Upward Focus

Mike and Anthony talk to Paul Hammontree and try to break the record for how many times the word 'pastor' is said in 45 minutes as they discuss topics like duties, functions, pitfalls, and relationships related to Assistant Pastors from various perspectives.

Anthony interviews Paul Hammontree on leaving the Lutheran church, planting a church in Louisiana, his cancer battle and why God allows His saints to suffer. https://www.calvarybr.orghttps://mountainlife.church

Mike interviews Gayle Erwin, author of The Jesus Style. Gayle shares first hand experiences that have marked his life and ministry as a servant ranging from his youth in Mississippi to serving God's people in Africa. https://www.servant.org

Mike interviews Jaime Solis on the common conditions of anxiety and depression and discusses how those are often overlooked or misunderstood in the church.

Pastor Sandy Adams of Calvary Chapel Stone Mountain, GA discusses his experiences over four decades of pastoring a non-denominational Church in the Bible Belt. Topics include the challenges found in the early days of ministry, advice to church planters, racial reconciliation, and lasting excitement for ministry. https://calvarycsm.com

Mike Sternad interviews Pastor Jeff Gipe on the issue of contentment answering questions concerning the the cause and cure of discontentment in our lives. https://www.jeffegipe.comhttps://newcreationhb.comAmazon link to Jeff's book: https://tinyurl.com/yanfhwbk

At 22 years old Manolo Matos was asked to assume the Senior Pastor role of Calvary Lima, Peru - an already 12 year old church with around 600 people. Anthony interviews Manolo to get his first hand account of that transition, the challenges, what he has learned through the years, and identity in Christ. https://calvarylima.com

Mike and Anthony discuss raising up the next generation of servant leaders, theology, and intellectual honesty, with Pastor Pilgrim Benham from Shoreline Church in Bradenton, FL. www.thisisshoreline.com

Mike and Anthony talk about what is to come for Season 2 of the Upward Focus Podcast.

The collaboration that started it all! Recorded at the 2018 Calvary Chapel Deep South Pastors' Conference, Mike and Anthony share their early thoughts and experiences on church planting in the Deep South.

The guys discuss the touchy and polarizing subject of gender and gender fluidity.

The guys discuss Theology - what is it? who cares? who wants to talk about Theology anyway? Also, the balance between truth and love and the benefit of personal theological study.

The guys discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of church and also confront questions like: Do I have to go to church? What should church look like? Should church smell good?

Mike and Anthony discuss worship as a lifestyle, what that looks like as well as some hang ups and pitfalls for the worshipper.

Mike and Anthony discuss the concept of worship, smoke machines, and what makes a good worship leader.

Mike & Anthony discuss the origin, pros, cons and issues surrounding Christian denominations. They also answer the question, "Is Calvary Chapel a denomination?"

Mike & Anthony discuss whether or not an ancient collection of books is still relevant today.

Discussing the fabricated clash between two complementary ideas - grace and works, and how they fit in with the culture of the Deep South.

Mike Sternad from Calvary Chapel Mobile and Anthony Rea from Living Water Christian Fellowship share their thoughts, ideas, and experience working on the Upward Focus Podcast.