Things Above
A Community of Learning Centered on Discipleship
Recent Episodes
Oct. 8, 2026
Conversation with Dr. Amy Carey and Anna Carey
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Dr. Amy Carey and Anna Carey about their book, “Claimed by God.” Claimed by God helps you remember your identity as a daughter of God through thirty statements about the joy, confidence, and hope that God has instilled in you. These declarations are grounded in Scripture and supported by guided prayers that fuel your assurance, strength, and gratitude for God’s unchanging love. Together they enable you to believe beyond what you can see in f
Aug. 12, 2026
The Hope of Glory
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Christ in You, The Hope of Glory.” In this episode, Smith continues his three-part series on the book of Colossians. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Recent Episodes: 1. In Christ 2. Conversation with Keas Keasler 3. Formation Writers Guild 4. Conversation with Liz Hall and Kelly Kapic 5. No Condemnation The post The Hope of Glory appeared first on Apprentice Institute.
July 29, 2026
In Christ
James Bryan Smith’s thought from above in this episode is, “You are in Christ wherever you are.” Smith starts a three-part series on the book of Colossians. In this episode, he focuses on the first chapter of Colossians and explains the meaning behind the phrase “In Christ.” Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Recent Episodes: 1. Conversation with Keas Keasler 2. Formation Writers Guild 3. Conversation with Liz Hall and Kelly Kapic 4. No Condemnation 5. Spiritu
July 8, 2026
Conversation with Keas Keasler
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Dr. Keas Keasler about his book, Kingdom Apprenticeship – Dallas Willard’s Formational Theology and Missional Vision A Groundbreaking Analysis of Dallas Willard’s Theology of Spiritual Formation Dallas Willard’s formational theology begins with the claim that the aim of God in human history is the formation of a community of loving persons apprenticed to Jesus—and ends with the promise that such apprenticeship prepares us to share in God’s g
June 3, 2026
Formation Writers Guild
James Bryan Smith and Emily P. Freeman announce the launch of the Formation Writers Guild. The guild is a year-long guided journey for writers who sense a vocational call within the field of Christian spiritual formation and want to deepen their faith, develop their craft, and expand their reach through publication. Listen to learn all about the vision and mission behind the Formation Writers Guild and apply today! Learn more about the Formation Writers Guild here! Click here to apply to the Fo
May 27, 2026
Conversation with Liz Hall and Kelly Kapic
James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Liz Hall and Kelly Kapic about their book, “When the Journey Hurts.” Transform Your Suffering with Tools from Theology, Psychology, and Spiritual Formation We don’t like pain. So, we find creative ways to go around it. We try to ignore, minimize, or deny our suffering, but we’re still left hurting. The twisting and defiling work of sin on this world is overwhelming and shatters our assumptions about ourselves and our place in the world. An