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Show Notes
In this month’s episode of Friends in Formation, Nate, Richella, and James answer listener questions about which Christian Stream “gives the most bang for the buck,” how to discern when to fast (or practice any spiritual discipline), and how to have spiritual conversations with kids who are grown.
[2:32] Of the Six Streams, which is the best one to sit in that gives the most bang for the buck in the journey of Christian spiritual formation?
[19:24] I struggle a lot in my day-to-day life with decision fatigue, second-guessing myself, and fears about not being “good enough.” This past school term, I developed a very beneficial rhythm of weekly fasting and found the practice deeply helpful. However, now that I’m on my summer schedule that old rhythm no longer works well and I haven’t fasted consistently. Whenever it’s been a while since I’ve fasted, I start thinking about it frequently, even every day or every meal and fretting about whether it’s a good time or not…. Are there some stabilizing questions or thoughts that I can come back to when I start to debate fasting? What are valid vs. invalid reasons not to fast, be it in the moment or for a season?
[37:50] What are some suggestions in talking to adult children about spiritual matters?
Upcoming Renovaré Events with This Guest
Gathering
RēGathering
LaGrange, GA
June 19–21, 2025
RēGathering is a three-day gathering from Renovaré... a space to recenter our scattered minds and souls on Jesus, remind one another of the beauty of the Trinity, and be refreshed and renewed. Join us for meals, music, worship, teaching, talking, silence, and laughter.
WITH
Carolyn
Arends,
Christopher A.
Hall,
Rebecca
DeYoung,
Siang-Yang
Tan,
Miriam
Dixon,
Brandan
Spencer,
Grace
Pouch,
Ted
Harro,
Richella
Parham,
Nathan
Foster,
Tina
Dyer,
James
Catford,
Brian
Morykon,
Jonathan
Bailey,
Linda
Christians,
Margaret
Campbell,
Melody
Leeper
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During a career in commercial publishing, James worked with many of the authors most closely associated with Renovaré and he now chairs SPCK, the largest Christian publisher in the UK. After fourteen years leading the British Bible Society James also works with American Bible Society to support Christians in leadership around the world. He lives with his wife Sue in London.
Read his full bio.
Richella is Chair of the Renovaré Board of Trustees. With a background in small business, education, and church leadership, Richella is a speaker and the author of Mythical Me (IVP) and A Spiritual Formation Primer. She is the mother of three young adult sons and lives with her husband Jack in Durham, North Carolina. Read her full bio and connect with Richella at richellajparham.com.
Nathan Foster is an author and host of Life With God, a Renovaré Podcast. Formerly, he was an Associate Professor of social work and served as the Andrews Chair in Spiritual Formation at Spring Arbor University. He was also a licensed clinical social worker and certified addictions counselor. Nathan has published two books, including The Making of an Ordinary Saint: My Journey from Frustration to Joy with the Spiritual Disciplines.