Beyond the Vow

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Welcome to Beyond the Vow! Beyond the Vow is hosted by Nick and Janelle Lavender and focuses on religious and marital topics. We delve into the ups and downs, the twists and turns, the victories, the struggles, and everything that a couple may encounter as they journey through life and faith together. Habits will be tested, boundaries will be stretched, views will be analyzed, and compromises have to be made. All this and MORE as we go "Beyond the Vow!"

Nicholas and Janelle Lavender


    • Mar 21, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 3m AVG DURATION
    • 74 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Beyond the Vow

    Ministry burnout and the pressure to keep going

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 84:06


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss exhaustion (burnout) that claims pastors and church workers alike. Should we feel pressured to keep going? Should we pace ourselves? Should we set boundaries?

    Recap of 2024 and Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 46:00


    In this first episode of 2025, Nick and Janelle are back from the Holidays and discuss everything that has occurred in the past couple of months including some updates and future plans.

    The Cycle of Deprogramming from the CHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 62:51


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the deprogramming period after leaving the CHM. New (non-CHM) churches can feel strange, and we may feel guilt and loneliness. How do we adjust and how long does it take?

    Election reaction and a Life change

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2024 58:11


    In this episode, Nick and Janelle discuss a major change with Janelle's job, a recap of the election, and trusting God when things don't go your way.

    The Manual and the Straitjacket

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 93:47


    In this 72nd podcast episode, Nick and Janelle discuss their move to KY, fertility, and Dan Stetler's comments at the 2024 World Changers Conference held at Union Bible College.

    How would Jesus Vote?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 60:33


    In this 71st episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss how Christians should handle politics by looking at the early church. Is the party greater than the Bible? How should we vote?

    Join the denomination, or lose your kids!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 85:52


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss some recent comments made by Rev. Jeremy Fuller at the Midwest Pilgrim Camp. To prevent your children from becoming worldly or falling into sin, should you join the church or denomination?

    Anxiety - The what, the When, and the How

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2024 73:10


    In this 69th Podcast episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the crippling effects of Anxiety. Do Christians experience anxiety? What caused it and how do we deal with it?

    Job change, life updates and Trusting God

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2024 38:02


    In this 69th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss how busy they have been recently, a job change for Nick, and the importance of trusting God even when we don't have all the answers.

    Janelle's fertility procedure

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2024 47:16


    In this 67th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the details and results of Janelle's fertility procedure.

    Interview with Ex-Member of The Church of God Restoration

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2024 85:35


    In this 66th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle interview Stephen Nathaniel, a former member of the Church of God Restoration cult. Some of what he shares is heartbreaking and sheds light on some of the terrible things that are happening behind the closed doors of this cult.

    Upcoming Guest announcement, Fertility Update and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 51:39


    In this 65th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle announce an upcoming interview with a former member of the Church of God (Restoration) cult. We also discuss an update on our fertility journey, and we talk about trusting God's process even when things don't go quite the way we want them to.

    Cult Profiles - Church of God (Restoration)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2024 87:36


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle kick off a new series called "Cult Profiles". In this series, we begin by looking at the "Church of God (Restoration)" and its leader, Ray Tinsman. We analyze their beliefs and compare them to the word of God. Is it a cult? You will be shocked by some of their teachings.

    The Hyper-Sexualization of men in the CHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2024 87:21


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the hyper-sexualization of men in the CHM. From birth, an extreme focus is placed on what women and girls wear in the CHM. We discuss how this affects Christian marriage and the well-being of a man.

    Elizabeth Ferguson - Growing up around the CHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2024 74:03


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle talk with Elizabeth Ferguson concerning her experiences with the CHM.

    Fertility Update, Easter, and other things.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 50:35


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss an update on their fertility journey, Nick's Blood Pressure, Easter, and other items. We should be getting back into a normal routine thankfully!

    Vacation, Chick Tracts, and Comic Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2024 54:54


    in this 60th Episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle talk about their cruise vacation, Chick tracts, comic books in the CHM, and more!

    Why do they keep doing this?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 77:34


    Did you know that if you attend a church other than a Holiness church, you won't grow and will backslide? In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss comments made by various ministers at the Preacher/Laymen convention held by the ICHA (International Conservative Holiness Association) this week. We cover this and other comments that will leave you scratching your head.

    Interview: Daniel Ferguson Part 2 - Bill Gothard, Christian Education and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 54:37


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, we continue our interview with Daniel. We discuss Christian Education, Bill Gothard, and more from his upbringing within a Pentecostal Holiness Church.

    Guest Interview: Daniel Ferguson Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 61:45


    In this 57th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle welcome Daniel and Elizabeth Ferguson onto the podcast. We discuss Daniel's childhood being raised in a Pentecostal Holiness church in WV, as well as some of the extreme views that were taught.

    Why Nick left the CHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2024 90:34


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick discusses his reasons as to why he left the CHM. Janelle also shares some fertility updates.

    Stories from a pastors kid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2024 69:11


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss growing up as pastors kids, their time attending the IHC (Interchurch Holiness Convention), and some funny as well as serious church stories from their childhood.

    Testing the doctrine of the CHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2024 75:43


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the importance of testing what we believe in. Scripture says we should test all things so that we can "hold on to what is good". Should we hold on to tradition just because it's what we've always done? What if the Bible teaches otherwise?

    We have a Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 59:25


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the passing of Nicks's Dad, the grief, the vulnerability, and the ultimate hope that we have as Believers.

    Can you be trusted to discern the Holy Spirit?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2023 82:15


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss their recovery from Covid, refrigerator problems, fertility progress, and a recent comment made by someone within the CHM that church members cannot be expected to discern the Holy Spirit. All this and more in this week's podcast!

    Hijacking our biblical Heritage

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 63:54


    In this episode of "Beyond the Vow", Nick and Janelle analyze what our Godly heritage consists of. Is it biblical or is it burdened with the personal convictions of man? Will we be cursed if we "move the old landmarks"? We listen to sermons by Judy Williams and Archie Atwell, as we compare them with scripture to better understand our true biblical heritage.

    God is MORE than the CHM

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 68:18


    In this 50th episode of "Beyond the Vow", Nick and Janelle discuss recent comments by Rev. James Plank concerning those who have backslidden from the Conservative Holiness Movement. We also compare these comments with scripture to see if they hold true and discuss the importance of preaching Biblical doctrine vs Personal conviction.

    An update on Dads condition

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 37:03


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle talk about Nick's dad and all the ups and downs. Keep praying because your prayers are working!

    Sanctification: Thunder and Lightning or Slow and Steady?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2023 57:11


    In this 48th episode of "Beyond the Vow", Nick and Janelle discuss the doctrine of Sanctification. We look back on the words of John Wesley, and W.B. Godbey, as well as recent sermons, and articles on the subject from Josh Davis (Future Pastors Conference), GBS President Rodney Loper, and GBS Professor Phillip Brown. Is the Thunder and lightning experience of Sanctification the only way or is there another path that we hear preached on far less...

    The Auburn revival, The Survey results, and Life Savers for Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2023 64:47


    In this 47th episode of "Beyond the Vow", Nick and Janelle discuss the results from the survey, the outbreak of revival at Auburn University, the gospel according to Life Savers and other topics.

    A Discussion on True Holiness

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2023 104:23


    In this 46th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the true definition of Holiness, how it should be applied to our lives, and how it has been misrepresented in some religious circles.

    Tecumseh and the Dayton Air Force Base

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2023 71:46


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss their recent visit to the Tecumseh outdoor drama, their visit to the Dayton Air Force Base, and the future direction of the podcast.

    Why are people leaving the church?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2023 55:39


    In this 44th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss America's ever-shrinking church congregations. Why are Christians leaving the church? Why isn't the church growing? Why isn't the church impacting as much as it should? All this and more in this episode of Beyond the Vow!

    Showing others the love of Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2023 40:16


    In this 43rd episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss a recent story shared by Janelle's mother, and we also discuss our responsibility as Christians to exhibit the love of Christ towards others and some clever ways of doing this! You can find us on Facebook; we would love to hear from you!

    Narcissistic behavior within the church

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2023 62:03


    In this 42nd episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the problem of Narcissists who are in positions of leadership within the church. Immense damage can be done by these individuals leading to the abuse of the congregation as well as the destruction of the church in some cases. Can we identify these individuals, what makes them so prevalent in the church and what should we do about them?

    Leaving the CHM, and the challenges that follow...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2023 60:36


    In this 41st episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle talk about some of the challenges that you might expect to encounter if you decide to leave the CHM. Contrary to some, there IS life beyond the CHM! You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087259758925

    The Ring and the Conservative Holiness Movement.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2023 96:15


    In this 39th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle examine some of the thought processes behind the ban on wedding rings within the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM). The ring has been a point of contention. We examine a book by Dr. Dale Yocum, "On Pleasing the Heavenly Bridegroom," and its influence on some of the thinking behind the stand taken on rings within the CHM. Our goal with this episode is not to force a view on anyone but to provide and highlight information that we have found, as well as some of the teachings from the early church fathers and other historical writings on the subject. We also dive into scripture to see what the Bible says on the topic. We hope you enjoy this episode!

    The Public School System - Education or Indoctrination?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2023 57:46


    In this 38th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle talk about some of the subjects being taught within the public school system, including ideas concerning Transgender identity, as well as other LGBTQ ideas even being taught in some kindergartens. We look at what the Bible says about these topics and how these issues led up to the flood in Genesis.

    Conservative Moms and their negative impact on Masculinity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 70:50


    In this 37th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss an article written by Pastor Peter Jones and his theory that Conservative women may not necessarily be living as God intended them to live. He presents the idea that they can be deceptive by presenting a false image of humility and submission to the public, but at home, in private, they are actually the opposite, and he thinks this can both stunt the masculinity of their boys as they grow and their husbands.

    The War on History

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2023 60:07


    In this 36th episode of "Beyond the Vow," Nick and Janelle discuss the "woke" culture and its war on history and the reversal of roles. We also discuss the importance of taking a stand with regards to issues outside and within the church.

    Evidence for the Exodus

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 55:15


    In this 35th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss Artificial Intelligence, and its impact on education, the church, and the music industry. We also discuss recently discovered evidence supporting the biblical account of the Red Sea crossing in Exodus. We hope you can join us!

    In everything, give thanks

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2023 46:06


    In this 34th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss how the lack of gratitude can affect friendships, marriages, and even our spiritual walk with God.

    Modesty and the Conservative Holiness Movement

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 81:10


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle examine Deuteronomy 22:5. This passage is commonly referred to by those in the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM) as the foundation for modesty standards in the CHM. We dive into this text to examine who it was written for, when, and why it was written.

    The religious bubble of the Conservative Holiness Movement, Dylan Mulvaney, and more.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2023 67:53


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the dangers of religious isolation within the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM), the Dylan Mulvaney controversy, a new guitar, our crazy dogs, and more!

    Hysteria vs the Holy Spirit in the church

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 77:12


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss how worship in the early church compares to the modern day as well as some really strange incidents that have taken place in recent services, all under the umbrella of "worship." Are these true expressions of the movement of the Holy Spirit, or is it manipulation and, in some situations, a spirit that is not of God? We also discuss nicks new "hairstyle", Sweetwater, etc. We hope you enjoy it!

    Modeling a proper response to life's challenges

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2023 64:27


    In this 30th episode of "Beyond the Vow", Nick and Janelle discuss how our responses serve as a way of teaching our kids and others, how to react to situations in work, marriage, the church, and life in general. What if we find ourselves in a certain place, but wish for something else? Do we panic? Do we get angry? Do we find a solution? Do we allow ourselves to be defeated? We discuss this and more!

    So, Janelle had a procedure...

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 38:57


    In this 29th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle give an update on their fertility struggles and Janelle discusses her recent "awkward" procedure. We also discuss "Baby boxes".

    Learning to relax (fertility update)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2023 58:39


    In this episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss an update concerning their fertility, relaxing and enjoying the journey both spiritually and with fertility, and the Silicon Valley Bank collapse. 

    Dealing with negative people

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 55:50


    In this 27th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss 12 tips for dealing with negative people, as well as an update on their fertility struggles.

    Our fertility struggles, the Asbury revival, junk journaling, and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 60:32


    In this 26th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss their struggles with fertility, Janelle's love for junk journaling, the Asbury revival, and more. Life is full of ups and down's but through it all, God is able to get us through!

    John Wesley, Perry Stone, and the need for transparency and boundries within marriage

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 56:25


    In this 25th episode of Beyond the Vow, Nick and Janelle discuss the importance of having boundries within marriage with a focus on John Wesley, Perry Stone, and others. We must make sure we never sacrifice our family on the altar of ministry.  

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