The short answer: Faithfulness is built one ordinary step at a time. Keep moving through hard seasons, make Scripture, prayer, and fellowship personal, lead with humility, and stay faithful where God has you until He closes the door.
Watch the Episode
What we cover
Dr. Dan Olinger, a professor, writer, and speaker, joins Matthew for a wide-ranging Real Talk on calling, cycling, leadership, writing, and the everyday habits that sustain a faithful Christian life.
Dr. Olinger's childhood faith and early gospel conversations
His solo bicycle trip from Boston to Greenville, and the lessons in perseverance it taught him
Writing about Scripture for everyday readers
Scripture, prayer, and fellowship as essential habits for young Christians
Servant leadership and communicating across cultures
Staying faithful in a role until God closes the door
Lines worth remembering
"You don't drive sheep, you lead them."
"There is only one answer to it, and it is absolutely indisputable."
"Come on. It'll be fun. The Lord walks with you. He directs your steps."
Take the next step
Keep moving through a hard season today, one step at a time.
Make Scripture, prayer, and Christian fellowship personal and intentional this week.
Lead with humility, clear communication, and respect for other cultures.
Give a role or community time to grow you before you decide it's time to leave.
Be faithful in your everyday responsibilities, even when you don't feel motivated.
Common questions
What did Dr. Olinger's solo bike ride from Boston to Greenville teach him about perseverance? Keep moving through difficult seasons, one step at a time. Faithfulness, like a long ride, is built one ordinary mile at a time.
What habits should young Christians build? Make Scripture, prayer, and Christian fellowship personal and intentional. These are the everyday habits that sustain a faithful life.
How should a Christian lead? Lead with humility, clear communication, and respect for other cultures. As Dr. Olinger says, "You don't drive sheep, you lead them."
When is it time to leave a role? Give a role or community time to grow you before deciding it is time to leave, and stay faithful until God closes the door.
