The Avenue Podcast

In this podcast we say goodbye to our dear friend Manny Silva. He is graduating in August and is transitioning into his next season of life and ministry. In the same moment we have the honor and privilege to welcome Mark Patrick to our staff team! By stepping into Manny's role as the College Guys Associate we are sending him into the world of college ministry and have every confidence in his leadership and ministry!The podcast is taking a break for a bit of the Summer but we are having Avenue activities this Summer! Sundays in room 402 at 10:15 am every week we will have our classic AVE gathering. Thursday evenings starting June 3rd we will have a Summer Community Group at the homes of our amazing adult hosts!Follow us on social media to keep in touch and to be updated on Summer AVE activities!Instagram: @avenuewacoFacebook: Avenue College MinistryWebsite: averesources.com **under construction**

This week the AVE Staff welcomes Drew Humphrey, college pastor at Highland Baptist Church, to talk about his experiences in Foster Care and Adoption. Our hope is that by listening to this you come away with a greater understanding of Fostering and Adoption and prayerfully consider loving children in need in a similar fashion. 

School is over and I just want to binge watch the movies and shows that I wasn't able to watch during the school year. We get it, but what if there was a better way to spend your summer. Listen to the AVE staff as they discuss ways to rest but not be lazy.

Today's entertainment sphere is increasingly secular and pushing the boundary on what is considered “good” entertainment. How are we supposed to react and holistically think about modern entertainment? What movies and music are we allowed to consume? Listen to the AVE staff discuss this very topic.

What should our response be when we have leaders in the church fail marally, spiritually, ethically, etc.? It is a hard reality of humanity but something that we might have to deal with in our lifetime. Listen as the AVE staff discuss proper ways to frame this issue within the Church.https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/when-leaders-fall-all-are-punished

Ugh. Apologizing is an act that many of us have anxiety over. It is hard to formulate the right words to say and actions to do to help restore broken relationships whether big or small. Listen to the AVE Staff discuss the importance and the courage it takes to be peacemakers.Resources:https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/apology-quiz/

Listen for a special podcast about Easter and the importance of knowing the Easter Story.

This week Manny and Trey sit down with Michelle Witt, our Minister to Children and Families. Listen as we discuss the importance of children and children specific ministry in the church. 

isten to Mark and Jackie discuss what brought them to Avenue, what made them join leadership, how leadership challenged their faith, and more. We love Mark and Jackie and are beyond grateful for their service to Avenue College Ministry!

Spending a dedicated time alone with our creator is extremely important for our spiritual growth. It even has studied scientific impacts in our lives! Listen to the AVE Staff as they discuss the importance and effects of a TAWG.Resources:https://bttbfiles.com/web/docs/cbe/Research_Synthesis_Bible_Engagement_and_Spiritual_Growth_Aug2012.pdfhttps://bttbfiles.com/web/docs/cbe/Scientific_Evidence_for_the_Power_of_4.pdf

I thought the Sabbath was just an Old Testament thing? Do I need to take a day off? Is just not doing homework good enough? Listen to the Avenue staff as they discuss the importance and the intricacies of the New Testament Church and the Sabbath.Resources:https://www.christianitytoday.com/amyjuliabecker/2014/june/jewish-roots-of-christian-sabbath.htmlhttps://www.prageru.com/video/remember-the-sabbath/

Can I be spiritual without being religious? Doesn't Jesus condemn the religious leaders in the Bible? Listen to the AVE Staff as we define and discuss spirituality versus religiosity. Resources: https://www.pewforum.org/2018/05/29/attitudes-toward-spirituality-and-religion/

What is love? What does the Bible say about love? Why is being a loving person so hard? Listen to the AVE Staff as they discuss some intricacies of love.Resources:https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/truth-and-lovehttps://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-love.htmlhttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/loving-jesus-loves-us/

Growing in our faith is imperative as we live in an increasingly secular culture. But how do we do it? What does it look like practically? Listen to Trey and Katy Ann as they discuss the ins and outs of spiritual growth.

What in the world does that even mean? Isn't it just a fancy word for limiting my life? The AVE staff discuss this and more about the calling to live above reproach. 

This week, Katy Ann and Manny sit down with Jake Rhoton the Youth Minister of Columbus Avenue. Listen as we discuss why student ministries are important, the vision of Avenue Student Ministry and why it is important for college students to get involved with those younger than them. Contact Jake:Phone: 432-935-8138Email: jake.rhoton@cabcwaco.org

Should I trust the authorities that are over me? What should I do if I don't like the people who are in charge of the government? The AVE staff talk about the scriptural/theological basis for submitting to those whom God has placed in charge.Resources:https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-government.htmlhttps://www.boundless.org/blog/things-i-wish-i-39-d-learned-submission/

Is it good for us to structure our days and to find routines? Listen to the AVE staff as they discuss what it means for college students to find a routine even during an extended break!Resources:https://www.gotquestions.org/laziness-Bible.htmlCure for the Common Life - Max LucadoYou Are What You Love: The Spiritual Power of Habit - James K. A. Smith

Should we get excited for the New Year? Is 2021 the year to “start over”? The AVE staff discuss ways to think about the coming of a new year."Culture says, in the new year how can I make my self better? Scripture says, how can I every day make myself less?" (17:33)

Christmas has many different perspectives for many different people. It might be joy or lament. Regardless our perspectives tell us a little about the meaning behind Christmas. Listen as Trey unpacks a bit of what the LORD has been teaching him.

Is it possible that we can see 2020 in a good light? What has God been doing that we need to see? Listen to the AVE Staff talk about lessons they learned from 2020 and what to do moving forward.Trey's Email: trey.etter@cabcwaco.orgAnother great Podcast on 2020:https://www.9marks.org/pastors-talk/on-remembering-2020-pastors-talk-ep-155/

What is pride? Why does it matter? If I'm more shy am I not confident? These are some of the questions the AVE Staff discuss. Listen to have a better understanding of the traps of pride and the importance of confidence. Trey's email : trey.etter@cabcwaco.org"Pride is exalting something over what it needs to be." (17:10)

This week Trey and Katy Ann sit down with Dr. Paul Etter the Associate Minister of Choral Music and Boomer Ministry. We discuss tongue stitches, the resurgence of converse shoes, and the importance of worship in the spiritual life of believers.

Dealing with conflict is hard and sometimes can be quite intimidating. However, as believers we are called to “aim for restoration” (2 Cor 13:11) and to “live in harmony with one another” (Rom 12:16). Is there someone that you need to seek restoration with?

Ever wondered a little bit of what Manny, Katy Ann, and Trey were like in college? Listen in to find out?

The AVE staff talk about the different types of confession and the importance that it plays in our Christian life. Is there something that you need to change or add in to your confession rhythms?

The AVE staff discuss the ultimate ramifications of what being pro-life means.https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/9-myths-about-abortion-rights-and-roe-v-wade/https://www.russellmoore.com/2018/04/20/what-does-it-mean-to-be-prolife/

This week the Avenue College Ministry is fasting from social media. But what exactly is fasting? The Ave Staff dive into fasting and also confess the struggles they've had with a week away from social media. (51:27)

This week we invited our senior pastor to join us! Listen in to get to know Pastor Josh and his vision for our church and ministry. 

We live in a broken world and it is easy to become angry when looking at everything going on. But is that the right thing to do? The Ave staff talk about why it's crucial to address our anger.

Understanding scripture can be hard! Especially when we come up to a passage that can make us uncomfortable. Listen to the Ave staff as they discuss good ways to approach these moments.

The Ave staff continues talking about understanding dating from how to ask someone out to how to break up with someone. Listen up for some good tips for your next date!

The Bible doesn't have scripture regarding dating. What does that mean for us? Listen to find out!

Discipleship is an intimidating word that is used often inside church circles. The Ave staff talk about what discipleship is really about. Listen because you might just learn something!

Trey, Katy Ann and Manny talk about politics and what we are called to do as Christians. Should we vote? Who do we vote for? Do politics even matter?

The AVE staff welcomes Trey, our new college pastor, to the podcast. We talk about why it's important to share our stories as believers and listen to Trey share a bit of his own story.

This year has been a long one. Is it ok to be over it? Or is God doing something that we should pay attention to?

Justin, Manny, and Katy Ann talk about the past, present, and future. How much hope should we put in our future plans? What if I'm caught romanticizing the past? Is there much value in living solely for the present?

The gang talks about one of the most dangerous movements coming out of American Christianity, the so-called “Prosperity Gospel.” What is it? Where did it come from? Why is it so dangerous?

Manny and Katy Ann talk about the truth of what it means to follow your heart. The answer may break your heart. 

The AVE Staff talk about the end times, conspiracy theories, what the Bible actually says about Christ coming back.

Justin, Manny, and Katy Ann ask why some people think being a Christian isn't fun or exciting. To us, Jesus and what he invites us to is anything but boring!

The team talks about “cancel culture”, accountability, and your heart. Are you fighting for justice or just hopping on the band wagon?

Katy Ann rejoins Justin and Manny after her honeymoon and we talk marriage, dating to marry, and who to look for in a future spouse.

If you haven't heard, we're planting a church! Manny asks Justin why we would do such a thing and how you can get involved.

Justin and Manny talk about idols, how to know if you have any, and what to do if you do. (Spoiler: you do have them. So you should listen.)

Justin and Manny welcome friends Mitch Tidwell (Southern Baptists of Texas) and Mitchell Johnson (Austin Stone) to the podcast to talk about recent events, racism, discipleship, and how to respond. Resources mentioned:https://mitchtidwell.com/2020/05/13/from-one-white-brother-to-another/https://linktr.ee/college_ascc

This one's for the ladies! The AVE Staff talks about what the Bible says about womanhood and how to step into God's design for women.

The AVE Staff talk about God's core calling on men and how you can step into that calling. 

Why doesn't God just tell me what to do? The AVE Staff talks about when it's ok to ask for a sign and when you're probably just lacking faith.

What do you do when life doesn't go your way? Manny, Justin and Katy Ann talk about the biblical response to unmet expectations.