Engage and Equip

This week's podcast features a follow-up discussion to a student ministry sexuality panel, where host Paxton leads a discussion about LGBTQ-related topics and maintaining Christian faith. The conversation explores biblical teachings on marriage and sexuality, addressing student questions about sin, salvation, and relationships while emphasizing that all people struggle with sexual brokenness and need God's grace. The discussion balances holding to traditional Christian sexual ethics with showing compassion and acknowledging the church's historical failures in loving the LGBTQ+ community. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night) Extra Resources:An Impossible Marriage: What Our Mixed-Orientation Marriage Has Taught Us About Love and the Gospel by Matt and Laurie Krieg (https://a.co/d/7e5UG5Q)Born Again This Way by Rachel Gilson (https://a.co/d/4J4rLUj)Hole in My Heart Podcast (https://open.spotify.com/show/7lanhpj9eRbEoVpt13G7dI?si=MGIG0adHSVK4ZhQ7UcpIdw)Redeemed Sexuality: A Guide to Sexuality for Christian Singles, Campus Students, Teens and Parents by Tim and Dr. Jennifer Konzen (https://a.co/d/8RTF8je)

This episode of the Engage and Equip podcast features pastors Nic Gibson and Paxton Bauer in an AMA from our recent series on generosity. They talk about why people often struggle to be generous with those closest to them while appearing generous in public, emphasizing that true generosity must flow from a transformed heart rather than forced actions. The conversation covers practical topics like financial giving, prosperity theology, charitable donations, and helping panhandlers, while arguing that authentic satisfaction comes from aligning with God's will and living for others rather than pursuing immediate gratification.Episode Notes:Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode of the Engage & Equip podcast, Dr. Greg Scharf, former chair of preaching and practical theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, discusses the mutual responsibilities between church congregations and their pastoral leadership. He explores what believers should expect from their pastors, how to properly encourage and support them, and what not to expect - emphasizing that pastors can't excel at everything or be everyone's best friend. Dr. Scharf also addresses the current challenges in pastoral leadership, recommends essential books for elder candidates, and shares wisdom on the vetting process for potential church leaders. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic and Pastor Mike discuss the Holy Spirit's role in Christianity and how the Holy Spirit functions as a distinct person within the Trinity who empowers believers to live Christian lives. They tackle controversial topics like denominational differences, the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and how believers can "hear God's voice." Throughout, they maintain that the Holy Spirit brings vitality to faith by connecting believers to God's power, enabling them to resist worldly desires, and equipping them to serve one another in community. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

At this Engage & Equip: LIVE event, we heard from Pastor Nic about what it means to be a "sticky" church and discussed steps we can take to build an atmosphere where newcomers want to come back and "stick around". Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This week, Pastor Nic is joined by Dr. Greg Scharf, former chair of preaching and homiletics at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, as they discuss the biblical nature of pastoral ministry. Dr. Scharf unpacks the interchangeable New Testament terms of elder, overseer, and pastor, explaining how these roles overlap in Scripture despite later church traditions creating hierarchical distinctions. They go into the practical duties of church elders (feeding the flock through teaching, prayer, discipleship, and visitation), qualifications for eldership, how churches should develop and train potential leaders, and the relationship between congregational authority and external accountability structures. Dr. Scharf shares wisdom from his decades of pastoral experience, including a successful two-year elder training program he developed, recommended resources for spiritual development, and insights on current challenges facing pastors in today's divisive cultural climate. This episode offers valuable biblical and practical guidance for church leaders and members seeking to understand and support healthy church governance. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode features a discussion with student ministry leaders Paxton Bauer and Brittany Warnell about discipling teenagers in the church. They explore the challenges students face today, including questions of belonging, cultural tensions, and intellectual doubts about faith. The conversation highlights research showing that 59% of young Christians disconnect from church after age 15, but those in meaningful mentoring relationships are significantly more likely to maintain their faith. The hosts emphasize that students need to feel they belong before they truly believe or change their behavior, and discuss practical ways church members can connect with students through mentoring relationships and intergenerational interactions on Sundays. Their message is clear: simple conversations with teens can make a profound difference in their spiritual journey. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

  Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic is joined by Sawyer Henderson and Jacey Thompson. To talk about the biblical teaching on generosity through an in-depth examination of 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, which contain the most comprehensive teaching on Christian giving in the Bible. The conversation weaves through personal stories of being impacted by others' generosity, the theological underpinnings of Christian giving, and practical applications for modern life. Key themes include how true generosity flows from understanding the gospel, the proper attitudes and motivations for giving, financial stewardship, and the balance between church giving and other charitable causes. They discuss how generosity is not just about money but reflects a transformed heart that mirrors God's own generosity. They also address common concerns about church finances, the relationship between giving and spiritual growth, and how Christians can develop practical habits of generosity regardless of their economic situation. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode of the Engage and Equip podcast, Pastor Nic and Jill explore addiction from a Christian theological perspective. They discuss how Jesus's healing approach offers a framework for understanding addiction through biblical concepts: infirmity (weakness), slavery (compulsive control), and idolatry (false salvation). The conversation highlights how the cross creates both moral accountability and freedom from shame, challenging the notion that professional help is always necessary. They discuss that while clinical psychology has value, Christian community can address many psychological needs through compassionate listening and spiritual wisdom. Join us as we explore a holistic approach to healing that balances accountability with compassion in addressing addiction. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This week is an Ask Me Anything with Pastor Nic about his recent sermon he preached on missions and politics. The primary focus of this episode is on how Christians should navigate conflicts between their God-given authority from Christ and other earthly authorities like governments. Pastor Nic explains that while Christians should generally obey legitimate authority, when those authorities exceed their rightful boundaries and interfere with Christians' commission to make disciples, their actions become tyrannical, and Christians have a responsibility not to be servile. Throughout the discussion, they address numerous theological questions about missions, evangelism, predestination, handling persecution, maintaining faith in difficult times, and appropriate Christian responses to authority. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

Welcome to the Engage and Equip podcast. In February, pastor Devin led a seminar called Singleness is for Everyone here at High Point going over what the bible teaches about singleness. We'll be posting the recordings as a series of three episodes throughout the month of March to help bring light to this topic and seek to encourage and educate all Christians with these Biblical truths. This episode is from session 3 of the seminar, the conclusion of this series, where we'll explore how we can honor singleness as a genuine spiritual gift, create spaces where single Christians can thrive, and build a church community that truly values all the gifts God has given us. If you have any questions about what's talked about in this series that you'd like to hear in an Ask Me Anything, a sermon or a future podcast, please fill out the Google form here: https://forms.gle/H21PVVjWc4eMApsK7. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

Welcome to the Engage and Equip podcast. In February, pastor Devin led a seminar called Singleness is for Everyone here at High Point going over what the bible teaches about singleness. We'll be posting the recordings as a series of three episodes throughout the month of March to help bring light to this topic and seek to encourage and educate all Christians with these Biblical truths. This episode is from session 2 of the seminar, where Devin discussed how in our evangelical circles, we've often emphasized marriage to the exclusion of celibacy, creating an imbalance that overlooks important teachings. Here, he'll explore how both institutions help us live faithfully between the times as we await the fulfillment of God's kingdom. If you have any questions about what's talked about in this series that you'd like to hear in an Ask Me Anything, a sermon or a future podcast, please fill out the Google form here: https://forms.gle/H21PVVjWc4eMApsK7. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In February, pastor Devin led a seminar called Singleness is for Everyone here at High Point going over what the bible teaches about singleness. We'll be posting the recordings as a series of three episodes throughout the month of March to help bring light to this topic and seek to encourage and educate all Christians with these Biblical truths. This episode is from session 1 of the seminar, where Devin talked about how the New Testament actually shifts our understanding of sexuality from Eden's command to multiply toward the New Jerusalem, where the Church is portrayed as the bride awaiting Christ. In this recording, Devin explores how this theological framework gives new meaning to both marriage and singleness in the Christian life, and how it might reshape our understanding of Christian community. If you have any questions about what's talked about in this series that you'd like to hear in an Ask Me Anything, a sermon or a future podcast, please fill out the Google form here: https://forms.gle/H21PVVjWc4eMApsK7. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, pastor Nic sits down with Bishop Stubbs to share the story of the fruitful cross-cultural church partnership between High Point Church and End Time Ministries International. They talk about how High Point Church purchased and renovated the Monona Oaks building, which End Time Ministries now uses for worship and community outreach. Bishop Stubbs candidly discusses the challenges of urban ministry—serving a congregation where 65% receive public assistance, lacking administrative support, and struggling with consistent attendance and giving. Despite these obstacles, End Time Ministries continues to baptize new believers, operate a food pantry serving 75 families weekly, and plans to open a daycare to both serve families and generate revenue. The partnership demonstrates how two churches with different cultural expressions but shared theological foundations can collaborate effectively, with High Point providing facility resources while End Time focuses on gospel ministry and community impact. Their relationship exemplifies how churches can overcome financial and cultural barriers to advance their shared mission of reaching people with the message of Christ. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic is joined by his brother, Stanford, and his daughter, Rachel, as they discuss developing their own Rule of Life based on the sermon series we went through in the fall of 2024. The core idea of this episode is how to establish sustainable spiritual practices while accounting for different life stages and circumstances. They emphasize thatwhile morning routines and consistent Bible study are ideal, these practices must be adaptable to different situations, whether it's college life, young parenthood, or professional work. A key insight is that spiritual disciplines aren't meant to be rigid checklist items but rather tools for growth that can be adjusted as needed. The conversation particularly highlights the challenges faced by college students and young parents in maintaining spiritual disciplines, and emphasizes the importance of being able to restart habits without unproductive shame when they lapse. They also explore how responsibilities to others impact our spiritual routines, suggesting that while structure is important, it should be flexible enough to accommodate the needs of those we're called to serve. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode of the Engage and Equip podcast comes from the recording of the February 2nd, 2025 Engage & Equip: LIVE event that we held at High Point. This recording includes the main session talk delivered by Pastor Nic, as well as the small group breakout session, also led by Nic.Engage & Equip: LIVE is an event held around quarterly at High Point to engage leaders in our various ministries and equip them to do the work of the saints, helping to build up God's Kingdom. For more information about E&E, High Point Church, or our service opportunities, check out highpointchurch.org! Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This week, Pastor Nic is joined by Than Christopoulos from the YouTube channel Exploring Reality. They discuss the historical reliability of the New Testament resurrection narratives and broader issues of faith, doubt, and biblical interpretation. The discussion focuses particularly on how to understand apparent discrepancies between the Gospel accounts while maintaining their historical reliability. Than, who was formerly an atheist before becoming a Christian apologist, explains his approach to harmonizing these accounts by understanding ancient literary conventions, Greek grammar, and the cultural context of the texts. The conversation expands to address deeper issues about how academic scholarship sometimes unfairly approaches biblical texts with different standards than other historical documents, and how personal biases and social pressures can influence both belief and disbelief. They also explore how to help Christians who struggle with doubts about biblical reliability, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community in working through these questions. The discussion concludes with a philosophical exploration of suffering, free will, and God's purposes in allowing human development rather than creating fully formed beings, presenting a view of Christianity that embraces both intellectual rigor and meaningful engagement with life's difficulties. Exploring Reality YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringRealityEngage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode of E&E is a conversation between Pastor Nic Gibson and historian Tracy McKenzie about McKenzie's book "We the Fallen People," which explores a critical transformation in American political thought regarding human nature. The core argument is that the American founders designed the Constitution based on a realistic, biblically-aligned view that humans are inherently self-interested and fallen, requiring checks and balances on power. However, by the 1830s, particularly during the Jacksonian era, this view shifted dramatically toward a belief in the innate goodness of "the people." McKenzie argues that this transformation wasn't primarily driven by later influences like Marx or Darwin, but rather by earlier political dynamics, particularly the expansion of voting rights and the rise of populist democracy. The conversation explores how this shift continues to influence American political discourse today, where politicians often frame narratives around the inherent goodness of their supporters and the evil of their opponents. McKenzie expresses concern that these political messages can function as competing "sermons" that shape Christians' understanding of human nature in ways that may conflict with biblical teaching. He advocates for Christians to resist being "captured" by partisan narratives and to maintain a biblical view of human nature when engaging in politics, emphasizing that the line between good and evil runs through every human heart rather than between political parties. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode of the Engage and Equip podcast, we're joined by Sawyer Henderson and Pastor Nic as they discuss Nic's sermon about communion from the Advent sermon series, focusing particularly on differing theological views and practical application. The core discussion centers around the tension between Protestant and Catholic understandings of communion, especially regarding transubstantiation - the Catholic belief that the bread and wine literally become Christ's body and blood. Pastor Nic argues that while Catholics and Protestants both believe in Christ's real presence in communion, the Catholic Church's insistence on transubstantiation as dogma has led to problematic practices and unnecessary division within Christianity. He emphasizes that communion should be inclusive for all believers while remaining exclusive to those who profess faith in Christ, and that its practice should help ground the church in equality despite necessary functional hierarchies. The conversation then broadens to address why some evangelical Christians feel drawn to more liturgical traditions, with Nic asserting that while aspects of Catholic and Orthodox practice can be valuable, the Protestant foundation of scripture-based, reforming faith provides the best framework for balanced Christian practice. The episode concludes with practical applications of divine hospitality, emphasizing that reaching people requires sacrificial service and making others feel Christ's welcome, particularly during seasons like Christmas.  Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic is joined by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, a renowned education professor and Christian believer, discuss Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its intersection with faith and education. The conversation aims to provide a clear, nuanced explanation of CRT's main tenets while exploring how Christians might engage with these ideas constructively. Dr. Ladson-Billings, as both a scholar and a long-time church member, offers unique insights into how CRT can be understood as an analytical tool for understanding racial inequality rather than as a prescription for policy or a replacement for Christian values. The discussion covers topics like systemic racism, interest convergence, race as a social construct, and church segregation, all while maintaining a focus on how these concepts relate to Christian faith and practice. Throughout the conversation, Ladson-Billings emphasizes that CRT is primarily meant to help explain persistent racial disparities in America, not to promote hatred or division. The conversation ultimately suggests that understanding CRT's academic insights might actually help Christians better fulfill their calling to love their neighbors and work toward reconciliation, while maintaining their core theological commitments. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic has a conversation with Ron Greer focusing on race, faith, and discipleship in America. Ron Greer shares his firsthand experience growing up in Milwaukee during the late 1960s and witnessing the breakdown of black families and communities, which he attributes to a "perfect storm" of factors including government welfare programs, the sexual revolution, radical political movements, and the withdrawal of churches from community engagement. Rather than supporting current progressive approaches or government programs to address racial inequity, Greer advocates for intentional, one-on-one Christian discipleship as the solution to social problems. He emphasizes that true discipleship involves sharing one's life with others, particularly across gender lines (men discipling men, women discipling women), and requires personal sacrifice and genuine relationship-building rather than just Bible study. Throughout the conversation, Greer challenges both conservative and progressive approaches to racial issues, arguing that the current focus on systemic racism is misguided and that the bigger problems are the breakdown of faith, family, and personal responsibility. He advocates for a return to biblical principles and genuine discipleship as the path forward, while critiquing both white conservative churches for their lack of true discipleship and black churches for sometimes prioritizing racial identity over Christian identity. The episode concludes with a call for Christians to examine whether their faith and discipleship practices are truly aligned with biblical teachings. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic is joined by pastors Adam Mabry and Mike Woodruff as they discuss key challenges and opportunities facing the Christian church in contemporary culture. The central focus is on identifying fundamental beliefs Christians must maintain despite cultural pressure to abandon them, and how to respond pastorally to current societal trends. The pastors highlight several core issues: the importance of maintaining belief in physical embodiment against modern Gnostic tendencies that separate spirit from body, the necessity of objective truth in an increasingly relativistic culture, and the Christian understanding of freedom through discipline rather than freedom from consequences. They argue that these principles are not just theological abstractions but have practical implications for issues like marriage, family size, technology, and social ethics. The episode concludes by emphasizing that while society may face significant challenges or even collapse, Christians should maintain an eternal perspective while being faithfully present in current cultural moments, potentially serving as witnesses during times of social upheaval. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

We meet again for another "Ask Me Anything" session with Pastor Nic Gibson. Throughout this episode, he addresses several questions asked during our AMA portion of a previous Sunday service. The overarching theme centers on understanding how to balance seemingly contradictory aspects of Christian faith and practice. It revolves around how God's commands and ways, while sometimes appearing burdensome or ill-fitting (illustrated through the metaphor of a scuba diving suit), are actually designed for human flourishing when properly understood and embraced. Nic explains how concepts like mercy and moral seriousness, grace and justice, or freedom and structure aren't truly opposed but rather work together in God's design. The discussion particularly emphasizes how understanding this balance helps Christians navigate practical challenges in their spiritual lives, from following a "rule of life" to interpreting biblical commands in complex situations. Throughout the episode, Nic consistently returns to the idea that God's ways, while sometimes challenging to adapt to, are ultimately designed for human benefit and transformation, not mere restriction or burden.  Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode is a conversation between the Gibson brothers, one a pastor and the other an engineer with theological training, discussing how to make decisions about pursuing vocational ministry versus other careers. The core message is that loving Jesus intensely doesn't automatically mean someone should become a pastor, and there's no requirement for a mystical "calling" to enter ministry. They emphasize that both ministry and secular work are valuable pursuits, with secular work fulfilling the "creation mandate" from Genesis to bring order from chaos. The Gibsons suggest that instead of waiting for certainty about God's will, people should try different roles, develop various skills, build relationships, and make wise choices based on their temperament, abilities, and circumstances. They argue that the desire for absolute certainty in career decisions often stems from anxiety rather than faith, and that God can work through multiple paths to accomplish His purposes. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic sat down to answer some of YOUR questions that were asked during one of our Sunday services. This was recorded during our recent Rule of Life series, and is a helpful resource to those looking to fully implement your own Rule of Life. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

In this episode, Pastor Nic sits down with Jill Reasa, director of High Point Church's Oaks ministry, and talks about the ethics of information sharing within a church community. They explore how church leaders should handle sensitive personal information, focusing on balancing the need for appropriate disclosure with maintaining confidentiality and discretion. The conversation covers various aspects of pastoral care, including when and how to share information up the church's leadership hierarchy, the differences between gossip and necessary disclosure, and the importance of having proper confidants and reporting structures. They emphasize that while the church aims to keep sensitive information within the smallest necessary circle, certain situations require broader disclosure for the safety and wellbeing of both individuals and the congregation. The discussion also delves into biblical principles regarding speech, confrontation, and church discipline, while addressing modern psychological concepts and mandatory reporting requirements. Throughout the conversation, they stress that the goal is to handle information in ways that promote healing and spiritual growth while maintaining trust and protecting both vulnerable individuals and the broader church community. They emphasize that their approach aims to be both biblically faithful and practically wise, recognizing that different situations require different levels of confidentiality and disclosure. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode of the Engage and Equip podcast discusses the history, growth, and impact of Impact Christian Schools (ICS), a network of Christian schools in Wisconsin that emerged from High Point Church in Madison. The conversation between Nic Gibson, a pastor at High Point, and Chuck Moore, the executive director of ICS, reveals how the organization evolved from managing two schools to becoming a significant force in Christian education across Wisconsin, now working with 14 schools. The discussion emphasizes how ICS has leveraged Wisconsin's school choice program to make Christian education accessible to families regardless of their socioeconomic status, while maintaining high educational standards and Christian values. A key theme is how ICS has become uniquely positioned to help other Christian schools navigate the complex processes of establishment, accreditation, and joining the choice program - something particularly valuable as many parents seek alternatives to public education, especially after COVID-19 revealed more about what was happening in government schools. The conversation also explores the broader philosophical and practical reasons for Christian education, including the challenges faced by Christian students in public schools and the importance of creating educational environments that balance both structure and accommodation. The transcript concludes with a focus on ICS's newest venture - a high school on Madison's west side - and reflects on how the organization's success came through patient relationship-building, trust, and the bringing together of various essential skills and people at the right time. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

Join us for a weekend's worth of recordings from the 2024 Leaders' Retreat. This podcast has 7 separate recordings put together into one, and much of the content revolves around Crossroads church, the building we have officially voted to plant a church in, and how to join together as the Body of Christ to do ministry for God's Kingdom here in Madison! Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

In this episode, Pastor Nic interviews Adam Mabry, author of "The Art of Rest," who shares his journey from being a task-driven pastor to discovering the vital importance of rest in Christian life. Despite being naturally inclined toward constant activity, Mabry came to write about rest after experiencing his own crisis with burnout. The conversation explores how rest is fundamentally woven into creation itself, serving multiple essential purposes: it helps believers remember God's sovereignty, restores relationships, allows for spiritual growth, and resists our culture's relentless drive toward productivity. Mabry explains that rest is an art that must be learned and practiced, looking different for each person while connecting to both God's role as creator and redeemer. The episode concludes with an encouraging challenge for listeners to begin practicing rest despite the fear and discomfort that might initially come with "stopping," trusting that God will bless their obedience in this area. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

In this episode, Pastor Nic goes deeper into the concept of spiritual ferocity in Christian faith and personal transformation. At its core, the discussion explores how genuine spiritual growth requires an aggressive stance against both worldliness and indwelling sin, while paradoxically enabling gentleness and peace in the believer's life. Nic explains that spiritual ferocity operates in three ways: as brutality against sin, tenacity in faith, and ferocity in love. He emphasizes that this isn't about external violence or aggression toward others, but rather an internal battle that produces genuine love and transformation. Through detailed examples and biblical references, Nic illustrates how believers must learn to distinguish between their true identity and indwelling sin, align their feelings with God's judgments, and remain vigilant against the "little foxes" - small compromises that gradually undermine spiritual growth. This episode culminates in a discussion of worship as an indispensable discipline for developing this spiritual ferocity. Throughout the conversation, Nic challenges common misconceptions about grace and works, arguing that authentic Christian spirituality requires both vigorous striving and complete dependence on God's grace. This nuanced understanding of spiritual growth provides listeners with both theological depth and practical applications for their faith journey. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

In this episode of the Engage the Equip podcast, Pastor Nic interviews Mike Woodruff about his book "How Do You Know," which explores reasons to trust and read the Bible. They discuss the Bible's unique historical significance, including its unparalleled sales figures and manuscript evidence, its internal consistency, and its historical accuracy confirmed through archaeology. Woodruff addresses common skepticisms and explains how the Bible's reliability has been repeatedly validated over time. The conversation also covers practical advice for new Bible readers, including recommended translations and starting points for study. The discussion is particularly relevant for those interested in understanding why the Bible remains significant in modern times and how to approach reading it thoughtfully. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of having guidance when studying the Bible and understanding its role as a source of truth in an ever-changing world. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Join us for a conversation between Pastor Nic and Mike Woodruff where they discuss multiple topics from Mike Woodruff's podcast: "Beneath the Headlines". In this fast-paced discussion, Nic and Mike go over several topics about things happening to our culture, the danger in declining masculinity, and the church's role in challenging the cultural shift. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Guy Conn of Fox River Church in Waukesha joins Pastor Nic to discuss his experience in running a multi-site church. As High Point gears up to decide whether or not we will accept the Crossroads campus, Guy brings an important perspective on what it takes to do multi-site church work, and how High Point should look realistically at the adoption of another church building. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

In this AMA, or Ask Me Anything, Nic addresses questions asked by listeners that came in at the beginning of the Rule of Life sermon series that's been taking place at High Point. Rule of Life is a sermon series directed at measuring various aspects of our life, evaluating what needs to be cut out, and at the end determining what set of disciplines we want to live by in order to center our life around Christ. For more Rule of Life content, check out our website at www.highpointchurch.org/ruleoflife  Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

The staff team went through the Rule of Life process over the spring and summer in preparation for this series. Quite a bit has changed, but you can still use this as a further resource to understand the background behind the sermon each week and read all the things Nic wishes he could include on a Sunday morning here: https://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/21096/uploaded/r/0e18544378_1727285555_rule-of-life-in-the-making.pdfIn this episode of Engage & Equip, Pastor Nic reads through week five of the Rule of Life series from this content that the staff went through. He focuses on escaping diversion, exploring the crucial practice of creating space for spiritual growth by eliminating distractions and embracing spiritual disciplines. He introduces the concept of "subtraction and experimentation," emphasizing the need for temporary minimalism and strategic deprivation to reset our relationship with technology and consumption. The episode outlines four categories of spiritual ordinances - space, rituals, disciplines, and obediences - and discusses the balance between personal effort and God's grace in spiritual transformation. From Sabbath-keeping to fasting, from silence to fellowship, Nic provides practical insights on how to make room for God in our busy lives, ultimately aiming for progress and joy in faith. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

On September 16, 2024 we gathered for another Engage & Equip: LIVE where Pastor Nic dove into what is a Rule of Life and how we can approach this in our various volunteering roles. Take a listen to this encouraging, informative, and fairly entertaining edition of Engage & Equip! Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

In this episode, Pastor Nic sits down with Liz Reasa, a member of the Adult Christian Education committee at High Point, to discuss a class that A.C.E. is doing alongside the Rule of Life sermon series. For more information about Rule of Life, visit highpointchurch.org/ruleoflife. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

This podcast, hosted by Pastor Nic, our Senior Pastor, and Niccole, our Director of Worship and Arts, explores the challenges of modern Christian ministry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining unity without compromising core beliefs, and addresses how to navigate partnerships and conflicts within the church. Their conversation touches on practical aspects of ministry, such as handling controversies and making decisions about church partnerships, while striving to remain true to biblical principles. We hope you enjoy! Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Join us as Pastor Nic chats with Pastor Adam Mabry, the head pastor at Aletheia Church in Boston, MA. Their conversation explores six stages: Recognition of God, Life of Discipleship, Productive Life, The Journey Inward, The Journey Outward, and Life of Love. They discuss how these stages manifest in Christian life, particularly focusing on the challenges believers face when hitting "the wall" in their spiritual journey. They offer insights on navigating difficult periods of faith, the importance of perseverance in church communities, and the value of understanding these stages for both pastors and congregation members.This episode also provides practical advice for Christians struggling with their faith or considering leaving their churches, emphasizing the importance of pushing through difficult times for spiritual growth. It also touches on the challenges faced by pastors and the need for churches to support their spiritual leaders. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Check out the latest episode of the Engage and Equip podcast where Pastor Nic answers some of YOUR AMA questions from a Sunday service this past April.Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Check out the latest episode of the Engage and Equip podcast where Pastor Nic interviews Mike Woodruff, the lead pastor at Christ Church north of Chicago.Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Check out the latest episode of the Engage and Equip podcast where Pastor Nic answers some questions about our cooperation with End Time Ministries.Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast)Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Listen to this informative podcast led by Pastor Nic as he sits down with two guests from our prayer team, Christina Sekutowski and Jean Collins, to discuss resources for prayer at High Point as well as a new restorative prayer program. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church. Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast) Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Nic's Slides: https://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/21096/uploaded/2/0e17982004_1714490198_240422-engage-and-equip-live.pdf Engage and Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

Join our student ministries team of Paxton, Amber, and Pastor Mike as they discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in parenting and combating the allure of the occult with the power of the Gospel. Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church. Find more episodes at [highpointchurch.org/podcast](http://highpointchurch.org/podcast) Music: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong ([https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)](https://music.midwestcollective.us/track/were-finally-landing)

Listen as Pastor Adam Darbonne and Pastor Nic Gibson take another look at the sermon and the remaining AMA questions from February 18, 2024, the last sermon from the Technopoly series.6:10 - Please elaborate on what you mean when you say things like “the technopoly is trying to control you”? 14:18 - What is your foundation for, and purpose in, directing our awareness to some cabal of elites being in control of this? At what point can we talk about demonization? 27:41 - What do you think is the difference between a Donald Trump evangelical and a Joe Biden catholic? 41:06 - Do you think creating Christian content online does more good or bad? 44:49 - What advice would you give to small business owners who want to use things like Amazon or Facebook ads to support their business? 46:58 - How do we practically act out the practice described in 1 Corinthians 9:19-27 while staying truthful? 52:47 - If you “train to win”, does that mean setting higher expectations for yourself? And how do I pursue Godly asceticism without feeding my tendency toward self-hatred? 1:01:40 - If praying for increase of faith is wrong, what about praying for unbelief? Is there a difference between faith and unbeliefEngage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode is a recording of the Monona Oaks Town Hall Meeting from February 4, 2024. If you'd like any more information on this topic, or see any of the documents referenced during this meeting, go to highpointchurch.org/mononaoaks.Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

Monona Oaks Community Church has voted to give their building to High Point Church, and in this episode of E&E, Nic and Mike answer some of the FAQs about the situation as we prepare for the upcoming congregational vote as to whether or not receive the building.Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

This episode is a combination between Cutting Room Floor and an Ask Me Anything. Listen as Adam and Nic dive deeper into the content and cover some of the questions from last Sunday, January 28, from the sermon: Technopoly, Faith, and the Way of Jesus.The AMA portion begins at the 23 minute mark.Engage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)

Listen or re-listen to the main session talk from the Engage and Equip Live main session from Nic and Adam on Outreach. This Engage and Equip Live was on January 29, 2024. Reference the episode notes for Adam's slides and handout. Adam's Slides: https://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/21096/uploaded/2/0e17040312_1706636234_240129-engage-and-equip-live.pdfHandout on Spiritual Conversation Starters: https://account-media.s3.amazonaws.com/21096/uploaded/2/0e17040351_1706636691_240129spiritualconversationstarters.pdfEngage & Equip is a resource designed to help form substantive disciples for the local church.Find more episodes at highpointchurch.org/podcastMusic: HOME—We're Finally Landing, Nosebleed, If I'm Wrong (https://midwestcollective.bandcamp.com/album/before-the-night)