Best Robbin Gardner Podcasts (2025)

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Enormocast 304: Sam Stroh – Naturally Decent

10d ago

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On Episode 304 of the Enormocast, climber Sam Stroh drops by my suite at the Arcteryx Academy in Squamish to talk climbing and get to the bottom of a misunderstanding. Sam cut his teeth in New Mexico and soon after high school was on the road as a classic itinerant dirtbag. After falling in with … Continue reading "Enormocast 304: Sam Stroh – Natur…

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100: Revisiting "What is a Youth Pastor Theologian" (Engle, Hartman, Tufano) 1:04:38

18d ago1:04:38

1:04:38

In this celebratory 100th episode of the Youth Pastor Theologian podcast, host Mike McGarry and guests Nick Hartman, Jason Engle, and Alex Tufano reflect on their experiences in youth ministry, the importance of theological depth, and memorable podcast episodes. They discuss the significance of the Youth Pastor Theologian identity, the need for pra…

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99: Equipping Youth to Live with Wisdom (Rich Griffith) 45:45

25d ago45:45

45:45

In this conversation, Mike talks with Rich Griffith about the importance of guiding our youth to live with wisdom and discernment, and encouraging them to live with godly courage. Conversation includes: How can we help our youth grow in biblical wisdom and to live with courage to live accordingly. Why is that so important to you as you raise your o…

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Enormocast 303: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll – A Very Particular Set of Skills 1:45:12

29d ago1:45:12

1:45:12

On Episode 303 of the Enormocast I sit down with one of the most compelling and somewhat enigmatic climbers of our times: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll. It was a multi-year dance, but we finally sat down puss-a-puss in the Canadian Rockies at the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Sean is known for his big wall antics across … Continue reading "Enormocast …

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98: Building a Culture of Question-Asking in Youth Ministry (Valerie O'Brien) 52:11

1M ago52:11

52:11

Teenagers are full of questions. The big question, is who are they discussing those questions with?! It can be a challenge to cultivate a ministry culture where students feel the freedom to ask their questions without being afraid of getting belittled or receiving cheap answers. In this conversation, Valerie O'Brien discusses her approach to inviti…

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97: Jesus is Worth It (Chris Morphew) 48:52

1M ago48:52

48:52

Can Jesus really make a positive difference in your life? What about when being a Christian puts you at odds with the values of your friends and with society in general? Is following Jesus worth it? This episode is a conversation with Chris Morphew about his new book, "Worth It: Following Jesus When Life Feels Complicated", which highlights the tru…

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96: Teaching the Old Testament to Youth (Chelsea Erickson) 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

It can be tempting to stick to the New Testament when teaching the Bible to youth. But doing so will only short-change teenagers and limit their understanding of the good news of Jesus Christ. Some parts of the Old Testament can feel foreign or intimidating, and therefore easy to avoid. Today's conversation with Chelsea Erickson will highlight the …

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Enormocast 302: Last Rites 2025 (FKA Taps) Don’t Side-Eye the Trad-Dad Edition 2:10:15

2M ago2:10:15

2:10:15

Episode 302 of the Enormocast is the annual airing of grievances in climbing: the laments, the beefs, and the sad truths of the dumb shit we do as climbers. What was formerly known as Taps is now Last Rites. Once again, this year’s slam evolves from listeners’ calls. Andy Salo, Andrew Bisharat, and Mary “Token … Continue reading "Enormocast 302: La…

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95: Speaking to Teenagers (Duffy Robbins) 52:48

2M ago52:48

52:48

Duffy Robbins shares insights on effective preaching and teaching in youth ministry, including a discussion about how long to teach for. Robbins emphasizes that youth will listen for as long as they're engaged, but they'll check out once they're bored. So, how do we teach with biblical and theological depth that engages them with the gospel? What i…

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94: Reflecting on the Asbury Outpouring (Zach Meerkreebs) 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

The Asbury Outpouring gripped religious news and social media two years ago. People had a wide range of opinions about it then, but it's been long enough that we can look with greater clarity about what was and was not happening. In this episode, Mike talks with Zach Meerkreebs, the preacher whose sermon God used to spark the outpouring. Listen in …

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93: Theology of Art and Ministry to Artsy Youth (Melody Bellefeuille-Frost) 47:22

2M ago47:22

47:22

Youth Group isn’t always a place where artsy youth feel a sense of belonging. And yet, the Church, historically, has been a haven for the arts. How can youth workers develop a biblical appreciation for art and serve our students who are artistically-minded? Discussion Includes: Historically, there’s been a rich relationship between the church and t…

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92: Trends in Youth Ministry (Walt Mueller) 51:44

2M ago51:44

51:44

What's happening in the youth ministry world today and how did we get here? This is an important question that we need to ask from time to time, and who's better to ask than Dr. Walt Mueller? Walt Mueller has been ministering to young people for over 45 years and is the founder/director of the Center for Parent/Youth Understanding. He’s also the au…

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91: The Church and Youth Sports (Paul Putz) 52:27

3M ago52:27

52:27

Talking about the church and youth sports is a sure way to spur strong opinions. Many pastors feel like parents are choosing sports over faith, while parents and kids feel like the church doesn't respect sports or team culture. How can faithful Christian parents and church leaders navigate this tense issue in a way that is distinctively Christian, …

1
Enormocast 301: Quentin Roberts – Listening to The Mountain 1:23:17

3M ago1:23:17

1:23:17

On Episode 301 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a posh hotel in Squamish, BC, with alpinist Quentin Roberts. We met up at the Arc’teryx Academy in August 2024 on a rainy day to talk about Quentin’s life as a climber. Quentin grew up attending boarding schools in several countries and despite not fitting … Continue reading "Enormocast 301: Quentin R…

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90: Should I Stay or Should I Go? (Will Standridge) 44:53

3M ago44:53

44:53

At some point, every youth pastor faces the question, "Should I stay or should I go?" Sometimes God's wisdom leads us to stay and endure through seasons of tension and conflict, but sometimes the Lord provides freedom to move into a new ministry (or an entirely new vocation!). Discussion Includes: You’re still in your first year as a senior pastor……

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89: The Significance of Eating Together (Seth Stewart) 46:29

3M ago46:29

46:29

Food and “the table” show up throughout Scripture in significant ways. And yet, it’s easily overlooked. How does “theology of meals and eating together” shape Christian fellowship and ministry to youth? Could you explain what you mean by “theology of meals and eating together”? When I hear this, I immediately think about the Lord’s Supper. That’s a…

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88: The Best Teaching Advice I've Received (Kyle Hoffsmith) 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

There’s so much that can be said about how to teach the Bible with depth and clarity, it’s almost as if we could build an entire podcast around it! That’s why we’ve invited Kyle Hoffsmith from “The Word in Youth Ministry” to share some of the best preaching and teaching advice that he’s heard. When you were new to youth ministry, could you tell us …

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Enormocast 300: Chris Kalous by Alex Honnold – No Retreat, No Surrender 1:24:13

4M ago1:24:13

1:24:13

On the auspicious Episode 300 of the Enormocast, Alex Honnold hijacks the Enormocast to interview Chris Kalous of the Enormocast. Yes, it turns out that Alex Honnold gets to have everything. Alex takes the interview skills that he’s honed over at Climbing Gold and talks to Chris about his climbing origins, podcast pioneering, and why … Continue rea…

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Enormocast 299: Nina Caprez – Two Roads Just as Fair 1:20:09

4M ago1:20:09

1:20:09

On Episode 299 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a fine hotel suite with the elegant Nina Caprez. We met up at the Arc’teryx Academy in Squamish, and after a Co-MC gig on the main stage the previous night, Nina and I reviewed our performance and then got down to business reviewing the 9 … Continue reading "Enormocast 299: Nina Caprez – Two Roads Jus…

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87: Managing Expectations in Youth Ministry (Joseph Bradley) 58:22

5M ago58:22

58:22

Everyone has expectations: you do, and so do your students, parents, volunteers, and church leaders. How can you identify people's expectations and respond with humility and confidence when you don't quite "meet expectations"? Of all the topics we could be discussing today, why do you think it’s important for us to talk about managing expectations …

1
Enormocast 298: Jim Erickson – Clean and Free in the 1970s 2:12:32

5M ago2:12:32

2:12:32

On Episode 298 of the Enormocast, I sit down in with Boulder, Colorado legend, Jim Erickson. Turns out that when Jim climbed the crags and roamed the streets of Boulder in the late 60s and 70s, it was a cow-town – not the bougie climbing mecca we love to hate on today. Erickson grew up … Continue reading "Enormocast 298: Jim Erickson – Clean and Fr…

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86: Leading a Youth Ministry While in Seminary (Nick Hartman) 48:41

5M ago48:41

48:41

It can be difficult to find a healthy rhythm when serving in full-time youth ministry while also in seminary. This can lead some people to never pursue formal training, and it can lead others to burn out. Today’s conversation highlights the benefit of seminary training while providing some practical counsel about navigating it well. What’s the bene…

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85: Apologetics and Doubt in Youth Ministry (Mary Jo Sharp) 49:10

5M ago49:10

49:10

As teenagers move from middle school through their high school graduation, they begin to ask increasingly difficult questions about life and faith and God. If we are only telling them answers without creating space for meaningful conversations about the questions they have, then they’ll find answer to their questions somewhere else. Today’s convers…

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Enormocast 297: Paul “PK” Kuenn – The Dairylander 1:49:56

5M ago1:49:56

1:49:56

On Episode 297 of the Enormocast, I sit down in Munising, Michigan with local Midwest legend, Paul Kuenn. In his youth near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Paul was drawn to the outdoors: fly-fishing, cross-country skiing, and finally, climbing at Devil’s Lake. Climbing became obsession which brought him to the PNW to become a guide and to Colorado … Continu…

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84: Leading and Equipping Volunteers (Alex Tufano) 54:58

5M ago54:58

54:58

Sooner or later, every youth pastor learns that their youth ministry is only as strong as their volunteers. If that’s true then how do we identify, recruit, train, and support faithful volunteer leaders to serve our students? Discussion Why are volunteers so important? What should we look for in volunteers, and what are some flags that should give …

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83: Translating Youth Culture for Student Discipleship (Evan Barber) 52:05

6M ago52:05

52:05

Youth culture can feel like a foreign language, especially with how rapidly it changes. How can youth workers understand the culture of our students… and why is that important anyways? Why is it important for youth workers to understand youth culture? How would you describe the default approach most adults take toward interpreting and translating y…

1
Enormocast 296: Barry Blanchard Live in Banff 1:11:00

6M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

On Episode 296 of the Enormocast, we rebroadcast an interview that was recorded live at the Banff Mountain Film Festival with alpinist and Canadian legend, Barry Blanchard. Barry showed up at the Banff Centre at 9:45am and brought the fire and the wisdom of 50 years in the game. Barry’s feted exploits range from his … Continue reading "Enormocast 2…

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82: How to Respond When Teenagers Get Pregnant (Sara Loy) 45:35

6M ago45:35

45:35

How do we respond with love and grace when teenagers in our ministry get pregnant? This is a huge surprise for everyone and often turns entire families upside-down. The gospel shapes the way you support and care for the expectant mom, dad, and their families. What are some of the initial feelings that our teen girls likely experience after finding …

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81: Leading Youth to Lead Worship in Youth Ministry (Dorothy Lau) 48:40

6M ago48:40

48:40

How can youth ministries encourage teenagers to worship God? Obviously, worship is more than singing and music, but that’s often where we begin how to worship. So what kinds of songs should we sing, and what should we avoid in our worship music? Discussion Questions What are some of the benefits of incorporating worship in your youth ministry? Can …

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80: Cultivating a Churchwide Commitment to Intergenerational Relationships (Annika Bangma) 46:29

6M ago46:29

46:29

Youth workers are increasingly realizing the importance of intergenerational ministry. But it remains a challenge to promote a churchwide commitment to these cross-generational relationships. Why is this so important and how do we make progress in this area? Discussion Includes: Could you tell us a little about Generation Spark's vision for interge…

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Enormocast 295: Aaron Peterson – Paying His Dues 1:15:45

6M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

On Episode 295 of the Enormocast, I sit down at a splintery picnic table on a hot morning in Lander, Wyoming with Aaron Peterson. Aaron is a young (ish) climber for whom activism, protest, and speaking his mind goes hand in hand with his motivations as a climber. At a cost to his mental health, … Continue reading "Enormocast 295: Aaron Peterson – P…

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79: How Catechesis Can Strengthen Your Discipleship (Skyler Flowers & Parker Hudson) 52:31

6M ago52:31

52:31

Every youth leader wants to see their teenagers grow into mature and godly adults. At the same time, we often struggle to clearly define what discipleship is and what it looks like. After all, if everything in our youth ministry falls under the category of discipleship then we’ve probably watered down the category of discipleship so much it doesn’t…

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78: Discussing Gender and Sexuality with Youth (Andrew Bunt & Ashleigh Hull) 56:32

7M ago56:32

56:32

Discussing gender and sexuality with teenagers has never been more important... or intimidating. It seems so easy to step on landmines, lose credibility with either students or parents or church leadership, which can make it tempting to avoid the topic altogether. But students are hearing about gender and sexuality, and every ministry has youth who…

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Enormocast 294: Simon Carter – Climbing Through the Lens 1:37:06

7M ago1:37:06

1:37:06

On Episode 294 of the Enormocast, I connect to Katoomba, NSW in Australia- the heart of the Blue Mountains – to chat with photographer Simon Carter. Simon has been in the game as long as anyone currently active, and after four decades of producing some of the most iconic images in climbing, he’s published a … Continue reading "Enormocast 294: Simon…

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77: Ministry to Teen Boys (Jonathan Denton) 45:09

7M ago45:09

45:09

It’s no secret that boys and girls mature differently. That doesn’t only happen in terms of emotional maturity but also cognitively and spiritually. So, how does that shape the way we minister to the teen guys in our youth ministries? Discussion Includes: Tell us a little about your book, Disciplemaking With Guys. Why did you write it and what’s th…

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76: Calling Youth to a God-Centered Faith (Richard Ross) 42:40

7M ago42:40

42:40

The Christian faith is not about “me and Jesus,” but about the glory of our Triune God. What does it mean for youth workers to call teenagers into lives that are marked by faithful worship and a vital union with Christ? Instead, many teenagers have a me-centered faith that treats Jesus like their therapist. This conversation with Dr. Richard Ross h…

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Enormocast 293: Jim Ewing – The Quality of Life 1:49:10

7M ago1:49:10

1:49:10

On Episode 293 of the Enormocast, I connect with paraclimber Jim Ewing. Jim grew up climbing in the storied days of 1980s North Conway in New Hampshire. In his formative climbing years, Ewing rubbed elbows with the likes of Randy Radcliff, Alison Osius, and Hugh Herr. He didn’t know it while eeking out a dirtbag … Continue reading "Enormocast 293: …

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75: Ministry to Kids in Crisis (Seth Teegarden) 47:18

7M ago47:18

47:18

Youth Ministry often brings us into students’ lives during difficult and painful times. Instead of avoiding that because it’s messy or complicated, the gospel calls us to walk beside youth and their families with love and compassion. Today we’re talking with Seth Teegarden about his experience as a house parent for kids in crisis, and about how tha…

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74: Strengthening the Senior Pastor / Youth Pastor Relationship (Cody Busby) 45:02

8M ago45:02

45:02

One of the main reasons a youth pastor’s relationship with their senior pastor can suffer is from unmet expectations. In this conversation, we talk with Cody Busby (Mike’s pastor) in order to encourage and support healthy senior/youth pastor relationships. Discussion Features: Share with us a little about your experience as a youth pastor… what do …

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Enormocast 292: Hamish McArthur and Holly Toothill – Showing Up 1:27:31

8M ago1:27:31

1:27:31

On Episode 292 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a hotel in Squamish (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh) during the Arc’teryx Academy with Olympian Hamish McArthur and British competition climber Holly Toothill. I arrived in Squamish with Hamish booked and asked Holly to join at the last minute as a friend, teammate, and observer of Hamish’s performance in … Continue re…

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Enormocast 290: Hayden Jamieson -Through the Valley of Darkness 1:26:56

9M ago1:26:56

1:26:56

On Episode 290 of the Enormocast, I sit down in a cool, dark hotel room on a bright and HOT day in Lander, WY with bigwall climber, Hayden Jamieson. Hayden and I both slumped into our chairs after escaping the 100 degree day outside and tried to gather ourselves for the interview, and that’s when … Continue reading "Enormocast 290: Hayden Jamieson …

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Enormocast 289: Smith Curry – A Climber Boy Can Survive 1:33:13

9M ago1:33:13

1:33:13

On Episode 289 of the Enormocast, I connect to Nashville, TN to talk to climber and musician Smith Curry. Smith is one of the busiest session players in Music City on dobro and pedal steel. He also happens to be a veteran climber with big walls, first ascents, and alpine gnar under his harness-belt. Smith … Continue reading "Enormocast 289: Smith C…

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Enormocast 288: Don McGrath – The Vertical Mind Returns 1:05:58

10M ago1:05:58

1:05:58

On Episode 288 of the Enormocast, I reunite with Don McGrath, the author of the book Vertical Mind. Don appeared nearly a decade ago on the podcast, and his book on the mindset of climbing has never left the conversion. Don has spent the last 10 years learning even more about overcoming the hurdles our … Continue reading "Enormocast 288: Don McGrat…

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Enormocast 287: Mo Beck – A Certain Version of Fine 1:29:41

11M ago1:29:41

1:29:41

On Episode 287 of the Enormocast, I connect with Paraclimbing champion, Mo Beck. Mo was born with one hand, and her parents were determined to make sure she was ready for challenges of life like any other kid. When Mo ran into a camp counselor that told her that she didn’t HAVE TO climb if … Continue reading "Enormocast 287: Mo Beck – A Certain Ver…

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Enormocast 286: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 1) 1:27:48

11M ago1:27:48

1:27:48

On Episode 287 of the Enormocast, I connect through to America’s hat with Swiss crack-master, Didier Berthod. You might have heard about Didier from his recent send of Cobra Crack. The media mentions Didier disappearing from climbing for 10 years, returning to slay the Cobra, yada, yada, but that Didier’s completion of the Cobra has … Continue read…

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Enormocast Tweener: Didier Berthod – Facing the World (Part 2) 55:38

11M ago55:38

55:38

In the early 2000s, Didier Berthod was the best crack climber in the world, then he dropped out of climbing and essentially disappeared from the world. When we left Didier Berthod in Facing the World Part 1, he had emerged from monastic life, contacted the daughter he had never seen, and returned to climbing. In … Continue reading "Enormocast Tween…

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73: Preaching that Connects (Matt Kim) 38:24

11M ago38:24

38:24

Faithful preaching and teaching does more than deliver biblical content, it takes the audience into account and draws the listeners into the text so they can behold the truth and beauty of God’s Word. Most of us have listened to sermons that were biblically and theologically sound, but they weren’t helpful. In today’s conversation, we want to help …

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72: Revisiting Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (Kenda Creasy Dean) 43:59

12M ago43:59

43:59

Nearly twenty years ago, the largest study on youth and religion described the religious worldview of youth and young adults as Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. The teenagers and young adults in that study are now the parents of GenZ, which prompts the question, “Is MTD still a good description of youth spirituality?” Discussion Questions For our list…

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Enormocast 285: Nico Favresse – Mad to Live 1:38:27

12M ago1:38:27

1:38:27

On Episode 285 of the Enormocast, after long last, I connect with Belgian rock-climber and alpinist, Nico Favresse. Nico is certainly a contender for the most experienced expedition rock-climber of all time. Perhaps only rivalled by his ubiquitous partner, Sean Villanueva-O’Driscoll? Nevertheless, Nico is an all-arounder who has tackled the biggest…

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71: Teaching Students the Doctrine of God (Malcom Yarnell) 36:18

12M ago36:18

36:18

If youth workers aren't teaching teenagers about God then how can we call what we're doing "ministry"? The doctrine of God is a topic that people tend to either take for granted or they are intimidated by it's grandeur. This conversation highlights some of the core aspects of the doctrine of God and why it's so important to talk about with teenager…

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Robbin Gardner Podcasts

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