the Church [STRATEGY]In this episode of The Shock Absorber Podcast, Joel, Stu, and Tim explore the critical importance of strategy in youth and children’s ministry as part of our Theology-Strategy-Practice framework. Strategy isn’t optional—it’s essential for creating meaningful, lasting ministry impact. Without it, churches risk creating transi

The theological consequences of living out what we learn

Nov 20 2024 55 mins  
MINI-SERIES: Young People in the ChurchTim, Stu, and Joel are back with a brand-new mini-series, exploring Soul Revival’s framework of Theology, Strategy, and Practice.This series kicks off with a sneak peek into Tim’s upcoming book, The Child in God’s Church. Using it as a launchpad, the team dives into the theology of children and young people, reflecting on why God designe

The world is changing (U.S. election recap)

Nov 12 2024 65 mins  
What began as a quick dive into a cultural artefact evolved into a full episode exploration. Stu, Tim, and Joel examine the result of the 2024 U.S. election and the shifting dynamics of political ideas and class across the globe. They discuss how new media is poised to play an even more significant role in shaping election outcomes and public opinion. Together, they reflect on a Ch

Use meals to slow down life

Nov 05 2024 56 mins  
In the final episode of their mini-series on meals, Joel, Tim and Jai discuss the implementation of meals at each Soul Revival gathering.Firstly, they explore the industrialisation of food production and increase in the number of scientifically backed meal replacements and productivity drinks. Drawing from their experience in church ministry, they discuss how a strong strategy with

The truth and love of sharing meals at church

Oct 30 2024 67 mins  
Tim, Stu and Joel get together to discuss Soul Revival's strategy behind having meals at every Soul Revival gathering.After reminiscing on some food memories, namely finger food and meals at Soul Revival when it was a youth community, they get into the "how" of meals. They explore what it means to spend meaningful time together—by preparing and sharing meals, which feels counter-

We are made to eat together

Oct 23 2024 56 mins  
In this episode of the Shock Absorber, Stu, Tim, and Joel delve into the theology behind incorporating meals into all Soul Revival gatherings. They explore the practical and spiritual significance of sharing meals, grounded in the spiritual calling that we are called to be living sacrifices, expressing unity in Christ and serving one another. What begins with a discussion on the Hi