Year 1 of the E43collective is almost at an end. With only 2 months from our 1 year anniversary, we look back at where E43 has progressed and changed. In the opinions of the hosts, Cody and Josh, the content being produced is at its highest quality. But, with year 1 coming to an end, the guys discuss their absolute excitement about what is to come in year 2. Not only will Raking Coals and the After Sunday Discussion continue to improve, but the guys tease a little bit about their NEW PROJECT coming in 2020. Enjoy this episode of reflections and updates, and let us know what you think.

Episode 31, is the beginning of something new for Raking Coals. Josh and Cody begin a series of podcasts that seeks to define the most popular terms and words that we use within Christianity. In the first part of this series, they examine the most popular and well-known terms: Christian.

• What is a Christian?

• What is the history of how it began to be used?

• Is it still a good way for followers of Christ to define themselves?

• Why is it important to talk about something that we all can probably give a definition for?

Episode 30 tackles the every more relevant concern of how we should be interacting within the digital world. In a social media driven society, how to we best honor Christ? Some of the topics talked about in the episode are:

• The benefits and drawbacks of social media on the Church

• What is BuzzFeed culture? How does it continue to impact us.

• How should we approach and interact with click bait?

• How the internet is a tool.

• Unhealthy impact that this has had on our lives, and how it has made it better.

Cody and Josh have an important discussion on feeling value as a person in a church, and important ways in which leaders and members can show value to one another. One of the most important things for the Church to do is to built an atmosphere that seeks to love and value the same way in which Jesus loved and valued the people that he encountered. In a busy culture this can be a lot easier said than done, but also one thing that could set the Church apart from other, everyday experiences

Josh and Cody have been away for awhile, but they are back and excited to talk Raking Coals in Episode 26. This episode covers a variety of different things that the guys had on their minds these past few weeks. Meetings, intentionality, engaging with people, and getting out of a program-driven mindset are just a few things they discuss in this packed episode.

In Episode 24 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody open up to their personal lives and situation in ministry. After 10 years of involvement in Student Ministries, each of the guys has decided to transition into a different ministry. For the guys this is one their favorite recordings to date. They share what has led them to want to transition to different ministries, the best lessons and experiences they have had through youth ministry, and what is ahead for each of them as they enter into a different phase of life in ministry within the local church.

In Episode 21 of Raking Coals, Josh and Cody, discuss some of their past experience with small groups. Being a common ministry within many churches, it is important for these groups to provide positive experience in the lives of those who are part of them. There is no “golden rule” or “best way” in going about small groups, but there are certain elements that provide a meaningful experience, in which God can change the lives of the members of a small group.

In Episode 20 of Raking Coals, Cody records a solo episode sharing how becoming a dad has changed and ministered to him. Don’t underestimate the power that you have to share Christ with your own children, and on the same hand do not underestimate the ability that they have to minister to you.

Josh and Cody discuss some components that they think are important in becoming a better reader of the Bible. In a time where biblical literacy is at a dissatisfying place, the guys discuss some small steps that people can make in order to be able to read and study the Bible better and have a better understanding of it. They share some of the practices and skills that can be developed and improved upon on a regular basis in order to be able to have a more solid understanding of scripture and feel more confident in your own ability to be able to study and understand it.