Episodios

  • Glenn Packiam Tells What’s Missing From the Global Church

    Glenn Packiam Tells What’s Missing From the Global Church
    Jun 9 2025
    What happens when the Nicene Creed collides with TikTok theology? Host Steve Cuss and pastor-author Glenn Packiam unpack how this historic confession still anchors Christian identity in a digital age obsessed with individual “truth.” They explore the tension between personal experience and historic orthodoxy, the global church’s diverse voices, and why real unity starts in community—not algorithms. Steve and Glenn offer hope for listeners wrestling back to a rooted, resilient Christianity that rises above cultural noise. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Glenn Packiam’s What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption The Nicene Creed as stated in The Online Book of Common Prayer Glenn Packiam's website Follow Glenn Packiam on instagram Books by Glenn Packiam Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    36 m
  • Chuck DeGroat and The Crisis of Integrity in Church Leadership

    Chuck DeGroat and The Crisis of Integrity in Church Leadership
    Jun 2 2025
    What happens when character formation breaks down in church leadership? Steve Cuss and psychologist-theologian Chuck DeGroat work through the hidden dynamics behind pastoral burnout, narcissism, and the slow erosion of integrity. They explore how unexamined coping mechanisms shape identity, why church boards often miss red flags, and what it really takes to create a culture of safety and true accountability. Steve and Chuck offer tools for healthier leadership—inside and outside the church. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The work of Chuck DeGroat at Western Seminary Explore the Soul Care Institute The work of Michael Gurian Chuck DeGroat’s When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse Chuck DeGroat’s Wholeheartedness: Busyness, Exhaustion, and Healing the Divided Self Chuck DeGroat’s Healing What’s Within: Coming Home to Yourself--and to God--When You're Wounded, Weary, and Wandering Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    48 m
  • Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw: How Your Past Shapes You and Wounds Others

    Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw: How Your Past Shapes You and Wounds Others
    May 26 2025
    What if your earliest relationships are still shaping your faith today? With this in mind, Steve Cuss sits down with Cyd and Geoff Holsclaw to explore how attachment theory influences our connection to ourselves, others, and God. From insecure attachment styles and coping mechanisms to trauma, church culture, and spiritual growth, Steve and the Holsclaws dive deep into the psychology behind our relational patterns—and how self-awareness and God’s love can lead to healing. Listen and join Steve as you navigate closeness or independence, maybe even rethink your faith journey. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Pool of Siloam, Where Jesus Healed the Blind Man Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Center for Embodied Faith Cyd & Geoff Holsclaw’s Landscapes of the Soul: How the Science and Spirituality of Attachment Can Move You into Confident Faith, Courage, and Connection Bessel van der Kolk’s The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at an upcoming intensive: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    40 m
  • Jen Ripley, Ph.D.: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being

    Jen Ripley, Ph.D.: Supporting Mental Health Without Sacrificing Your Well Being
    May 19 2025
    How can we walk with people through a crisis without burning out? Psychologist and professor Dr. Jen Ripley joins Steve to offer a practical guide for churches supporting people facing grief, trauma, and emotional distress. From setting boundaries to building strong community networks, Jen extends clear, compassionate wisdom for both pastors and lay leaders. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to care well—without losing themselves in the process. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Charis Institute Regent University School of Psychology and Counseling The Church Cares Ministering to Families in Crisis Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at one of his upcoming intensives: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces

    Finding Freedom in Temporary Spaces
    May 12 2025
    What do a layover in London and a territorial swan have to do with your spiritual growth? Host Steve Cuss unpacks how life’s in-between spaces—layovers, limbo seasons, and even awkward encounters—can become sacred ground that helps us destroy false needs. Drawing from biblical stories and personal insights, Steve challenges the false needs of control and perfection that block peace and presence. If you’ve ever felt stuck or spiritually adrift, this episode offers surprising insight, humor, and hope from the unlikeliest of places, even if you are only staying for a short time. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Learn more about Camp Elim Learn more about Dan Faulkner Being Human: Pilot Episode Being Human: Notice and Diffuse Reactivity Being Human: Precious vs. Core Beliefs Being Human: The Nature of Every Belief Learn more about the Freedom Movement and Martin Luther King Jr. Sign up for Steve’s Newsletter & Podcast Reminders: Capable Life Newsletter Join Steve at one of his upcoming intensives: Capable Life Intensives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    16 m
  • Inviting Doubt to Deepen Your Faith Experience

    Inviting Doubt to Deepen Your Faith Experience
    May 5 2025
    What if doubt isn’t the enemy of faith but the beginning of deeper belief? On this episode of Being Human, Steve Cuss explores spiritual deconstruction and the way writers like Frederick Buechner and Madeleine L’Engle paved the way for honest, Christ-centered wrestling with belief. Sharing personal stories and biblical insight, Steve unpacks how anxiety, reactivity, and certainty can block spiritual growth—and how curiosity and vulnerability open the door to true connection with Jesus and others. If your faith is shifting, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a path toward deeper belief and renewal. Resources mentioned in this episode include: A conversation with Philip Yancey on faith and doubt Excerpts from the works of Frederick Buechner on faith despite doubt Madeleine L’Engle on those without doubt (video clip) Madeleine L’Engle on faith (video clip) The meaning of the disciples’ doubt in Matthew 28:17 Jude 1:22 and what it means to have mercy on those who doubt John 8 and lessons of the woman caught in adultery “Have Mercy on Those Who Doubt” by Jon Bloom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • Finding Home, People Pleasing, True Healing, and Revelation

    Finding Home, People Pleasing, True Healing, and Revelation
    Apr 28 2025
    Cohosts Steve and Lisa Cuss revisit powerful conversations with guests like Jinger Duggar, Strahan Coleman, Ian Cron, and Greg Robbins, diving deeper into themes of spiritual growth, emotional resilience, and inner healing. Exploring the intersections of faith, mental health, and discipleship, Steve and Lisa reflect on how practices like gratitude, vulnerability, and relational awareness help us experience God’s presence more fully. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, triggers, chronic illness, or something else this episode offers rich insights for anyone seeking wholeness and a deeper sense of home. Resources mentioned in this episode include: “You’re the Dawn” from the album Posters Beholding: Deepening Our Experience in God by Strahan Coleman Thirsting: Quenching Our Soul’s Deepest Desire by Strahan Coleman Strahan’s music on Spotify Revelation Simplified: A Commonsense Approach to the Bible’s Most Mysterious Book by Greg Robbins Learn more about Greg’s work at gregrobbinsrevelationsimplified.com. Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Duggar Vuolo People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations by Jinger Duggar Vuolo Learn more about Ian’s work at ianmorgancron.com. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    37 m
  • Hope, Not Hysteria: A Disciple’s Guide to Revelation with Dr. Greg Robbins

    Hope, Not Hysteria: A Disciple’s Guide to Revelation with Dr. Greg Robbins
    Apr 21 2025
    Host Steve Cuss and theologian Greg Robbins unpack the often-misunderstood Book of Revelation. Far from being a roadmap to doom, Revelation offers a powerful message of hope, calling Christians to live with courage, sacrifice, and trust in God’s ultimate victory. They tackle Armageddon, explore the nature of true power, and reframe Revelation as a deeply pastoral text for discipleship. If you've ever wrestled with end-times anxiety, this conversation will refresh your view with biblical clarity and encouragement. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Revelation Simplified: A Commonsense Approach To The Bible's Most Mysterious Book Revelation Simplified Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
    Más Menos
    41 m
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup