theFormed.life

In this episode, Jesse and Leah Roberts, the creative duo behind Poor Bishop Hooper, share with Pastor Paul Brandes their journey as artists, songwriters, and founders of a nonprofit ministry dedicated to Scripture-based music. They candidly discuss their calling, how their ministry evolved step-by-step, and give insights into their projects like Golgotha and Every Psalm.

3 Main Takeaways:

1. 
   Faithfulness in Sma...

Hosts Bill Gorman and Paul Brandes are joined by special guest Jeremy Mann, founder and head of The Field School, a diverse classical Christian school on the west side of Chicago. Together, they dive into what it means to cultivate wisdom and virtue in the next generation—not just through academics, but by shaping the whole person.

Jeremy Mann shares his journey from public school teacher to leader of a unique educational c...

Hosts Bill Gorman and Paul Brandes are joined by author, coach, and consultant J.R. Briggs for a thought-provoking conversation on the art of crafting questions. Drawing from his new book and years of research, Briggs helps us explore the life-giving power of questions—not just as a way to learn, but as a path to deeper connection with God, greater self-understanding, and more authentic relationships with others.

Briggs sha...

On this episode of theFormed.life, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman sit down with renowned architect David Greusel, founder of Convergence Design, for a conversation that redefines what it means to be creative, no matter your profession. With over 40 years of experience, from humble beginnings detailing grease factories to designing iconic baseball stadiums like PNC Park in Pittsburgh, David Greusel shares how every act ...

In this conversation, hosts Paul Brandes and Bill Gorman are joined by wife, parent, and photographer Allie Coyle to dive into one of the foundational concepts from the Bible: the cultural mandate. Together, they explore what it means to be invited by God into his creation, tasked with being fruitful, multiplying, and cultivating the world around us.

Allie shares thoughtful insights on how the cultural mandate extends beyon...

Hosts Bill Gorman and Paul Brandes talk with Dr. Charles Yu, a biblical scholar and pastor, about the rich complexities of Genesis 1. They explore how ancient Israelites would have understood the creation account, emphasizing that the text was written for us, but not to us. Dr. Charles Yu unpacks the historical, cultural, and theological context behind Genesis 1, offering fresh perspectives on perennial questions like the ...

Poem:

O come, O come, and be our God-with-us

O long-sought With-ness for a world without, 

O secret seed, O hidden spring of light. 

Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name, 

Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame.

O quickened little wick so tightly curled,

Be folded with us into time and place,

Unfold for us the mystery of grace

And make a womb of all this wounded world. 

O heart of heaven beating in the earth, 

O tiny hope wit...

Hosts Bill Gorman and Jacob Nannie sat down with Andrew DeKanter, founder of Better Story Ministries and a passionate advocate for connecting young adults to the deeper, richer story of the gospel. The conversation explores what it means to "re-enchant" college students and young adults who are navigating complex cultural narratives–from the pursuit of achievement and romance to the overarching influence of secularism.

Andr...

On today’s episode, Bill and Paul share some exciting news about an incredible journey Christ Community Church is embarking on in 2026 called “With God.” This isn’t just another sermon series. It's a year-long, church-wide experience that invites everyone, from kids to adults, to engage with the entire story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation.

They discuss how this initiative will weave together weekly sermons, daily r...