Coffee with the Superintendent

Wrestling with God: Faith, Transformation, and Leadership in the New Year

In this New Year’s episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer explores Genesis 32:24–32 in The Holy Spirit’s Water, focusing on Jacob’s wrestling match with God. We examine what it means to wrestle with God today—not physically, but spiritually and emotionally—as we seek His blessing, guidance, and transformation. Drawing insights from reformed theologians, we unpack what it means to have striven with God and prevailed and how this struggle of faith shapes our identity, purpose, and dependence on Him as we step into the new year.

In The Add-Ins, we continue our series on God as the Perfect Leader by looking at Principle #7—God Himself Supervised. We reflect on God’s daily visits to the Garden of Eden as a relational leadership model and explore how presence, encouragement, and accountability are vital for effective leadership today. From biblical examples like Paul’s letters to the churches to modern practices, we learn how to lead intentionally and build trust in those we guide.

Whether starting this year with renewed goals or facing spiritual challenges, this episode will inspire you to wrestle with God in prayer, trust His leading, and step boldly into His purpose for you. Grab your coffee, and let’s begin 2025 with faith, leadership, and hope!

Faithful Planning and Godly Boundaries: Trusting God’s Provision for the New Year

In this special New Year’s Eve episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer reflects on Genesis 32:13–23in The Holy Spirit’s Water, exploring Jacob’s strategic planning after his heartfelt prayer for deliverance. We discuss how Jacob balanced trusting God with wise preparation, teaching us to rely on faith and action when facing fear and uncertainty. Drawing from New Testament principles like counting the cost and being wise as serpents and harmless as doves, this episode offers biblical strategies for tackling life’s challenges with confidence and wisdom.

In The Add-Ins, we continue our series on God as the Perfect Leader by highlighting Principle #6—God Gave Boundaries. We examine how God’s command in Genesis 2:16–17 established boundaries for Adam’s protection and growth, illustrating the importance of guidelines and accountability in leadership today. From the Ten Commandments to modern examples of ethical standards, we show how boundaries create structure, trust, and focus for leaders and teams to thrive.

Whether you are looking for biblical encouragement to face your fears, leadership principles for the new year, or practical tips for setting godly boundaries, this episode will equip and inspire you as you enter 2025. Grab your coffee, and let’s grow together in faith and leadership!

Praying Through Fear and Leading with Provision: Trusting God’s Guidance and Resources

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer explores Genesis 32:1–12 in The Holy Spirit’s Water, focusing on Jacob’s fear and prayer as he prepares to face his brother Esau. We discuss the mental and emotional weight of fear and anxiety and how Jacob’s example shows us the power of prayer, humility, and trust in God’s promises to overcome life’s most overwhelming challenges. We also draw insights from other biblical figures who faced fear and examine practical strategies for managing anxiety through faith and dependence on God.

In The Add-Ins, we continue our series on God as the Perfect Leader with Principle #5—God Provided the Resources. We reflect on how God equipped Adam in the Garden of Eden with everything he needed to fulfill his mission and connect this principle to modern leadership. From biblical examples like the building of the Tabernacle to modern lessons in resource stewardship, we learn how leaders must prepare, equip, and trust God’s provision to carry out their missions effectively.

Whether you’re seeking encouragement to face fears and uncertainties or practical guidance for stewarding resources and leading others, this episode will inspire you to trust God’s guidance and provision as you grow in faith and leadership. Grab your coffee and join us!

Reconciliation and Partnership: Trusting God’s Design for Unity and Mission

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer unpacks Genesis 31:36–55 in The Holy Spirit’s Water, exploring the theme of reconciliation through Jacob and Laban’s covenant of peace. We reflect on how God’s sovereignty and justice guide us to pursue restoration in relationships, tracing this principle through the Old Testamentand into the New Testament model found in Matthew 18. We also examine the ultimate reconciliation through Christ, who restores us to God and calls us to live as peacemakers.

In The Add-Ins, we continue our series on God as the Perfect Leader by focusing on Principle #4—God Gave Adam a Supporter to Make the Mission Happen. We explore the Hebrew meaning of ‘ēzer kənegdô and how God designed partnerships to strengthen leadership and advance His mission. Using examples like Moses and Aaron and Abigail and David, we highlight the power of collaboration and support in leadership today—whether in families, churches, or workplaces.

Join us as we dive into faith, leadership, and purpose, learning how to pursue unity, accountability, and teamwork in a way that reflects God’s design and grace. Grab your coffee, and let’s grow together!

Trusting God’s Guidance and Empowering Leadership

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer explores Genesis 31:17–35 in The Holy Spirit’s Water, highlighting Jacob’s flight from Laban and God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and protection in times of fear and conflict. We reflect on trusting God’s guidance, rejecting idolatry and self-reliance, and embracing the security we have in Christ as our ultimate protector and provider.

In The Add-Ins, we continue our series on God as the Perfect Leader with Principle #3—God Gave Adam Power and Freedom to Execute the Mission. We discuss how God modeled trust and delegation by giving Adam responsibility and freedom to fulfill his mission, and we draw lessons from Scripture, history, and modern leadershipabout empowering others while maintaining accountability.

Whether you’re seeking to grow in faith, lead with confidence, or trust God’s plan in uncertain times, this episode will encourage and equip you to follow God’s example of leadership and live out His purpose in your life. Grab your coffee and join us!

Trusting God’s Guidance and Leading with Purpose: Lessons from Jacob and the Creation Mandate

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer explores the themes of trust, faithfulness, and leadership as we dive into Genesis 31:1–16 in The Holy Spirit’s Water. We examine Jacob’s growth in trusting God’s guidance and how God’s faithfulness and justice ensured Jacob’s protection and provision, even in the face of treachery. This passage reminds us that wisdom comes from the Lord and that He blesses those who remain faithful to Him.

In The Add-Ins, we continue our series on God as the Perfect Leader by focusing on Principle #2—God Gave Adam a Clear Mission. We unpack the Creation Mandate from Genesis 1:28 and discuss how leaders today can follow God’s example by providing clarity, vision, and purpose to those they lead—whether in their families, workplaces, or ministries.

Join us as we uncover practical and biblical lessons about trusting God’s plan, leading with purpose, and living as faithful stewards of God’s blessings. Grab your coffee, and let’s grow together in faith, leadership, and God’s Word!

Trusting God’s Guidance and Leading in His Image

In this episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, I unpack Genesis 30:25–43 in The Holy Spirit’s Water, highlighting the importance of trusting God’s guidance over relying on our own wisdom. Through Jacob’s story, we explore themes of spiritual growth, God’s provision, and faithfulness, drawing connections to Proverbs 3:5–6 and the call to lean on the Lord as He directs our steps.

In The Add-Ins, we reflect on God as the ultimate leader by looking back at the creation of Adam and Eve and the fall of man. We discuss how God designed leaders to replicate themselves by mentoring and developing others to reflect His image. Drawing from Scripture, biblical examples, and modern applications, this segment challenges listeners to lead with integrity, humility, and purpose.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, grow as a leader, or simply be reminded of God’s faithfulness, this episode offers practical and biblical insights to guide you. Grab your coffee and join us as we dive into God’s Word and discover what it means to trust Him and lead like Him.

Why a Manger in the House of Bread? Two Overlooked Symbols in The Christmas Narrative

Merry Christmas! In this special Christmas Day episode of Coffee with the Superintendent, Dr. Jack Farmer celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and reflects on the true meaning of Christmas.

In The Grind, we recognize today’s birthdays and rejoice in the greatest celebration of all—the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

In The Holy Spirit’s Water, we walk through the Christmas narrative as told in Scripture, highlighting the angelic announcements, the humble birth in Bethlehem, the worship of the shepherds and the Magi, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This episode reminds us of God’s faithfulness, love, and grace as we reflect on the coming of Christ and His purpose to redeem and restore us as we look at the meaning of Bethlehem and the symbolism of a stone manger.

Join us as we celebrate the true reason for the season and give thanks for the greatest gift ever given—Jesus Christ, our Savior and King!