One of my greatest passions is helping people develop — to build strong marriages, raise healthy kids, cultivate a rock-solid faith, and continually grow as individuals. I believe none of these areas flourish without consistent attention and intentional effort.
Because I spend a lot of time reading, studying, and learning, I’ve decided to share some of the most engaging and thought-provoking things I come across each week. These might include blogs, books, podcasts, or videos.
Full disclosure — not everything I share will have a specifically Christian theme. However, I will always include a short reflection on why I believe each resource could be valuable for your personal growth.
VIDEO: Slow (then fast) Work of Long Obedience
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XTQcFeeD7A
In this episode, Russell Moore from Christianity Today sits down with Mark Batterson to discuss his new book on long obedience. Batterson, an Assemblies of God pastor in Washington, D.C., has been one of my favorite authors for quite some time. In a world that celebrates instant results and quick fixes, long obedience is a virtue rarely championed—but one that remains absolutely necessary for a life of lasting faith and growth.
VIDEO: A Bit of Optimism
Link: https://youtu.be/CRoVzXBi74w
In this short video, leadership expert Simon Sinek sits down with CEO Bob Chapman to discuss how leaders can reframe their thinking about people. Chapman, known for his “Truly Human Leadership” philosophy, challenges the traditional view of employees as resources and instead calls leaders to see them as people to be valued, cared for, and developed. It’s a powerful reminder that leadership begins with empathy and intentional human connection.
ARTICLE: Bring Back Purity Culture
Link: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/bring-back-purity-gen-z/
During the late 20th century, a movement known as purity culture emerged within Christian circles. Its goal was to teach young people about the dangers of the sexual revolution and the importance of remaining pure. While many in recent years have critiqued purity culture as repressive or misguided, Luke Simon, in his thoughtful article, challenges readers to take a fresh look. He encourages a new generation to rediscover and reframe the value of purity—not as a set of restrictive rules, but as a pathway to freedom, integrity, and spiritual health.
A GOOD BOOK: The Four Loves by CS Lewis
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Loves-C-S-Lewis/dp/0156329301
Sitting on my bookshelf in my office is an old tattered book. Its pages are yellowed. The highlights are faded. And, the corner of the book is chewed on by my first daughter Clara, who used the book while she was teething as a baby. Its one of my prize possessions. It is the first book I ever read by the author C.S. Lewis. Its his excellent work entitle, The Four Loves
In The Four Loves, C.S. Lewis explores the nature of love from a deeply Christian and philosophical perspective. He examines four distinct types of love—affection, friendship, eros, and charity (agape)—and how each reflects both human experience and divine truth. With his signature clarity and insight, Lewis shows how love, when rightly ordered, draws us closer to God and others, but when distorted, can lead to pain or idolatry. This classic work invites readers to reflect on what it truly means to love and be loved in a way that honors God.
About the Author
Jason Kennedy
Pastor Jason Kennedy serves as Lead Pastor at Bakersfield First Assembly in Bakersfield, California, where he leads a vibrant church community focused on helping people pursue Jesus, grow in their faith, and engage in life-giving community while extending compassion to others in their daily lives.