Épisodes

  • New Year, New Church? Discipleship In An Age Addiction
    Dec 26 2024

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    In the season finale of Saints & Sexuality, Rev. Jonathan Shilts and FirstLight Executive Director Sean Maney dive into the pressing need for the church to address secret sexual struggles. They explore how shame, hidden sins, and a lack of discipleship contribute to the issue and share a bold vision for fostering a community where healing is possible. Discover practical ways the church and its members can provide a safe, redemptive environment to break free from sexual sin and live fully in the light of Christ.

    Bonus Discussion: Making an effective New Years resolution.

    Featuring: Rev. Sean Maney and Jonathan Shilts

    Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts

    Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe.

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    21 min
  • Life After Porn: Emotions, Marriage, and Long-Term Sobriety
    Dec 12 2024

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    Sobriety is only the first step on the journey to healing from sexual addiction. In this episode of Saints & Sexuality, Rev David Noble and Bryce Wilkins explore the deeper work of transformation that leads to a life of freedom and fulfillment. Learn how how life’s challenges - like marriage or holiday seasons - can test even the most well-intentioned recovery plans.

    Bonus discussion: "How do I survive the holiday season?"

    Featuring: Rev. David Noble and Bryce Wilkins

    Credits: Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts. Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe.

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    FirstLight is a St Louis-based ministry that is dedicated to helping men women and betrayed spouses find freedom from the harm of sexual sin.

    Donate to help FirstLight Ministries change even more lives in 2025!

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    29 min
  • The Sin Of Adam: Mike's Story of Freedom from Porn and Rejecting Passivity
    Nov 28 2024

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    In this episode we interview Mike, a longtime participant and leader in FirstLight Ministries.

    Featuring: Rev. Jonathan Shilts and special participant guest Mike

    Credits: Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts. Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe.

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    FirstLight is a St Louis-based ministry that is dedicated to helping men women and betrayed spouses find freedom from the harm of sexual sin.

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    24 min
  • Getting Out of the Ditch: Daily Practices to Lifelong Freedom
    Nov 13 2024

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    In this episode we explore the beginning of a journey that many believe is impossible: the journey from feeling trapped addictive sexual behaviors to living in lifelong freedom. Starting the path to freedom from sexual addiction is difficult for many reasons - from the painful memories of past behaviors to the fear of failing in the future. In today’s episode, Rev. David Noble and Bryce Wilkins discuss the first critical steps needed to start living in freedom.

    Bonus discussion: "What do I need to never look at porn again?"

    Featuring: Rev. David Noble and Bryce Wilkins

    Credits: Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts. Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe.

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    FirstLight is a St Louis-based ministry that is dedicated to helping men women and betrayed spouses find freedom from the harm of sexual sin.

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    25 min
  • Living An Integrated Life: Why Healing Is More Than Just Stopping
    Oct 30 2024

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    People who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviors often find their emotions, thoughts, values, and actions to be disconnected from each part - or even at odds. This fragmentation of the self, called disintegration, often accompanies a deep sense of shame, numbness, self-loathing, and tension between the person they see in the mirror and the person they wish could be. In today’s episode, FirstLight counselors Shari Montague (LPC, CSAT) and Matthew Friesen (PLPC) explore how disintegration effects strugglers, and how breaking free from sexual addiction involves more than just stopping behaviors - it’s about learning how to live as a whole person.

    Bonus discussion: "I quit porn. Why isn’t my marriage better?"

    Featuring: Shari Montague (LPC, CSAT) and Matthew Friesen (PLPC)

    Credits: Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts. Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe.

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    FirstLight is a St Louis-based ministry that is dedicated to helping men women and betrayed spouses find freedom from the harm of sexual sin.

    www.firstlightstlouis.org


    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    32 min
  • Do I Have A Problem? Understanding Compulsive Behaviors and Addiction
    Oct 16 2024

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    "Do I have a problem?" It’s a question that many people who have struggled to quit porn or other sexual behaviors have asked themselves. In today’s episode, FirstLight counselors Shari Montague (LPC, CSAT) and Matthew Friesen (PLPC) discuss the science and theology of sex and pornography addiction. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs, why people develop addictions, and why it can be so difficult to break free.

    Bonus discussion: "How much porn can I safely use?"

    Featuring: Shari Montague (LPC, CSAT) and Matthew Friesen (PLPC)

    Credits: Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts. Theme music is No Indication by TrackTribe.

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    FirstLight is a St Louis-based ministry that is dedicated to helping men women and betrayed spouses find freedom from the harm of sexual sin.

    www.firstlightstlouis.org


    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    27 min
  • It’s a Church Problem, Too: Addressing Hidden Sexual Struggles in Faith Communities
    Oct 2 2024

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    In the premiere episode of Saints & Sexuality, we tackle the widespread issue of compulsive sexual sin within the modern church. Our hosts discuss how pornography and spousal sexual betrayal can infiltrate and harm Christian communities. We’ll explore the hidden struggles many face, the barriers to addressing these issues in the church, and what hope there might be for those caught in sexual sin. Join us as we shed light on these critical topics and offer hope for transformation and redemption.

    Featuring: Rev. Sean Maney

    Produced by Rev. Jonathan Shilts

    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    24 min
  • Staff Interview: Matthew Friesen, PLPC
    Oct 2 2024

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    In this special preseason episode of Saints & Sexuality, we sit down with Matthew Friesen, a counselor with FirstLight Ministries.

    Join us as we talk down with counselors, ministry leaders, and support staff to hear their stories, their passion for helping others, and how they each contribute to our mission of healing and transformation. Whether you’re curious about the heart behind our work or eager to learn more about the team, these episodes will inspire and encourage you as we prepare for the season ahead.


    www.firstlightstlouis.org

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    16 min