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
Disciple Out Racism with Albert Tate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter talks with Fellowship Church Monrovia senior pastor Albert Tate about how preaching racial reconciliation is an act of spiritual formation. “Racism was discipled into…
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In the latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter talks with Eastside Christian Church senior pastor Gene Appel about effective leadership through preaching. Gene is an incredible mix of strategic leader and kind pas…
Chuck DeGroat on Narcissism in the Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In this episode of Craft & Character, Steve Carter interviews Western Theological Seminary pastoral care professor Dr. Chuck DeGroat about narcissism in the local church. Chuck explains the narcissism spectrum and discus…
Carlos Whittaker on the Art of Storytelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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A Church Called Tov with Scot McKnight & Laura Barringer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:23
In this latest Craft & Character podcast, Steve Carter interviews New Testament scholar Scot McKnight and author Laura Barringer about their latest book, A Church Called Tov. Scot and Laura unpack the stories of abuse at…
Into Me You See with Derwin Gray [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:27
In this episode, Steve Carter interviews Pastor Derwin Gray about the importance of personal discipleship, intimacy with Christ, and helping people truly discover what the gospel is all about. Derwin dives into everythin…
In the Beginning Was a Conversation—with AJ Sherrill [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
In this episode Steve Carter talks with AJ Sherrill about his process for crafting messages and six the values that drive each talk he creates to be a transformative preacher. These six (character, identity, cultivation,…
When the Pastoral and Prophetic Intersect—with Tara Beth Leach [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:21
In this Craft & Character podcast Steve Carter interviews Tara Beth Leach, Senior Pastor at First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (“PazNaz”) in Southern California. Tara Beth discusses her prep process, how she invite…

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