Creating The Future with Brent Simpson

Top 5 books everyone should read, Dr. Brent’s 2025 wrap up show

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, Where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
In this special 2025 Wrap-Up episode, Pastor Josh Jordan, Saturday Pastor at Arise Church, sits down with Dr. Brent Simpson to reflect on a year marked by healing, preparation, and deep personal formation.
This conversation looks back at the books, podcasts, music, and themes that shaped 2025—and looks ahead to what God may be stirring for 2026.
 
📚 Dr. Brent’s Top Books from 2025 (Must-Reads)
Dr. Brent shares the books that most shaped his thinking this year:
From Broken Boy to Mended Man: A Positive Plan to Heal Your Childhood Wounds and Break the Cycle — Patrick Morley
Second Half for the Man in the Mirror: How to Find Your Significance — Patrick Morley
Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling — Nijay Gupta
The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End — Neil Howe
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness — Morgan Housel
Bonus pick:
Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis — Scott Payne & Michelle Shephard
 
🎧 Dr. Brents Top Podcasts Worth Listening To
Podcasts Dr. Brent Listens To:
Sloth Theology: Simple Faith for Chaotic Times — AJ Swoboda & Nijay Gupta
Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture — Talbot School of Theology (Biola University)
The Sean McDowell Show
Top Creating the Future Episodes from 2025:
7 Questions for Reinventing Yourself for Life’s Next Season
The Controversy & Crisis That Created Trinitarian Theology — Interview with Dr. Bryan Litfin
What Quantum Physics Can Teach Us About Prayer — with Dr. Craig Sterling
Bonus Episode: Easter Name Traditions Podcast
 
🎶 Dr. Brent’s Top Songs of 2025
Made for More — Josh Baldwin & Jenn Johnson (Bethel Music)
When a Cowboy Prays — Brandon Lake
Momma Loves Me — NEEDTOBREATHE
 
📖 All Books Dr. Brent Read in 2025: 
Here is the complete reading list from last year:
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos — Jordan B. Peterson
A Love Journey with God — Marziyeh Amirizadeh
A Million Little Miracles: Uncover the Supernatural Work of God Through Everyday Things — Mark Batterson
And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle — Jon Meacham
Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life — Jordan B. Peterson
Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West — Cormac McCarthy
Captive in Iran: A Remarkable True Story of Hope and Triumph amid the Horror of Tehran's Brutal Evin Prison — Maryam Rostampour & Marziyeh Amirizadeh
Code Name: Pale Horse: How I Went Undercover to Expose America's Nazis — Scott Payne & Michelle Shephard
Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World — Tom Holland
Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown — Eric Blehm
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus — Mary Shelley
From Broken Boy to Mended Man: A Positive Plan to Heal Your Childhood Wounds and Break the Cycle — Patrick Morley
Generations: The History of America's Future, 1584 to 2069 — William Strauss & Neil Howe
Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization — Brad Wilcox
Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance — Bob Buford
How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen — David Brooks
Into the Heart of Romans: A Deep Dive into Paul’s Greatest Letter — T. Wright
John Wycliffe: A Life From Beginning to End — Hourly History
Living in the Line of Fire: How to Stand Strong Against the Attacks of the Enemy — Michael L. Brown
Loved Like Never Before: Experiencing the Heart of the Father — Ken Shigematsu
Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts — Oliver Burkeman
Renovation of the Heart: Putting On the Character of Christ — Dallas Willard
Redemption at Hacksaw Ridge: The Gripping True Story That Inspired the Movie — Booton Herndon
Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering — Malcolm Gladwell
Rivals!: Frenemies Who Changed the World — Scott McCormick
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind — Yuval Noah Harari
Second Half for the Man in the Mirror: How to Find Your Significance — Patrick Morley
Soul Keeping: Caring for the Most Important Part of You — John Ortberg
Spirit-Led Living in an Upside-Down World — Stephen E. Strang
Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God — Ken Shigematsu
Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling — Nijay Gupta
The Assemblies of God: A Chapter in the Story of American Pentecostalism — Edith L. Blumhofer
The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy — William Strauss & Neil Howe
The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End — Neil Howe
The Generous Life: 10 Essential Virtues for Leading a Purposeful and Prosperous Life — Rob Ketterling
The Joy Model: Seven Steps to Build a Joyful Life — Jeff Spadafora
The Man in the Mirror: Solving the 24 Problems Men Face — Patrick M. Morley
The Old Man and the Sea — Ernest Hemingway
The Other Talent: A Story of Two Elite Athletes and the Power of Courage — Matt Fitzgerald
The Psychology of Money: Timeless Lessons on Wealth, Greed, and Happiness — Morgan Housel
The Seven Mountains Mandate: Taking Your Place of Influence — Laurie Skipper
The Spirit of the Disciplines: Understanding How God Changes Lives — Dallas Willard
The Story of the Trinity: Controversy, Crisis, and the Creation of the Nicene Creed — Bryan Litfin
Think and Grow Rich — Napoleon Hill
Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us — Seth Godin
We Who Wrestle with God — Jordan B. Peterson
While Time Remains: A North Korean Girl's Search for Freedom in America — Yeonmi Park
Why Are There Differences in the Gospels?: What We Can Learn from Ancient Biography — Michael R. Licona
You can shop the majority of these titles here!
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 Website: BrentSimpson.com🏡 Church: MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast:👉 https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/
 

The 10 Most Common Questions About Tithing (Answered)

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
Today I sit down with Pastor Ken McAnulty, Executive Pastor of Arise Church, for one of the most practical and needed conversations in the church today… What Should Modern Christians Think About Tithing?
Tithing is one of the most misunderstood topics in modern Christianity. Some people feel guilty. Some feel confused. Some feel pressured. Others want to honor God but aren’t sure what it really looks like.
This episode cuts through the confusion and gives you clarity, confidence, and a biblical foundation for honoring God with your finances.
 
We walk through the 10 biggest questions people ask about tithing, including:• Is tithing still required for Christians today?• Does it have to be 10%? Does regular giving count as a tithe?• Should I tithe on gross or net? What about bonuses or tax returns?• Who should tithe? Should pastors tithe? Should teens tithe?• Where should my tithe go—my local church or anywhere I feel led?• What if I’m in debt or feel like I can’t afford to tithe?• Does God really bless tithers? Am I cursed if I don’t tithe?• What if I tithe but don’t see financial blessing?• What if my spouse doesn’t want to tithe?• Does giving time or talent count as tithing?• And… can I automate my tithe or is that less spiritual?
Pastor Ken brings pastoral wisdom, biblical truth, and decades of real-life ministry experience to help you understand God’s heart behind generosity. Whether you're new to tithing, wrestling with questions, or wanting to grow in your faith, this episode will help you move forward with peace and purpose.
 
✨ If this conversation blessed you, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE.It helps the message reach more people just like you.
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpsonBrentSimpson.comMyAriseChurch.com
🎙️ Listen to the Audio Podcast:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Answering Your Mentorship Questions | A Conversation w/ Pastor Joshua Jordan

In this episode, Dr. Brent sits down with Pastor Joshua Jordan — someone he has personally mentored for several years and who now serves on staff at Arise Church. What started as a simple Q&A on social media turned into a flood of mentorship-related questions, so today we tackle them head-on.
This is a practical, honest conversation about mentoring, calling, spiritual growth, and what it takes to develop into the leader God has created you to be.
 
What We Cover in This Episode
How to Choose the Right Mentor
What to look for, what to avoid, and how to recognize someone who can genuinely help form your character and calling.
Mentor vs. Spiritual Father
We tackle the difference between receiving wisdom from a mentor and receiving identity, covering, and formation from a spiritual father/mother — and why both can matter.
How to Approach a Mentor
Practical steps for starting the conversation, honoring the relationship, and positioning yourself to grow.
Discerning God’s Voice vs. Personal Ambition
How to tell when a desire is from God, when it’s flesh, and how mentors help you untangle the difference.
Growing Into a Calling that Feels “Too Big”
What to do when God speaks identity over you that doesn’t match how you currently see yourself — and how mentors guide you into confidence, maturity, and Christlike character.
Developing in the Five-Fold When You Lack a Mentor or Covering
Can you grow without a person directly discipling you? Yes. Is there a healthier way? Absolutely. We talk through both.
Can a Mentor Help You Grow in Spiritual Gifts (Like Prophecy)?
How to develop gifts responsibly, biblically, and in community — and what healthy vs. unhealthy guidance looks like.
 
Why This Conversation Matters
We’re living in a generation hungry for guidance, identity, clarity, and discipleship.Mentorship isn’t a luxury — it’s a biblical model of spiritual formation.
This conversation gives you tools to:
Find a mentor
Become a mentor
Discern God’s calling
Grow in your spiritual gifts
Develop into the leader God intended
Whether you’re just beginning your journey or you’re already guiding others, this episode will help you grow with wisdom, humility, and confidence.
 
Connect with Pastor Joshua Jordan
@joshuajjordan
 
Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

5 Steps to Forgiveness Every Christian Needs to Know with Pastor Ada Simpson

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Brent is joined by his wife, Pastor Ada Simpson — who leads all prayer and inner healing ministries at Arise Church. Together, they unpack how forgiveness brings freedom, restores peace, and breaks the spiritual cycles that keep people stuck.
Ada shares from years of praying with people, leading freedom sessions, and seeing firsthand how the Holy Spirit heals hearts that choose the hard but holy path of forgiveness. This episode is practical, honest, biblical, and full of hope.
 
We walk through five essential steps to living in forgiveness:
 
Remember How Much You’ve Been Forgiven
Forgiveness starts at the foot of the cross. If Jesus has forgiven us of so much, how can we withhold forgiveness from others? Remembering God’s mercy softens the hardest places of our hearts. (Matthew 18:32–35; Ephesians 4:32)
Choose to Release the Offense to God
Forgiveness is first a choice, not a feeling. We “let go” of the debt and entrust justice to God. Freedom begins when you stop holding the person hostage in your heart. (Colossians 3:13; Romans 12:19)
Pray for the Person Who Wronged You
Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. Prayer may not instantly change emotions, but it opens the door for God to change your heart posture and bring healing. (Matthew 5:44)
Bless Instead of Repay
Blessing someone doesn’t excuse their sin — it simply prevents you from becoming like them. Responding with goodness breaks the cycle of darkness and aligns you with the Kingdom. (Romans 12:20–21; 1 Peter 3:9)
Walk Out Forgiveness Daily
Forgiveness is often a journey. When old memories resurface, release them again. Jesus’ “seventy times seven” teaches us that forgiveness is a lifestyle of refusing bitterness and allowing the Holy Spirit to restore peace. (Matthew 18:21–22)
 
If you’ve been struggling with anger, offense, or hurt — this episode will help you breathe again. Freedom is possible, and forgiveness is the doorway.
 
Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Christian Persecution in Nigeria Explained with Dr. Henry Oloruntobo

In this gripping and eye-opening episode, Dr. Brent is joined by Nigerian pastor and leader Dr. Henry Oloruntobo to talk about the growing wave of persecution facing Christians across Nigeria. Few places on earth are more dangerous for believers — and few stories are more important for the global church to hear.
Dr. Henry shares firsthand experiences, the spiritual climate on the ground, and the incredible resilience of believers who continue to gather, worship, and preach the gospel despite extreme violence and daily threats.
 
Why Nigeria Matters
Nigeria is currently considered the most lethal place in the world to be a Christian.According to the latest persecution data:
More Christians are killed in Nigeria than in all other countries combined.
The global estimate is around 12 Christians killed every day, with a staggering percentage occurring in Nigeria.
More than 380 million Christians worldwide face persecution or discrimination — and Nigeria is at the center of the crisis.
Attacks on churches, pastors, villages, and Christian homes number in the thousands each year.
The violence is fueled by extremist groups, political instability, tribal conflict, and targeted religious hatred.
This episode confronts the heartbreaking reality — and the incredible hope — of Nigeria’s suffering but steadfast church.
 
What We Discuss in This Episode
The current conditions for believers in Nigeria
What life looks like for pastors, families, and churches in areas targeted by extremists.
Why persecution is intensifying
How radical groups, political dynamics, and spiritual forces are contributing to escalating violence.
Stories of courage, survival, and faith
Dr. Henry shares powerful real-life moments where God’s presence met believers in their darkest hours.
How the global church should respond
We talk about prayer, advocacy, support, and standing with our brothers and sisters as Hebrews 13:3 commands:
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison.” (NIV)
A biblical lens on persecution
Scriptures like 1 Corinthians 12:26 (“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it”) remind us that their suffering is our suffering — because the church is one body.
 
A Call to Pray and Stand With the Persecuted Church
This episode ends with a challenge:The believers of Nigeria are not statistics — they are family.
As the church in Acts showed us, the global body of Christ is called to respond with:
Prayer
Support
Solidarity
Courage
Love
Their faith under fire should awaken ours.
You can connect with Dr. Henry at The Redeemed Christian Church of God – Good Seed Assembly.
Giving to help the persecuted church can be done through Arise Church’s “Legacy” fund.
Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

4 Steps to Not Being Triggered This Holiday Season with Dr. Kimberly Boone

Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson — where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
 
4 Steps to Not Being Triggered This Thanksgiving & Holiday Seasonwith Dr. Kimberly F. Boone
This conversation is a life-giving, wise, and hope-filled guide to navigating the holidays with peace. Dr. Kimberly Boone joins Dr. Brent to help you prepare your heart, manage emotional triggers, and enter the holidays from a place of freedom instead of frustration.
Dr. Kimberly Boone is a Doctor of Christian Counseling in Clinical Psychology, a Certified Life Coach, and a woman known for her contagious joy, her prophetic encouragement, and her passion to see God’s people walk in freedom. She helps people break the lies that keep them bound and step confidently into their Christ-given identity.
 
In this episode, we talk about four powerful steps that can transform your Thanksgiving and your entire holiday season:
Know Yourself and Accept Your Needs
Understanding your emotional boundaries, capacity, and limits brings peace. Kimberly explains why self-awareness is a spiritual discipline — and how honoring your needs is not selfish, but wise.
Acknowledge Any Trauma
Holidays can surface old wounds. Kimberly walks us through the importance of naming pain, validating your story, and letting God heal what has previously been ignored or minimized.
Recognize the Triggers
Before the turkey hits the table, identify the patterns, people, environments, or conversations that tend to activate you — and learn how to disarm them with wisdom and grace.
Be Kind to Your Heart
This season, tenderness is not weakness. Kimberly shares how to partner with the Holy Spirit to walk in compassion toward yourself, slow down your internal reactions, and remain grounded in God’s love.
 
If you want to walk into Thanksgiving whole, grounded, and ready to respond instead of react — this episode is for you.
Connect with Dr. Kimberly Boone
🌐 Website: MyLifeRestoredCounseling.com and myarisecoach.com📱 Social Media: @MyLifeRestoredCounseling📚 Books by Dr. Kimberly Boone
 
Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen to the Podcast Anywhere:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

5 Steps to Keeping Peace With Your Family This Thanksgiving (and the Holiday season)

This week on Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, I’m joined by family and marriage therapist Kingsley Grant — Who also serves as a keynote speaker, licensed psychotherapist, and leadership communication strategist — to talk about something we all need during the holidays:
👉 How to keep peace with your family at Thanksgiving — without losing your mind or your witness.
Kingsley has spent decades coaching leaders and families on emotional intelligence and conflict navigation. His insights are practical, biblical, and incredibly freeing.
 
In this episode, we break down:
✅ The 5 Steps to Getting Along With Your Family This Thanksgiving
Don’t Expect Thanksgiving to Be a Hallmark Movie“As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18→ Peace starts with realistic expectations.
Know What Triggers You — and Have a Plan“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise person quietly holds them back.” — Proverbs 29:11→ Awareness prevents blow-ups.
Don’t Take the Bait — No Matter How Tempting It Is“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” — Proverbs 15:1→ Emotional maturity is spiritual maturity.
Focus on the Good Stuff and Leave the Rest Behind“Give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18→ Gratitude shifts atmosphere.
Leave With Lots of Love, Less of Leftovers“Above all, clothe yourselves with love…” — Colossians 3:14→ Love is the lasting impression.
💡 Closing Thought
“Peace at Thanksgiving doesn’t mean everyone behaves — it means you choose to stay steady when they don’t.” You can’t control the room, but you can control your response — and that’s where peace begins.
 
🔗 Connect with Kingsley Grant
Social Media: @Kingsleygrant
Website
The Joyful Wife: 7 Connection Skills To Better Understand Your Husband
Other Titles by Kingsley
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent
All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpsonWebsite: https://BrentSimpson.comArise Church: https://MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Podcast (audio): https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

Blessing Our Children — How to Pray Identity, Purpose, and God’s Favor Over the Next Generation

Welcome to Creating the Future with Dr. Brent Simpson, where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.
This week, I’m joined by Pastor Jose Medina from Arise Español for a heartfelt and practical conversation on how to speak a blessing over your children.
If you’ve ever wondered what a biblical blessing looks like today—or how to tangibly pass faith, identity, and confidence to your children—this episode gives you a simple, Spirit-filled framework.
What We Cover
Why every child needs a spoken blessing, not just silent love• The biblical pattern from the Father blessing Jesus• When and how to establish moments of blessing in your home• A clear 5-part structure for a powerful blessing prayer• Practical language, Scriptures, and examples• How blessing calls greatness out and prepares children for their future
The 5 Ingredients of a Blessing
Identity — Name who they are and whose they are
Scripture — Speak God's truth over their life
Affirmation — Recognize character, gifts, and growth
Commissioning — Call them forward into purpose and maturity
Love & Affection — Seal it with connection, delight, and commitment
The Pattern God Gave Us
When the Father blessed Jesus, He spoke:• Identity — “You are my Son”• Affection — “Whom I love”• Affirmation — “With You I am well pleased”
That divine pattern still shapes sons and daughters today.
✨ Example Blessing (Age 13 Rite of Passage)
Father God, thank You for the gift of my son/daughter, [Name]. Today I affirm who You’ve made them to be. As Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man (Luke 2:52), I pray the same for [Name]. I bless you with courage to make wise choices, strength to resist temptation, and confidence in your identity as a child of God. You are my beloved son/daughter, and I am proud of you. May you know that you are never alone—for God is with you and I am with you.
Feel free to use this language and make it your own.
 
Connect with Jose Medina
Instagram: @josianmedinaa
Arise Español: https://myarisechurch.com/espanol
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent
💬 Social: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com
🎙️ Podcast Audio: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/

7 Questions for Reinventing Yourself for Life’s Next Season

In today’s episode, Dr. Brent guides you through a sacred self-inventory — not around your goals, but your identity with the help of Pastor Keren Emmauel (Arise Church’s Riverview Location Pastor). This episode is for anyone sensing a holy restlessness… that the season you’re in may be expiring, and something new is trying to be born.
Using framework insights from Halftime by Bob Buford and The Second Half by Patrick Morley, Dr. Brent unpacks 7 catalytic questions that will help you clarify who you are becoming… before life decides it for you.
 
  7 Questions from Today’s Episode:
Who do I actually want — or need — to become in this next season of life?
What parts of my current identity need to die so something better can live?
What would obedience or faithfulness look like in this season?
What grace is lifting — and where do I already sense new grace appearing?
What pace is God calling me to run — compared to past seasons?
What would be the bold move? What would be the wise move? What is the holy move?
What specific goals should I now create, based on the answers above?
 
Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
📚 Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Bufordhttps://www.amazon.com/Halftime-Moving-Success-Significance/dp/031034375X
📚 The Second Half: Real Stories, Real Men, Real Faith by Patrick Morleyhttps://www.amazon.com/Second-Half-Real-Stories-Faith/dp/0310284290
 
✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com🏡 MyAriseChurch.com🎙️ Listen on Podbean or any podcast platform:https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/
 

Raising Sons into Men: Why Your Children Need a Rite of Passage

Welcome to Creating The Future with Dr. Brent Simpson where we dive into stories, truths, and deep questions that help shape our faith, our families, and our future.In today’s episode I open up about the intentional rites of passage I created for my sons — including the moment I took one of them to Washington, D.C., laid hands on him, and called him into manhood.
We explore:·Why nearly every culture in history created rites of passage — and why the modern West is an exception·The devastating effects of that vacuum (prolonged adolescence, identity confusion, reckless risk-taking)·The one core question every boy is asking: Do I have what it takes? — and why that question must be answered by a father·Biblical and historic roots of initiation and blessing (Bar Mitzvahs, Maasai warriors, Quinceañeras, baptism as a rite of passage)·Neuroscience meets discipleship — why meaningful, emotional, set-apart experiences become permanently imprinted·The 6 elements of a powerful rite of passage every father can create at any age·Why fathers must speak identity and affirmation — or culture will do it for them·A call to action for every dad, mentor, or leader listening
This may be one of the most important conversations I’ve ever initiated — because if we do not initiate the young, they will burn down the village to feel the heat.✨ Connect with Dr. Brent:💬 All Social Media: @DrBrentSimpson🌐 BrentSimpson.com💬 MyAriseChurch.com Listen to the Podcast Anywhere: https://creatingthefuture.podbean.com/