156: Why Your Living Room Might Be Your Greatest Ministry This Year

December 29, 2025
Up next
155: Retired to an RV – and a Pulpit
December 15, 2025
00:00 19:14
Listen on Your Favorite App

FEATURING: Jim & Martha Brangenberg

ORGANIZATION: iWork4Him Ministries

What if this next season of life – whatever your age or stage – was shaped by something as simple as opening your door?

In this light-hearted and practical New Year’s special, Jim and Martha Brangenberg share why welcoming people into your home can be one of the most meaningful ways to build relationships, encourage real conversation, and live with purpose. Whether you’re still working, newly retired, or somewhere in between, this episode offers encouragement and easy ideas for turning ordinary gatherings into moments that matter.

You’ll hear:

  • Why home gatherings create space for deeper, more authentic conversations
  • Simple ways to host without pressure, perfection, or overplanning
  • How shared meals and relaxed conversation often open doors for lasting relationships and ministry opportunities
  • Why taking the initiative now can shape connections throughout the year ahead

This episode isn’t about hosting flawlessly. It’s about being present, intentional, and open. A simple invitation may be exactly what God uses to encourage someone this year. Listen in, then ask yourself: Who could I invite into my space in the months ahead?

Additional Resources Mentioned in This Episode

  • 2026 iWork4Him Events
    Learn more about upcoming in-person gatherings and where Jim and Martha will be in 2026: iWork4Him.com/events (Maryland, North Carolina, Orlando, & Cincinnati)

Book Offer + Signature Punch Recipe
During the month of January, listeners can receive one of the iWork4Him books for the cost of shipping only – a great way to start the year or share with friends. If you’re inspired to host, you can also request Martha’s favorite mocha punch recipe (and a few other simple party-friendly ideas). For both the book offer and the recipe, email martha@iwork4him.com or call the “listener line” at 866-713-9675.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Episodes
See all episodes
Meet Your Host
Although Jim is not yet at retirement age, he and his wife Martha lived twenty years residing in 55+ communities in Florida. Their experience has highlighted the harsh reality of retirement in the United States, showing the discontent that can come when people lack purpose in their later years. Surrounded by parents in their nineties and friends in their sixties, seventies, and eighties, Jim and Martha find motivation in observing those who live out their faith in retirement, while also witnessing the frustration of those who do not.

Jim has been hosting the iRetire4Him Podcast for nearly five years, has spoken at conferences, and has co-authored the book iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement, with his father-in-law. Although he currently Works4Him, he looks forward to Retiring4Him one day!
Podcasts About Sign Up Advertise Contact