Advertise on podcast: Israel & Rachel Campbell "SOUP" Podcast

Send us Fan Mail The “Am I the only one?” thought can hit out of nowhere and suddenly everything feels heavier: your problems feel bigger, your support feels smaller, and your hope starts shrinking. We’re back for season four from home (where our real conversations actually happen), celebrating 29 years of marriage, and jumping straight into the mindset that quietly trips up so many of us. We anchor the conversation in Romans 11 and 1 Kings 19, where Elijah tells God he’s the only one left. God’s reply is both gentle and corrective: you’re not alone, and you’re not seeing the full picture. We talk about how exhaustion after a long fight can feed a victim mentality, how pride can sneak into “woe is me,” and why the enemy loves to get us viewing life through victimhood instead of victory. Then we look at God’s response, not with condemnation, but with a still small voice and clear next steps. From there, we get practical: find an “Elisha” and pour into someone else, pray for God to open your eyes, and build the spiritual discipline of gratitude when the math looks bad. We also connect this to John 5 at the pool of Bethesda, where Jesus goes after an identity built on “I have no one.” If you’ve been feeling isolated, overlooked, or stuck, we think this will put strength back in your voice and clarity back in your vision. If you have questions or topics you want us to tackle, email us at info at flourishing.church. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review so more people can find the podcast. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this Thanksgiving-week episode, Israel Campbell and Rachel Campbell slow the pace, unclutter the noise, and talk about one of the most underrated spiritual disciplines we have: keeping the receipts of God’s faithfulness. Remember when Thanksgiving meant construction-paper turkey hands and being forced to say what you’re thankful for while secretly wishing you could get back to the rolls? Well, this episode revisits that childhood moment—but with a grown-up perspective. Because gratitude isn’t just cute or seasonal… it’s evidence collection. When life gets chaotic (and let’s be honest—this year has been a wild casserole of emotions), we tend to forget what God has already done. We lose track of the miracles. We overlook the provisions. We ignore the answered prayers. We let the receipts fade like they were printed on that cheap gas-station paper. But spiritually healthy people keep records. They rehearse the goodness of God. They remember the breakthroughs. They stack up the receipts like trophies of grace. In this episode, Israel and Rachel talk about: Why gratitude is a spiritual posture, not a holiday moodHow keeping receipts builds faith for the futureHow remembering God’s goodness resets the atmosphere in your homeHow gratitude keeps you from becoming a grumpy follower of Jesus (we’ve all met one… bless their hearts)How couples, families, and leaders can actually practice gratitude dailyA few hilarious personal Thanksgiving stories—including one Israel would prefer we never bring up againIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, tired, or low on faith, this episode will help you slow down, breathe deep, and remember: God has been faithful… and we have the receipts to prove it. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if the will of God isn’t a tiny bullseye but a wide-open horizon you can’t help but hit when your heart is surrendered? We unpack a freeing approach to guidance that replaces fear and perfectionism with trust, movement, and the confidence that the Holy Spirit both opens doors and blocks wrong turns. We start with the fear that keeps so many of us stuck—wanting to please God yet terrified of choosing “wrong.” Through Psalms 139 and 37, we reframe God’s guidance as relational and robust: He hems us in, lays His hand on us, and orders our steps. From Paul’s “effectual door” to the Spirit’s redirection in Acts, we explore how to sense direction without demanding details. You’ll hear practical tools for big choices about dating, jobs, and where to live, including how to make a prayerful pros-and-cons list and then actually decide. We also talk about “holy misses”—closed doors and near wins that still expand faith and prepare you for what’s next. We challenge the habit of handing God our script and invite a posture of surrender that can receive unexpected answers. You’ll hear how open-handed faith leads to better relationships and more aligned opportunities, plus a candid look at disappointment, cynicism, and what to do when hope runs low. God as Restorer is central here: even real mistakes don’t end the story. Think of Israel’s demand for a king and how the lineage of David became the path for the Messiah—proof that grace is not fragile. By the end, you’ll have a simple, repeatable way to move forward: seek first the kingdom, aim your life toward righteousness, acknowledge God in every step, and walk through the doors that open. If a door shuts, let it. If your heart is surrendered, God is a hard target to miss. If this encouraged you, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s stuck at a crossroads, and leave a review telling us the next step you’re taking. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Some days faith feels like a bruise you keep bumping, and other days it feels like a tender place where God speaks clearer than ever. We sat down to talk about suffering without the shortcuts—how pain can ripen the fruit of the Spirit faster than comfort ever will, and how to guard your heart from the kind of bad theology that turns wounds into lifelong bitterness. We trace a path through Job’s story and our own: stacked losses, hospital hallways, numb mornings, and the quiet practice of declaring “God, you are good” before the day begins. You’ll hear how borrowing someone else’s faith can carry you for a while, why John 10:10 draws a clean line between the thief and the Giver of life, and how a “beautiful bruise” can make you tender to the Holy Spirit instead of easily offended by everyone else. We also confront the shame that follows self‑inflicted pain and talk about the wild mercy of a God who can redeem not only what the enemy breaks, but what our choices break too. If you’ve been asking where God is in the winter season, this conversation offers language, scripture, and simple practices to keep you anchored until the cloud lifts. Not every question gets answered on this side of heaven, but presence, formation, and unexpected grace are real. Listen for hope, for honest stories, and for a theology sturdy enough to stand in a storm. If this helped you breathe a little easier, share it with a friend, subscribe for more, and leave a review so others can find their way to it. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail “Should you force your kids to go to church?” We take that hot-button question head-on and trade force for formation. Drawing on Proverbs 22:6 and years of parenting and pastoring, we unpack how consistent, low-pressure rhythms help kids meet God for themselves—without turning Sundays into a performance. Phoebe shares candid stories of church at its best and worst, how her parents handled hurt without denial, and the simple “find three good things” practice that transformed knee-jerk cancellation into healthy discernment. From the youth pastor seat, you’ll hear why the most resistant students often become the most powerful testimonies. We get practical about making church a family value: protecting Saturday nights so Sunday isn’t a fight, choosing leagues and schedules that don’t push worship to the margins, and keeping the home conversation honest. No glossing over cringe moments, no pretending leaders are flawless—just real accountability paired with a stubborn love for the local church. Because when kids learn to process pain, honor what’s good, and contribute to change, they grow into builders, not critics. If your teen is anxious, skeptical, or introverted, there’s space for that too. The aim isn’t instant belief—it’s proximity to people and practices that make room for the Holy Spirit. We talk about mentors who model conviction without shame, community that sticks through rough seasons, and the steady presence that anchors identity for the long haul. Whether you’re starting fresh with a newborn or trying to reset with a teenager, you’ll leave with language, rhythms, and hope to make God’s house a life-giving non-negotiable. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s navigating faith and family, and leave a review to help more parents and teens find their footing. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A midnight layover, a missing passport, and a family stuck between countries became an unexpected parable about identity. We walked through the stress, the finger-pointing, and the waiting, only to realize that what stalled us at the border mirrors what stalls many of us internally: forgetting who we are and whose we are when life shifts gears. We unpack why identity gets hit hardest in transition—new jobs, new commitments, fresh steps of obedience—and how Scripture shows the pattern from Moses to Jesus. The enemy’s oldest tactic is still the most effective: “If you are…” We counter that with what Jesus modeled—“It is written”—and offer practical guardrails you can set before the turbulence arrives. We talk about building a circle that speaks truth when you forget, preloading promises so you can answer doubt on contact, and deciding your assignment before insecurity tries to rewrite it. Along the way, we explore how borrowed armor limits your reach, why criticism that once crushed now glances off when you’re rooted, and how modern identity labels can become clumsy armor that looks strong but fits wrong. Your truest passport isn’t a title, tribe, or platform; it’s adoption. As children of God, we carry a name that steadies both failure and success. If you feel stuck in the corridor—unable to go back or forward—there’s a way through: ask for help, hold fast to the Word, lean on your people, and keep moving. The passport is meant for travel, not storage. Hit play for a story-driven, Scripture-saturated conversation that’s equal parts honest and hopeful. If this encouraged you, subscribe, share it with a friend who feels “in transit,” and leave a review with one truth you’re holding onto this week. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if the most “spiritual” parts of your life have quietly taken God’s place? We open a candid conversation about high-functioning idolatry—the subtle way good gifts like family, ministry systems, church culture, politics, education, and even worship styles become the things we trust most. Through personal stories, Old Testament insights, and honest self-audit, we unpack how fear disguises itself as prudence and how easy it is to rely on what we can control while calling it faith. We don’t stop at diagnosis. Together we outline three concrete practices that re-center our hope: choosing assignments that require God to move, listening beyond our circle with Spirit-led curiosity, and worshiping with our resources through generosity, tithing, service, and availability. Along the way, we revisit Jonah 2:8 and Judges 21:25, reflect on the bronze serpent that became an idol, and contrast systems that help with systems that quietly replace the Spirit. The thread running through it all is the love of God—stronger than cultural turbulence and steadier than any outcome we can engineer. If your prayer life feels flat, your schedule too tight for interruption, or your peace tethered to headlines and bank balances, this episode is an invitation to trade control for communion. Hear how dependence revives faith, how compassion grows when we sit with people who see differently, and how generosity breaks the grip of lesser kings. Listen, reflect, and then take one courageous step that only makes sense if God shows up. If this resonated, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. What’s one “good thing” you’re ready to put back in its proper place? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A children’s book has a way of telling the truth we avoid. If you give a mouse a cookie, he’ll ask for more—and so will the quiet appetites that live in us. We follow that trail from playful banter to piercing insight, asking what happens when you feed entitlement, revenge, or misplaced hope—and what changes when you starve them. We start with the subtle voice of “I deserve,” the mindset that turns gratitude into grumbling and caps what grace can do. From instant delivery culture to scorekeeping in relationships, we trace how pride disguises itself as fairness and leaves us empty. Then we pivot to the “I’ll show them” trap: a candid ministry story reveals how proving people wrong drained purpose, stalled growth, and hijacked the heart. The breakthrough came when we stopped performing for critics and started loving the people in front of us. Two anchors emerged—time tells and let the fruit speak—shifting us from image management to character formation. The conversation deepens with “I hope they…”—the hope we place in apologies, recognition, or changed behavior that may never come. We share a raw account of forgiving without an apology, the physical toll of offense, and the freedom that followed. Scripture grounds the journey—James 4:6, Philippians 4:19, Psalm 62:5—pointing us back to a God who supplies what people withhold. We also tackle a harder test: when someone hurts the person you love. Do we poison them with our outrage, or become purpose in their pain? Choosing purpose breaks the cycle and protects the heart. By the end, you’ll have a simple way to respond: name the mouse, find the cookie, starve the appetite, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the smaller seeds before they grow. Expect practical language, honest stories, and a closing prayer that invites real change. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a review—then tell us: which “mouse” are you evicting this week? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The cabin was chaos, the baby was wailing, and the migraine was winning—until noise‑canceling earphones turned the whole flight into honey. That small shift became our map for a louder world: attention is a stewardship, and peace starts when we choose what gets in. We talk candidly about tech habits, secondhand AirPods, and why unfollowing someone to guard your spirit isn’t rude—it’s wisdom. From there, we unpack three simple rhythms: turn down distraction by limiting inputs and muting notifications that hijack your mood; crowd out the junk by adding scripture, worship, service, and purpose so your appetite changes; and turn up devotion until the still, small voice can be heard again. Along the way, we name the link between doomscrolling and anxiety, laugh about car stereo volume wars, and reflect on how Jesus withdrew to quiet places to pray. We also confront a tricky truth: loud, confident, even religious voices aren’t always right. The safeguard is to test every message by the Bible and its fruit—does it lead to love, joy, and a sound mind? If your inner voice has turned into a bully, we walk through practical ways to renew your mind, capture spirals, and replace fear with power, love, and self‑control. And when the static finally drops, guidance gets practical: Isaiah’s promise of “This is the way; walk in it” meets your calendar with small, clear next steps—text the friend, forgive quickly, say no to the thread that breeds strife, and make room to listen. Ready to cancel the noise and recover your focus? Hit play, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs a quieter channel. If it helps, leave a review—tell us where you listen and what noise you’re turning down this week. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail A broken purse handle, a crowded green room, and a flush of embarrassment, funny on the surface, but it points to something deeper: how easily we’re drawn to convincing copies. We kick off season three by tracing that everyday story to Jude’s urgent call to contend for a faith that’s the real thing, not a polished knockoff. We unpack why Jude shifted from writing about shared salvation to warning about counterfeits already creeping into the church. Instead of stoking exposé culture or training our “spiritual suspicion,” we explore a better way to discern: know the genuine so well that the fake feels wrong. That begins with Scripture shaping our instincts, not just our opinions. It continues with a daily, honest walk with the Holy Spirit who counsels, convicts, and comforts without shame. And it grows inside communities where iron sharpens iron—humble people who have suffered, stayed, and kept their hearts soft—so life change happens in circles, not just in rows. We also press into radical honesty as the antidote to pretense. God desires truth in the inward parts, and pretending to be further along erodes the soul. By sharing personal stories and practical practices, we point to a culture where leaders and learners can tell the truth early, seek help, and keep going. If you’re tired of outrage threads and hungry for resilient, non‑performative faith, this conversation offers clarity and courage to build on the Word, walk with the Spirit, choose honest friends, and refuse the counterfeit when it whispers loud. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs encouragement, and leave a quick review—what helps you stay close to the real? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail As this Campbell Soup Podcast season comes to a close, we've decided it's time to tackle a topic that's sparked curiosity and even controversy in many: the influence of the Holy Spirit. With candid anecdotes from our spiritual journey, we unpack the myths and truths around the Holy Spirit. Our experiences, from Bible college to personal encounters, serve as a backdrop to our exploration of the authentic fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—and how they contrast with the weirdness often inaccurately ascribed to the Spirit’s presence. Moving beyond the surface, we delve into the importance of nurturing a relationship with the Holy Spirit that transcends fleeting emotions. Our discussion traverses the landscape of spiritual 'goosebumps', diving into how a daily walk with the Spirit shapes patience, discipline, and our interactions within the church community. The quieter, yet transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives emerges as a theme, highlighting the Spirit's role as a counselor and guide through the milestones and the mundane. We wrap up with an invitation to embrace the unpredictable yet powerful move of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Addressing concerns about misrepresentation, we share our heartfelt desire for both the presence and power of the Spirit—alongside the growth of its fruits within us. As we send off our listeners with a prayer for divine transformation in personal, familial, and communal spheres, we promise a rejuvenated return after the summer, carrying the torch of a life led by the Spirit into the next season. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail "The burden of a Critical Spirit" Campbell Soup Season 2 Episode 27  Do you ever feel weighed down by the habit of criticizing everything around you? Let Rachel and Israel lead you out of the shadows of a critical spirit and into the light where grace transforms our pain into strength. In our heart-to-heart conversation, we unfold the transformative journey of twins who embody the stark contrast between a life crippled by criticism and one uplifted by positive affirmation. We dissect the roots of a critical mindset, revealing how it's often a cry from unhealed wounds and lingering disappointments, and we share how embracing God's grace can help us rise above these challenges. Criticism can be as insidious as bad breath, and just like you'd reach for a mint, we need tools to freshen our perspective. In our second chapter, we journey through history and scripture to uncover the prevalence of criticism and its impact on our souls. Discover how a mirror—a community of constructive feedback—can reflect the unpleasant truths we need to confront within ourselves. With anecdotes from Elisha's gatekeeper to the ten spies, we emphasize the importance of choosing the voices that shape us, encouraging you to enrich your character with the mints of positive traits. Finally, we don't just expose issues, we offer a beacon of hope and practical steps to break free from the shackles of a critical spirit. Hear how Paul's teachings and his counsel to Timothy provide a roadmap to maintain godliness, even when criticism tries to distort our discernment. We'll guide you on how to recognize and nurture the good in every situation and in every person, helping you reflect God's glory in everyday interactions. By the end of our chat, you'll be inspired to swap criticism for compassion, and in doing so, bring a breath of fresh air to all your relationships. Join us, and let's journey towards a more positive you! Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever felt like you were running on the wrong kind of fuel, using pain as a motivator instead of purpose? You're not alone. Through rich conversations and personal narratives, Rachel and Israel explore the idea that a life powered by pain might get us moving, but it's purpose that takes us where we truly need to go. We discuss the shift from hurt to a higher calling, sharing stories that reveal the dangers of a pain-driven existence and the liberation that comes with aligning to God's plan for us. During our walk, a simple discussion blossomed into an in-depth analysis of the strategic depth required for leadership and living a life of faith. We turn to the biblical story of David as a beacon, showcasing how serving God's purpose in our generation is pivotal. Our personal experiences, intertwined with these timeless narratives, highlight the strongholds that can derail us and the importance of staying true to our divine path. As we invite you into our intimate space, we also open up about our journey in starting a ministry and the transformation from seeking validation to igniting genuine change in the lives of others. The episode culminates with an invitation to discover and embrace your God-given purpose, to switch to the fuel that will revolutionize your life with clarity and direction. As we reflect on the transformative power of pain, we share how it can become the catalyst for uncovering direction and meaning. We encourage you to join us in this conversation, to share your stories and build a community where we all grow and support each other towards living for God's glory and purpose. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Embark with us on a journey of discovery as we uncover the rich tapestry of the early church's legacy—a legacy that continues to shape our society in profound ways. From the foundational role in establishing universities and hospitals to the spearheading of social reforms and the abolition of the slave trade, we unravel how Christianity has been a force for good throughout history. We confront the uncomfortable contradictions within the faith, such as self-proclaimed Christian slave owners, while also celebrating the genuine followers of Jesus who have consistently campaigned for human rights and equality. This episode promises to refresh your perspective on the church's contributions, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Feel the pulse of contemporary Christianity's societal imprint in this candid conversation, where we address the messiness of church communities and the critical need to remain engaged. We shine a light on the church's role in charity, the abolition of slavery, the advancement of women's rights, and education, drawing a stark contrast between the generosity of Christians and atheists. Through the turbulence and imperfections, we advocate for a collective spiritual life that embraces the church's positive impact, highlighting that true discipleship involves engagement rather than retreat from community. As we wrap up our series, we reflect on the individual and collective responsibilities of the church to serve as beacons of hope and catalysts for change. A personal account of a resilient church in Italy serves as a testament to the enduring influence of the church across the ages. We underscore the importance of cherishing a vibrant, community-reaching, and Spirit-empowered church, while also calling on listeners to consider their unique contributions to God's house. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of the church and share your insights as we continue to foster a community built on love, faith, and action. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Today's episode is a heartfelt journey through empathy's profound impact, drawing wisdom from the biblical story of Joseph. Joseph's evolution from a self-centered youth to an insightful man in the depths of an Egyptian prison teaches us the significance of discernment in others' despair. By observing the cupbearer and baker's sorrow, Joseph sparked a chain of events that would lead not only to his own redemption but to the prosperity of an entire nation. We delve into how this ancient tale echoes in our own lives, inspiring us to foster growth and harness the power of relational intelligence during times of adversity. Rachel's story of her mother's passing is not singular—each day we encounter souls enduring silent battles, holding stories that can only be unearthed through compassion. In our heart-to-heart, we uncover the 'superpower moments' that surface when we extend our hands to the burdened neighbor, the worried friend, or the stranger we meet. The thread of community weaves through our narratives, spotlighting the vital role of support systems and prayerful reflection in lifting one another up. We laugh together too, as we consider the curiously human trait of gossip and its unexpected role in relationship building and character development. Finally, we put on the cape of curiosity—our greatest superpower—and discuss the simple, yet profound act of engaging with others by inquiring about their lives. This episode is an invitation, a call to be part of a movement that celebrates the incredible stories each person carries. Just like the wholesome goodness of kale in our diets, this superpower enriches our lives with positivity—minus the bitter aftertaste. So, join us as we delve into the superpowers nestled in everyday interactions, the kind of stories that ripple out compassion and understanding into the world around us. Support the show