Ordinary Radicals

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner about pride and humility in leadership. What do you do when you find “pride” in your pastor? How would you feel when you find out your “lead pastor” is maybe a control freak? Some highlights from today's episode. Deep down in the heart issue, the problem is between “pride” and “humility” in leadership. Some people just feel uncomfortable to give “control” to others. They rather do it all themselves. Guess what? You will kill yourself in ministry. There must be a balance in communication and level of delegation in leadership structure. The experience of “hurt” at times morphs into making them rely more on “self” A prideful leader has a sense of “elevation of self” with “my way or the highway” Arrogant people use it in “manipulation” to get what-they-want. When we think ministry only happens only between the “four walls”, we're in huge problem. Arrogant pastors will hurt people eventually. Prideful leaders, if you would like Satan, have become puffed up with pride. They are satanic. Arrogant leaders; (1) hide sin, (2) minimize sin, (3) justify sin, (4) rationalize sin. Repeated apology is not “repentance” Everyday with Jesus is better than the day before. Accountability and authenticity are important for gospel conversation for lost and Christians. Arrogance can ruin a ministry and it is important to speak into those situations. Don't do it by being the master manipulator just like the arrogant leader from a hurtful heart. The past can make you either bitter or the past can make you better. Be careful who you let on the ship, cause sometimes if they can't be the captain, they are willing to sink the whole ship down. Don't lose hope, God can work in anyone's heart. Keep praying for your leaders. Don't get caught up in your self-pity soaking mode. That will make you more depressed. Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. Why Are Certain People are “Control Freaks”? - Not all these cases we are able to say “black-and-white” distinction issues. It's gray. - Marriage counseling with “Abuse” finds similar characteristics. - Authoritarian Leader who are “King of the hill” or the “CEO of the home” - The heart of the problem is always the problem of the heart. - Pride is huge in ministry, where people are that way out of “hurt” - Arrogance just simply likes to rely more on “self” because they know better than other. 2. Characteristic of Arrogance and Pride? - Secular definition, “narcissistic personality disorder” - Biblical definition, “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride. (Prov 21:24). - Prideful leaders are good at justifying what they want and desires. - "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov 16:18). - “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (Jam 4:6). - “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17). - In marriage cases, prideful leaders will “gaslight” the conversation and exaggerate issues. - Pharisees cared so much about their own thoughts, good at pointing fingers at others. 3. Humility and Humble Heart of Leader - There needs to be a certain amount of discernment when we deal with the heart of a leader. - Humility comes along with other characteristics of a leader (Gal 5:22). 4. How to Deal with Prideful Leaders (Pastors)? - The cure to “pride” is repentance, which is byproduct of the gospel. - Progressive sanctification, sometimes if repentance is not there, the leader may not be “saved” - Begin with the gospel - Repentance is not just words. It is not just head, but the heart is truly broken before the Lord. - The standard of repentance is not “perfection” but head, heart, and hands (course of life) change. - “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defile” (Heb 12:15). - Pastors need help too! They are not Jesus. Let's not make them Jesus. - Jesus came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). 5. Pragmatically Why Pride in Leadership Doesn't Help. - Moses from the Old Testament, pastors can learn from biblical character. - The local church is crucial as we are “better together” - Christianity is not solo or a spectator sports. - 1 Peter 2 teaches that Christ is the cornerstone who is living to help unity in the body. 6. What to Do When You're Under a Toxic Leader? - Esther in the Old Testament, gives hope for leaders who are under toxic leadership. - “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). - As leaders, we need to be very wise how to converse and talk about issues like this with grace. - Important not to take the “victim mentality” as an identity of a child of God. - Too often, people do it from a critical heart rather than a heart of restoration with grace. - Naomi in the Old Testament, grants an example for suffers not to end up as victim mentality. - “Do not call me Naomi; call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.” (Ruh 1:20). - “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” (1 Cor 10:13). 7. When Do you Tell the Minister to “Cut-Ties”? - Sometime for the sake of the gospel, it's ok to say goodbyes. - “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Ps 133:1). - Don't drag down the whole body, take the highroad and the higher way for God's glory. - God will really honor when you take the higher way to maintain peace and unity. - “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (1 Pet 5:6). - “God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.” (Ps 46:1). - Paul in the New Testament, he must have been a very prideful person before Christ. - “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor 12:9). - “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen 50:20). - Sovereignty focus rather than Suffering focus. - “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (Jam 1:2). Resources mentioned in today's podcast The Majesty's Men Feedback If you have a question, you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner talk about winning over wayward Christians.   What do you do when the one you love is wayward? How do you go about having gospel conversation with family members?  Some highlights from today's episode. • We sadly see this scenario quite common.  • It is IMPOSSIBLE for us to restore someone to faith. Only God can.  • The modern church movement with A.B.C. of salvation. They have water down the gospel.  • If they truly believe, they will never walk away from the faith.  • Denying the holiness of God in the heart? Takes a constant struggle there with the action.  • People can say, “I do not like you” that can quickly turn to, “I don't believe in you”  • What is going on? As men, we are taught to absorb our own emotions. That's a problem.  • Not only men cry, but God cries. So, we should experience those emotions.  • Life is not just a bunch of snap shots of pictures. It is more like a movie clip that moves forward.  • False thinking process, “God allows that to happen, therefore, God doesn't care for me”  • A person may have genuinely not been born again, or they could have hardened their hearts in sin.  • Dialogue, “Oh yeah, Jesus doesn't understand pain, betrayal, or hurt cause he hasn't felt it”   Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. How Do You Share the Faith to One who has Denied Christ?  - Common scenario: Husband who leaves the faith and wife who stays faithful.  - Is the person in exile? Sojourn? Is it even possible?  - The passage on apostasy (Heb 6:1-5).  - Lordship Salvation & Easy Believism.  - “He who has begun a good work will complete it by the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:7). 2. Empathy with those in Lamentation.  - Psalms, majority of them are not happy.  - Grieving the Holy Spirit that can eventually lead to quenching the Holy Spirit.  - The parable of the Four soils (Matt 13:1-23).  - Hebrews 12:15-16 speaks of the issue of the root of bitterness.  3. What is the Plan to Go about with Wayward Christian?  - Counseling approach by, “Taking time” with the person.  - “Men don't cry.” Well, the shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).  - Let people cry and have a shoulder to cry on.  - “He who gives an answer before he listens, it is folly and shame.” (Prov 18:13).  - Give the benefit of the doubt. “What is going on down in the heart?”  - People don't overcome problems in just an hour. Give some time to walk through the narrative.  - Every situation is different. You can't just expect to take two tablets and move forward.  4. Burden person walking into a church?  - Spiritual warfare could be going on. There may be a dysfunction in their theological belief.  - Evangelism & Apologetics comes into the conversation.  - Restoration: The heart of the gospel from the garden and God bringing us back to the cross.  - “Blessed be the God of all comfort and the God of all mercies” (2 Cor 1:3-4).  Resources mentioned in today's podcast • The Majesty's Men Feedback If you have a question, you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner about church hurt. It's a serious, isn't it? There's church hurt in people in general, but how does that all lay out? Why does this “hurt” seems unique? How does it manifest itself? Some highlights from today's episode. Hurt is something we all go through because of sin. Preach the word in and out of seasons. Don't want to be stuck in past circumstances, that influences the present moments, which unbales you to move towards the future opportunities. Dealing with maturity can help move beyond church hurt. Churches can be like counselor. It may take time for you to find a healthy church. Criticism with concern is constructive. Criticism without concern is combative. Casting stones, that hurts. That is the reason we can sympathize with those who hurt. Church is not like family. Church IS FAMILY. That is why it hurt. When we choose to forgive and move on, we are emulating Jesus to people. Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. What Does Church Hurt Look Like? - Hurt Process: (1) Hurt (2) Anger (3) Bitter (4) Revenge. - “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled” (Heb 12:15). - Fruit of flesh vs. fruit of the spirit (Gal 5). 2. How Do We Best Minister to Those who Experience Church Hurt? - Grace-filled moments? Preach the gospel to ourselves. - Put on Christ vs. Put Off Self. - Revitalization with those who experienced church hurt. - Sit and talk about past issues may help at times to navigate difficult pain. - Hurt people hurt people. - “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,” (2 Cor 1:3). 3. What Might We Tell People Stop Going to Church? - I cannot be Jesus to everyone. I cannot be Messiah for people. - Church is not museum of saints but hospital for sinners. - “Do not neglect the assembly of believers” (Heb 10:24). - There's no perfect church. No judgement-free church. 4. Every Pastor Learned to Live with Church Hurt - Everyone lives in a glasshouse. For a pastor? It's up on top of a hill. - “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply” – A.W. Tozer - Forgiveness is hurtful when we don't want to forgive. - “Forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Resources mentioned in today's podcast The Majesty's Men Feedback If you have a question, you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner about the heavy topic of sexual abuse in the church.  This is a topic that should be a burdensome and grievous topic for all of us. Difficult topic, yet by the grace of God and His help we want to talk about this idea of sexual abuse despite the secrecy surrounding this topic.  How do we help those who feel helpless and hopeless in these situations? What about those who are weak and weary souls of fighting this uphill battle? Can we find answers?  Some highlights from today's episode. • When was the last time you heard a pastor preach through the Song of Solomon? NEVER!  • The secrecy of sex needs to stop.   • Faith-based organizations are often huge targets. Why? For we live in a broken world.  • Communicate to the body that, “We take zero-tolerance in regards to sexual abuse”  • Even with background checks, predators will work through the systems.  • Action doesn't get a pastor out, but often it's an accusation that gets pastors out.  • Many of the cases of abuse have come from the hands of leadership. You need accountability.  • Always err on the side of loving people well and protecting people that are coming.  • We need to first lament and say, “Lord, have mercy”  • If you're outraged about all this, we are too.   • Let's find hope and help in the name of Jesus.  Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. The secrecy with the Topic of Sex in the Church   - Sex is a topic that nobody wants to talk about and is suppressed often even in the church.  - Sex happened before the garden and it is good.  - “So, when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.” (Gen 3:6).  - The secrecy of sex needs to stop. 2. How to Protect the Survivors in the Church  - Listen and lament (sympathize) with those who bring the concern.  - Predators will groom the people in the process.  - Begin with awareness by teaching and training the body.  - Everyone is a mandated reporter. 3. Guardrails for Protection  - Billy Graham's rule: Not to be alone with the opposite sex who is not your wife.  - The protection of the system is not to meet alone with even children.  - Abuse is a multifaceted issue that brings issues from all directions.  - If something comes into the light, report it quickly.  - It is better to be safe than sorry.  - Sexual predators: this is not the first time, there's usually a pattern already seen.  4. SBC: Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF).  - “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Cor 1:3).  - God's Word is sufficient to help us in biblical reconciliation and restoration.  - SBC polity, there's no hierarchy to fire pastors or remove people like other denominations.  - This is part of taking out the fire. We deal with it and let's move forward together on a mission.  -  Resources mentioned in today's podcast • The Majesty's Men Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi, and Brandon Boatner about “Sharing the Pulpit” This seems like an odd topic, but for Brandon and me, we have not seen this done very often or even very well. Why is that so? Why don't pastor like to share the pulpit? What are the benefits from having multiple different people speaking from the pulpit up front? Some highlights from today's episode. Tradition itself is not bad. It can be good. In this case, this tradition is not so good. Seminary can train people in classroom, but churches have great opportunity to give preaching. Preachers, they need a break! Whether that is a reality or not, it is a true statement. “Wait, why is the pastor not preaching? I thought we pay him to preach?” Charles Spurgeon shared the pulpit with D.L. Moody. They both opposite theological spectrum. A shepherd must “guard” the flock from those who are outside. “Hey if you need anyone to preach, I am available” That is RED FLAG! Protect the pulpit. Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. Why Don't People Share the Pulpit? - There is a feeling that you share the pulpit, “This is MY SPACE!” - Pulpit represents power and authority. - Jewish synagogue: a rabbi will give a message up front (tradition of the Jews). - Plurality of pastor is a biblical model. Not a solo pastor. Why? Cause there's no perfect pastor. 2. What are the PROS to sharing the Pulpit? - We are giving people experience. - Give a break for the regular preaching pastors. - Diverse gift set of spiritual gifts from multiple preachers. - “Limited Grace Period” = time to learn and grow in preaching. - “How pleasant it is when brothers united in harmony” (Ps 133:1). 3. What are the CONS to sharing the Pulpit? - People may say something you disagree with. - “He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil” (1 Tim 3:6). - Internship program, residency training, pastoral leadership pipeline can be good training. - Learn the basics by teaching how to focus on the Bible. 4. Moving Forward….. - Homiletical Movement in the preaching outline. These are very helpful. - Not only bible colleges or seminaries, but the local church should train next generations. - I wish I had the training of preaching. If pulpit sharing happened, I would've been prepared. Resources mentioned in today's podcast The Majesty's Men Feedback If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi and Brandon Boatner talk about the importance of synergy in ministry for pastors and staff. What is synergy? What does it look like we are working together? Encouragement in the body of Christ? Not only Christians as individuals called, but churches collectively are called for we are better together on mission. Some highlights from today's episode.     Synergy is coming together to do MORE.     Working together is the heart of God. He wants us to do kingdom work.     World needs more people like Barnabas. Why? Cause we won't forget who encouragers are.     How hard it is to be an island and not locking arms together working towards one goal!     If you're a “my own kingdom” sort of ministry, that's not very a New Testament example.     When we are NOT synergistic, we start fighting each other.     “Follow me” it is good to go with the move of God together being on mission.     We must recover the simplicity of the gospel message.     Christians must with blood, sweat and tears advance the kingdom gospel.     Jesus doesn't unfriend us, unfollow us or block us. But we do that to one another.     This life is all about advancing the kingdom of God for His glory and the good of others.     I love my worship pastors, but they talk more about gears rather than the glory of God!     We are in this together as we are better together. Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. Synergy in Ministry by Definition? - Partnership = Koinonia (Acts 2:42). - Mules working together to do MORE and greater power. 2. Benefits of Synergy in Partnering Together on Mission. - Partnership doesn't happen when there's so much division. - Masker vs. Non-Maskers. Vaccine vs. Non-Vaccine people. Must unite around the gospel. - Build your own kingdom vs. Working together in gospel advancement. - Historical significance of synergy? David Livingstone in medical missions. - Hospitals, universities, denominational movement…. Started because synergistic partnership. - “Hallow be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done” (Matthew 6). - Too much at stake and people are bickering at each other (Philippians 2). 3. Synergistic People are ALL ABOUT JESUS. - Christians are cooperating as co-laborers who are commissioned by Jesus. - Self-righteous indignation say, “I am right” but Jesus is the only truth! (John 14:6). - Gospel centrality is crucial in synergistic work. - Stop bickering, scolding, scrutinizing on twitter towards one another. -  Synergy is not happening today as we treat brothers and sisters like enemies. - Gossip: “Have you thought about talking to the person?” - Satan is using each other going against each other. The devil is at work. - Cancel culture: That is anti-Jesus model. That is a dangerous place to be. 4. Koinonia from a Biblical Perspective - Your joy is my joy. Your sorrow is my sorrow. Your grief is my grief. - Ministry of presence: Jesus did that as he synergistically working together. - “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2). - “They will know that you are my disciples by your love for one another.”  (John 13). 5. How to Practically Synergistically Work Together - (1). Make yourself available: This just doesn't happen by accident. Intentionality is crucial. - (2). Let your needs to know to others: social media is a great place to start. - (3). Conferences, retreats, camps: collaborate for a lifetime partnership with friends. Feedback If you have a question, you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi and Brandon Boatner speak on the topic of church planting and revitalization. I mean first, what is church planting? What is church revitalization? Are they the same? What makes each of those routes a different and unique route? They will visit and explain their brief thoughts on the difference between church planting and revitalization.  Some highlights from today's episode. Both church planting and revitalization are very difficult.  Church plant is like a jet ski and church revitalization is a big ship in the bay.  Majority of churches, from 60-80% have either plateaued or in a decline.  Reading culture is like asking a fish, “what is water?”  Churches have become content with doing church rather than being the church.  Dying churches have failed to live Hebrews 13:7 to faithfully follow biblical leaders.  Church revitalization needs to know what kind of baggage the church carries.  Ministry is not about you. “Jonathan, you're doing this for yourself” Sad reality check.  People are looking for rest as they are overburdened. Point them to Jesus. That's revitalization.  As much as you need the church, the church needs you.  So many young pastors overestimate what you can accomplish in the first year of ministry.  Stay in your church faithfully for 5 years and see how God will bless you in that ministry.  We live in a McDonald's society where we want it right now hot and salty!  “I love you church. Now, go make disciples” that's my outro.  Church can be a continually discouraging place. You will need encouragement.  “I love you” cannot be an abstract principle. I need to not just believe it but show it.    Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. What is the Difference Between the Two? What Do We Mean by That?  - Church planting: No building, no budget starting from scratch. No history with a fresh start.  - Church revitalization: Has building, budget, and bylaw (legwork). But tons of baggage.  - Church revelation and replanting are not the same either.  - Planters have the disadvantage of fundraising and other important matters.  2. The Mission of the Church through America.  - Majority of churches throughout America are dying for various reasons.  - Baggage: Ministry is just hard.  - Jesus came for the spiritually sick. (Mark 2:17) - Church plants can be filled with people who are hurt and broken.  - What is the “Golden calf” of the church?  - “Come to me for those who are overburdened and weary” (Matt 11:28-30).  3. Process in Planting and Revitalization  - If you're a planter, you're most likely proud.  - Jesus walked and did ministry. That's how we are supposed to do ministry.  - Take your time in doing ministry.  - Wherever God calls you to serve, just stay there and serve there faithfully.  4. Calling in Planting and Revitalization is not Second Option  - If you don't have a calling, you will fail.  - Majority of churches that plant do fail.  - Some people who are serving do not have patience and will fail.  - Gospel-Driven Ministry vs. Emotional Reactive Ministry.  5. Suggestion for Planters or Revitalizers  - Model who you want the church you want to become.  - Check your expectation: what are your thoughts there?  - Surround yourself with the right people.  - Encouragement: “I'm just so encouraged to see the effort you put into.”  Feedback If you have a question, you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi and Brandon Boatner speak on the topic of church members considering going to bible college / seminary. This undoubtedly is one of the most frequently asked question. It is a question that burns within the soul of a young person who sense the calling into ministry. What are the pros and cons of theological education? What are things to consider as we see the categorical priorities for seminary? Some highlights from today's episode.     Seminary is not one size fits all. There's a lot to think about.     Interested not only what happens in the classroom, but also outside of the classroom.     Seminary is not for everybody.     Life is about learning and growing. Seminary sometime can be a hinderance.     If you have an excuse not to go, you can always find reason not to go.     You're not too old to go back to seminary. Here's the breakdown outline from today's conversation. 1. The Huge Benefits for Considering Seminary - Greek & Hebrew for New Testament and Old Testament. - Lifelong friendship you make in both bible college and seminary life. - Teaching happens in synagogues. Seminary is not for everyone. - Seminary doesn't make one a great pastor. 2. Different Avenues of Learning and Growing - Mission field is a great place to learn. - Churches will be found faithful in stewardship of training discipling the next generation. - “Let the dead bury the dead” (Luke 9:60). 3. Excuses for Not Going to Seminary? - Online Platform learning: Doctoral Classes (PhD) is available today virtually (or Modular). - Three layers consideration: (1) Geographical (2) Educational (3) Financial. - Not too old to start following God's calling. That is not the best reason NOT to go. 4. Benefits of Being a Seminary Student as a Result - Friendship and companionship. You can learn from different point of views. - “I want to be a pastor. Therefore, I must go to seminary” Not true. - Example: Spurgeon never went to school. - Seminary pushes you out of your bounds. Feedback If you have a question, you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at jonathanhayashi.com. Thanks for listening! If you have found this podcast helpful, go to iTunes and leave a rating & review! That is one simple way you can help me get this in the ears of as many people as possible. Thanks for the help! Ordinary Radicals Podcast is a member of the HNR.GD Network

Is your church or ministry struggling to reach the next generation?

Leaders can be effective by giving room and not pidgin-holding in a box and limiting others.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer puts it this way in his book Life Together, “Those who remain alone with their evil are left utterly alone.”

You want to be a generous person, but are you helping the person? Is it giving in to their addiction hurting the person? How much should you trust the person that you do not know? At the end of the day, is it the heart that matters? What should you do? 

Do you ever wonder why God makes us wait on certain things? Whether good or bad? Why does God do that? Here are five points we lay out as we converse on waiting on the LORD.

Can one definitely be certain of one’s salvation? Isn’t that the question we ask in funerals? Is he/she really saved? This could be a real dilemma for families that are mourning over the death of a loved one.

What were bits of information that would have been helpful to known before entering into ministry? Here are five things that bible college/seminary did not teach us but has been helpful knowing serving in the local church. 

Theological disagreement can cause church splits, tear up churches and ultimately jeopardize Christian Unity.

In this episode of the Ordinary Radicals podcast, Jonathan Hayashi and Brandon Boatner speak on a heavy heart wrenching topic of racism in America.

Average person is living with an incredible amount of debt. Statistics says the average is $90,000.00.

Worship is a hot topic and should always be a hot topic! Why? Because worship matters.

How should pastors reach local congregants through the preaching of God’s Word? How could churches collect tithes and offerings? What about pastoral care in providing resources for the flock?

Can a gospel-loving Christian still care about politics at the same time? If a Christian is more on one side either to the right or left, still be a faithful Christian?

Because we are adopted as sons and daughters of the highest, we celebrate together the beautiful adoption of the rescue, redemption the restoration of the heavenly Father’s love.

The majority culture has few or any close relationships with people from the culture of other racial or ethnic groups who are not like them.

The longer I’m in ministry, it seems like anxiety seems to be more prevalent in ministry. How could we deal with our anxiety? Where does anxiety come from?

Here are the five important biblical solution to creating a healthy church that becomes more a singing church.

So, why don’t people sing in church? Is this even true? If so, is it a big deal? Is worship done for the people? Or is worship done by the people? Here are the five reasons people aren’t singing in your church.

Why does music matter in our churches? Because unity is so crucial in our churches.

If people refuse to see the past (rehash back) then people will do the same mistake over and over again.

What is a calling? General calling? Specific calling? What location or timing can we see in a calling?