Inside Redemption

Very fun episode today! We are literally… switching things up. Inside Redemption's very own host is instead the guest today. Luke Simmons is being interviewed by Aaron Dailey (Redemption Alhambra). Luke is the Lead Pastor of Redemption Gateway. He also wears a few hats in helping to lead Redemption Arizona. So much of Redemption's culture is bred from genuine friendships between leaders - and that's exactly what you'll hear in this interview. Also happens to be one our funniest episodes yet. During this episode we talk about: his family, upbringing, and church background meeting Tyler Johnson in high school  coming to faith in Jesus  the significant role sports played in his life, faith, and family the transition from pursuing professional baseball to working in ministry his wife, Molly, and their four kids - and his favorite things about them being a part of East Valley Bible Church (now Redemption Gilbert) and their Training Center planting Second Mile (now Redemption Gateway) the beginning of Redemption Church Arizona his favorite things about Redemption Gateway  why are we doing “this Redemption thing”? why are we better together?

Today we're joined by the Redemption Arcadia Worship Team:Tyler Thompson (Pastor of Communities and Worship)Caleb Wiseman (Worship Director)Malia Rodgers (Worship Director)In August 2021, the worship staff from Redemption Arcadia began writing songs together. Through this process Arcadia Worship was formed as they experienced the Lord moving in these songs even as they were being written and recorded. Their debut album will release this year and is intended to capture what God has done specifically at Redemption Arcadia through this season. You can find their first singles on Spotify or Apple.During this episode we talk about: tensions between contemporary worship music and church traditions around music the beauty of differences on worship team different ways to gauge a “successful” Sunday when it comes to worship what makes a good song? the process of writing a good song should worship music sound like the popular music in culture?

Today we're talking to Josh Watt, the Lead Pastor of Redemption North Mountain. Watt was the Next Generation pastor at Redemption Gateway and planted Redemption North Mountain which launched January 2021.During this episode we talk about: growing up in Arizona  the spiritual temperature of his childhood home finding out he's adopted and being told the Gospel by his birth mom how his parents' divorce shaped him Grand Canyon University, Baylor University and being a teacher meeting his wife, Aubrey, at college group at Redemption Gilbert (formerly East Valley Bible Church) his transition from being a math teacher to a pastor including moving from Texas back to Arizona leading students at Redemption Gateway and somehow convincing new volunteers to commit to student ministry for seven years starting the process of planting the next Redemption congregation how the decision to plant in North Phoenix came to be planting a church at the start of the 2020 pandemic what has been hard, surprising and good about church planting

Today's guest is Sandy. He is the Director of Pastoral Care for Redemption Church. He functions as a “pastor to the pastors” to give - especially Lead Pastors - support and encouragement. He has a long history pastoring in Arizona and the “scars” to prove it. We're very thankful for the ways he uses his wisdom to bless Redemption.During this episode we talk about: being an Arizona native  growing up the oldest of four boys in a complicated family growing up Lutheran and meeting Jesus at Arizona State University going all in on Jesus in college and his girlfriend (now wife) becoming a Christian too working for YoungLife, going to seminary and becoming a Youth Pastor leading a church in Pennsylvania the challenges of being a young lead pastor of a fast growing church planting Desert View (with Scottsdale Bible Church) his role in Redemption - “being a pastor to pastors” what encourages him about this generation of Church leaders - and what concerns him what's fun about his ministry right now

Today's guest is Kiersten Traina. She is a part of the central operation team as the Director of Foster Care, Kinship and Adoption for Redemption Church. Every other year, all ten congregations include Foster Care, Kinship and Adoption ministry as a part of their Christmas offering. In this episode, we talk about how this ministry is a long-standing part of Redemption's vision and DNA.During this episode we talk about: growing up in Montana  her dad's work ethic and support and how it shaped her how having a stable, loving family prepared her to work in foster care the funeral that introduced her to East Valley Bible Church (Redemption Gilbert)  her and her husband (a chef) opening and owning Liberty Market in Gilbert is Liberty Market a “christian restaurant”? how she semi-accidentally became the Director of Foster Care, Kinship & Adoption at Redemption a snapshot of Foster Care, Kinship & Adoption ministry - support groups, orientations, trainings Is there a typical foster care situation? the many ways you can be involved in supporting families besides fostering a child

Double the guests - double the fun! Today we have two guests - Anthony Gee + Dave Goffeney. Anthony is the Lead Pastor of Redemption Flagstaff and Dave is the Lead Pastor at Redemption Tucson. Dave and Anthony discuss the challenges and advantages to leading the only two congregations not located in the Phoenix Metro area.During this episode we talk about: their experiences growing up in various church contexts how God has worked through Dave's stutter in his life and ministry the path Anthony took to becoming a pastor Redemption Flagstaff's planting in 2012 - Anthony became the Lead Pastor this year Redemption Tucson's 2014 launch what it's like to be a congregation not in the valley if it's worth it to drive down to Phoenix so often to be a part of the Redemption team the unique elements and aspects of their congregations in comparison to Phoenix congregations leading congregations in college towns why we are "better together" as a Redemption family

Today's guest is Aaron Dailey. He is the Co-Lead Pastor at Redemption Alhambra. He also wears many other hats including working for the Redemption Central Team, the Surge Network and City to City. During this episode we talk about: Growing up with 5 brothers (about 20 years span the oldest and youngest!) Being involved in church leadership at a young age His love for music and the ways black gospel music shaped his life The complicated circumstances of planting his first church How his church became a part of Redemption When talent outpaces maturity Jamie Foxx, Hugh Jackman, Will Smith or Justin Timberlake Planting in Inner Cities and the ways it's influenced other Redemption congregations His journey to co-lead pastoring with Wayne Wynter The uniqueness of Redemption's structure

In this lecture, Seth Troutt teaches about the body and its sexed nature. Drawing from history, he explains that philosophical minimizing of the body is not new, but rather has a long history in Western culture. In the face of this anti-body dualism, the Scriptures show us what it means to be human and that our bodies tell the truth about who we are.For a longer conversation about what Redemption Church believes about The Body, Sex, and Gender Identity, listen to the Inside Redemption podcast about this issue.

In this lecture, Joshua Butler teaches about gender and how it expresses itself in masculinity and femininity. He argues from Genesis 1-3 that the Bible presents consistent archetypes about gender, but resists stereotypes (which continually change through history).For a longer conversation about what Redemption Church believes about The Body, Sex, and Gender Identity, listen to the Inside Redemption podcast about this issue.

An in depth conversation with Pastors Luke Simmons, Seth Troutt and Joshua Butler surrounding Redemption's conviction on “The Body, Sex & Gender Identity” from the Redemption Church membership packet. It can be found, along with other convictions, here: https://www.redemptionaz.com/convictions/Luke Simmons (Lead Pastor, Redemption Gateway)Seth Troutt (Redemption Gateway Pastor, Redemption Arizona Theology Team) Joshua Butler (Co-Lead Pastor, Redemption Church Tempe)

Josh's role is to start new ministries at the margins and to influence Redemption as we learn from and serve the vulnerable.During this episode we talk about: growing up in suburban Ohio, “sports and church” ruled his childhood  being a pastors kid and the unique challenges that brings  following Jesus in college and the way it completely changed his life  how he almost lived in Morocco   the development of a new way of thinking through global missions Redemption's philosophy of missions (prayer, God's leading, incarnational relationships) short term mission trips - can they be helpful how Redemption thinks through partnering and engaging with people outside the Church (muslims + LGBTQ) differences between “interfaith” and “multifaith” The Daniel Initiative

Today's guest is Josue Lopez. He co-leads the West Mesa congregation: https://westmesa.redemptionaz.com. During this episode we talk about:-Josue's upbringing in Mexico with a preacher dad-meeting Jesus at summer camp-the way the Lord used his dad's passing in his ministry -getting a visa and moving to America-starting Redemption West Mesa's bilingual church service-what it's like to preach with an interpreter-being the only Spanish speaking church in the Redemption family-the gifts Redemption West Mesa brings to other congregationsWe're thankful for the insights and wisdom Josue brings to Redemption and the way he leads his congregation. One of the best parts of Redemption is the diversity of our leaders and the way that embodies the kingdom. 

Today's guest is Vicki Diemert. She is the Counseling Director at Redemption Church Gateway. She's had major influence in all of Redemption over the past few years as it relates to counseling practices and philosophies. During this episode we talk about:-the culture shock and anxiety she experienced while her family lived in China for 2 years-how her time in China shaped ability to listen and empathize-her experience with anxiety disorder and panic attacks-the ways God transformed her from being an “emotionally destructive person”-why we are so scared of counseling-her journey through CCEF (https://www.ccef.org) and how it's shaped the way Redemption approaches counselingCheck out Talking to Humans - the podcast Vicki co-hosts wherever you listen to podcasts. If you want to get connected to the CCEF training you can contact GinaMendez@redemptionaz.com

Today's guest is Neil Pitchel. He is the Pastor of Central Operations of Redemption Church. He oversees Finance, Human Resources and much more for all the congregations of Redemption. He attends the Gilbert Congregation. During this episode we talk about:-Neil's jewish upbringing and former Boston accent-his time at University of Massachusetts and the role it played in him coming to know Jesus -the back injury that turned out to be a good thing-how he made his way from boston to phoenix (and back and forth again) to take a job at Bethany Bible Church and then East Valley Bible Church (now Redemption Gilbert)-the difference between working in finance in the marketplace compared to churches-the hallmarks of Redemption's financial philosophy-how giving has changed (and stayed the same) over the last 30 years-how budgeting works with ten congregations and our 3:1 goalAll that and so much more. Neil's leadership and expertise allows so much ministry to happen across Arizona and we are very thankful for him!

Recording of our first Inside Redemption Live - The Gospel & Race Redemption Church, Racism & The Gospel - https://www.redemptionaz.com/gospelandrace​ Part 1 - L to R Seth Troutt (Pastor, R/Gateway), Wayne Wynter (Lead Pastor, R/Alhambra), Luke Simmons (Lead Pastor, R/Gateway), Chris Amaro (Lead Pastor, R/West Mesa), Frank Switzer (Lead Pastor, R/Arcadia) Part 2 - L to R Melissa Hubert (R/Alhambra), Sandy Cooper (R/Gilbert), Aaron Dailey (Lead Pastor, R/Alhambra), Emma Tautolo (R/Tempe), Marcus Doe (Pastor, R/Tucson) The first "Inside Redemption Live" was February 23, 2021 at Redemption Gilbert.

https://www.redemptionaz.com/gospelandraceAn in depth conversation with Pastors Luke Simmons, Seth Troutt and Tyler Johnson surrounding the document Redemption Church, Racism, & The Gospel. Luke Simmons (Lead Pastor, Redemption Gateway)Seth Troutt (Redemption Gateway Pastor, Redemption Arizona Theology Team) Tyler Johnson (Lead Pastor, Redemption Church Arizona)

One of the most amazing parts about Redemption is how diverse it is - it's also one of the most challenging. Our congregations differ in size and contexts as well as ethnic, socioeconomic, and age demographics. How does the Gospel give us a unique ability to pursue the best kind of diversity?Inside Redemption is a series of conversations with leaders across the ten congregations of Redemption Church (http://redemptionaz.com). Through these discussions, you'll get a behind-the-curtain view of key relationships, decisions, and concerns within Redemption's leadership.***HELPFUL LINKS***REGISTER FOR INSIDE REDEMPTION LIVE - IN PERSONhttps://redemptionaz.wufoo.com/forms/gospel-and-race-forum/INSIDE REDEMPTION LIVE - LIVESTREAMhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQ0eizlKPuIFIND A CONGREGATION NEAR YOUhttps://www.redemptionaz.com/congregations/SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNELhttps://www.youtube.com/RedemptionChurchAZ/?sub_confirmation=1FACEBOOKhttps://www.facebook.com/redemptionarizonaINSTAGRAMhttps://www.instagram.com/redemptionchurchaz/WEBSITEhttps://www.redemptionaz.com/

Every Redemption congregation is engaged in Arizona's foster care crisis, it's part of the DNA of Redemption Church. We believe serving children, parents and families reflects the heart of God and His call to the Church. Foster Care, Kinship and Adoption Director Kiersten Traina along with Pastor Luke Simmons and Pastor Chris Amaro explore the great joy in serving our various communities and the great sorrow that comes from brokenness.This year has been especially brutal on those who were already vulnerable, so part of all our Christmas Offerings will go specifically to support our Foster Care, Kinship & Adoption Ministry. You can visit your congregation's website to give.Inside Redemption is a series of conversations with leaders across the ten congregations of Redemption Church (redemptionaz.com). Through these discussions, you'll get a behind-the-curtain view of key relationships, decisions, and concerns within Redemption's leadership.***HELPFUL LINKS***WOVEN: A STORY OF FAMILYyoutu.be/PXHE0XmDrdcFIND A CONGREGATION NEAR YOUwww.redemptionaz.com/congrega...FOSTER CARE, KINSHIP & ADOPTIONwww.redemptionaz.com/foster-c...SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNELwww.youtube.com/RedemptionChu...FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/redemptionar...INSTAGRAMwww.instagram.com/redemptionc...WEBSITEwww.redemptionaz.com/

Our culture is filled with a desire for the “latest and greatest” - even when it comes to the Church and it's ministry. Our church is what it is because of the perseverance from many leaders who have been faithful in the work for decades. Pastors Frank Switzer and Tim Maughan share lessons from ministry and how their experiences influence the development of young leaders.Inside Redemption is a series of conversations with leaders across the ten congregations of Redemption Church (redemptionaz.com). Through these discussions, you'll get a behind-the-curtain view of key relationships, decisions, and concerns within Redemption's leadership.***HELPFUL LINKS***FIND A CONGREGATION NEAR YOUwww.redemptionaz.com/congrega...SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNELwww.youtube.com/RedemptionChu...FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/redemptionar...INSTAGRAMwww.instagram.com/redemptionc...WEBSITEwww.redemptionaz.com/

From the beginning, Redemption Church has been committed to “birth and strengthen healthy congregations”. This January, we launch our tenth congregation in North Phoenix - Pastors Luke Simmons, Josh Watt, and Tyler Johnson share Redemption's vision for church planting.In this episode, “Planting Redemption North Mountain” our leaders share the role the local church had in their lives and the ways that influenced their leadership.Inside Redemption is a series of conversations with leaders across the ten congregations of Redemption Church (redemptionaz.com). Through these discussions, you'll get a behind-the-curtain view of key relationships, decisions, and concerns within Redemption's leadership.***HELPFUL LINKS***REDEMPTION NORTH MOUNTAIN WEBSITEnm.redemptionaz.comFIND A CONGREGATION NEAR YOUwww.redemptionaz.com/congrega...SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNELwww.youtube.com/RedemptionChu...FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/redemptionar...INSTAGRAMwww.instagram.com/redemptionc...WEBSITEwww.redemptionaz.com/

Throughout COVID-19, the generosity of the people of Redemption church has made a huge impact. Pastors Luke Simmons, Neil Pitchel, and Aaron Dailey share about Redemption's opportunity to bless other churches in some of the hardest hit communities.Inside Redemption is a series of conversations with leaders across the ten congregations of Redemption Church (redemptionaz.com). Through these discussions, you'll get a behind-the-curtain view of key relationships, decisions, and concerns within Redemption's leadership.This first episode, “Blessed to Be a Blessing” highlights a few of the remarkable ways that each congregation has served their community, as well as describes the process of Redemption Church giving away $1.5M to a number of under-resourced ministries and churches in some of the communities that were hardest hit by COVID-19.Additionally, check out this video with Neil Pitchel, sharing the biblical rationale for radical generosity: youtu.be/Vd8IkHPEqgM***HELPFUL LINKS***FIND A CONGREGATION NEAR YOUwww.redemptionaz.com/congrega...SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YouTube CHANNELwww.youtube.com/RedemptionChu...FACEBOOKwww.facebook.com/redemptionar...INSTAGRAMwww.instagram.com/redemptionc...WEBSITEwww.redemptionaz.com/