Andrew Arndt had an airtight plan for his life: keep preaching at the same church as lead pastor until his final breath. But when God led him out of his small, artsy community into a megachurch, while grateful for his new assignment, he found himself disoriented and mourning the loss of his former role.
That’s when a friend recommended, “You should read the Desert Fathers and Mothers.” So he did, and it changed everything.
The Desert fathers show us that in the midst of disorientation is an invitation一not to suppress what’s inside, but to welcome God into it. Andrew explains to Steve Carter some of his key learnings, which will help anyone struggling through a disorienting season:
Many of us long to benefit from the wisdom of the Desert Fathers, but aren’t sure where to begin. This episode, along with Andrew’s book, Streams in the Wasteland, will plunge you into their world. Chances are, like Andrew, you’ll never be the same.
Andrew’s book: Streams in the Wasteland, All Flame
The book he read about the Desert Fathers/Mothers: Sayings of the Desert Fathers
Website: https://andrewarndt.com
Church: https://north.newlifechurch.org
@theandrewarndt
@steveryancarter
@craft_character
Steve Carter is the Lead Pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook and is helping to champion the Preaching Institute to equip pastors on how to preach hospitable and transformational messages. Steve hosts the Craft and Character Podcast, which ignites preachers to grow in their craft while always intentionally working to have their character lead the way. He has also authored two best-selling books, Grieve, Breathe, Receive, and The Thing Beneath The Thing. Steve lives outside Chicago with his wife, Sarah, and their two kids. When Steve isn’t hanging around with his family, friends, or church community, you will probably find him watching a University of Michigan football game.
