Unfinished People

Jesus Conversations with Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Brandon and Chad had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing. She is an incredible follower of Jesus whom we cannot wait for you to meet.

She is an international author, speaker and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. She is the author of multiple books including ‘Where is God in All the Suffering?’ (runner up Michael Ramsay Prize, 2023), bestselling ‘Why Trust the Bible?’ and ‘Mary’s Voice: Advent Reflections to Contemplate the Coming of Christ.’

Over the last twenty five years, Amy has given talks and answered questions on university campuses around the world. She has also addressed Parliamentarians in the Speakers Rooms and Chapel at the UK Parliament and staffers on Capitol Hill, and at the West Wing of The White House. She regularly responds to invitations to speak in banks, businesses, and consultancy firms as well as churches and conferences and enjoys broadcasting in the media and giving public lectures.

Amy is interested in the intersection of questions of meaning and faith within the marketplace, education and policymaking. Amy holds a doctorate (DPhil) in Theology from the University of Oxford, and serves as Honorary Lecturer in Divinity at the University Aberdeen.

In recent years Amy Orr-Ewing has advocated significantly for transparency and justice working alongside and representing survivors of abuse and mistreatment. Her significant contribution was recognized by the Church of England in June 2023 at the Annual Lambeth Awards, where Orr-Ewing was awarded the Alphege Award for Evangelism and Witness, for exceptional dedication, skill and insight in her advocacy work.

We were so challenged and blessed to be able to interview her on today's episode. Enjoy!

I need rest in Jesus... but I can't sleep.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Jesus invites us to find true rest in Him. In Matthew's Gospel, He says: "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (MSG translation)

You probably know this already, but if you're like us, actually doing it can be challenging. Instead, we often find ourselves spiritually and physically exhausted.

Why is it so hard to embrace this rest? Are we resisting what Jesus is trying to do for us? Are we discontent and missing His guidance in our lives? Or are we perhaps avoiding the tough questions He's asking us?

In today's episode of Unfinished People, we dive into all of this and more. We explore our own struggles with rest and listen to the words of Jesus for help.

We don't talk about Politics... or do we? - Episode 032

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0600

It's almost here. The last election. The end of the world. The end of all things. At least... that's what "they" say. But what does Jesus say? How do we hold our hearts out in true form to the Eternal King of the Universe? The One who holds all things together and has sovereign control over all things that happen on our little blue planet might just have something to say to us in this moment.

We also have some thoughts. Some of them are anxious. Some of them are trusting. Most of them are unfinished and in process. Come listen in to our conversation as we process what it means to be a follower of Jesus during this season and time of our country and world.

Ripping off the Spiritual Band-Aid.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0600

What grade are you in with Jesus? How far along have you come? Are you stuck and wondering how to get to the next grade, stage, or moment? After stewing on our conversation dealing with spiritual bypassing, we pick it up again in this episode.

Acknowledging that we have a propensity to spiritually bypass is crucial, but how do we move beyond it? How can we deepen our walk with Jesus? If spiritual bypassing is truly just a band-aid solution, then how do we rip it off and find true growth, healing, and wholeness in Jesus? Come and listen in to our conversation to find out.

Struggling to connect with Jesus - Episode 030

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0600

The Bible tells us that our connection to God through Jesus is critical to our well-being. Deep in our souls, we know this to be true. A hunger and thirst prompt us to reach out to God for connection. But what do we do when it doesn't work? In today's episode, Daniel Olson joins Chad to discuss the difficulties of connection and the surprising ways to move from a flicker to a roaring flame in our connection with Jesus.

Spiritual Bypassing (The Jesus Band-Aid) - Episode 029

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0600

What is Spiritual Bypassing and are you doing it? Or maybe someone else has tried it on you and you thought it was a good thing. We are learning that it has the potential to delay your growth as a follower of Jesus. And it happens all the time. Come join us as we scratch the surface this week and jump back into the podcast. (Thanks for your patience!)

What just happened? - Episode 028.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0600

How should we respond as followers of Jesus when tragic things happen? We discuss this past Saturday's tragic events and give you an inside look at our process of sadness, grief, and our deep questions of how to be faithful witnesses of Jesus in such polarizing times.

Digital Discipleship Stinks (Part 2) - Episode 027

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0600

When it comes to following Jesus the digital world presents an endless library of opportunities to listen, read, interact, watch, create, and connect. Brandon and Chad are joyful participants, but we are also assessing our hearts and have discovered mixed results. Are we going deep? Are our relationships made meaningful through our tweets, posts, scrolls, and likes? Are the sources we are tapping into making us more like Jesus? We have some thoughts and questions. How can we do better? How can we steward our time with digital resources so that we are embodied disciples? Join us on Episode 027 for part 2 of our discussion on Digital Discipleship.

Digital Discipleship - Episode 026

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0600

We feel like something has happened to us. We are more easily distracted. Our pursuit of Jesus and the ability to hear his voice has been short-circuited by the wonderful digital world around us. Don't get us wrong... we love technology and the ability to grow and learn through hundreds of resources online. But another side of us senses that something is wrong. We can't get out of the shallow end of spiritual growth. This week, we are asking big questions and hope we can find our way back to the depth of an embodied and present form of following Jesus.

We're Back! Episode 025.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Sat, 25 May 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Hello again! Yes, we are back. After a much needed break over the last few months, we have lots to catch up on and talk about. Let's get right into it and talk about dealing with difficult things in life and how we are processing and trusting Jesus through them... or, in some cases, we are working on trusting him. We also talk a little about the warm and fuzzy book of Revelation and its relevance to our current headlines. Most of all, we are just hanging out as brothers and spurring each other on in Jesus. Come on back in and listen to today's episode number 025.

ACLED | Bringing Clarity to Crisis - The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is a disaggregated data collection, analysis, and crisis mapping project. ACLED collects information on the dates, actors, locations, fatalities, and types of all reported political violence and protest events around the world. The ACLED team conducts analysis to describe, explore, and test conflict scenarios, and makes both data and analysis open for free use by the public.

Our Pastor Joe - Episode 024

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0600

Brandon and Chad have one individual whom we would say has faithfully been our pastor over the last 10+ years and we are thrilled to have him as a guest on the podcast today. His name is Joe McConkey and he has just "finished" his career as a pastor in local church ministry and we have lots of questions! We talk about transformation and growth, what he sees in the church - both good and bad, the highs and lows of ministry, what really matters to Jesus in the church, where he has seen it go wrong, and how Jesus has faithfully led anyway. We think you will love our conversation. Come join us for Episode 024 of Unfinished People.

Loving Jesus after Failure - Episode 023

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Of all the "fails" in the Bible, there are some that stand out more than others. Today we tread into the deep waters of Peter's denial of Jesus. How Jesus responds with love and grace is astonishing. He is relentless in his pursuit.

So what does it look like to get back up from failure and choose to keep loving Him well? If you are needing some encouragement to get back up and hear his voice again, come and listen in to our conversation on Episode 023 of Unfinished People.

My Kingdom is not of this world - Part 2.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Today, we dive back into thinking about our citizenship in Heaven versus our exile in the current kingdoms of this world. We freely admit that we are in process here. We are absolutely committed to listening to Jesus (especially this election year!) and doing what He says. But it's going to be a difficult year. What might it look like for you to be faithful to Jesus and His Kingdom, while living, caring, and participating in the kingdom where you currently reside? How can we love those with whom we disagree? What kinds of idols in our lives need to crumble under the authority of Jesus? Let's go. Episode 022.

Friends in the Fire - Episode 021

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

This week, Brandon and Chad are thrilled to be joined by Sammy Gondola, Daniel Olson, and Karl Hanson. They are dear friends and pastors, who help us unpack friendship, adversity, unmet expectations in relationships, how vital it is to push through the desert place of friendship, the blessing of being spurred on and sharpened by others, and more. This episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at our friendships, how difficult it can be to go deep, and how crucial it has been to our development as followers of Jesus.

My Kingdom is not of this world - Episode 020

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600

"Are you a King?" Pilate's question to a beaten and bloody Messiah hung uncomfortably in the air. Under incredible pressure and facing a brutal, oppressive government, Jesus responded with absolute calm and complete control. (By the way, have you ever wondered why we have a record of this conversation?)

The sovereign creator of the world did not need to panic as the plan set before the world's creation was right on time. Our salvation was being accomplished, and not even a temporary prefect of Rome could stop it. Jesus' words should bother us (and then some) as we look at how we have interacted with the political powers of our world.

So... yeah, we are going there. We hope that by now, we have earned your trust to talk about the kingdoms of this world. How should we think about them? What does it look like to love Jesus well in an election year?

Come and listen in to our conversation on Episode 020 of Unfinished People.

Have you ever prayed an earnest prayer? - Episode 19

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

This week, we continue our theme of the difficulty and beauty of prayer. Is there such a thing as a deeper level of prayer, an earnestness, or a place of travail (rare word alert)not achieved by human capacity but fueled by the holy Spirit? We also dive into the importance and frustration of repetitive prayer. If God already knows, what is He up to? How can we find a sweet place of rest and depth as we speak with our Father in Heaven? As we dig for answers and sharpen each other, come listen in.

We both agreed that this was one of our favorite conversations. We hope you enjoy! UP #019. Let's go.

Prayer isn't supposed to be this difficult. - Episode 018

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

If there's one thing we have struggled through, it is our journey with prayer. The desire to be close to Jesus, hear his voice, and speak as a friend keeps us coming back, but it hasn't been easy. If you relate and are hungry for more in your prayer life, come listen in to our conversation this week on Unfinished People.

How Jesus Makes Things New in 2024 - Episode 017

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

How does an eternal God unbound by time and space help those of us who feel that clock ticking every day? Some of us love the new year and resolve to do something better this year or to make some significant changes. Others dislike the idea of making any promises because we all know we will probably break them anyway. We talk this week about Jesus and his ability to take any moment - past, present, or future and make it new. We have great hope for this year and are expectant that Jesus is up[ to some great stuff in your life as well. Come listen in as we talk about 2024 and our hope in the beautiful work of Jesus.

Loneliness & Friendship - Episode 016

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

In our final episode of 2023, we talk about one of the most pervasive issues in our world: Loneliness. The Surgeon General considers it priority number one and says it's as deadly as smoking. What does Jesus, the friend who sticks closer than a brother, have to say about it? And how does our place in the community of God give us hope? Come and listen as we discuss our own struggles with loneliness and the hard work of deep, authentic friendship.

‎The Place Where I Belong (feat. Davy Flowers) - Song by Housefires - Apple Music

No, Really... How are you? Episode 015

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

This week, we do another flyby to check in on each other. It's easy to answer the question "How are you?" with "Fine." But if we are to step into the things God has for us, we need to go to a level of authenticity and candidness that might just be uncomfortable. This show will remind you that we are definitely unfinished, but it will also (hopefully) give you room to be okay with your own growth process. Some highlights: We are both pretty tired and weary, but Jesus is speaking in that place significantly. We are also learning to pay attention to the more difficult and deep truths of walking closely with Him. Come listen in to our latest conversation on Unfinished People.

Doubt (Part 2) Episode 014

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Admitting to doubt is a crucial first step, but what next? How does Jesus help us move through our doubts to a deeper relationship with Him? We won't say we have it all figured out. It's why we call it Unfinished People. But we have grown through some of our doubts, and we sense the Lord pulling us close on those that are more current. Listen in as we continue our discussion on doubt.

Doubt (Part 1) Episode 013

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

If you have ever struggled with doubt, you are in good company. We have and continue to wrestle with doubt. But is that necessarily a bad thing? In our own "unfinished" way, we explore this ever-present reality and talk about how Jesus is the one to bring your doubt. We don't hide from ours in this episode. You just might be surprised to hear that it is a crucial part of your growth in Jesus. Come listen in.

Eternity is coming... So what? (Episode 012)

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Why should we care about eternity and how does it relate to the lives we live now? In our final episode of this series on eternal life, we talk quite a bit about the here and now. For example: What are we still doing here if we already know Jesus? If getting saved is all about going to Heaven, why wait? Should we care about the world we inhabit and the people who live next to us? What does all of this have to do with Heaven and Hell? Why not just hide in a Christian bubble and wait out the craziness of the world? Listen in to our conversation to find out.

Heaven & New Creation (Episode 011)

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0600

If this life is only the dress rehearsal, what will the show be like? We believe in a future life with Jesus in a physical and spiritual Kingdom that will absolutely be more than anything we could ever think or imagine. So what will it be like? What will we be doing? How does one spend an endless amount of time? We dig into Scripture and talk about our future home and the New Creation on this week's episode of Unfinished People.

The Bad Place (Episode 010)

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0600

You may have heard someone say their experience was "a living Hell" or "Hell on earth." It's a word (and place) that has found its way into our everyday vocabulary, but do we really understand it? Should the thought of going there (or not) motivate us? What does the Bible say about it, and how did Jesus talk about it? It's Hell Week on Unfinished People. We're talking fire and burning, outer darkness, and why Jesus wants to keep you from it.

"Eternity sure sounds like a long time." (Episode 009)

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Eternal life. Heaven & Hell. The Good Place or the Bad Place? These crucial matters affect all of us, but do we understand them well? How have we understood them, and how do they motivate us? Are we motivated by the fear of going "down there," or are we compelled by the love of Jesus?

This is part one of several unfinished conversations on the afterlife... or is it the now and afterlife? Come find out on this week's episode of Unfinished People.

Episode 008 - Gospel Conversations #5

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:15:00 -0600

In our final Gospel Conversation, we talk about the impact the Gospel of Jesus should be having in our churches, and we are asking big questions. What is his plan, and how does it run contrary to our plans? How do broken and bruised pastors move past false desires and hopes that have been formed through worldly ways? What might it look like to be led by the Spirit and dream with our hearts wide open to His Kingdom? What would happen if we asked God what he wanted to do and didn't just continue with business as usual? We're stepping off the beach and wading into the deep on today’s episode of Unfinished People.

Episode 007 - Gospel Conversations #4

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Misunderstanding what Jesus came to do wasn't uncommon in the stories of the New Testament. Some of our favorite characters said and did some of the most bizarre things in response to Jesus' Gospel. (Ahem... Peter, we're talking about you, brother.)

But this is also what gives us great hope because we have said and done similar things. And yet Jesus is still coming after us. The Spirit is still revealing Jesus. He is faithful to continue until we get it.

In today's episode, we discuss how we are beginning to get it. We dig into our own personal experience of the Gospel. And... it's been amazing. He's amazing. We hope and pray that Jesus is doing the same in you.

15 year old Emma Kok sings "Voila." (Song Chad referenced)

Episode 006 - Gospel Conversations #3

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Over the last few episodes, we've uncovered our shallow understanding of the Gospel and found an amazing, deep well of treasure in the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and eventual return of Jesus.

Now, all we have to do is tell people about it.

But how do we do that well? How do we know that we've delivered the good news? Is it a one-time thing, or does it require more from us? How do we live this Kingdom of God thing and allow it to shape our every move? How can we incarnate His truth into the lives of others? That's a lot of questions and, hopefully, some answers in today's episode of Unfinished People.

Episode 005 - Gospel Conversations #2

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0600

We continue our conversation on the Gospel. What is it? What does it do? What are some of the false gospels that draw us every day?

It's easy to get confused or to take shortcuts. Maybe you were drawn by the grace and love of Jesus, but when it comes to making it in this world, you would rather do some of your own saving. The disciples knew all about this tendency. We talk about Peter's big moment when he took up the sword as Jesus was about to let the sword of Rome consume him.

But if we dig into Scripture and allow the Spirit to mess with us, there is a beautiful path forward. Our own hearts have been lit up by Jesus as we are discovering the breadth and depth of the Gospel. It transcends our Western thinking categories and blows our pithy understanding of power and kingdom out of the water. We pray it will do the same for you.

Episode 004 - Gospel Conversations #1

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0600

On today's episode, we begin a series called Gospel Conversations.

Sounds simple, right? Not in the least.

We thought we knew what that word... Gospel... meant. Nope. Our understanding was so shallow, reductionistic. We've been swimming in the kiddie pool when we could have been sailing a vast ocean of grace.

But that's ok. It's part of being unfinished... even as pastors. It's the truth that Jesus is always working on us. And friends... he's really good at it.

We frame today's Gospel Conversation with the first time the Gospel is ever mentioned in the Bible. And surprise... it's not the New Testament. Are you ready for this? It's in the first few pages of the Bible. A couple of naked humans are cowering behind some fig leaves and they hear the Gospel.

Episode 003 - Friendship in Jesus.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0600

In this episode, we talk about the amazing reality of a God who actually wants to be friends with us. Jesus even said this: I do not call you servants anymore, because a servant doesn’t know what his master is doing. I have called you friends.

Abraham was called God's friend.

But we don't just wanna just throw some Bible at you. We want to continue to be honest about the struggle, the incomplete nature, that straddling walk between this world and another.

And... since Jesus is calling us friends, wouldn't it be nice to know how to enjoy this invisible friendship?

We dig in on Episode 003 of Unfinished People. Thanks for joining us.

Episode 002 - An encounter with Jesus inside a Roman prison.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0600

We jump right into the deep end this week as we give you an inside look at what happens when pastors feel like quitting. We discuss our experience in an obscure prison in Rome that floored us both. Standing in the place where Paul “finished” his race for Jesus left us with big questions about true success in the Kingdom of God. The answers couldn’t have been more surprising. Come along as we marvel at the beauty of reaching the end of ourselves and discovering a path straight to the heart of Jesus.

Episode 001 - Unfinished Flyover.

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Welcome to our very first episode. We introduce the idea of being unfinished followers of Jesus in a very broken world. How can we represent Jesus well in these jars of clay? We make the case for authenticity and a clear view of a heart that is led by Jesus.

Unfinished People Trailer

Brandon Zieske & Chad Ellenburg — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Hey there,

Welcome to the Unfinished People podcast. I'm Chad Ellenburg and my co-host is Brandon Zieske. We are both pastors who love and follow Jesus. And we are both very aware of how unfinished we are.

Each week, we will talk about the struggle and the beauty of living and breathing in these unfinished vessels. The apostle Paul describes this as carrying around the Treasure of Jesus in mere "jars of clay." Don't we know it.

At the coronation of Jesus on the cross, when he punched death in the mouth, he said "it is finished." So why doesn't it feel like it?

If you connect with that sentiment, come have a listen. Thanks.