Is it impossible to arrive? /// FOLLOW x UP with Doug Miller

Episode 002: What if following Jesus isn't about arriving?In this episode of the FOLLOW x UP podcast, Steve Carter and Eric Parks are joined by Doug Miller, Lead Pastor of Plum Creek Church, for a conversation about following Jesus over a lifetime.Doug reflects on 20 years of ministry at Plum Creek, the transformation he witnessed in his father, and why he often describes himself not simply as a Christian, but as a Christ follower. Together, they explore why life with Jesus is not about arriving, performing, or getting everything cleaned up, but about staying present to the ongoing work of formation.The conversation centers on rearranging our lives around Jesus as a relationship rather than a religious task. Like any meaningful relationship, following Jesus requires attention, effort, honesty, and continual reorientation. They discuss Dallas Willard’s framework of vision, intention, and means, the danger of compartmentalized faith, and how formation happens one step, one practice, and one honest conversation at a time.They also talk about vulnerability and community, including the need for spaces where people can speak honestly about what is happening beneath the surface. From marriage and money to calling, desire, accountability, and hidden struggles, this episode invites listeners to stop hiding, pay attention, and take the next faithful step.In this episode Steve, Eric, and Doug discuss: Doug’s 20-year milestone at Plum Creek Church  Why “Christ follower” can carry more clarity than “Christian”  The danger of seeing faith as something we eventually arrive at  Rearranging our lives around Jesus as an ongoing relationship  Dallas Willard’s vision, intention, and means framework  The difference between knowing about Jesus and growing with Jesus  Why faith cannot stay compartmentalized to church or quiet time  The role of remembrance in spiritual formation  How Jesus meets us before our lives are fully cleaned up  Taking small, concrete steps toward the way of JesusMeet your hosts, Eric Parks and Steve CarterEric ParksEric is an Executive Pastor at Plum Creek Church in Castle Rock, Colorado, who cares deeply about helping people rehearse the way of Jesus in everyday life—and holds firm as a Denver Broncos fan, no matter how often Steve brings up the Bears.Steve CarterSteve is the Lead Pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois, offering a thoughtful and honest voice to the deeper work of formation and calling—and remains a devoted Chicago Bears fan, even with Eric representing Broncos country.Explore all of FollowWe’re all following something—habits, expectations, ambition—but Jesus offers a different way. A way marked by love, presence, trust, and a life that actually leads somewhere good. Not perfectly, but increasingly, we begin to shape our lives around his.We believe that if Jesus is right—about God, about life, about the soul—then is only makes sense to rearrange your life around what he says is true.Follow isn’t a program to complete or a path to master, but a way of life centered on Jesus. A way of living that takes shape over time through a steady rearrangement of our lives—our priorities, our rhythms, and the things we trust most.LinksFollow: https://www.followtheway.church/Plum...