the STOKE IT UP podcast

SummaryIn this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the evolution of worship music over the past 25 years, exploring the impact of technology, the historical context of worship wars, and the importance of ecclesiology in shaping worship practices. They emphasize the need for quality in worship music, effective planning of worship services, and the integration of prayer into the worship experience. The conversation concludes with reflections on the changes in worship and a call to action for church leaders to prioritize God in their worship practices.TakeawaysWorship trends have evolved significantly over the last 25 years.The 'worship wars' highlighted the divide in church music preferences.Technology has made quality worship accessible to smaller churches.Ecclesiology plays a crucial role in shaping worship practices.Quality music is essential for engaging congregations in worship.Worship leaders and pastors must communicate effectively about service planning.Prayer should be an integral part of the worship experience, not just a transition.Introducing new songs requires repetition for congregational familiarity.Worship should focus on glorifying God rather than consumerism.The ultimate goal of worship is to facilitate a communal experience with God.

SummaryIn this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, hosts Kenneth Priest and Alan Stoddard welcome Pastor Andrew Johnson of Faith Memorial Church in Houston, Texas. Andrew shares his journey of faith, his action hosting God's presence, and the revival of his congregation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of the call to reach all nations with the gospel.TakeawaysAndrew's early life was shaped by a challenging home environment.His father's transformation through faith inspired Andrew's ministry calling.Andrew's experience in a black church enriched his understanding of multi-ethnic ministry.Faith Memorial Church was predominantly Anglo when Andrew arrived.The community around the church has shifted to a more diverse demographic.Andrew emphasizes the importance of hosting God's presence in worship.The church is experiencing a revival through prayer and fasting.Creative problem-solving has been essential for church growth.Partnerships with other churches have provided vital support.The church aims to reach all nations and foster community engagement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pastor Andrew Johnson03:08 Andrew's Journey to Faith and Ministry06:01 Cultural Experience in a Black Church08:53 Transitioning Faith Memorial Church11:58 Pastoring in a Challenging Community15:02 Growth and Diversity at Faith Memorial18:10 Hosting the Presence of God22:00 Revival and Spiritual Growth24:05 Creative Solutions for Church Challenges27:48 The Importance of Partnerships in Ministry

SummaryIn this episode of the Stoke It Up Podcast, Kenneth Priest and Alan Stoddard discuss the concept of "sending churches" and the journey of church planting. They explore the importance of timing, leadership development, and the strategies necessary for creating a reproducing church model. The conversation emphasizes the biblical foundations of sending and going, the significance of community outreach, and the practical steps involved in overcoming barriers to becoming a sending church.TakeawaysThe concept of sending churches has biblical roots dating back to Acts 13.Alan's journey to church planting began with a supportive pastor and church community.Timing is crucial in church planting, involving both personal and divine elements.Leadership development is essential for sustaining a church plant.Churches should have a strategy for reproduction from the outset.Sending churches play a vital role in the growth of new congregations.Building a preaching team is important for the longevity of a church plant.Biblical models of sending and going provide a framework for church planting.The heartbeat of a sending church is crucial for its success.Practical steps can help overcome barriers to becoming a sending church.

SummaryIn this episode of the Stoked Up podcast, host Alan Stoddard interviews Joshua Gilmore, a campus pastor at North Greenville University and the revitalization pastor at Tigerville Baptist Church. Joshua shares his journey of faith, his role in connecting students with local churches, and the challenges and successes he has faced in revitalizing Tigerville Baptist Church. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, building relationships, and the power of prayer in church growth and revitalization efforts.TakeawaysJoshua grew up in a Christian home and was called to ministry in high school.He serves as the senior director of Church and Community Relations at North Greenville University.Tigerville Baptist Church was struggling with attendance and needed revitalization.Joshua initiated prayer walks around Tigerville Baptist Church before taking on the role.The church has seen growth from 25 to 52 attendees since Joshua's involvement.Community engagement is crucial for church revitalization efforts.Joshua emphasizes the importance of relationships in attracting new members.He aims to baptize more individuals from the local community.Joshua's wife and university president supported his decision to help the church.He has specific prayer requests for church growth and staffing needs.

SummaryIn this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, Chris Kitts, pastor of Rivers Church in Glen Rose, Texas, shares his personal journey to faith and ministry. He discusses the importance of building relationships within the church community, the growth and challenges faced by Rivers Church, and the need to adapt to changing cultural dynamics. Chris emphasizes the role of technology and social media in reaching people, the significance of small groups, and the church's future aspirations to remain relevant and impactful in the community.TakeawaysChris Kitts shares his journey from being a new kid in Texas to becoming a pastor.The importance of relationships in ministry is emphasized throughout Chris's story.Rivers Church started with a small group and has grown over the years despite challenges.Chris highlights the need for churches to adapt to cultural changes and not rely solely on traditional Sunday services.Technology and social media play a crucial role in reaching new visitors and engaging the community.Small groups are essential for building community and fostering deeper connections among church members.Chris's approach to ministry is centered around relational evangelism rather than legalistic practices.The church has faced ups and downs, including a significant drop in attendance during the pandemic, but has rebounded.Chris encourages other small churches to leverage technology to expand their reach and impact.The future of Rivers Church involves continuing to adapt and find new ways to connect with the community.See Rivers website here. https://www.myriverschurch.com/

SummaryIn this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest delve into the topic of church revitalization. They discuss the importance of small churches in making a significant impact, the true meaning of revitalization beyond just drawing crowds, and the current state of revitalization efforts in churches today. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by churches in revitalizing their communities, the crucial role of worship services, and the importance of small groups in fostering community and engagement. They also touch on the need for churches to actively engage with their communities and the significance of leadership in driving revitalization efforts.TakeawaysSmall churches can have a significant impact on the Great Commission.Revitalization is about spiritual growth, not just crowd size.Creating a culture for growth is essential for church health.The majority of churches are still in decline despite revitalization efforts.Worship services play a crucial role in revitalization.Good music and preaching are vital for a positive worship experience.Small groups foster community and engagement within the church.Church revitalization requires active community engagement.Pastors must be willing to lead revitalization efforts, even at personal risk.Revitalization is ultimately about reaching the lost and growing the church.

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the concept of minimal leadership within the church context. They explore the importance of defining leadership, the need for reproducible leaders, and the role of humility in leadership selection. The conversation emphasizes the uniqueness of each church and the necessity of effective communication and training to foster a culture of leadership. They also share personal experiences and resources for developing leadership within the church. Takeaways Leadership is a process of influencing people. Every church has unique needs for leadership. Reproducible leadership is essential for growth. Humility is a key trait for leaders. Effective communication requires presence and time. Training the trainer is crucial for leadership development. Mistakes in leadership selection can have lasting impacts. Creating a culture of leadership is vital for church health. Monthly meetings with leaders are necessary for accountability. Resources are available for ongoing leadership development. Sound Bites "Training the trainer is essential." "You have to be able to reproduce." "Communication requires presence."

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest delve into the intricacies of small group leadership within the church. They discuss the importance of effective communication, the necessity of training small group leaders, and the challenges posed by doctrinal differences. The conversation emphasizes the balance between personal spiritual growth and leadership responsibilities, highlighting the pastor's role in discipling leaders to ensure a cohesive church community. Takeaways - Effective communication is crucial for small group leaders. - Monthly meetings are essential for keeping leaders informed. - Training should coincide with new sermon series. - Pastors must address doctrinal differences proactively. - Small group leaders should be held accountable for their attendance. - Personal spiritual growth is vital for effective leadership. - Pastors are responsible for discipling their leaders. - Creating community among leaders fosters a healthy environment. - Understanding church doctrine is essential for small group leaders. - Leaders should provide feedback to pastors about their groups. Sound Bites "Every time you start a new sermon series." "You cannot leave this topic undone." "You have to create a leadership structure." "You should help your pastor with this." "You have to disciple those small group leaders."

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the essential qualities and minimal leadership required for effective small group ministry in churches. They emphasize the importance of trust, accountability, and the ability to reproduce leaders within small groups. The conversation also covers the necessity of training leaders in doctrine and effective teaching methods, as well as the cultural shifts needed to prioritize leadership development in church settings. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage in small group leadership and discipleship. Sound Bites "I must trust you." "You need to change the culture." "You gotta trust their theology." Takeaways Minimal leadership is essential for vibrant small group ministry. Leaders should possess the ability to reproduce themselves. Trust is a foundational quality in leadership. Accountability is crucial in leadership roles. Training in doctrine and effective teaching is necessary. Covenants can help establish trust and accountability. Cultural change is needed to prioritize leadership training. Effective teaching can happen in informal settings. Time management is key to leadership development. Every church member has a role in discipleship.

Podcast Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with the new year, particularly focusing on themes of grief, ministry transitions, and the importance of preparation. They reflect on personal experiences of loss and the in-between seasons of life and ministry, emphasizing the need for spiritual readiness and the dangers of becoming too attached to ministry roles. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the in-between moments, seek God's guidance, and prepare for what lies ahead in 2025. Takeaways Grief is a natural part of life that we must face. In-between seasons can be challenging but also transformative. Preparation is key during times of waiting. Expecting God to act is crucial in our spiritual journey. Addiction to ministry can hinder our relationship with God. Letting go of what we think we need can lead to growth. Our identity should not be tied solely to our ministry roles. It's important to find purpose even in the in-between. We should be open to God's timing and direction. Engaging in smaller, seemingly insignificant tasks can be fulfilling.

Summary In this episode of the Stoke It Up podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the essential components of new believer discipleship within the church. They explore the current shortfalls in ministry, particularly in new believer follow-up, and emphasize the importance of relationships in ensuring that new believers are effectively integrated into the church community. The conversation delves into various models of discipleship, the need for adaptability to church culture, and the significance of creating effective discipleship strategies that meet the bare minimum requirements for nurturing new believers podcast, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the essential components of new believer discipleship within the church. They explore the current shortfalls in ministry, particularly in new believer follow-up, and emphasize the importance of relationships in ensuring that new believers are effectively integrated into the church community. The conversation delves into various models of discipleship, the need for adaptability to church culture, and the significance of creating effective discipleship strategies that meet the bare minimum requirements for nurturing new believers. NEW BELIEVER BOOK.

Summary In this episode of the Stoked Up Podcast, hosts Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest engage with Karl Vaters, a seasoned pastor and advocate for small churches. The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by small church pastors, including misconceptions about growth, the importance of discipleship, and the need for cultural understanding within congregations. Vaters emphasizes that small churches can have a significant impact despite their size and encourages pastors to focus on relationships and community engagement. He also discusses the importance of redefining success in ministry and the value of connecting with other pastors for support and encouragement. Find Karl online at www.karlvaters.com

Summary In this episode, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the importance of discovering, developing, and deploying spiritual gifts in the church. They highlight the key points made by Ken Hemphill in his book 'You Are Gifted' and emphasize the need for a comprehensive church-wide strategy to help individuals identify and utilize their spiritual gifts. They suggest implementing a teaching series, utilizing sermon-based small groups, and providing mentorship and training opportunities. The goal is to create a culture shift within the church that focuses on serving the Kingdom of God and edifying the church. Ken Hemphill's You Are Gifted Preaching Outline Mentioned in Podcast (Make it your own; give credit; don't plagiarize) Spiritual Gifts ... 1. are GIVEN by GOD - 1 Cor. 12:7 2. are DISCOVERED by SURRENDER - Romans 12:1-7 3. EDIFY the CHURCH - Eph. 4:11-12 Stages of mobilization (the 3 points above are used to question and guide the stages of mobilization) DISCOVER DEVELOP (1. Mentor 2. Train 3. Serve) DEPLOY Takeaways Discovering, developing, and deploying spiritual gifts is essential for the growth and edification of the church. A comprehensive church-wide strategy is needed to help individuals identify and utilize their spiritual gifts. Implementing a teaching series and sermon-based small groups can facilitate the discovery and development of spiritual gifts. Mentorship and training opportunities should be provided to support individuals in their journey of discovering and deploying their spiritual gifts. The focus should be on serving the Kingdom of God and edifying the church, rather than just serving within the local church.

Summary Dr. Ken Hemphill discusses spiritual gifts and their importance for the local church community. He defines spiritual gifts as gifts and abilities given by God, emphasizing that they are good gifts and should be received with interest. He also highlights the importance of surrendering to God and utilizing these gifts for the edification of the church. The dangers and concerns of spiritual gifts include both overvaluation and undervaluation. Overvaluation can lead to a sense of spiritual elitism, while undervaluation can result in a mechanical church that lacks the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Dr. Hemphill suggests that churches need to prioritize prayer, consider the needs of the community, and look carefully at individuals' passions when helping them discover and utilize their spiritual gifts. In this conversation, Dr. Ken Hemphill discusses the importance of understanding and utilizing spiritual gifts in the church. He emphasizes the need for individuals to discover their gifts and use them to serve others. Dr. Hemphill provides practical advice on how to identify and develop spiritual gifts, including asking key questions, seeking honest affirmation, and trying different areas of ministry. He also highlights the importance of community and the role of the church in nurturing and mobilizing believers in their giftedness. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the flourishing of spiritual gifts in different contexts, such as reaching out to Muslim women and engaging in the Great Commission in local communities. You Are Gifted book. Takeaways Spiritual gifts are gifts and abilities given by God and should be received with interest and gratitude. It is important for individuals to surrender to God and utilize their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. The dangers of spiritual gifts include overvaluation, which can lead to spiritual elitism, and undervaluation, which can result in a mechanical church lacking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Churches can help individuals discover and utilize their spiritual gifts by prioritizing prayer, considering the needs of the community, and looking carefully at individuals' passions. Understanding and utilizing spiritual gifts is essential for effective ministry in the church. Individuals should actively seek to discover their spiritual gifts and find ways to use them to serve others. Asking key questions, seeking honest affirmation, and trying different areas of ministry can help in identifying and developing spiritual gifts. Community and the role of the church are crucial in nurturing and mobilizing believers in their giftedness. Spiritual gifts can flourish in various contexts, such as reaching out to specific groups and engaging in the Great Commission in local communities.

Summary The conversation explores the topic of forced terminations in non-denominational and Calvary Chapel churches. It discusses the lack of oversight in Calvary Chapel churches and the role of the senior pastor in affiliation. The conversation also touches on the process of termination and the importance of accountability and prevention. It addresses the issue of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and conflicts within the church, emphasizing the need for a healthy church culture and effective conflict resolution. In this conversation, Bill Holdridge and Kenneth Priest discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy church culture and resolving conflicts biblically and effectively. They emphasize the need for pastors to lead with integrity, authenticity, and a focus on the Great Commission and Great Commandments. They also discuss the challenges of dealing with divisive individuals and the importance of unity and forgiveness within the church. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of recent scandals on the church's reputation and the need for churches to be a positive influence in their communities.

Podcast Introduction The conversation delves into the topic of pastoral terminations within the context of the Southern Baptist Convention and non-denominational church fellowships. It explores the reasons, impact, and emotional aftermath of forced pastoral terminations, as well as the biblical perspective on the grounds for terminating a pastor. The discussion also highlights the personal experiences of the speakers and the challenges they faced in dealing with church leadership and congregational dynamics. The conversation delves into the personal experiences of Shelby Hazzard and Alan Stoddard, both of whom have faced forced pastoral terminations. They discuss the impact of these experiences on their lives and ministries, as well as strategies to reduce pastoral terminations in church life. The conversation also touches on the need for thoroughness in the call process and the importance of building a wall of leaders around pastors for support and protection. Takeaways Pastoral terminations are often driven by internal power struggles, territorial disputes, and resistance to the pastor's preaching and teaching. The emotional impact of forced pastoral terminations can be profound, leading to feelings of betrayal, loss of trust, and a questioning of one's calling to ministry. The biblical grounds for terminating a pastor are primarily related to gross moral failure and unrepentant heresy, as outlined in the pastoral epistles and church doctrine. The experience of forced pastoral termination can shape a pastor's perspective on trust, church leadership, and the challenges of navigating congregational dynamics. The conversation sheds light on the complexities and personal toll of pastoral terminations, highlighting the need for greater understanding and support within church communities. Forced pastoral terminations can have a profound impact on the lives and ministries of pastors. Thoroughness in the call process and building a supportive leadership team are crucial in reducing pastoral terminations. The need for pastors to be willing to lose their job in the process of revitalizing a church. The importance of understanding the battle that pastors face and the support needed from their spouses. The real-life challenges and experiences of pastors in navigating the complexities of church life and ministry.

Summary The conversation explores the topic of spiritual formation and soul care, particularly in the context of the black church. Dr. Wayne Cooper shares insights from his dissertation and discusses the challenges and opportunities for implementing spiritual formation in the church. The conversation also touches on the need for pastors to be equipped in this area and the potential impact of spiritual formation on church communities. Lincoln Ave. Christian Church Fresh Encounter Ministries Takeaways Spiritual formation and soul care are essential for the health and growth of churches in the black community, as they foster a sense of community, belonging, and empowerment. The introduction of spiritual formation in the black church presents unique challenges, including the need for pastors to be equipped and the introduction of new concepts to the congregation. There is a growing interest among younger pastors in multicultural churches to focus on spiritual formation and soul care, recognizing the need for a shift in emphasis from social grievances to spiritual development. The implementation of spiritual formation in the church involves educational programs, small group ministries, and the provision of resources and materials to facilitate the understanding and practice of spiritual disciplines. Dr. Wayne Cooper's research and dissertation have the potential to impact the black church and other church communities, with plans to share his findings through workshops, seminars, and conferences. The conversation emphasizes the transformative nature of spiritual formation and the importance of aligning with God's plan for personal and communal growth.

Summary In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the lack of discipleship for new believers in churches. They highlight the need for a strategy and intentionality in discipling new believers, as well as the importance of relationship and experiential learning. Alan shares his journey of realizing the need for a strategy and developing a disciple-making evangelism approach. They emphasize the importance of equipping new believers to disciple others and the need for pastors and churches to prioritize new believer follow-up. They also discuss the upcoming release of Alan's book on New Believer Discipleship. Takeaways Many churches lack a strategy for discipling new believers, resulting in a low percentage of new believers being discipled. The traditional classroom model is not sufficient for new believer discipleship, as it lacks relational and experiential components. A strategy for new believer discipleship should focus on relationship, intentionality, and reproducibility. Pastors and churches need to prioritize new believer follow-up and develop a plan to disciple new believers. Alan Stoddard has developed a disciple-making evangelism strategy and has written a book on New Believer Discipleship.

Summary The conversation explores the state of small group life in churches, the decline in commitment to small groups, the impact of COVID-19 on small group engagement, and the importance of intentional spiritual formation. It also delves into the ideal structure of Sunday school classes, the significance of discussion in small groups, and the role of pastors in discipling small group leaders. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional, discussion-based small groups for effective spiritual formation. Chapters 00:00 - The State of Small Group Life in Churches 08:08 - The Ideal Structure of Sunday School Classes 25:21 - The Importance of Intentional, Discussion-Based Small Groups Takeaways The decline in commitment to small groups in churches is influenced by factors such as COVID-19, fear of engagement, and ineffective church models. Intentional, discussion-based small groups are essential for effective spiritual formation and disciple-making. Pastors play a crucial role in discipling small group leaders and should prioritize intentional, discussion-based small groups in church life.

Spiritual Formation Begins in the Pulpit CGN Media - media that points to Christ. CGN International Pastors and Leaders Conference  Summary In this conversation, Alan Stoddard and Kenneth Priest discuss the role of preaching in spiritual formation. They explore the idea that disciple-making begins in the pulpit and emphasize the importance of preaching that is text-driven and focused on the Word of God. They also discuss the fruit of effective preaching, such as people bringing their Bibles and actively engaging with the text. The conversation highlights the need for pastors to prioritize character and the importance of ongoing spiritual formation in the life of the church. Takeaways Disciple-making begins in the pulpit, with the pastor setting the stage for spiritual formation in the church. Text-driven preaching, focused on the Word of God, is effective in spiritual formation. Preaching that encourages people to bring their Bibles and actively engage with the text is important for spiritual growth. The fruit of effective preaching includes people bringing their Bibles, actively engaging with the Word, and experiencing spiritual formation. Prayer and taking notes during sermons can enhance the impact of preaching on spiritual formation. Chapters Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:07 Disciple Making Begins in the Pulpit 06:01 The Importance of Text-Driven Preaching 13:47 Preaching that Drives People to Their Bibles 33:31 Enhancing the Impact of Preaching: Prayer and Note-Taking 35:44 Conclusion

The Pros and Cons of a Devotional Life  Welcome to the STOKE IT UP podcast.  A podcast encouraging you on your journey with God.  The stoke it up podcast is part of CGN Media, a podcast network that points to people to Christ. Check out cgnmedia.org for more great shows and ways to support the ministry.  The Cultivate Church Planting Website: https://cultivatechurchplanting.com The CGN Media Website: https://cgnmedia.org Pastors and Leaders Conference at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa https://conference.calvarychapel.com/ I'm Alan Stoddard and I am joined by Kenneth Priest for a conversation on the pros and cons of a devotional life. We are all spiritually formed by many influences. Should you have a quiet time? What does it look like? What do you do when you hit a dry season? Let's jump into the conversation, and as we do, think about your own spiritual growth and disciple-making influences.  Summary In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of a devotional life. We share personal experiences and insights on how to cultivate a meaningful devotional practice. We emphasize the importance of reading the Bible, listening to the Bible, using devotional books, and engaging in prayer. We also highlight the need for flexibility and grace in maintaining a devotional routine. Overall, we encourage listeners to prioritize their devotional life as a means of spiritual formation. Chapters Introduction and Personal Background 03:24 The Argument Against Devotions 09:16 The Importance of Devotions for Spiritual Formation 21:37 The Devotional Approach to Scripture 25:18 Plan B for Devotions 27:46 10 Ways to Stoke Up Your Devotional Life 38:20 Conclusion and Encouragement Takeaways Cultivating a devotional life is crucial for spiritual formation. Reading the Bible, listening to the Bible, and using devotional books are all valuable practices. Having a backup plan for devotions is important for busy or unpredictable days. Engaging in prayer and using different models of prayer can enhance the devotional experience. Flexibility and grace are key in maintaining a devotional routine.

Dr. Kenneth Priest joins the Stoke It Up Podcast as a co-host. Kenneth has a undergraduate degree in Theology and an Master of Religious Education (MARE) from Southwestern Seminary. He earned a D.EdMin from Midwestern Seminary in church revitalization. Today, we start to focus the podcast on spiritual formation. We want to encourage you in your journey with God. What does that look like? This about your own spiritual journey. Join the conversation.

How to create a Bible culture in the church Use a physical Bible. Use the Bible.com QR code on screen as you begin to preach. Turn up the lights in the room. Push physical with digital Bible use.  Use sermon-based small groups. Announce the version of the Bible, you're going to use in the pulpit and get everyone to get that version. Offer a “how to preach” school of ministry course. Use social media as a tool to encourage people to engage the word. Use multiple Bible apps and show people how to do that. Model in your life, and in the pulpit, what you want others to do: Be expository. Be encouraging. Show the Bible is essential.

In this podcast with Aleise Elsenboss and Renea Kren, we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly of The Chosen.  We give a review of season four. What were our favorite scenes and what are the challenges? We also talk about some of the hard things like flags on set and problems with the Latter-Day Saints (LDS/Mormons). We delve into Christian movies and the whole scene.  Alan Parr interview with Dallas Jenkins. Calvary Global Network

In this episode, I walk pastors and leaders through possibilities for sharing the gospel and extending a response opportunity for Easter 2024.

The Stoke It Up! podcast is a part of the CGN media family. Check us out on our social media handles. I give you 4 things that can help you get ready for Easter. Take a listen. Share in social media. Give me your feedback. What will your takeaway be?

What is next? I have been in a busy dry season in some ways. How do we negotiate those seasons of life and move forward? The secret sauce is that we have inside help. God lives in us. Faith in Christ (Gal. 2:20) ignites the fire of God in us. Check this episode out. Check out the CGN media page. Check out the Calvary Global Network! Join us!

Welcome to the Stoke it up! podcast. This podcast exists to encourage you in your journey with God.  I am Alan Stoddard and I am your host. Today, I have James Walker on the podcast. He's the executive director of Watchmen Fellowship. Today the topic is, “the Bible, atheists, and culture.“ Today we talk about why someone should believe the Bible and light of other scriptures in the world. We also talk about the Need to talk with atheists. But there's a unique twist to this part. Take a listen and you'll find it. We don't want to just be conversing with atheists, but we want to… We no longer live in a culture with home turf for the gospel. We have to know why we believe what we believe.   Increase your ability to share the gospel within our context today, not yesterday. To do that we're going to have to talk with the atheists, agnostics, and those who are hostile to Christianity.  I would be interested in your feedback, of course. Share this in the media circles where you think it can do some good.  The Stoke it up! podcast is a part of the CGN media family. I encourage you to go and follow CHN on our social media handles. 

Welcome to the Stoke it up! podcast. A podcast encouraging you and your journey with God. I'm Alan Stoddard and I am your Stoke Coast. Today we have Pastor Josh Black with us. Josh is the lead pastor of Victory Calvary Chapel in Menifee California. I met Josh at the Expositors Collective in Temecula California last August. We just happened to run into each other in the latte line. I jumped ahead of them kind of so I thought, “You should buy his latte.“ And the rest is history. He preached part of the Expositors' experience. He did the talk on Christ Center preaching and I was enamored with it. I knew I loved this dude. Well, the next day, I got to teach the Bible at his church. And I noticed something unique about this church. It was very stoked.  Let's jump in and get some questions going and see what it might look like to lead a normal, but vibrant local church into 2024. As you listen, let's listen to increase our leadership skillset.

Lonnie Short is the Executive Pastor of Granbury Baptist Church, Granbury, Texas. Recently I was in a staff meeting with the team while Lonnie taught on setting goals. The outline is below. I recommend you copy and paste them into a note on your phone for you to review. Goal setting is a productive way to get things done. What is in your head and heart for God? If you could do anything for God, and not worry about resourcing it, What would you do? Yes, we ultimately need a strategy, but let's dream for God. God has a dream for you. Yes, goals represent that dream. Your dream needs to align with his Great Commission dream to reach people for Christ and see those people grow in the Lord. Now that we have you thinking, what's the strategy? Goals. Let's set some goals for 2024. Setting goals for 2024 Why are goals so important? 1. Goal-setting is my responsibility (Phil. 3:12-14) 2. Goals reveal and stretch my faith (Heb. 11:6) 3. Goals, give me focus and purpose (1 Cor. 9:26) 4. Goals give me hope to endure (Rom. 5:1-4) 5. Godly goals will be rewarded (1 Cor. 9:25) What kind of goals does God bless? 1. Goals that honor God (1 Cor. 10:31) 2. Goals, motivated by love (1 Cor. 16:14) 3. Goals that depend on God (Prov. 16:9) Smart Goals S - specific M - measurable A - attainable R - relevant T - time Four steps to accomplishing a GOAL! 1. Generate creatively (dream) 2. Organize clearly (plan) 3. Act consistently (do) 4. Look closely (review) SMART goals S - specific M - measurable A - attainable R - relevant T - time

Welcome to the Stoke It Up! podcast. A podcast encouraging you in your journey with God. In this week's episode, Dr. Dan Crawford discusses how to partner prayer with evangelism. As the days get late, churches would serve the Lord and themselves well to stoke the fires of evangelism and prayer. What does the Great Commission look like for you in 2024?

In this week's podcast, Elijah Abraham (not his real name. We must keep his identity protected) reveals what is happening in a hard part of the world. As you listen, consider how the gospel influences the Great Commission in your journey with God. You can check out www.livingoasis.org to connect further with Elijah. He would love that. He is not on social media. If you want to get even more connected than his website, contact me. I'll get you with him. To connect with use at Calvary Global Network, go here. Also, to www.instagram.com/cgn_media to see our podcast community.

Ellyn Cornell is a missionary with Cru at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. I always like to check in with her on matters of disciple making. That is our high calling. All ministry and mission culminates in disciple making. To give to the Calvary Global Network, here is the link.

Welcome to the Stoke it up! podcast. A podcast, encouraging you and your journey with God.  I'm Alan Stoddard and in this episode I interview Pastor Mike Neglia. He is the pastor of ⁠Calvary Cork⁠, Ireland. He is also the leader of the ⁠Expositors Collective⁠, an initiative of the ⁠Calvary Global Network⁠. In this interview, I talked to Mike about what he's learned about podcasting and preaching. And how the Expositors Collective podcast interacts with the Expositors Collective weekend. If you have not experienced an EC weekend with us, pray about it. Keep your calendar open and come be a part. It is the best experience you can get for the price and content.

The Stoke It Up! podcast is on full swing to stoke up the New Year and beyond. We want to encourage you in your journey with God. Season 4 Schedule Nov. 21 - Mike Neglia Nov. 28 - Ellen Kohler Dec. 5 - Elijah Abraham Dec 12 - Dan Crawford Dec 19 - Lonnie Short Dec 26 - Alan Stoddard January 2 - Manolo January 9 - Josh Black

Welcome to the Stoke it up! podcast everybody … a podcast, encouraging you in your journey with God. I'm Alan Stoddard and I am your host. We want to kindle afresh the gift of God that is in you. Today I'm interviewing Scott Maze. We are talking about spiritual awakenings and revival possibilities. Scott came to know Jesus Christ as a child and this experience changed his life. During his college years at the University of Kentucky, God called him to lead churches. After graduation from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, he has had the privilege of pastoring churches in Arkansas and Texas for more than twenty years. His most recent degree was completed in 2006 with a focus on spiritual awakenings. Scott and Traci have been married for more than twenty-five years and have three children: Miles, Macaul, and Matthew. He presently serves as the Lead Pastor of Cross Church in Fort Worth, Texas.

Welcome everybody to the Stoke It Up podcast! This is a podcast, “encouraging you on your journey with God.” I'm Alan Stoddard, the creator and host of this podcast. Today I have Kirk Storseth on our conversation docket.  Kirk is the Director of communications a Chick-fil-A in Granbury, Texas, but the interesting thing is he's also the worship pastor at Mambrino Baptist Church also here in Granbury. I had the pleasure of working for Kirk in the past, and wanted to pick his brain about what the church can do to better serve and create a Chick-Fil-A culture of serving in the local church.  Kirk is a graduate of Southwestern Seminary and Southern Seminary, where, at the latter school, he is working on a doctoral degree also.   In this podcast, Kirk walks us through Chick-fil-A is positive influence culture and how it can transform a church staff and ministry team culture.  He gives three things that can help us . Treat all people with honor, dignity, and respect. Develop a culture of humility. Start at the top and work your way down.  Share this podcast with anybody you can think of that needs to be encouraged in serving. Please leave us a review and Apple podcast that would be great. It helps us spread the gospel and it benefits the church and community. 

Elijah Abraham, Executive Director (www.livingoasis.org) Elijah was born in the Middle East and grew up as a Muslim. He fled the Middle East as a teenager and lived in Europe for several years. Due to persecution in Europe and its spies, Elijah fled to the United States in mid-1980s Subsequently, he obtained a degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Since the Twin Towers and Pentagon terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, he has been educating his audiences in churches and civic groups on Islam and the Islamist threat. Elijah believes that Islam in the U.S. has mutated into a Westernized religion that is aggressively and successfully converting Americans to its beliefs. “ I am compelled by the Lord to expose Islam as a religion/ideology that embraces an antichrist spirit. As Christians, we must look at Islam as an aggressive ideology, but we must also look at the Muslims within Islam as our mission field.” He is helping evangelical congregations participate in God's work around the world by encouraging them to be proactive in missions. Elijah has trained missionaries from the International Mission Board of the SBC and other organizations. His experience has taken him around the world to train and implement missions on five continents. Elijah appeared on national radio (Janet Parshall's America, Today's Issues with AFR Radio, Paul Revere Radio, Live the Word with John Neider on KDKR Dallas, and Stand up for the Truth with Mike LeMay on Q90FM Green Bay). Political party organizations, conservative PACS, Veterans' groups, and American/international businesses are also seeking Elijah's expertise and knowledge of the Islamic threat in the West. He has served two non-profit organizations over a period of seven years. He also served as a mission pastor at a local Baptist church for three years.

Welcome to the STOKE IT UP podcast everybody. A Podcast encouraging you and your journey with God. I believe God has a mission and purpose for your life. We want to partner with you in spreading the good news of Christ. Pastor Robert White serves as the lead pastor of Freedom Church in Bedford, Texas. Check out Freedom Church at www.thisisfreedomdfw.com In this episode, I especially pick Roberts head and heart about how he does sermon series planning. Especially topical series, and how he keeps series  expository in nature.  If you at all have an interest in teaching and preaching the Bible, this interview with Robert will be helpful to you.

From traditional church pastor to contemporary church planter with Darryl Dash. Is this possible? Welcome to the Stoke It Up! podcast. A podcast encouraging you in your journey with God. Darryl Dash is the pastor of Liberty Grace Church in Toronto, Canada. Liberty Grace Church was planted in one of the toughest parts of Toronto, called, “Liberty Village.“ in this conversation. I talked to Darryl about his transition from a traditional church situation to church planting. The conversation is fascinating. It's very encouraging and meant to encourage you as you think about living out the Great Commission in your life. Darryl has written a couple of great books. One is “8 Habits for Growth: a simple guide to becoming more like Christ. The other book is, “How to Grow: applying the gospel to all of your life.“ Here is the link. I encourage you to leave us a generous review in Apple podcasts. And let us know what you think of this content, and how it applies to your story. If there's a way we can partner with you to see the Great Commission fulfilled in your life, let us know.

Is it possible for a traditional churches to become life-giving Churches? And what about those Independent Baptists? Are they not the ones where women wear dresses, men wear suits, and have a lot of rules at church? Whatever happened to those guys?  In this week's podcast I interview Pastor Lonnie Lehrman. Lonnie has been the pastor at Granbury Baptist Church in Granbury Texas for 21 years. He is a graduate of the Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, we're now he is the chairman of trustees. Pastor Lonnie not only serves as the pastor at GBC but also leads E3 church planting network. The network has started to all churches in Texas in the surrounding area of the globe and desires to plant 100 churches.

Welcome to the STOKE IT UP podcast. A podcast, encouraging you in your journey with God. One of the things the Lord wants us all to do is to shine light into the darkness. And it's something we want to do. Yet it can be a real challenge at times.Do you struggle with evangelism? Does the word itself just cause you to cringe? In this week's podcast I interview Pastor Tyler Jones. He is the pastor of Evangelism and Outreach at Stonewater Church in Granbury, Texas. He's a leader, who is actually doing Evangelism the streets. Listen in and discover some unique things about overcoming the fear of evangelism. Also, listening to realize there are some real ways to connect with people that are not as intimidating as we think.

Welcome to the Stoke It Up! podcast. A podcast encouraging you in your journey with God. This week's podcast is with Pastor Trey Kent. The topic is on pray, specifically how local churches can be mobilized for praying that changes cities and stokes revival and awakening. Trey Kent Bio Trey started Northwest Fellowship in 1993 and has been in full-time ministry since 1986. He has a Masters of Divinity from Oral Roberts University and did Doctor of Ministry work at Fuller Seminary. His passions are Jesus, prayer and his family. He is the proud husband of Mary Anne and the grateful father of daughters Lindsay, Christina and son-in-law, Nick, and doting Grandfather to two amazing grandsons Samuel and Levi. In 2009, God led Trey to launch the Unceasing Prayer Movement mobilizing churches to pray 24/7 for unity and revival in Austin, Texas!  Today about 100 churches pray 24/7 for Austin to be transformed. Trey wrote Revival Cry: Contending for Transformation in this Generation ,  City of Prayer (co-authored with Dr. Kie Bowman), and Praying God's Word Over Your City (co-authored with Mary Anne Kent). Resources mentioned in podcast America Prays City of Prayer Revival Cry Praying God's Word Over Your City

Welcome to the Stoke It Up! Podcast. A podcast encouraging you in your journey with God. I'm Alan Stoddard and I'm your host. Today we are discussing spiritual formation and its relationship to disciple making. When I think of that important, beefy topic, the name that comes to mind is Daryl Eldridge. Dr. Eldridge lives with his wife Carole in Galveston, Texas. Daryl is the former Dean of Educational Ministries at Southwestern and in 2002 founded the first fully online seminary, Rockbridge Seminary.  Rockbridge Seminary www.rockbridge.edu Spiritual Formation Article (keep the thinking and conversation going) https://dwillard.org/articles/spiritual-formation-what-it-is-and-how-it-is-done

On today's podcast I interview Bill Holdridge. He became a Christian in 1969 at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa during the Jesus Movement. In this episode he tells part of that story in his story; his story is unique.  Bill has been in Pastor for many years. You can see that and more in his bio on his ministry website.  If you haven't seen the movie, Jesus Revolution, I highly recommend you see it. It will inspire you as to what the possibilities are for the future of the church in our time.  No matter how difficult a culture may be toward the gospel, God is always able to bring revival to a church and spiritual awakening to a community. We want to live on that life-giving edge.  Listen to the podcast. It would really help if you would leave a review. https://www.poimenministries.com

We want to help you kindle afresh, the fire of your soul for the Great Commission. Of every discipline in the church and every practice, surely it culminates through the Great Commission. Enter Matt Queen. Dr. Matt Queen is the "chair of fire" at Southwestern Seminary among many other things he is doing at the seminary and at Lane Prairie Baptist Church as the Associate Pastor of Evangelism. Matt has a huge heart for people. He's written a new book to help local churches develop realistic strategies for reaching people today with the gospel and also stay loyal to the New Testament.  Matt personalizes the strategy with specific real life scenarios that are easily grasped for us to use in day-to-day life.  I recommend you get mats book, “recapturing evangelism“ and read it in the next 30 days.  Get Recapturing Evangelism here. Get The Gospel Invitation here. Matt Queen's quote from his former Pastor, Charles Stewart : The Holy Spirit guideline: and whatever circumstances, I find myself, when the Holy Spirit prompt me to engage in specific individual in a gospel conversation, I want to do so obediently. The five minute guideline: if the Lord gives me a captive audience with an individual for five more minutes, I will try to engage the person in a gospel conversation. The Homestead guideline: when the Lord brings a person whom I have not previously Matt onto my property, or into my home, I will try to engage that person in a gospel conversation. The detour guideline: when the Lord interrupts my daily routine, so as you direct me to a place that puts me in contact with someone, I would not otherwise have met, I will try to engage that person in a gospel conversation.

This episode of the Stoke It Up! podcast gives you a look are the next 6-8 episodes. The podcast ends by encouraging you in your journey with God, His message and His mission. 1. God is big, we are small, yet he desires relationship with us. 2. God's scandalous message of the gospel - we are consumed by this message. 3. God's invites us on a mission that is global and has eternal implications. Check out this episode. Share a review for us. It helps get our content noticed.

This is session 2 of our new believer follow up.

Only 1 in 10 newer, younger believers get discipled after crossing the line of faith. In this episode I give a philosophy intro to the state of disciple making in churches. I also tell what can be done to fix it. This is a 5 part series so stay tuned for all of it.

Our favorite scenes and lines? What impact has the Chosen had on our walk with Christ? Listen in. Let us know what you think?