Broken. Transformed. Restored.

This is our final episode of Broken. Transformed. Restored. We published our first episode on February 1, 2021, after a very turbulent year. Many episodes were created during these two years and they coincided with many memories. We will continue our work under, "Faith In Action" which will launch on December 12, 2023. Thank you to our audience for making this podcast what it is! We give God all the glory and we are very grateful for this amazing opportunity!

One of the biggest issues we have in the church that prevents church growth is not loving one another. This is not only a necessity to foster an environment of growth, but a command as well. We discuss a few ways how to foster that love for one another.

Galatians 3:28 says we are all one in Christ Jesus. This yells us how God sees Christians and how we should as well. It also gives us an indication that this is the goal we want for our neighbors, for them to be one with us in Christ. We discuss some simple ways to help visitors feel welcome in our congregations.

If there is anything that we invest in less in our congregations than evangelism, it would have to be our corporate worship. This is one area where some investment could go a long way to church growth. Not only in the growth of visitors wanting to see how dynamic and good our worship is but also in encouraging our current members to engage in the worship and be happy & joyful in worshipping God.

Investing in evangelism is one of the main ways to grow your congregation. So often the idea of evangelism is forgotten or given to the preacher only. Investing in ways for the congregation to evangelize is a necessity if one wishes to help a congregation grow.

We have some big news! Some very exciting changes are coming and we are looking forward to sharing what is on the horizon! *Correction - December 12, 2023; not December 21, 2023*

In this episode, we start our breakdown of the 5 tips we discussed in the previous episode about church growth. Embracing our young people is not only a good idea for churches to do, but churches must do this to survive! We look at some ways to help us embrace our youth more in the church.

Growing a church numerically can be a hassle. I'm no expert on this topic, but I can give some tips based on what I've seen in my 7 years of ministry work in the pulpit. The cover photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

Have you ever seen the meme: "If Paul was alive today, he would be writing a letter to the church in America"? You probably can tell where I'm going with this episode. The cover photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

What are some common phrases that you have heard growing up attending church (if you did)? Many come to mind, however, there is one that I wanted to address in today's episode: “Remove all worldly thoughts.” This is a phrase often heard right before we are going to partake of the Lord's Supper. I wanted to talk about this phrase and while I understand the thought behind it, we may need to relook at this phrase and see how sometimes our worldly thoughts may remind us more of why we need a Savior. The cover photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

We continue from an episode a couple of weeks ago where we talked about the importance of loving one another. In this episode, we will focus on 4 passages and discuss God's expectation of us when it comes to how we treat those around us. The cover photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

We have a lot going on! We have some major stuff coming that we are excited to tell all of you about. We are excited all of you are on this journey with us and we can't wait to tell you all what we are working on! The cover photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

One of the most difficult commandments for us to follow is to “love one another.” We are very picky with who we love and don't love, we find that scripture is pretty clear on who we are to love. Love doesn't always mean it's comfortable or comforting. The cover photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬ We can improve on how we can encourage our preachers. I discuss a few major points that will help congregations encourage and appreciate their preachers more. The cover are photo was taken by Melanie Becker. Check out her portfolio at: melaniesuebeckermora.com Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭CSB‬‬ We unfortunately have not done a great job of encouraging our preachers. In this episode, I talk about my personal experiences with preaching and some of the troubling issues that congregations need to address. Link to my wife's blog: https://crazyandwonderful.wordpress.com/2022/12/27/hardest-to-bear/ Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

“Oh, how praying rests the weary Prayer will change the night to day…” This line is from a chorus from the older song “Did You Think to Pray?” by Mary A. Kidder speaks on the power of prayer. What are your prayer habits like? We look at a few verses that highlight the importance of prayer and discuss some daily annoys to help us pray more. If you're interested in the Prayer app “Echo Prayer,” here are the links: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/echo-prayer/id880759027 Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cloversites.echo&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1 Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

When was the last time you picked up a Bible or open a Bible app and just studied God's word? That question may be uncomfortable to ask if you haven't done it in a while. We discuss some really simple tips to remember when studying God's word and some tools that can be used. Visit https://thelightnetwork.tv/ for several amazing podcasts that will help you delve deeper into God's word. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

When we think about worship, do we think about showing our love to God? Or do we think about our wants and desires in worship? As Matt Redmond said in his song, “The Heart of Worship”, “It's all about You, Jesus.” Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

We want to blend in so badly, we don't want to be noticed or attract unwanted attention. However, 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 makes it clear what God expects from His followers. This is part two of last week's podcast. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

We want to blend in so badly, we don't want to be noticed or attract unwanted attention. However, Romans 12:1-2 makes it clear what God expects from His followers. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

Do you or your congregation support a children's home but are not quite sure what we do? This episode gives a brief insight into working at a children's home in the hopes of fostering a better understanding of the importance of our work. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry

What are your passions? Have you lost your passions? We briefly talk about passions and how they help with our mental health and with our work for the Lord. Thanks to Lanie Becker of Lanie's Expressive Musings Blog for inspiring today's episode! Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k Check out Lanie's blog post at: https://laniesexpressivemusings.com/2022/02/28/what-happened-to-my-passion/

Repentance - A change of mind. Repentance is a change of direction, change of attitude, change of behavior. A necessity in Christianity, but how often are the symptoms treated but not the cause? These are questions and strategies to add to your arsenal! Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

We want to be the experts with all the answers, but then we cause more harm than good. Christians have a bad habit of advising on matters they have little to no understanding of. This advice is hurting people physically, spiritually, and mentally. We need to watch our advice. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can hurt a lifetime. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

Abusers are some of the most manipulative people one could ever deal with. Some abusers do it subconsciously, some do it on purpose. This episode won't discuss every single behavior but will touch on a few common ones often seen between abusers and their victims. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k Check out my wife's blog at: http://crazyandwonderful.wordpress.com

Unless you've been living under a rock (or luckily don't have social media), I'm sure that you've heard of what happened between Chris Rock & Will Smith at the Oscars. Though a crazy situation, the situation made me realize how much of a downward spiral we are in with our mental health and its connection to social media. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

The first episode of the year! It's been a while, but we are picking up right where we left off. The taboo topic of abuse among our church families is a topic we need to discuss and it's a real problem. I pray this podcast is helpful and beneficial to you. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

This is probably one of the most taboo topics I've ever covered in my two years of podcasting. However, it needs to be talked about. It needs to be discussed. We need to stop ignoring it and figure out how we as Christians need to do to help the victims. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

**Discretion** I'm not an expert nor do I claim to be one. This podcast on mental health is about the Christian's reaction to them and how we can better the lives of those who suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can often be confused with regular anxiety, which could cause our reaction to them to be wrong. How can we better ourselves in this area? Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

This week's challenge encouraged and challenged us to look deep within ourselves and ask about our encounters or stories about mental health in the church. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

Mental health is one of the misunderstood topics within Christianity. I'm not an expert, but I attempt to tackle this topic over the coming weeks and help us find ways to open up more conversation on this topic. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

What are some ways that you currently show your allegiance to Christ? What are some ways you can show that allegiance in the future? Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

In government we trust. That sounds off, doesn't it? However, looking at the actions of people, one would think they trusted the government/state more than anything else. This is an epidemic that is plaguing our nation, especially Christians, who don't seem to practice having faith in God as we should. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

Praying for wisdom is a very hard task to accomplish, but it'll be worth it once it becomes a habit!

In my opinion, king Solomon has one of the best prayers in scripture. This young child prays for wisdom and discernment to rule and guide God's people! Imagine the love and courage it took for him to acknowledge this important need! This causes us to think, how often do we pray for wisdom? Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

This episode is an update for what's been going on with the podcast.

How often have we prayed prayers of praise? It's easy to pray for our needs and wants, when have we done what Hannah did and offer up prayers of sincere praise to God.

When you read Hannah's prayer of praise, what comes to mind? For me, it causes me to reflect on my prayers of praise and how I could improve on them. We discuss 1 Samual 2:1-10 in this episode and look at the amazing attributes in her prayer. Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

We talked about Jonah's prayer of desperation this past Monday in Jonah 2. We learned that we can and should pray even in times of desperation; when we reach our wit's end, go to God and bring Him your needs! How did you feel when saying these prayers of desperation to God? Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

How often do we think about Jonah's prayer to God inside the great fish? It was a prayer of desperation, praise, and deliverance. Located in Jonah 2, this prayer gives us insight into Jonah's character and his struggles. I've gleaned a few things from this prayer, how about you? Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

We discuss the weekly challenge, what did you glean from Matthew 26:36-46 this week? Was it the same as me? Or did you have something completely different? Let's find out together! Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

We start a mini-series as we look at different prayers of the Bible and what ways we can learn from them. We start by looking at Matthew's Account of Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36-46 Join us as we start this exciting series and see what you can learn and apply from these episodes! Email us at: btrministry@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

We discuss the weekly challenge and give reminders for the preachers searching for a work. Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

On this Monday edition's (that's released on a Tuesday) podcast; we continue to talk about advice for preachers searching for a congregation to work with: 1. Don't be scared to take your congregation outside its comfort zone. 2. Don't make decisions based on a bad Sunday. 3. Don't let yourself burn out too fast. 4. Don't be scared to take a vacation. 5. Prepare your Sunday Items before Saturday night. 6. Remember that some Traditions need to be broken. Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

The process of trying to find and move to new work is massive and stressful. Please pray for these preachers as they have to navigate the waters of trying to find a new work!

In the past two Monday podcasts, we talked about some advice for congregations and leadership when searching for a preacher. On this Monday edition podcast (as well as next week's) we will be talking about advice for preachers searching for a congregation to work with: 1. Remember your main objective - To preach (2 Timothy 4:2) 2. Your other objectives (Colossians 3:23-24) 3. Don't be scared to go outside your comfort zone 4. Don't sell yourself short (Congregations) 5. Don't sell yourself short (salary) 6. Discuss taxes with a professional 7. Be a people lover Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

The challenge this week is to pray for congregations that are currently searching for a preacher. Did you complete the challenge? Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

I give more advice to congregations who are currently or will be searching for a preacher. We have a responsibility to our preachers and their families. We discuss the following points: 1. Work with your preacher, don't have him work for you. 2. Treat preachers with dignity and respect. If they feel disrespected, being treated horribly, it wears on a preacher 3. Be conscious of costs of living 4. If you have a parsonage, keep it in good working order 5. Don't make his wife create all the ladies' events and everything else. Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k

How often do you pray for your preacher? I sure hope that you do so everyday!

Are you a congregation and/or leadership looking for a new preacher? As a former preacher, I offer some advice that would be of great benefit for anyone who's looking for a messenger of God's Word! Follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/btrministry Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/btr_ministry?igshid=1hahk02a81x9k