First a Follower Podcast Having a Teachable Spirit with Dr. A.J. Swoboda and Jake Bland
Jan 30, 2026
Jake Bland, president of Youth For Christ USA, brings practical youth ministry leadership. Dr. A.J. Swoboda, pastor and theology professor, offers theological and pastoral insight. They discuss what it means to be teachable: vulnerability paired with strength, learning from neighbors and critics, the dangers of online shaming, technology’s moral effects, and how to engage culture wisely and lovingly.
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Vulnerability Enables Missionary Listening
- Jesus sends disciples vulnerably so missionaries receive needs from locals and open doors for gospel conversations.
- A.J. argues being teachable means going into culture without all answers, receiving expertise from scientists and neighbors while bearing the kingdom.
Culture Penalizes Repentance Which Hurts Teachability
- Public confession and repentance are rare and often punished by social media, making teachability appear risky.
- A.J. watched a 25-year-old political operative publicly repent and saw online shaming instead of restoration.
Ask Neighbors Before Googling
- Replace immediate internet-first searches with asking nearby people to build relationships and receive local wisdom.
- A.J. recounts planting strawberries, learning his neighbor was a 20-year strawberry farmer who could have helped in minutes.
