The “Between Heaven and Earth” podcast with Justin and Amy Howard examines church leadership and challenges the modern expectation that pastors do everything. They introduce spiritual formation practices and Encounter Life cohorts that help believers grow in their relationship with God.

The episode reframes “pastor” as a function within the fivefold ministry rather than a title, advocating for shared leadership among elders and deacons. It addresses burnout caused by unrealistic demands and calls the church to move from consumerism to active discipleship, equipping all believers to participate in God’s kingdom work. Highlights 🌟 Modern pastoral expectations are unrealistic and contribute to burnout. 📖 Pastor is a function within the fivefold ministry, not a title. 🤝 Healthy leadership involves shared responsibility among elders and deacons. 💔 Emotional dependency on pastors fuels burnout and unhealthy dynamics. 🛠️ Encounter Culture Mission Collaborative offers cohorts for spiritual growth and renewal.

Micro Churches & Missional Communities

The Tampa Underground

The Kansas City Underground

The Underground Network

Book Resource

The Starfish and the Spirit

Five-Fold Ministry (Ephesians 4)

5Q | Alan Hirsch

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading"

• ✨ Advent is a season of dual preparation: celebrating Christ’s birth and anticipating His second coming.
• 📖 The devotional uses a fourfold Scripture reading method: acquaintance, friendship, intimacy, and union.
• 🎶 Original music by Jared Deem enriches the prayer experience.
• 📝 Journaling is encouraged to process distractions and deepen reflection.
• 💖 Emotions, doubts, and physical sensations are welcomed as part of spiritual engagement.
• 🙏 The practice invites participants to invite the Holy Spirit’s healing and transformation.
• 🌿 The series aims to cultivate a tangible experience of God’s presence amidst the holiday busyness.

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading"

• 🎄 Advent is a season of dual preparation: celebrating Jesus’ first coming and anticipating His second advent.
• 📖 The practice of Lectio Divina is used to engage Scripture deeply through repeated readings and prayerful reflection.
• ✍️ Listeners are encouraged to journal their thoughts, emotions, and insights during the prayer time.
• 🎵 Original music accompanies the series, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere.
• 💖 Emphasis on welcoming all emotions—both pleasant and uncomfortable—without judgment during the spiritual encounter.
• 🙏 The featured Scripture passage is Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), a hymn celebrating God’s mercy, justice, and faithfulness.
• 🌿 The prayer concludes with blessings for ongoing spiritual growth, healing, and peace throughout the Advent season.

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading" Highlights

• ✨ Advent is a season of dual preparation: celebrating Christ’s first coming and anticipating His return as warrior king.
• 📖 The series uses a fourfold scripture reading method to deepen engagement with the biblical text.
• 🕊️ Emphasis on holistic spirituality—engaging heart, body, and mind in prayer and reflection.
• ✍️ Journaling and silence are integral practices to process emotions and thoughts alongside scripture.
• 🎶 Original music compositions enhance the prayerful atmosphere and aid contemplative focus.
• 🌿 The passage Isaiah 11 highlights the Messiah’s roles of justice, peace, and divine wisdom.
• 🙏 Encouragement to welcome both pleasant and unpleasant emotions without judgment during spiritual reflection.

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading”

• ✨ Advent as a season of dual preparation: celebrating Christ’s first coming and anticipating His second advent.
• 📖 Guided scripture meditation focusing on Luke 1:67-79, Zechariah’s prophecy filled with hope and salvation.
• 🧘‍♂️ Integration of heart, mind, and body in spiritual practice to foster deeper encounter with God.
• 🎶 Original music compositions complementing the prayer journey, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere.
• 📝 Encouragement to journal thoughts, prayers, and distractions as part of the worship experience.
• 🌿 Gentle invitation to embrace all emotions—pleasant or difficult—without judgment during prayer.
• 🌟 Emphasis on ongoing transformation, healing, and peace through engagement with scripture and the Holy Spirit.

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading”

Highlights 🙏 Guided devotional for scripture engagement and reflection ✨ Prepares for Christ’s first and second coming 📖 Uses Lectio Divina: four readings with different focuses 🎵 Original music enriches spiritual experience 🕊️ Welcomes the Holy Spirit and all emotions 📝 Practical tools: prayer guide and journaling prompts 🌟 Encourages healing, transformation, and peace

Key Insights 📜 Scriptural Encounter: Engaging Scripture slowly nurtures heart, mind, and body transformation. ⏳ Dual Preparation: Advent calls for remembrance of Christ’s birth and readiness for His return. 🧘 Lectio Divina: Fourfold reading helps internalize Scripture and foster intimacy with God. 🌬️ Holy Spirit’s Role: Openness to God’s Spirit allows emotions to arise without judgment. 🖊️ Journaling: Writing thoughts and emotions supports clarity and focused prayer. 🎶 Music: Original compositions enhance reflection and prayer. 🌿 Healing & Transformation: Advent becomes a season of personal and spiritual restoration.

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading”

Highlights 🎄 Advent looks back to Christ’s birth and ahead to His return. 📖 Isaiah 35 is read four times to deepen reflection. ✍️ Journaling helps process insights and distractions. 🕊️ The Holy Spirit guides healing and transformation. 💧 Isaiah 35 shows God’s restoring power. 🌿 The “way of holiness” is for the redeemed. 🙏 The session closes with worship and blessing.

Key Insights 🕰️ Advent holds both remembrance and anticipation of Christ’s coming. 📚 The practice reflects Lectio Divina with modern elements like journaling. 💡 True spiritual engagement involves heart, body, and mind. 🌊 Isaiah 35 highlights God’s healing and renewal. 🌟 The “way of holiness” points to protection and joy for God’s people. 📝 Journaling keeps focus and welcomes honesty. 🤝 The session encourages seeking community or ministry where healing is needed.

The Immanent Frame

Lectio Divina “Sacred Reading”

Highlights ✨ Advent prepares for both Christ’s birth and return. 📖 Lectio Divina engages heart, mind, and body. 🎵 Original music enhances prayerful atmosphere. 🕊️ Luke 1:5-17 recounts Zechariah’s angelic visitation and John’s prophecy. ✍️ Journaling and silent prayer foster personal reflection. ❤️ Emotions, questions, and doubts are welcomed. 🌿 Practice cultivates healing, freedom, and love through Scripture.

Key Insights 🙏 Advent as Dual Preparation: Encourages celebration of Christ’s birth and anticipation of His return, fostering hopeful readiness. 🧠 Holistic Scriptural Engagement: Integrates mind, body, and heart for transformative interaction with Scripture. ✍️ Journaling as Spiritual Tool: Provides space for reflection, emotional processing, and documenting insights. 👂 Listening to God’s Voice: Emphasizes receptivity and prayerful attentiveness amid distractions. 😌 Welcoming Emotions Without Judgment: Honors the full range of spiritual experience, supporting healing and reconciliation. ✨ Role of the Holy Spirit: Guides and transforms participants through revelation. 🌍 Incarnational Theology: Encourages encountering God in everyday life, waiting, and worship.

Conclusion This Advent guide fosters a holistic, embodied encounter with God through Scripture, prayer, and journaling. Centered on Zechariah and Elizabeth, it emphasizes hope, faith, and preparation for Christ’s coming. Music and resources enhance the experience, offering a gift of spiritual formation, healing, and love amid the holiday season.