The Woodmen Social

There seems to be a rash of high-profile Christians who have left the faith in rather public ways. The popular terms is “deconstructing” your faith or becoming an “exvangelical”. We will take a look at these popular terms and explore how re-evaluating beliefs may actually lead you toward “reconstruction” a deeper understanding of a life patterned after Jesus GUESTS: Corrie Smith and Kim Chuckray

On this episode of the Woodmen Social, Pastor Josh and other Woodmen leaders provided practical insights on how we can reflect the light of Jesus in our everyday lives. Recorded during the Everyday Jesus workshop - A workshop on sharing your faith where you are.

War came suddenly to the Ukraine in February 2022. With it came a global outcry for the people of the Ukraine. Separated by thousands of miles, what can we do for the church in the Ukraine and the people of Eastern Europe? What is the status believers in that region? Can we find hope in the midst of the escalating tensions and doomsday scenarios? And how do we talk about difficult issues with our kids? Show Notes: M4 Church Planters https://m4europe.com/ How to Talk to kids about the War in Ukraine The Gospel Coalition https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/talk-kids-war-ukraine/ How to Talk to Kids About the Conflict in Ukraine AWANA https://www.awana.org/2022/03/03/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-the-conflict-in-ukraine/ Pray For Children in Conflict Compassion International https://www.compassion.com/get-involved/pray-for-ukraine.htm?referer=628744&j=810246&sfmc_sub=150574283&l=2416_HTML&u=13916885&mid=524004730&jb=1795&alias=%%linkname%%&utm_source=mc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Compassion_Connection_Mar10_2022_212437

Loss is difficult. The loss of a child during pregnancy can be devastating. About 10-20% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Infant loss may be a reality for you or perhaps you want to be better equipped to come along side those who are hurting. In today's podcast, we hear from three women who have travelled through this journey of pain and loss, and how they have rediscovered joy and healing. GUESTS: Alyson Brown & Kelsi Cole of Foreknown Ministries and Karen Farhart HOST: Pastor Kurt Birky "You can connect with Alyson and Kelsi at www.foreknownministries.org or text them at 719-626-8486: - Text "❤" to sign up for daily texts of encouragement - Text "help" to receive next steps immediately following a loss - Text "support" to gain info on support groups - Text "Men" to receive resources for Fathers Foreknown Ministries' next weekend retreat is April 8-10, 2022 in Colorado Springs, CO. Visit their website for more information or to register.

The images from Afghanistan were shocking and heart-breaking. In a matter of moments it seemed as if decades of tentative progress was swallowed up in a wave of violence, confusion and despair. Is there hope for Afghanistan? What can we do, some 7,300 miles away? We will hear from those with first-hand knowledge of the situation in Afghanistan and its people.

What is the role of the local church? Some would say it is simply about sharing the Gospel and building disciples. Other's believe the church should be deeply involved in the civic and political arenas to promote a godly culture. Still others believe the church should be leading the way in areas of social justice. Who is right? Join this special live conversation as we look at the charge given to the church.

According to sources, Some 2.3 million people are incarcerated in the United States. What is the role of the church to those behind bars? Could prisons be fertile ground for the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Often with prison ministry we focus on what we can do for the incarcerated. What if we looked deeper, what might they be able to teach to those of us on the outside?

Are we starting to see the storm clouds of religious persecution gathering on the horizon here in the United States? What is the state of Christian persecution around the world? How can we help our brothers and sisters suffering around the world and what can we learn from them as we live in an increasingly post-Christian culture ourselves?

“…and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” Paul's message to the church in Corinth is just as important for the church today. The Christian faith stands or falls on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this episode we will take a deeper look into the familiar story, how we celebrate it and why it matters.

Sometimes retirement and golden years can sound pretty peaceful, relaxing and fun. It sure seems like many folks around here aren't very good at retirement because they have packed their schedules with the work of ministry and are busy as ever! In this conversation we discover how leave a lasting legacy and prepare the next generation for the path ahead. SHOW NOTES: - Woodmen Legacy: WoodmenValley.org/Legacy - Joni & Friends: joniandfriends.org - Christian Grandparents Network: christiangrandparenting.com

Abortion and the Sanctity of Human Life continue to be hot topics in the culture of today. The debate on abortion has even made in-roads within the church. The argument for abortion used to be “safe, legal and rare.” Now it is being championed as a basic human right. Are we losing the battle for life?

We wrap up our four-part series on race with a discussion with Pastors Derrick DeLain and Josh Lindstrom. How can the local church be a light and an example in the midst of a hurting culture? Derrick and Josh share real life stories and give us their perspectives and vision for the church.

Do you find it more and more difficult to keep Christ at the center of Christmas? With an onslaught of commercialism, secularism, sentimentality and maybe even familiarity – it can be easy to loose sight of what really matters. To help us sort all of this out, we welcome Paul Finch and Tim Davis onto the podcast to take a deep, fresh look at this familiar story. Have your Bibles handy as we take a deep look at the Christmas story.

The issue of race is polarizing and confusing. What are we to make of Systemic Racism, Critical Race Theory and Black Lives Matter? Robert Moody and Shaun Pringle share their perspectives on how believers can bring biblical truth into the conversation in ways that honor God and bring hope and encouragement to those around us.

Paul said it's better to be single. Hey, even Jesus was single! There are a lot of blessings with being single but for those desiring to be married, it can also be a heartbreaking journey at times. What about online dating, blind dates and those well-meaning friends who are always trying to set you up? Our Guests discuss the joys and struggles with being single in the church today. SHOW NOTES: Book: The Significance of Singleness by Christina S. Hitchcock https://amzn.to/39k5Mb1 Book: Confronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin https://amzn.to/33e3LJt WoodmenU Class: Singleness, Community, Kingdom (Starting in January) https://bit.ly/2V2haA2

Sometimes we feel far removed from racial issues. Didn't everything change with the Civil Rights Movement? How do we see identity, understand the purpose we were created for and seek unity today? Noah Collins, Dorothea Mapp and Stephen Chuckray share their stories and provide an inspiring vision for where we go from here.

We all know the best way to ruin a great party is to start talking politics. Why is talking politics so hard? How is it that Bible believing Christian's can have different political views? What are the pitfalls an landmines that we need to be aware of in this culture of hyper polarized opinions? We sit down with believers who see politics differently and seek to understand each-others perspective.

What was it like growing up during the Civil Rights movement? Listen in as Ardyce Johnson, Don Needham and Bob Jackson share personal stories and insights of coming of age during that time. Each has a unique experience and perspective of how their families and those events have shaped them to this day and how they see the current volatility in our culture.

Wear a mask or not? Should Churches defy state orders and open back up – empowered by the First Amendment? Kurt and Jen welcome Pastor Josh Lindstrom to discuss what the Bible has to say about civil responsibility, persecution and being a good neighbor in the age of quarantine. Episode recorded on May 27, 2020.

Are you having a hard time controlling technology, screen time and social media? It can be a struggle to tame the technology beast. Kurt and Jen welcome Pastor Matt Ferrell and Carson Smith to give insights and practical tips as we seek to take control of technology in our lives. SHOW NOTES Digital Minimalism https://www.calnewport.com/books/digital-minimalism/ The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction https://www.thecommonrule.org

Jen and Kurt chat about the joys and very real struggles of parenting. From passing on a spiritual foundation to your kids to parenting prodigal children, Jen and Kurt share personal stories and what they've learned along the way. Show Notes: Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles that Can Radically Transform Your Family - https://www.paultripp.com/parenting

Kurt and Jen talk with High school Seniors Faith Fowler and Abby Cole about the busyness of life. The COVID shut down has brought an abrupt end to much of life's busyness. Are there things about the slower pace that we want to hold onto into the future and is it okay to long to start getting busy again? Show Notes: Family Time Survey: https://www.studyfinds.org/american-families-spend-37-minutes-quality-time/ Article (Stop Telling Me How Busy You Are): http://thecontextofthings.com/2014/03/24/stop-telling-me-how-busy-you-are/

The local church is called to bring hope and help into broken communities. Could it be that serving others is not only a blessing for the receiver but also the giver? Listen in as Kurt and Jen talk with Niki Scott and Patty Rodny about living out Woodmen's vision to Love Well in Colorado Springs. SHOW NOTES Donuts & Noodles: http://donutsandnoodle.com/ Mark Anthony's Pretzels: https://markanthonyspretzels.webriq.club/ Article in the Independent about community support of Mark Anthony's Pretzels: https://www.csindy.com/coloradosprings/mark-anthonys-pretzels-become-overnight-delivery-hit-during-quarantine-blues/Content?oid=21694788 Woodmen Acts Info: https://woodmenvalley.org/servethecity Woodmen Career Transitions: https://woodmenvalley.org/careertransitions

We continue the discussion on disappointment, loss and grief with Campus Pastor Kevin Feldotto who helps us understand the grieving process and how best to come along side those struggling through the very real and painful challenges of life.

Senior Year at college is supposed to be a time of celebrating accomplishments and getting ready for next steps. How do we respond when things don't go according to our plans? For college seniors, Josiah Johnson and Tali Valentine, it has been a season of learning to trust God when disappointment creeps in. SHOW NOTES Tell Me Something Good story: https://www.instagram.com/p/B-BRNjigPca/?utm_source=ig_embed

On April 6, Kurt and Jen talk with Mark and Liz Spowart, Tom and Amy Owens and Ryan Mohling - Community Group Leaders who share tips, tricks and the trials of maintaining community … from a safe distance. SHOW NOTES: 1. Career Transitions Class via WoodmenU (currently available by Zoom) - https://rms.woodmenvalley.org/page/414?EventOccurrenceId=5177 2. Dancing at a Distance - https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/dancing-from-a-distance-staying-connected-through-covid-19 3. Join a Community Group! Find more info at woodmenvalley.org/communitygroups

On March 23, Kurt and Jen welcomed Stu Davis, Woodmen's Pastor of City Impact, to help us understand the most pressing needs today in Colorado Springs, how Woodmen is mobilizing to meet them and how we can live as good neighbors in the days of Social Distancing.

Kurt and Jen sat down with Woodmen's Lead Pastor, Josh Lindstrom, on March 23, to discuss life in the age of the Coronavirus. We cover topics like… If God is love then why does He allow the Coronavirus to exist? How do we approach our anxiety? What can we learn from the Bible and the early church to apply to times like these?