Brian From is joined by Pastor Aaron Byers of Calvary Christian Church in Royal Oak, Michigan to talk about legacy, calling, and what it means to pastor a truly family-centered church. Aaron shares his journey from business into ministry, his experience stepping into leadership after his father, and why investing deeply in kids and community is essential in a fragmented, lonely culture. The conversation offers a hopeful reminder that real connection, biblical purpose, and putting God first are still the foundation for a flourishing church and a healthy life.

Brian From is joined by Pastor Aaron Byers of Calvary Christian Church in Royal Oak, Michigan to talk about legacy, calling, and what it means to pastor a truly family-centered church. Aaron shares his journey from business into ministry, his experience stepping into leadership after his father, and why investing deeply in kids and community is essential in a fragmented, lonely culture. The conversation offers a hopeful reminder that real connection, biblical purpose, and putting God first are still the foundation for a flourishing church and a healthy life.

The idea of “the common good” has a rich history within the Christian church. It’s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God’s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God’s design for all of us fulfilled.

The idea of &ldquo;the common good&rdquo; has a rich history within the Christian church. It&rsquo;s the notion that, as we pursue Jesus in our lives and in the lives of others, we are fulfilling God&rsquo;s purposes for His creation. This pursuit can be messy. It means rolling up our sleeves and creating space for hard conversations about real issues that impact our lives. Things like parenting, marriage, finances, politics, art, and culture. On The Common Good, Brian From creates space to have these conversations, to sit with the big questions that we all have, to sometimes disagree, but to always look for the chance to create common good, by following after Jesus. Brian welcome listeners to join them in these conversations, to bring their own questions, hopes, and struggles, and to ultimately share in a journey to see God&rsquo;s design for all of us fulfilled.

The Common Good Podcast

The Common Good

A Church Built on Family, Faith, and Connection with Aaron Byers

Brian is joined by his weekly guest Adam Holtz from Plugged In, Focus on the Family's media review ministry, for a Friday rundown of what's worth your time — and what to know before you watch. First, Adam shares exciting news about an Adventures in Odyssey animated film in development, Journey into the Impossible, an origin story for the beloved Mr. Whitaker that fans can actually help bring to life through crowdfunding. Then, a look at Plugged In's new technology section, built to help parents navigate the real, messy questions about screen time, video games, and kids and devices. Finally, two movies hitting screens this weekend: the anime romance Chao, a Little Mermaid-adjacent story that's a little harder to explain than it sounds, and You, Me, and Tuscany, a new rom-com starring Halle Bailey that Brian is very much already on board for.

Brian is joined by his weekly guest Adam Holtz from Plugged In, Focus on the Family's media review ministry, for a Friday rundown of what's worth your time &mdash; and what to know before you watch. First, Adam shares exciting news about an Adventures in Odyssey animated film in development, Journey into the Impossible, an origin story for the beloved Mr. Whitaker that fans can actually help bring to life through crowdfunding. Then, a look at Plugged In's new technology section, built to help parents navigate the real, messy questions about screen time, video games, and kids and devices. Finally, two movies hitting screens this weekend: the anime romance Chao, a Little Mermaid-adjacent story that's a little harder to explain than it sounds, and You, Me, and Tuscany, a new rom-com starring Halle Bailey that Brian is very much already on board for.

Rom-Coms, Anime, and the Return of Adventures in Odyssey

What does a $22 smoothie have to do with your faith? More than you'd think. Brian unpacks a fascinating study on why Americans keep splurging even when the economy feels uncertain — and finds a surprisingly deep spiritual truth underneath the consumer psychology. He also reflects on Elisabeth Elliot's challenge to live with "reckless abandon for the Lord," the powerful story of Jesus restoring Peter after his denial, and what God's repeated promise to Joshua — "Do not fear, for I am with you" — means for whatever you're facing today. Plus: the Artemis II mission, a Birmingham baptism gone tragically wrong, and when to stay in a broken church (and when to go).

Brian also shares a personal milestone: six months into his new role as campus pastor at Compass Church in Hinsdale, IL — and what he's learned about identity, healing, and God's faithfulness after a season of deep church hurt.

What does a $22 smoothie have to do with your faith? More than you'd think. Brian unpacks a fascinating study on why Americans keep splurging even when the economy feels uncertain &mdash; and finds a surprisingly deep spiritual truth underneath the consumer psychology. He also reflects on Elisabeth Elliot's challenge to live with "reckless abandon for the Lord," the powerful story of Jesus restoring Peter after his denial, and what God's repeated promise to Joshua &mdash; "Do not fear, for I am with you" &mdash; means for whatever you're facing today. Plus: the Artemis II mission, a Birmingham baptism gone tragically wrong, and when to stay in a broken church (and when to go).
Brian also shares a personal milestone: six months into his new role as campus pastor at Compass Church in Hinsdale, IL &mdash; and what he's learned about identity, healing, and God's faithfulness after a season of deep church hurt.

Reckless Abandon, Restoring Peter, and Why You're Buying That $22 Smoothie

A landmark Supreme Court decision — decided 8 to 1 — just struck down a Colorado law banning certain forms of counseling for minors. But what does it actually mean for families, therapists, and states across the country? Brian sits down with Jeff Johnston, issues analyst and writer for Focus on the Family's Daily Citizen, to break it all down. They discuss what "conversion therapy" actually is (and isn't), how this ruling affects the 20+ states with similar laws, and what parents of kids struggling with sexual identity questions can do right now. Plus, Jeff shares practical advice for Christian parents on how to love their kids well while holding to their faith.

Learn more at DailyCitizen.org

A landmark Supreme Court decision &mdash; decided 8 to 1 &mdash; just struck down a Colorado law banning certain forms of counseling for minors. But what does it actually mean for families, therapists, and states across the country? Brian sits down with Jeff Johnston, issues analyst and writer for Focus on the Family's Daily Citizen, to break it all down. They discuss what "conversion therapy" actually is (and isn't), how this ruling affects the 20+ states with similar laws, and what parents of kids struggling with sexual identity questions can do right now. Plus, Jeff shares practical advice for Christian parents on how to love their kids well while holding to their faith.
Learn more at DailyCitizen.org

A Church Built on Family, Faith, and Connection with Aaron Byers

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