Creating Real Marriages that Last with Dr. Mike Glenn

On today’s episode of Creating Real Marriages that Last, Amy-Jo and I discuss the new sermon series on the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. I love this story. It’s the story of how Joseph endures it all, but he doesn’t let his circumstances define his behavior. What Joseph knew, despite all the circumstances around him, was that God had made a promise to Abraham and somehow this promise was going to come true. That’s what helped him keep going.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, Amy-Jo and I talk about TED talks and how they relate to preaching. TED talks initially began as an opportunity for leaders in technology, entertainment, and design to get across new ideas in 18 minutes. Now there are TED talks in all disciplines. They have redefined the genre of public speaking. There are fascinating implications for effective preaching based on these talks. Most people can’t focus on what you’re saying for longer than 18 minutes, so you have to narrow down the points. A compelling story is transformational. We say a lot and think we’ve communicated a lot, but that’s not the case. You have to be intentional about preparing every sermon.

Today on Creating Real Marriages that Last, Amy-Jo and I talk about the kind of leader I am. I’ve been the pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church for nearly 25 years. The reality is I’ve pastored 4 or 5 different churches, all at the same address. The church I pastor now is very different than the church I came to. I’ve grown with the church as each new phase or transition required a different leadership skill from me. I’ve had the privilege of working with great leaders who have helped me learn and grow. The scary thing for me is the reality is that no church can outrun its pastor. As the pastor, you always have to be out front leading the group, encouraging them to continue on.

On today’s episode of Creating Real Marriages that Last, we discuss falling in love again and again. Jeannie and I have been married for over 36 years. When you’re on the journey of marriage for that long, change is part of it. That’s one of the beautiful things about a committed marriage—you see each other grow. On this episode we also discuss what it means to renegotiate marriage over the years, some of the life events that create change in a marriage, and celebrating the moments that made you fall in love all over again.

In today's podcast, Mike discusses what it's like to become a new grandparent.