In this podcast, Pastor Brad interviews Alastair Sterne about his book “Rhythms of Life and Spiritual Practices for what God made you to be.” The book emphasizes the importance of taking time to discover our identity, gifts, and purpose at a gracious speed, much like how Jesus walked on Earth. The formation that happens in that gracious walking with Christ can help us in our journey of personal growth and spiritual development. The second half of the book explores various spiritual practices that can aid in this journey.
Towards the end of the podcast, Alastair shares his personal experience living with a mental health challenge and stresses the importance of language and acceptance in mental health discussions within the church community. He emphasizes the need for individuals to feel heard and accepted in their own mental health experiences, and the crucial role that church pastors can play in addressing mental health challenges. Overall, the podcast highlights the importance of taking time for personal growth, exploring spiritual practices, and creating a supportive and inclusive community for mental health awareness within the context of faith.
Alastair Sterne is a creative director turned pastor and writer. In 2011, he partnered with Redeemer City to City and founded St. Peter’s Fireside, a creative liturgical church in downtown Vancouver, B.C. Prior to ministry, he worked at various design agencies, including Relevant Magazine as their creative director. He holds degrees from The Art Institute, Asbury Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Rhythms for Life: Spiritual Practices For Who God Made You To Be. He collects joy with his wife and daughters in British Columbia.
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Pastor Brad Hoefs is an ordained Pastor and Member of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. He has been pastoring since 1985, and he is currently the pastor of Anchor of Hope Church in Omaha, Nebraska (since 1995). The church has seen over 110% growth in the 18 months after Fresh Hope started meeting.
Pastor Brad is the Executive Director of WorshipOutlet.com. He founded Fresh Hope in 2009.
He is a State-certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist and was appointed by Governor Heineman of Nebraska to serve on the State Advisory Committee on Mental Health Services.
He is also the author of Fresh Hope: Living Well in Spite of a Mental Health Diagnosis, published in 2013.
Pastor Brad has been married to his college sweetheart, Donna, for 34 years, and is the proud father of two adult married children, and ‘Papa’ to 3 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.
If you are interested in more information about Fresh Hope, go to www.FreshHope.us or email info@FreshHope.us, or call 402.932.3089.
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