Punching Holes in the Darkness

On this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, host Tim Patterson talks with Tricia Werry. Tricia is a Michigan pastor's wife who shares about some new outreaches to pastor's wives and other women in BSCM churches.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness BSCM Director of Evangelism, Mike Durbin discusses a tool for Michigan Pastors who are seeking a way to revitalize the mission of their church. Mike sits down with Dr. Rob Peters the founder of an organization called Corpus. Corpus works churches around the world in the area of church revitalization.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson talks with the Alliance Defending Freedom and Regional Director Harrison Smith. They discuss the issues facing churches in the changing culture, and how ADF comes along side to prepare against legal challenges.

Billy Downs has been the owner of a couple of well-known mainstays of the Michigan landscape. One is B-D's Mongolian Beef and the more recent establishment of Ford's Garage in Dearborn. In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Billy sits down with Dr. Tony L. Lynn to share his insights into starting something new and some ways that he believes it can apply to launching a new church.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, BSCM State Director of Missions, Dr. Tony L Lynn sits down with pastor Rick Marcus in Clio, Michigan. Rick came back to Clio to replant his home church that had suffered a great decline over the years. Hear how the church now renamed Clio City Church is experiencing a great new growth.

Pastor Joel Wayne of Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville returns to Punching Holes in the Darkness to share an update on “Be the Church.” “Be the Church” is a partnership between Chapel Pointe and the Baptist State Convention of Michigan. Joel shares with host Pastor Tim Patterson about the progress of “Be the Church” and its use of cohorts with pastors to strengthen existing churches.

Join BSCM Executive Director Tim Patterson as he talks with Ed Emmerling, pastor of Westside Baptist Church and co-leader of the Genessee Baptist Association. They discuss the unique changes made to the leadership and ministry of the association and how it has affected starting and strengthening churches in their area.

On this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, join host Tim Patterson as he talks with Tim Steele, Discipleship Pastor at CrossWaves Church in Roseville. Tim Steele is leading a group of pastors and others to see the Holy Land in December. They discuss the opportunity for churches to send their pastor on the trip as part of Pastor Appreciation.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, host Tim Patterson talks with Travis Whitaker, pastor of Mile City Church in Metro Detroit. Mile City is only six years old, and yet, they have already helped launch six other new churches. Travis shares with Tim their posture of being open to God's prompting to start new churches.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, host Tim Patterson talks with church planter Antonio Wimberly. In addition to starting One Mission Church in Inkster, Pastor Wimberly is also President of the African American Fellowship in Michigan. He shares about the challenges and blessings he sees as he ministers in an urban setting.

In this episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, host Tim Patterson sits down with David Whitaker, pastor of Houghton Baptist Church. David shares about his ministry way up in the Upper Peninsula, and how God has led him go and stop during different times in his ministry.

On this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Baptist State Convention of Michigan Executive Director, Tim Patterson talks with an international missionary who is ministering in Central Asia. This missionary who cannot be identified for security reasons shares about his ministry in a Muslim-majority country, and how the tools he uses to reach others can be used here in Michigan, too.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, host Tim Patterson talks with Dr. Larry Allen. Larry was the long-time pastor of Warren Woods Baptist Church in Warren, Michigan. After years of serving at Warren Woods, Larry retired, and he and his wife set out on what they thought would be years of RV living. But that's where the story begins. Their plan was not God's plan.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, host Mike Durbin sits down with Karen Villalpando to discuss the challenges facing churches in getting their children's ministries back to work. Karen is the Child Care Administrator for Memorial Baptist Church in Sterling Heights. She shares how her church's ministry has managed to remain healthy and open throughout the pandemic.

In this episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, Mike Durbin talk with IMB Missionary to Japan, Donn Broeker Jr. Donn and his fellow missionaries and other believers just completed a herculean effort to minister at the Tokyo Olympics during the Covid Pandemic.

In this edition of “Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host and Pastor Tim Patterson sits down with Willy McLaurin the Vice President of Great Commission Relations and Mobilization at the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. They discuss this year's Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, the joy of getting back together in person, and some of the issues pastors and messengers are grappling with.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, podcast host Pastor Tim Patterson sits down with Anton Thornquist and Spencer Kouchar of CTG insurance. They share about steps that churches can take to avoid the costs and impacts of the unexpected. The episode topics include a wide range of needs from basic property to the much more serious issues of abuse within a congregation. To contact them or to learn more, visit www.ctgins.com.

In this episode of Punching Holes through the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson has a conversation with Ed Litton, pastor of Redemption Church in Mobile, Alabama. Pastor Litton is one of four candidates up for consideration as President at the Southern Baptist Convention. He shares from his perspective some of the challenges facing the SBC, and his vision for the future.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson sits down with Ronnie Floyd, the CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee. In this discussion, Ronnie Floyd shares some of the challenges faced, and some courageous goals for the next few years.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, host Tim Patterson sits down with Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Seminary in North Carolina. They discuss a few controversial issues that have been facing the Southern Baptist Convention over the last year.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson sits down with Pastor Joel Wayne of Chapel Pointe in Hudsonville. They discuss the need to strengthen existing churches, and the Chapel Pointe’s partnership with the Baptist State Convention of Michigan (BSCM) called “Be the Church.”

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, Host Tim Patterson sits down with Pastor Randy Brandon in Alma. Pastor Brandon shares about his ministry that stretches nearly 30 years in one Michigan town. He tells how God carried him through two church plants and a period of searching all in the same place.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, guest host Mike Durbin talks with two members of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan “Caring Together” team. Pastor Art Werry and Dr. Michele White discuss the issues of dealing with sexual abuse in the church, and how the BSCM wants to help churches prevent abuse and deal with it when it happens.

This episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness looks at a new path for you and your church to reach unreached people groups around the world. Host Tim Patterson talks with Doug Keesey and Paul Wynn of oneMESSAGE.tv, a new ministry reaching the unreached. They share how God called them to use their vocational talents to launch this new ministry. They also partner with groups like the Baptist State Convention of Michigan to help churches tell their story.

Guest Host Mike Durbin sits down with church replanter and pastor, Rick Bristol. Rick leads True North Community Church in Petoskey. When Rick came to the church there were only six people left. The small group had to face making drastic changes or just close the doors for good.    

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, guest host Dr. Tony Lynn spends some time with Church Planting Catalyst, Tim Shrader. Tim’s call is to discover, develop and deploy church planters in the Detroit area. Tim and Tony have a conversation about the great need for cooperation between new and established churches as the Baptist State Convention of Michigan aspires to grow to 500 churches by 2025.

In this episode, of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, guest host Dr. Tony Lynn talks with church planters Zach Cunningham and Austin Wadlow. They started The Commons Church in East Lansing. Zach and Austin started the church near Michigan State just before the pandemic, and share the unique challenges of the past year.    

When Jimmie Nelson came to First Baptist Church Swartz Creek, it was the force for the gospel in their part of Michigan. A few years later, people started leaving to the point where the church almost couldn’t keep the doors open. At the same time, Jimmie’s personal life was taking off. Larry Gatlin wanted him to come to Nashville and write music for him. That moment is when God called Jimmie to pastor his dying church. In this story, hear how the BSCM helped create a comeback story.

In this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, we tackle the topic of caring for our families. Guest Host Dr. Tony Lynn sits down with Ken Nether, Pastor of Crossover Church in Southfield about ministering to your family when you are also leading a church.

On this episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, BSCM Executive Director Tim Patterson has a conversation with International Mission Board President Paul Chitwood. He shares the unplanned challenges of this past year, and how Southern Baptists have continued to be generous.

Guest Host Dr. Tony L Lynn travels to the Upper Peninsula to talk with Pastor David Whitaker about the amazing ministry at Houghton Baptist Church along Lake Superior. On this episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness,” Pastor Whitaker shares how God is changing lives through a small town church with big-sized dreams.

Ben Mandrell sits down with host Tim Patterson and talks about his first year as President and CEO of Lifeway Resources. Mandrell has overseen the Southern Baptist publishing agency through some seismic changes. He shares how he wants to see Lifeway become a better partner to pastors in places like Michigan.

Host Tim Patterson sits down with Vice President for Communications for the SBC Executive Committee, Jonathan Howe. Jonathan shares in very practical ways how pastors and churches need to hone their online presence now more than ever.    

Ten years ago, Pastor Scott Blanchard started Lakepointe Church in Shelby Township. The COVID-19 pandemic scuttled the church’s plan for a tenth anniversary celebration back in March so they have spent the entire year celebrating their milestone. Join Punching Holes in the Darkness podcast host, Tim Patterson, as he talks with Pastor Scott about this strange year, and the ways that God has continued to minister through Lakepointe Church.

The one square mile that surrounds Heart and Soul Community Church has more people and families than some of our counties across Michigan. Church Planter and Pastor Cornelius Roberson along with his wife, Marisa, call this are in metro Detroit their mission field. Join guest host, Dr. Tony L Lynn as the Roberson’s share about their journey to grow a new church in a challenged community.

Tim Steele is the pastor of Cross Waves Church, a church that is based in Michigan, but they have home groups that spread from Alaska to the Florida Everglades. Host Tim Patterson sits down with Tim to discuss his church’s vision to create new disciples, and how that impacts the way they “do” church.

Tito and Mollie Diaz were helping to mentor and train new church planting couples, when God asked them a big question, “What is your God-sized dream?” The result was Rhiza Church in Ann Arbor. Hear host Dr. Tony L Lynn as he talks with the Diaz couple about God’s big call.

On this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, BSCM Executive Director Tim Patterson talks to BSCM Disaster Relief Director Bob Kiger about how Michigan Baptists minister to people who experience tremendous physical needs after natural disasters. Hear how your gifts are meeting needs and sharing the love of Christ during tough times, and learn how you can participate in Michigan Baptist Disaster Relief.

Listen as BSCM State Director of Missions, Tony Lynn, talks to Jason Loewen about the new church that he will be starting on Valentines Day 2021 in Flint, Michigan. Jason shares his story about how God led him to start this new church and his vision for reaching the people of Flint with the gospel.

On this episode of “Punching Holes in the Darkness”, BSCM Executive–Director Tim Patterson sits down an array of voices to discuss the 2020 Frances Brown State Mission Offering. Pastor Tim is joined by BSCM President Scott Blanchard along with BSCM staff, Sue Hodnett, Mike Durbin and Dr. Tony Lynn. This year’s offering will provide a relief fund for pastors and their families who are suffering financially or medically as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this episode, we share the stories of two churches. One church is in the Upper Peninsula and they other is outside of Detroit. You might not think they could share much in common, but they do. There was a time when either church would have been considered a long shot to make an impact in their community.

On this episode of Punching Holes in the Darkness, BSCM Executive Director Tim Patterson talks with Odelle Cadwell who is the current president of the Michigan WMU. They discuss women's ministry in Michigan, COVID-19, racial concerns, building relationships and more.

Host Tim Patterson sits down with the President of the North American Mission Board, Kevin Ezell. They share together the challenges NAMB is facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the vision for keeping missionaries on the field and funding the mission of reaching the lost across the US and Canada.

Host Tim Patterson talks with Pastor Eli Garza who shares the prejudices and challenges faced by Hispanics in Michigan and around the country, and how the Church can be a healing influence during this time of ethnic conciliation.

Host Tim Patterson continues his conversation with African-American Michigan pastors about the racial unrest, and how the church of all colors can address the racial issues that plague our country.

Host Tim Patterson has a conversation with a number of African-American Michigan pastors about the death of George Floyd and the resulting unrest. Larry Johnson, Ken Nether, and Cornelius Roberson share their personal experiences with racism, and the road forward for the church.

Join host Tim Patterson as he talks to BSCM staff, Dr. Tony Lynn and Mike Durbin about the coming weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will focus on the things churches will face as they begin to try to meet in person again. Listen for an important list that church leaders will need to consider before they open their doors once again.

Join host Tim Patterson as he and the BSCM staff share how churches across the state are reaching their communities during the COVID-19 lockdown. Churches continue to minister even when they cannot meet together in person.

Join host Tim Patterson as he explains the mission of this new podcast for the pastors and church leaders of Michigan churches. In the coming weeks, Executive Director and Treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of Michigan, Tim Patterson, will give a voice to pastors and leaders inside the state. He will also invite national church leaders to explore the issues every church faces as they try to reach the communities in their mission field.