The Boundless Show

Marriage expectations versus reality, plus intentional friendships and dating, and should she take back her ex after getting dumped?Featured musical artist: JJ Heller Roundtable: Marriage Expectations Meet RealityIt’s easy to daydream about a wedding and what a great marriage will look like. Romantic settings, expensive dates, love that lasts for decades. Those thoughts make you feel good, but how realistic are they? To discuss the reality of marriage, we brought in some newly-married couples to share about their experiences with the realities of marriage. They’ll share ways marriage has been both more challenging than they thought but also better than they expected.   Culture: Intentional Relationships (Part 1)As a single adult, your life is full of opportunities to cultivate life-giving relationships. Whether it’s making good friends, searching for a spouse, or preparing for marriage, it’s a wonderful time to lay a solid foundation for your relational future. Dan Houk and Kris Swiatocho are passionate about helping Christian singles build healthy friendships and date well. In part one of our conversation, they discuss their own experiences with dating, why relationships fail, and how to recognize your own blind spots.   Inbox: Give Your Ex a Second Chance?She’s still reeling over how he dumped her for another girl. However, he’s apologized and wants her back. Should she give him a second chance? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Struggling with inferiority, plus the value of being a Christian “nobody,” and his girlfriend’s past eating disorder still bothers him.   Featured musical artist: About a MileRoundtable: Think You Don’t Measure Up?Another engagement announcement on social media, a married couple you know is expecting, and your best friend just landed a new job. While you celebrate your friends, deep inside you wonder, “Will it ever be my turn? Maybe I’m just not good enough.” Our panel shares how they’ve wrestled with those feelings in relationships and beyond, yet learned to overcome feelings of inferiority and despair.   Culture: Christians Behind the ScenesIt’s easy to think that God only uses those with a platform. The well-known pastor, the social media influencer, the worship leader on stage at big conferences. But what about those who are faithfully serving God when nobody knows their name? Dr. Jeff Iorg reminds us how God uses unknown people in big ways. He should know; he was led to Christ by one.  Inbox: Eating Disorders & DatingHis girlfriend previously had an eating disorder, and he’s concerned she still struggles but won’t admit it. What should he do? Counselor Elaine Humphries weighs in.

Healthy conversations with homosexual friends, plus responding to rejection in dating, and when your crush works at your church.     Featured musical artist: John WallerRoundtable: Grace-Filled Conversations With LGBT FriendsBack in February, our panel shared how same-sex attraction has impacted them and those they know. The panel returns this week to discuss how to have healthy, grace-filled conversations with those who identify as LGBT. Especially relevant now during Pride Month, their ideas provide a framework for loving our SSA family members and friends while still standing for biblical truth. Homosexuality ResourcesBook: Is God Anti-Gay? by Sam AllberryBook: Loving My (LGBT) Neighbor by Glenn T. StantonCulture: Rejection in DatingIt’s one of the worst parts about dating: getting rejected. You invest so much emotional energy and put hope in the process — only to have it all come crashing down. Kait Warman is the host of the Heart of Dating podcast and has lots of experience with overcoming rejection. In this candid conversation, she shares how to manage your emotions when you’ve been rejected and what it looks like to find your identity in Christ. Inbox: Church Staff CrushHe recently moved to start an internship at a church. It just so happens that one of the girls on staff has caught his eye. Is it too soon to make a move? How can he get to know her without coming across too strong? Lisa Anderson offers advice.

Responding appropriately to requests for prayer, plus how our culture’s sex narrative came to be, and does location hurt her dating chances?Featured musical artist: Tauren Wells Roundtable: Responding to a Prayer RequestSome are serious, some are “unspoken,” and others are just plain awkward. Yes, we’re talking about prayer requests. As Christians, we’re called to pray for people, but how should we respond when asked to pray for that deeply personal request in our small group? What about random requests on social media? What about something we’re not sure we even agree with? Our guests share their experiences around the pain and privilege of praying for others.         Culture: Who Defines Sex, Anyway?As the world keeps “progressing” in its definition of sexuality and sexual expression, the lines between black and white are turning gray. Jeff Grenell is a passionate youth leader who reminds us that regardless of what the culture does, God’s standard for sexuality remains consistent. With clear explanations, he discusses how several sexual revolutions (some historic, some current) have affected young adults today, and how we can discern truth from lies.Inbox: Keeping Hope for MarriageShe lives in a small town and feels like there aren’t many Christian guys to choose from. She feels called to stay put, so what should she do when her options are so limited? Lisa Anderson offers a dose of encouragement.

Finding family as a Christian single, plus pastors discuss how to respond when a Christian leader falls, and overcoming different backgrounds and sin struggles in dating.   Featured musical artist: Zach Williams Roundtable: Finding Family as a SingleSingleness can feel lonely, but it also has unique opportunities for wonderful friendships. While you might not have found that special someone yet, you still have amazing chances to make last memories and connect with friends who feel like family. Our guests share how they’ve learned to find family as a single Christian after moving to a new town. They’ll also discuss how they’re learning to combat feelings of loneliness.       Culture: When a Pastor or Christian Leader Falls (Part 2)It’s become an all-too-common headline: another pastor caught in a scandal — whether sexual, financial, an abuse of power, or some other egregious failure. For certain followers, the news is so devastating, they walk away from the church. The rest of us are left to ask: What do I do? Are there any faithful leaders left? Can I trust my own pastor, or will he be next? We brought in a panel of pastors to answer the hard questions. In part two this week, they’ll address whether someone can be a Christian after a big moral slide, and how to respond when a leader fails us.        Inbox: Different Backgrounds in DatingShe’s dating a solid Christian guy, but wonders if their pasts disqualify them from dating? For one, he struggled with a porn addiction, which he has dealt with. Plus, her dad is skeptical that their background differences could eventually cause problems in the relationship. Counselor Patrick Hill offers hope and gives some practical thoughts.

Landing a great job, plus more from Greg and Michael Smalley on guys and relationships, and should your parents be involved in your love life?   Featured musical artist: Covenant Worship Roundtable: Finding Your Dream JobOne of the most intimidating journeys is the job search. You want that dream career, but questions churn in your head: How do I get hired? Will I nail or fail the interview? Will I be told I need more experience? To help settle the questions and bring practical advice, we brought in a team of hiring experts. As professionals on the lookout for great recruits, they’ll discuss how to job-hunt, network, interview, and stay positive when you feel discouraged in the process.      Culture: How Guys Do Relationships (Part 2)It’s a common perception that guys are less competent at relationships than girls. But what if that’s not the case? Marriage experts Greg Smalley and Michael Smalley compare the ways men communicate to a set of tools, and give some insights on how to use those tools efficiently. They also get real about the trials and errors of learning to communicate with the women in their lives. And ladies, if you’ve ever wondered how to talk to guys, you’ll want to tune in.      Inbox: Parents’ Involvement in DatingShe’s in her second dating relationship, but Mom and Dad always want to offer advice. It’s to a point where it feels like they’re “helicopter parents.” How can she get some peace and privacy? Counselor Jenny Coffey offers ways to respect yet set healthy boundaries with parents when you’re in a dating relationship.

Getting real about the dangers of pornography, plus Greg and Michael Smalley on guys and relationships, and advice for relating to your parents.Featured musical artist: Hollyn Roundtable: When Pornography Controls You (Part 2)According to Barna, over 60% of Christian men say they’ve viewed pornography within the last month. But before you ladies start pointing fingers, statistics also show that an increasing number of Christian women are falling prey to sexualized content and entertainment, whether online pornography or more subtle and insidious offerings like the Fifty Shades franchise. With such a pervasive problem, how can people find true freedom? In part two of a two-week discussion, our panel discusses how porn affects men and women differently, and what it means to truly defeat porn versus simply “managing” it.      For a free counseling consultation, check out Boundless.org/counselingCulture: How Guys Do Relationships (Part 1)It’s a common perception that guys are less competent at relationships than girls. But what if that’s not the case? Marriage experts Greg Smalley and Michael Smalley compare the ways men communicate to a set of tools, and give some insights on how to use those tools efficiently. They also get real about the trials and errors of learning to communicate with the women in their lives. And ladies, if you’ve ever wondered how to talk to guys, you’ll want to tune in.      Inbox: Having a Healthy Relationship With Your ParentsWhen you become an adult, maintaining a mature, respectful relationship with your parents can be a struggle. So how do you do it? Lisa Anderson weighs in with some practical tips.

Getting real about the dangers of pornography, plus Joe Rigney on winning the war against lust, and spouse-hunting in a different culture.   Featured musical artist: Lara Landon Roundtable: When Pornography Controls You (Part 1)According to Barna, over 60% of Christian men say they’ve viewed pornography within the last month. But before you ladies start pointing fingers, statistics also show that an increasing number of Christian women are falling prey to sexualized content and entertainment, whether online pornography or more subtle and insidious offerings like the Fifty Shades franchise. With such a pervasive problem, how can people find true freedom? In part one of a two-week discussion, our panel shares their stories of pornography addiction and the sad and sneaky ways the culture enables sexual bondage.Culture: It All Begins With LustWhen Joe Rigney was first exposed to pornography, he never imagined it would lead to a decade-long addiction. But once he gave sexual sin a chance, it settled in his heart for the long haul. When Joe got engaged and was on the verge of jumping into full-time ministry work, he experienced a big wake-up call. In this insightful conversation, he explains how choosing obedience started him on the long road to freedom.Inbox: Cross-Cultural Spouse SearchShe’s just moved to a new continent and is looking for a church to meet guys. However, she feels like her chances of finding a mate in her new home are slim. In such a scenario, what can she do? Lisa Anderson weighs in.

Wanting marriage vs. obsessing about it, plus Tim Ross on sharing the gospel with difficult people, and trusting God with unanswered questions.  Featured musical artist: Phil WickhamRoundtable: Do You Want Marriage Too Much?We dream of the beautiful wedding and of doing life with an amazing spouse. After all, that’s what God wants for us, right? While desiring marriage is a gift from God, it’s dangerous when it consumes our thoughts and becomes the thing. Our guests explain ways they and others they know have struggled with marriage obsession. They’ll also share thoughts on how to rightly prioritize marriage while being content in singleness.    Culture: How to “Upset” People by Pointing to JesusMany say we’re living in the “age of outrage.” One post or comment on social media, and before you know it, people who were friends are severing ties. How can we share Christ’s love in such a hostile environment? How do we break the ice when many in the world want nothing to do with Christians? Pastor Tim Ross reminds us that as we learn to love God, we can love difficult people through our words and actions, and, with God’s help, see transformation in their lives and ours.       Inbox: God’s Voice or Mine?How do you discern God’s will when your heart is weighed down by unanswered questions? Is there a way to be certain God himself is speaking to you rather than just another voice in your head? Counselor John Thorington offers some insights.