Bonus Convo:  Ben’s Rant

Join in on this hilarious discussion as we conclusively tackle the question, “Will Ben do Exodus 90 or not?”

Hear Ben’s thoughts, concerns, complaints, and proposed conditions as he tries to use his expert negotiating skills to strike an ecumenical deal with Chad…

Will Chad bend?  Who will get the upper hand in this slugfest?  And will Ben finally go for it?

Nathaniel Binversie, Guest Convo

Nathaniel Binversie is the Director of Mission for Exodus 90.  He graduated from the University of St Thomas in St Paul, Minnesota and holds a master’s degree in Theology from the Augustine Institute.  Before joining Exodus, he spent time in campus ministry at the University of Utah and as a missionary at FOCUS, the Fellowship of Catholic University Students.  Nathaniel and his wife and two daughters reside in Ft Wayne, Indiana.  He also has a colossal beard.

Chad raises the sails for this interview, hoping to catch gusts of good conversation, while Ben’s on cleanup duty, swabbing the deck.  The two embark with Nathaniel upon a voyage through the frigid waters of Exodus 90, a ninety-day spiritual exercise for men that focuses on prayer, ascetism, and fraternity.  Nathaniel tells the history of the Exodus mission and explains their vision for changing the lives of men.  What kind of spiritual benefit does a guy get from adhering to such a long list of legalistic “do nots”?  Why is this program exclusively for men?  What can someone expect upon accepting this challenge, and just how cold is a “cold shower” supposed to be?

SHOW NOTES:

Exodus 90 Website: https://exodus90.com/

The Gospel According to Ted Lasso

In just over a year and two seasons, the Apple TV+ streaming series “Ted Lasso” has received much critical acclaim.   The show has won 7 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series.  Starring Jason Sudeikis as the main character, Ted Lasso is an American football coach who becomes a surprise hire for coach of a Premier League soccer team in the UK; his only credentials for such a position are his quick wit, charm, and persistent positivity.

Ben kicks the conversation around the field as captain of this episode, while Chad limps along slow-footed behind him.  Their goal?  To put this popular show under a microscope in hopes of ascertaining its genius.  Are there any warning labels that should come with this highly entertaining sensation?  In what ways does the show’s portrayal of men (their relationships, their role in society, their character) epitomize modern media’s ‘program’ for manhood for the last 30 years?  What are the redemptive qualities in the story, and is Ted’s Gospel ultimately compatible with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John’s?

SHOW NOTES:

Ted Lasso Show:  https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy

Colossians 3:15:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians%203:15&version=NIV

Slave or Free Man?

In a democratic society, individuals are at liberty to do what they please so long as it doesn’t break an established law.  Beyond that definition, there’s a thin line between being truly “free” and being burdened by sheer license.  In other words, a man who is free to do anything might often find himself incapable of NOT doing something (addiction), or incapable of ONLY doing one thing (the good).  When does that incapacity become enslavement?

Chad leads the charge for liberation in this episode, and Ben follows (up to a point) with his own fire to free the captives.  The two define their terms, share their own struggles with freedom, and even dive into some Protestant-Catholic differences on the topic.  How is it that a man can be both strong and enslaved?  Is it possible that a Christian be “free from the law” and yet remain burdened by sin?  Are spiritual exercises like Exodus 90 effective means to achieving greater freedom—and can Chad sell Ben on taking such a challenge?

SHOW NOTES:

Exodus 90 Program:  https://exodus90.com/

Passage from the Book of Exodus:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+1%3A8-14&version=NASB1995

Bishop Fulton Sheen quote:  https://quotefancy.com/quote/810252/Fulton-J-Sheen-Freedom-does-not-mean-that-right-to-do-whatever-we-please-but-rather-to-do

Ben’s reference to 1 John 2:16: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+2%3A16&version=NASB1995

Fight Club quote:  https://www.getyarn.io/yarn-clip/e4ef71d0-8a35-48ba-9aa8-d70ea420db61

Episode 15 – Justin Miesse, Guest Convo

Justin Miesse holds a criminal justice degree from the University of Toledo and is a graduate of the Vineyard Leadership Institiute in Columbus.  When he’s not farming in his family agri-business or playing music with local worship teams, Justin owns and operators Iron Element LLC, a company focused on personal defense training and firearms & ammunition sales.   Iron Element offers a variety of firearms training, including training for youth and women, as well as church security development training.

Ben is locked and loaded and ready to take aim as lead interviewer, while Chad tries not to shoot his eye out as he lays down cover fire.  The two go on a hunt for life lessons, as Justin uses his experience as an instructor on the gun range to challenge men to level up in all facets of their lives.  What do humility, community, and accountability have to do with shooting guns?  What are three things a man can do to beef up his home defense?  And how are firearms and self-defense compatible with Christianity?

SHOW NOTES:

Iron Element website:  https://www.ironelement.net/

Justin’s email:  justin@ironelement.net

Justin’s worship team (not mentioned in the interview, but worth checking out): https://worshipanyway.com/