Forward Podcast

A consistent prayer life doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, we share practical ways to make prayer a natural part of everyday life—from praying immediately when a need comes to mind, to meditating on Scripture, to establishing a consistent time and place to meet with God. Simple habits can lead to a deeper, more consistent walk with Him.

In Part 2, we focus on breaking free from the need for everyone’s approval. We talk about handling criticism, knowing whose opinions really matter, and finding the confidence to live for God instead of constantly worrying about what others think.

It’s easy to overthink a comment, a look, a text, or someone’s opinion. In this episode, we talk about how to stop taking everything personally, give people grace, handle criticism, and learn when to simply let things go.

Confrontation is never easy, but the Bible gives us a clear way to handle it. In this episode, we discuss preparing your own heart, speaking the truth in love, and keeping restoration...not winning—the ultimate goal.

As a new school year begins, it's easy for families to get caught up in busy schedules, activities, and endless distractions. In this episode, Thomas and Kari share five simple, biblical rhythms that can help protect your family's heart and keep Christ at the center of everyday life. From meaningful morning moments to intentional evening conversations, you'll discover practical habits that don't add more pressure—they create space for God's presence. Whether you have preschoolers, teenagers, or are simply looking to strengthen your own walk with the Lord, this episode will encourage you to build small, faithful rhythms that have an eternal impact.

Leadership doesn't begin with a position, it begins with the heart.
In this special solo episode, Pastor Thomas Shepherd shares practical, biblical principles on developing the kind of heart God can use. Discover how character builds credibility, integrity earns trust, and passion fuels lasting ministry. Whether you're leading a family, a business, a church, or simply seeking to influence others for Christ, this conversation will challenge you to lead from the inside out. Join us as we learn that when the heart is surrendered to God, leadership becomes a powerful reflection of Jesus Christ.

Today Thomas and Kari are talking about building strong friendships inside the church while staying open to people outside it. We’re calling it ‘Inside Friends, Outside Impact.’ Come learn the inside scoop of friendship and why the topic can be divisive in today's culture.

Tension in the Home — Every family experiences seasons of stress, misunderstandings, and conflict. In this episode, we discuss how to navigate tension God’s way by working as a team instead of opponents, remembering that not every disagreement is a major crisis, trusting the Lord through difficult moments, and making follow-up conversations a priority. Healthy homes aren’t built by avoiding conflict, they’re built by handling it with grace, humility, and biblical wisdom.

Summer is meant to refresh us, but for many people it becomes the busiest and most exhausting season of the year. In this episode, we talk about recognizing the signs of burnout, setting healthy boundaries, protecting your spiritual life, and finding true rest in Christ so you can finish the summer stronger than you started.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, how should Christians think about patriotism in an increasingly divided culture? In this episode, Thomas and Kari discuss the balance between loving our country and maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ. Join us as we explore how believers can guard against idolatry, live as citizens of heaven, and faithfully steward the freedoms God has given us for the sake of the Gospel.