The Best of You with Alison Cook

The Best of You with Alison Cook

Author: Steve Carter August 30, 2022 Duration: 48:21
In Christian circles, thinking about yourself is often labeled selfish. Psychologist and theologian Dr. Alison Cook pushes back on this assumption, explaining why caring for yourself is actually the best way to care for others. It’s the oxygen mask principle you always see in airplane safety videos: Put on your own mask so you can assist those around you. With jolting clarity, Dr. Cook debunks the narratives we use to justify self-neglect: We tell ourselves it’s all about them, but actually we just want to be needed. We tell ourselves we’re being sacrificial, but actually we lack healthy boundaries. We tell ourselves they are the problem, but actually we’ve trained them to be codependent. We tell ourselves we must solve every issue, but sometimes it’s ok to walk away. Many of us want to care for ourselves, but years of bad habits have atrophied our self-awareness and self-care. Dr. Cook offers a simple, yet profound model called “the MEPS,” which involves taking a regular inventory of your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual condition. This episode is a must-listen for every preacher, spouse, parent, friend一every human! EPISODE LINKS Dr. Cook’s new book: The Best Of You Other books: Boundaries For Your Soul Dr. Cook’s website. @dralisoncook @steveryancarter @craft_character

Steve Carter hosts Craft & Character, a space where the art of preaching meets the inward journey of the preacher. This isn't about quick tips or isolated techniques; it's a deep, thoughtful exploration of how who you are fundamentally shapes what you say from the pulpit. Each episode rests on a central, challenging question: are you merely transferring religious information, or are you speaking from a place that has been genuinely and personally transformed? The conversations in this podcast argue that authentic, impactful communication of faith cannot happen without the messenger's own life being shaped by the very truths they proclaim. You'll hear Steve engage with a variety of voices on the intricate blend of skill development and spiritual formation. The discussions are grounded in practical wisdom for the craft of sermon preparation and delivery, while always circling back to the essential priority of character, integrity, and a vibrant personal walk. Designed for those in ministry, from seasoned pastors to those just starting out, this podcast offers a rare and refreshing honesty about the pressures and privileges of the role. It’s for anyone who believes that teaching well requires living well first, making Craft & Character a vital resource for personal growth and professional development within the realms of faith and leadership.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Craft & Character
Podcast Episodes
Discovering Humor in the Bible with Jelani Greenidge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews author, minister, rapper, and stand-up comedian Jelani Greenidge about the use of humor in preaching. Jelani does an incredible job breaking down how to disco…
The Heartbeat of a Local Pastor with Tyler Gorsline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:26
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Tyler Gorsline about his love for preaching and staying put in Seattle. Tyler shares about what he's learned along the way as he and his incredible tea…
The Role of the Pastor with Diane Langberg [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:57
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Diane Langberg about how a pastor must pursue truth, care for the wounded, point people to Jesus above themselves, and to resist abuse at all costs. For 50 pl…
Having the Perseverance to Finish Well with Jon Thompson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:39
In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Jon Thompson from Sanctus Church in Toronto, Canada about the importance of perseverance in pastoral ministry. Jon is one of Canada’s most…
Preaching and Plagiarism with Mike Goldsworthy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:29
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews pastor Mike Goldsworthy around the topic of plagiarism and the crafting of sermons. Mike shares ways we can easily give credit to an idea or author without sl…
The Art of Discernment with Ruth Haley Barton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with author, spiritual director, and founder of the Transforming Center, Ruth Haley Barton about the importance of spiritual formation for pastoral care. Ruth Hale…
Broken to Beloved with Brian Lee [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:12
In this episode of the Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews pastor and thought leader Brian Lee about healing from church hurt. Brian has a heart for those who feel like wanderers looking for a safe place t…
The Expectation Gap with Steve Cuss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:57
On this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter talks with pastor, founder of Capable Life, and author Steve Cuss about the tiny gap for preachers between our beliefs and experiences of God. Steve Cuss unpacks why thi…
The Discipleship Opportunity with Daniel Im [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:19
There is a discipleship opportunity right now that pastors and preachers must take advantage of. Pastor Daniel Im and Steve Carter discuss how we must understand the audience is different in our congregations than from 1…
Healing What You Can’t Erase with Christopher Cook [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:00
In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews the Win Today Podcast host Christopher Cook about how leaders can transform their mental, emotional, and spiritual health from the inside out. Christopher sha…