After moving into their new neighborhood—ironically named Sleepy Hollow—Jimmy and Kelly Needham were surprised to learn their home had a big reputation. Upon learning their house was famous for being one of the spookiest Haunted Houses in Dallas, the Needhams had a decision to make. Listen as they share about transforming their home's reputation as "The Haunted House" to "The Generous House" through a night of gospel-driven outreach, complete with king-size candy bars, hot chocolate, and a prayer station. The Needhams share stories of how offering extravagant generosity has opened doors to prayer, gospel conversations, and long-term relationships with their neighbors. This episode is sure to get your October neighboring juices flowing! Get a copy of Real Bad Guys Read more about the Needham's Halloween House click HERE.

While the concept of moving your body while talking to God might seem intuitive to some, many of us could use a "prayer walk tutorial." We have this idea that heartfelt prayers should be spontaneous, but many of us struggle with scattered senses, short attention spans, and feel we’re lacking in the language of prayer. The challenge feels high. Perhaps the disciples felt some of the same when one turned to Jesus saying, “Lord, teach us to pray." Seeing the challenge, Jesus offered us the Lord’s Prayer.  Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Begin with Praise Scripture: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Prayer: "Lord, I praise your holy name. As my loving father, you’ve shown me an unwavering love. You are all-knowing and all-wise. May Your name be known and honored in this place.”  Step: At the start of your walk, spend a few minutes praising God as your Father, thanking Him for who He is and what He has done in your life. 2. Imagine God’s Kingdom Coming To Your Corner Scripture: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Prayer: “Jesus, I want my daily interactions to be filled with your kingdom values of justice and compassion. May my family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers see signs that you are healing our broken world, and know that you came not only to save but to reign as the good king of an eternal kingdom." Step: Take a few moments to envision what it would look like for God’s kingdom to break into your neighborhood, workplace, and city. Pray for opportunities to make things right in your community. 3. Pray for Provision Scripture: “Give us today our daily bread.” Prayer: "Father, help me to depend on you to meet my needs each day. Teach me to trust in you as my provider rather than relying on myself.” Step: Pray for a heart of God-reliance rather than self-reliance. Ask for financial stability amidst stressors. Pray for those struggling emotionally and spiritually, that God will be their source of comfort and hope. 4. Seek and Extend Forgiveness Scripture: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Prayer: "Lord, remind me of all the times and ways you’ve forgiven me. Help me to extend that same mercy to others, letting go of bitterness and grudges.” Step: Ask God to reveal any sin in your life. Confess it (e.g., favoritism, self-importance, greed, jealousy, neglect, contempt, or others). Thank Him for His immeasurable forgiveness in Christ and pray for a spirit of forgiveness toward your neighbors. 5. Pray for Protection  Scripture: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Prayer: "God, help me to recognize and resist evil influences in my life. Protect me from harm and keep me safe in your presence. You are my refuge and ever present help in trouble.” Step: Seek God’s protection from unseen spiritual adversaries that foster disorder and violence. Thank Jesus for overcoming his enemies through sacrifice and love. Ask God to grant you the strength to avoid temptation and to overcome evil by cultivating His sacrificial love in you. 6. Close with Praise  Doxology: “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Prayer: "Lord, I recognize Your sovereign rule over all creation. May your presence be felt by everyone who lives here. You are worthy of all our reverence and worship. Amen." Step: End your prayer walk by reflecting on how God’s power and sovereignty are visible in the natural world around you. Share with Him how you’ve recently experienced His power and love in your life. Thank Him for being a just and good King. Pray aloud Psalm 145:13: "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all His words and kind in all His works."

Has guilt been a good long-term motivator in your life when it comes to prayer??? We didn't think so. Today, we're making the move from "should" to "could" in hopes that God will move in our hearts and ignite a deep desire for prayer. As we follow Jesus' example in this, we're asking the Father this question: "What is it I want him to do right now in my life? In my family? In my work? In my neighborhood?" If you could ask the Lord right now to do anything in your corner (and you can!), what would you ask for? CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

In this episode, we're joined by Marc Dunkelman, author of The Vanishing Neighbor: The Transformation of American Community. Marc explores how American neighborhoods have evolved, focusing on the growing disconnect between neighbors and the impact suburbanization and smartphones have had on neighborly relationships. We discuss the importance and decline of "middle ring relationships", the Chinatown Bus Effect, and how both motive and opportunity influence the way we engage with our neighbors. Buy Dunkelman's book, The Vanishing Neighbor CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

In this episode, we’re joined by Malissa Mackey, who lives and works in downtown Chicago. As the Director of Faith and Work Chicago and a resident of Wicker Park—one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods—Malissa discusses the call to live in intentional missional communities. She sheds light on the unique challenges of urban living and shares how her church, Holy Trinity, encourages its members to be deeply rooted in their neighborhoods. Malissa highlights the importance of being present, building relationships, and creating spaces for connection, all while navigating challenges such as "noise frustration," "crowded isolation," and the transient nature of city life. Visit: Holy Trinity Church Visit: Faith and Work Chicago CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Asking good questions can be a powerful way to love our neighbors. Jon and Pam Strain, co-founders of You Gotta Ask and co-authors of the book You Gotta Ask, share their expertise on how to ask meaningful questions that foster deeper spiritual conversations. Drawing from years of ministry experience, they emphasize the importance of creating relational environments where people feel valued and heard. The Strains highlight the power of good questions in drawing out others' stories and exploring their beliefs, while also offering practical advice on engaging in these conversations without the pressure of having all the answers. They encourage approaching these interactions with genuine curiosity and compassion, focusing on building trust and understanding rather than crafting the perfect response. Read: You Gotta Ask Visit: You Gotta Ask Website CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Phil Callaway, an award-winning author, speaker, and humorist known for his best-selling book, "Laugh Like a Kid Again," joins us for a conversation about the profound power of laughter and how it can break down barriers, open hearts, and bring light to even the darkest situations. Phil shares personal stories, including how humor helped him navigate the challenges of his wife’s battle with Huntington’s disease within her family. Phil emphasizes the importance of humility, vulnerability, and realness in our relationships, particularly with our neighbors, and how these qualities, combined with a sense of humor, can create meaningful connections. Whether you think you're super funny or not, Phil believes that everyone can use laughter to build bridges and spread joy in their communities. Read: Laugh Like a Kid Again Visit: Phil's Website CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Amberly Neese is a speaker, comedian, and author of several books, including Common Ground: Loving Others Despite Our Differences. In this conversation, Amberly shares her insights on finding common ground with our neighbors to help us all drop our defense mechanisms. We also discuss practical approaches to navigating jealousy and conflict in relationships. Order: Common Ground Visit: Amberly Neese's Website CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Zack Eswine, pastor of Riverside Church in St. Louis and author of Spurgeon's Sorrows and Imperfect Pastor, joins us to discuss loving our doubting and deconstructing neighbors. He and his wife Jessica recently co-founded Sage Christianity, a ministry providing resources and opportunities for people to explore doubts and questions about faith through the wisdom of Jesus. Our discussion centers on supporting neighbors who are experiencing doubt or deconstructing their faith. Zack emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space for honest conversations, understanding the difference between doubt and deconstruction, and showing mercy to those questioning their beliefs. He shares personal insights from his own experiences with doubt and offers practical advice on walking alongside others in their spiritual journeys. Order: Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for those who Suffer from Depression The Imperfect Pastor: Discovering Joy in Our Limitations through a Daily Apprenticeship with Jesus Visit: Sage Christianity CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

We are excited to welcome back Alan Briggs, a leadership coach, consultant, and author of the new book "Anti-Burnout: A Lighter Way to Live and Lead in a Heavy World." Together, we discuss the complex nature of burnout, exploring various definitions and how it is perceived across different cultures. Alan emphasizes that burnout often results from the voluntary overextension of oneself. He offers practical advice on recognizing the signs of burnout, setting boundaries in our lives, and taking actionable steps to create sustainable rhythms, highlighting the importance of margin and creativity. Order Anti-Burnout Listen to our first conversation with Alan, The Power Of Staying. Check out Alan's coaching website Stay Forth CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

We’re thrilled to welcome USA Today bestselling author and keynote speaker Craig Cooper, co-author of "Glad You're Here." Craig shares the inspiring story of his unexpected friendship with neighbor and Grammy-nominated country singer Walker Hayes. Once an atheist and struggling musician, Walker’s journey to faith in Christ reminds us that God uses neighborly love in ways we could never predict or imagine. Craig recounts how their friendship, built on mutual brokenness and shared dreams, led to transformative moments, including the gift of a van that inspired Walker’s heartfelt song “Craig.” The conversation also explores Craig's new devotional, "Overflowing Mercies," which highlights the tender heart of God and the importance of extending grace and mercy to others. Order: Glad You're Here Overflowing Mercies TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode. CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram

The Beatitudes not only invite us into the way of Jesus, but they also provide us with a template for prayer. In this Guided Prayer Walk, we pray through each Beatitude, asking Jesus to shape us into neighbors who receive and offer His alternative way of flourishing for our neighborhoods. Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast Weekend to Remember Marriage Conferences

Let's recap with a Cliffsnotes episode! You’ll be relieved to know there’s no test coming at the end of this podcast, but a little recap will help us remember all that we've discussed about Jesus’ upside-down (but beautiful) beatitude vision for our communities. This review sesh will hopefully move this meekness and mercy content into our hearts, our longterm memories, and out into our neighborhoods. Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram

In the final episode of our “Neighborhoods Reimagined” series on the Beatitudes, we explore the eighth beatitude: "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Joined by Patrick Miller, pastor at The Crossing and co-author of Truth Over Tribe, we delve into what it means to count the cost of following Jesus by facing persecution.   Patrick shares personal stories of subtle and severe forms of rejection, the emotional impact of being an outsider, and emphasizes the importance of responding with grace and joy. Together, we discuss how to prepare for and engage in challenging conversations with humility and love… because we need to know what it looks like to live out our faith in a world that may not always welcome it. Check out https://choosetruthovertribe.com/ Buy Truth Over Tribe Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

In this episode of our Neighborhoods Reimagined series, we look deeper into the seventh Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God," with Keith Simon, co-lead teaching pastor at The Crossing and co-host of the Truth Over Tribe podcast. Keith shares insights on the importance of peacemaking, especially in today's divisive climate, and discusses how peacemaking involves bringing people together despite differences. Drawing from his experiences as a pastor and author, Keith emphasizes that true peacemaking means building bridges and fostering unity even amid disagreements. He also touches on the transformative power of engaging with those who hold different perspectives and how peacemaking aligns us with the heart of God. Join us as we explore practical ways to embody this Beatitude in our neighborhoods and beyond. Check out https://choosetruthovertribe.com/ Buy Truth Over Tribe Listen to Keith's sermon- "Which Parade Will You Attend?" Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

What does it mean when Jesus invites us to be pure in heart? He states, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Today, we are joined by our sister-in-law, licensed therapist Kelli McKinney (MA, LPC, NCC, PMH-C), who specializes in developmental trauma and perinatal mental health. In this episode, we explore Jesus's call to holiness through wholeness, emphasizing the importance of becoming fully integrated individuals whose insides match their outsides. Kelli shares her insights on the impact of hiding parts of ourselves versus living authentically with our neighbors. Through her professional and personal experiences, Kelli illustrates how vulnerability, honesty, and small acts of connection can foster genuine relationships and community. Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Today explore the fifth Beatitude, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy," with Kim Marshall, a therapist from the Global Counseling Network. Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Kim shares her journey into therapy and the importance of mercy and forgiveness in relationships. She explains her process of creating a safe space for reconciliation and highlights the transformative power of mercy in healing and restoring relationships. Kim emphasizes that while showing mercy requires vulnerability, it leads to deeper, more connected relationships, breaking cycles of blame and fostering personal and relational growth. Need a counselor? Check out The Global Counseling Network Read Bold Love by Dan Allender Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

In today's episode of Place for a Purpose, we continue our Beatitude series with the fourth Beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied." Our guest is Jennifer Prophete, Program Director for the Hopeful Neighborhood Project, an initiative dedicated to improving neighborhood well-being globally by encouraging neighbors to use their gifts for the common good. Jennifer shares her passion for community engagement, rooted in her upbringing in rural Nebraska, and discusses the vital role of collective action in fostering neighborhood well-being. She highlights the biblical foundation for seeking the welfare of our communities and how doing so brings personal fulfillment. She provides practical insights into discovering and utilizing the gifts within our neighborhoods to pursue holistic well-being, offering a fresh perspective on why investing in our communities, even for a short time, is always worthwhile. Check out these orgs: The Hopeful Neighborhood Project, Lutheran Hour Ministries, Barna Buy The Hopeful Neighborhood: What Happens When Christians Pursue the Common Good Check out these "Better Together" resources Play Neighborhood Bingo! Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

Dr. Mike Austin, a professor of philosophy at Eastern Kentucky University and a Bonhoeffer Senior Fellow at Hebrew College's Miller Center for Inter-religious Learning and Leadership joins us for a conversation on humility and meekness. Dr. Austin discusses his new book, "Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ," exploring the deep connections between humility, character, and the common good. In this conversation we dive into the third Beatitude, "blessed are the meek," and its overlap with humility, emphasizing the importance of humility in Christian life and community. Dr. Austin also addresses the fears of being perceived as weak or taken advantage of when practicing humility and offers insights on embracing our limitations and putting others' interests ahead of our own. Buy Mike Austin's book, Humility: Rediscovering the Way of Love and Life in Christ Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.

In today's episode, we are joined by Shelly Mayer, who oversees the care ministry at our church, The Crossing. The care ministry encompasses over 15 teams and programs like Grief Share, Divorce Care, and support for those with chronic health issues. Shelly helps us think through how we can be there for our neighbors who are hurting and discusses the vital role of community in dealing with grief and how it helps combat the feelings of isolation and abandonment that often accompany significant loss. She also helps us make the connection between mourning over the broken places in our neighborhood and working to set those things right. Order your copy of Neighborhoods Reimagined! 10ofThose FamilyLife Today Podcast CONNECT ON SOCIALS: Instagram  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: Follow this link to share your neighboring stories with us or tell us your thoughts on today's episode.