In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry are joined by special guest Paul Tripp to discuss the pastoral dangers of pride, isolation, and reputation management while highlighting the importance of community and relational ministry. They emphasize living by God's grace as the foundation for building gospel culture. They discuss: Honoring Paul Tripp The role of gospel culture in understanding doctrine Rebuilding for the future The importance of integrity and neediness Chal...
Jan 23, 2025•31 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry welcome Paul Tripp to remind pastors that gospel-centered ministry and personal growth thrive in community, where accountability and mutual encouragement combat spiritual blindness and isolation. They emphasize the importance of staying open to the Holy Spirit's conviction, prioritizing Christian relationships, and living out the gospel by fostering reconciliation, humility, and support within the church. They discuss: Paul Tripp...
Jan 16, 2025•30 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. They discuss: The rise in Bible sales in 2024 Declining fertility rates worldwide Big changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global South The advance of assisted suicide in the UK The Cass Report and the truth...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In the final episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry share their gratitude, reflect on the challenges and joys of the podcast, and offer encouragement and insights on building gospel culture, adapting preaching styles, and navigating ministry challenges. They discuss the following: Their gratitude for You're Not Crazy listeners The challenges and achievements of the podcast How to build gospel culture in established churches Changing preaching styles Gospel culture in business...
Oct 31, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Paul’s love for the church and ambition to preach the gospel provide an example for ministers today. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund offer encouragement for pastors to persevere in ministry, receiving their calling as a gift from the Lord. They look to the final reward of ministry — not the success of the minister but that the Lamb would receive the reward of his sufferings. And they conclude their discussion of Romans 12–15 by reflecting on how our receipt of ...
Oct 14, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Overcoming petty differences and finding unity in God’s Word, Christians can live together in a way that defies the principalities and powers of this world. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund consider the church’s role as a beacon of hope amid a tumultuous world. They challenge us to extend welcome to outsiders as we have been welcomed in Christ, sacrificing our own interests for the sake of Christ and the good of others. And they speak a word of encouragement to ...
Oct 07, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 8
To bear with one another in love includes respecting others’ sensitivities and reservations, even when we disagree with their conclusions. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry help to reframe this difficult task by challenging us to consider our brother or sister’s sincerity to the Lord, noting the beauty of a conscientious Christian and the power of disagreements to bring about our sanctification. They warn pastors of the danger in leading congregants to violate th...
Sep 30, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 7
The book of Romans expounds as much on how we bear with one another in love as it does on the doctrine of justification. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into this important section of Paul’s letter, considering matters of conscience, how to love the weaker brother, and what it means to be convinced in our own minds. They also celebrate the beautiful diversity of Christ’s church and the important call to delight in our differences. Recommended resource: On...
Sep 23, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 6
The law defines our flourishing life as Christians, but often we are prone to see God’s commands as restrictive and burdensome. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry highlight love as the fulfillment of the law. They point to God as not only the authority but also the expert in love, showing how each of his commandments overflows with implications for how we might love our neighbor. And they celebrate God’s kindness to transform our desires as we put on Christ, being...
Sep 16, 2024•25 min•Season 4Ep. 5
The apostle Paul tells Christians to submit to their governing authorities — but are there exceptions? And what does that submission look like? In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry dig into these questions and more, considering God’s providence, the function of the government, what characterizes Christian dissent, and how we can prepare our hearts for election season. Recommended resources: You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Weary Churches by Ray Ortlund and Sam Al...
Sep 09, 2024•26 min•Season 4Ep. 4
When the apostle Paul warns Christians not to be overcome by evil (Rom. 12:21), he knows it will be difficult. Nonetheless, he challenges us to believe that God is at work in redemptive reversals. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund unpack the difficulty of death to self and consider how it looks to entrust ourselves to the Lord even as we face evil and wrongdoing. And they once again commend the beauty of gospel culture, where pastors and church communities “give ...
Sep 02, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In this episode, Ray and Sam dig into Romans 12:1–8 and how to live as recipients of God’s mercies. They model sober judgment as they reflect on the ways we tend to overestimate our own capacities, considering instead how we might acknowledge that we’re part of a greater whole. Recognizing we belong to one another, they encourage pastors to view themselves as members of Christ’s body, reveling in the beauty of relationships within the church. Recommended resource: ESV Systematic Theology Study B...
Aug 26, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 1
What marks genuine Christian love? The apostle Paul lays out an extensive list in Romans 12:9–21. In this episode of You’re Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry examine how Paul’s commands are meant to hold together as part of an integrated ecosystem that makes up the Christian life. They consider the humility and vulnerability required to give and receive genuine affection, and they challenge pastors and congregants to cultivate countercultural communities marked by gospel hope. Recommended...
Aug 26, 2024•28 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Join Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry for this final season of the You're Not Crazy podcast, as they delve into the transformative passages of Romans 12-15 and equip you with fresh perspectives for leading and nurturing gospel-centered communities. This season, you can look forward to more in-depth discussions and practical insights that will further prepare and rejuvenate you for the work of pastoral ministry.
Aug 19, 2024•1 min
Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the upcoming season of You’re Not Crazy, where they’ll delve into Romans chapters 12-15 and focus on how to foster gospel culture in churches. They also introduce their forthcoming small group curriculum, based on the book You're Not Crazy , and announce the launch of the Center for Gospel Culture by Sam Allberry and Immanuel Nashville. The center will offer resources and events for pastors and churches, including a decade’s worth of sermons, manuals, and oth...
Jun 27, 2024•9 min
In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address listener questions. They discuss: How to lead a staff team in building a gospel culture, emphasizing the importance of eye contact, laughter, openness, and vulnerability. Imposter syndrome in Christian ministry, sharing stories, and insights on how to cope with feelings of inadequacy. The transformative power of the gospel and the need for a shift in preaching focus—from challenging people to presenting Christ and his prom...
Dec 11, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss 2 Timothy 4:9-22, uncovering the weight of Paul's personal instructions to Timothy—his last words before martyrdom that shed light on his character and personal life. Whether you're seeking to enrich your pastoral leadership journey or strengthen your faith, this conversation is for you. Recommended resource: Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness by Gavin Ortlund A note from our sponsor, Crossway: In their new book, You...
Dec 04, 2023•25 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the timeless relevance of 2 Timothy for pastors—emphasizing its guidance for preaching in various seasons. They highlight the importance of patience and understanding in pastoral ministry, addressing cultural trends where people seek teachings that align with their passions. Their discussion ends with reflections on Paul's perspective on impending death, emphasizing a sense of calm and fulfillment in ministry and the antic...
Nov 27, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the importance of standing firm in the faith amid persecution and opposition. They emphasize the need for pastors to be open and vulnerable in their relationships, following the example of Paul and Timothy. They address the dangers of moralism and the transformative power of Scripture in the lives of pastors, emphasizing the need to hold onto the gospel and continue to follow Jesus with a strong sense of identity and miss...
Nov 20, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the challenges of serving in a godless world and emphasize the importance of relying on Jesus and holding onto hope. They reflect on the difficulties faced in pastoral ministry and the prevalence of self-centeredness and pleasure-seeking in society. As they warn against counterfeit Christianity and highlight the need for authenticity and true transformation, they also discuss the dangers of allowing unconverted individual...
Nov 13, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund discuss 2 Timothy 2:14-26 and the importance of avoiding a quarrelsome spirit in Christian leadership and the need for kindness, patience, and gentleness in dealing with others. Their conversation highlights how the apostle Paul's approach to correction is to first connect with others, not shame or reject them, and to do so in a way that makes it easy for them to repent and follow Jesus. Recommended resource: Lead: 12 Gospel Prin...
Nov 06, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry continue their study of 2 Timothy, emphasizing the strength that comes from the grace of Christ and the importance of passing on the gospel to the next generation. They also highlight the significance of remembering the risen Jesus, which enables pastors to face challenges in ministry with boldness and confidence. Recommended resource: Confronting Jesus: 9 Encounters with the Hero of the Gospels by Rebecca McLaughlin A note from ...
Oct 30, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into 2 Timothy 1:8-18 and reflect on the recurring theme of shame in pastoral ministry, particularly the fear of being ashamed of the gospel. They discuss the temptation to feel ashamed in the face of opposition and the importance of holding firm to their faith, emphasizing that the gospel brings comfort, hope, and true, abundant life. Recommended resource: United to Christ, Walking in the Spirit: A Theology of Ephesians by...
Oct 23, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode of You're Not Crazy , Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry reflect on the importance of pastors honoring those who have come before them in the faith, and how it strengthens their own faith and encourages them to pour out their lives for the next generation. Though pastors may feel isolated in their studies and in their ministries, they have the communion of saints—including Paul and their own spiritual ancestors—cheering them on. Recommended resource: Knowing God by J. I. Packer A note ...
Oct 16, 2023•27 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode of You're Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry delve into the first few verses of 2 Timothy, highlighting what Paul says are the most essential elements for ministry. They discuss the importance of pastoral ministry being characterized by grace, mercy, and peace, and how these qualities should be evident in the way pastors love and serve their congregations. They emphasize the need for pastors to be vulnerable and genuine in their relationships with their flock and introduce t...
Oct 09, 2023•19 min•Season 3Ep. 1
You're Not Crazy: Gospel Sanity for Young Pastors , hosted by Sam Allberry and Ray Ortlund, is returning for a third season in which the hosts will focus on the book of 2 Timothy. Over the course of ten episodes, Ray and Sam encourage pastors and ministry leaders through discussions on the essential elements of pastoral ministry, how to live unashamed of the gospel, the importance of a gentle spirit in the age of contention, and more. Tune in to You're Not Crazy season three, starting on Monday,...
Oct 02, 2023•2 min
In the final episode of season two of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry answer pressing questions from you, the listeners. • Introduction (0:00) • Icebreaker: Where do you most love to be? (1:22) • Why does small talk matter? (4:45) • How do you encourage a culture of grace among team leaders across the church? (8:07) • How do you deal with people in the church who are opposed to gospel culture? (11:17) • How do you prioritize unhealthy areas to address? (15:25) • Is there ever a ri...
Jul 13, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 10
“Romans 15:7 says, ‘Therefore welcome one another, as Christ has welcomed you for the glory of God.’ So, welcome one another. That’s gospel culture. That's the horizontal dimension of grace.” – T. J. Tims In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and special guest, T. J. Tims, discuss how pastors cultivate gospel culture in their churches at the ground level so that it becomes an intergenerational reality. • Introductions (0:00) • The horizontal dimension of grace (2:18) • What’s at stake...
Jul 07, 2022•25 min•Season 2Ep. 9
“We're like sprinters, we're hurtling down the track at top speed, giving it our best, giving it our all. But, we’re not made of titanium, and we can't live at full stretch all the time. We must pull back and be replenished, and experience rejuvenation for the next big push.” – Ray Ortlund In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry address the need for pastors to rest. In an unprecedented time fraught with fragmentation and a heartbreaking number of pastors collapsing unde...
Jun 30, 2022•23 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of You’re Not Crazy, Ray Ortlund and Sam Allberry discuss the biblical idea of finding strength in weakness. • Introductions (0:00) • “Gospel Culture,” the album (1:08) • Boasting in weakness (5:07) • Liberatingly less (10:13) • Wonderfully ordinary (13:53) • A thorn to harass (15:50) • Where the power of Christ rests (19:16) • Recommended resource: Weakness is the Way: Life with Christ Our Strength by J.I. Packer (22:39)...
Jun 23, 2022•25 min•Season 2Ep. 7
